50 must-try brunch destinations in Vancouver
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day then weekend brunch is arguably the gastronomic highlight of the week. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, indulgent or inexpensive, carnivorous or vegan-friendly, Vancouver chefs are waking up early and flexing their culinary talents to create a wide variety of daytime dishes to suit every palate and price point. [Boulevard photo credit: Leila Kwok]
Café Medina
780 Richards St, Vancouver BC V6B 3A4The 30-person line-ups on weekday mornings should be a good indicator of the popularity of this downtown café. Foodies flock here from across the city to sample the adventurous daytime menu, which eschews standard bacon-and-eggs breakfasts for modern Mediterranean dishes. Tempt your palate with a hearty tagine of poached eggs and spicy merguez sausages or try the breakfast paella prepared with fried egg, orzo, chorizo and charred tomato salsa. Finish your meal on a sweet note with the Instagram-famous Liège-style waffles; the sweet sensations are topped with gourmet options like peach and bourbon butterscotch or white chocolate pistachio rosewater.
Red Wagon Cafe The
2128 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V5L 1V1This neighbourhood diner might be a bit off the beaten track, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from heading east throughout the week to enjoy country-style breakfast fare in a homey setting. The well-worn interior, mismatched plates and retro décor give this unpretentious diner in Hastings Sunrise a nostalgic appeal. Be sure to burn a few calories ahead of time so you can indulge in the house specialty: Guy Fieri-approved pulled pork buttermilk pancakes drizzled with Jack Daniels-spiked maple syrup.
Catch 122
A-120 Hastings St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1G8Slept in? No problem. Weekend brunch is served until 4 pm at this Gastown restaurant. Not-so-early birds can hit the snooze button and then wake up to affordable egg-based brunch dishes, as well as sandwiches, and salads. House favourites include the chorizo hash (a savoury mix of house-made chorizo, kale, goat cheese, egg and Yukon nugget potatoes) and the eponymous Catch 122, a croissant-style sandwich stuffed with poached eggs, wild smoked salmon and dill crème fraîche. Add bubbles to your brunch on Sundays when mimosas are on special for just $5 a glass.
Paul's Omelettery
2211 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6H 3G1Enjoy eggs every which way you can imagine at this Fairview eatery dedicated to all things oeuf. Situated on South Granville for over 15 years, this local breakfast joint serves up a good mix of dependable dishes to start off your morning: triple-decker breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict topped with a house cheese sauce, Texas-cut French toast, corned beef hash and many more. And of course, you’ll find a dozen different veggie and meaty omelette options (prepared with B.C. free-run eggs). Picky diners can order a personalized omelette with custom fillings such as Oktoberfest sausage or Pacific shrimp.
The Flying Pig
104-1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 2S2Despite the name, there’s a lot more than pork served at this popular Vancouver chain (although there’s plenty of that too). For starters, baskets of complimentary house-made banana bread are delivered to the table to kick off your meal; resist the urge to ask for a second round as you’ll want to save room for the sweet and savoury mains. The menu features classic breakfast dishes alongside hearty lunchtime fare such as four-cheese gnocchi mixed with pulled pork. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try the healthful granola or a veggie frittata with asparagus and wild mushrooms.
L'Abattoir Office
242-209 Carrall St, Vancouver BC V6B 2J2This award-winning Gastown restaurant offers a meat-forward brunch menu (not surprising given the name) and craft cocktails in a chic setting. The contemporary multi-levelled dining room is refined without feeling pretentious and has been designed to wow with its patterned tiled floors and an impressive driftwood ceiling chandelier. To eat, you’ll find sophisticated renditions of traditional breakfast dishes: poached eggs with Burrata cheese, a shrimp frittata with smoked pepper, and a towering breakfast burger that sees a quarter-pound beef patty, a fried egg and a hash brown patty sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun.
Edible Canada at the Market
1596 Johnston St, Vancouver BC V6H 3S2Granville Island’s Public Market is packed with plenty of food stalls and takeaway vendors, but if you’re looking for a spot to sit down for breakfast, grab a seat on the patio at this locavore-approved bistro. With a focus on serving sustainable Canadian cuisine, the menu namedrops local farmers and suppliers among the list of sweet and savoury breakfast options. The house-smoked salmon Benny is served atop organic focaccia bread from the Bread Affair (also located on Granville Island) while the granola bowl features small-batch granola from North Van’s Granola King and fresh fruit sourced from the Okanagan Valley.
The Parlour
1011 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 5T4Looking for something a little different? All of the brunch dishes at this Yaletown restaurant are served pizza-style atop rustic wooden blocks. Breakfast pizzas feature your choice of one egg or two and are dressed with everything from roasted asparagus and prosciutto to braised short ribs and caramelized onions. The popular Huevos Benedictinos (a unique variation on the classic Mexican breakfast dish) features poached eggs, salsa, chorizo, avocado and hollandaise baked into a warm flatbread crust.
Hawksworth Restaurant
750-669 Howe St, Vancouver BC V6C 0B4Chef David Hawksworth’s highly acclaimed restaurant on the ground floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia turns out some of the city’s finest cuisine, with an expensive price tag to match the upscale fare. We suggest visiting Hawksworth for brunch to make the fine dining experience a bit more affordable. Dress up in your Sunday best and enjoy expertly prepared brunch options that change with the seasons. Sample offerings include steak and eggs served with jalapeño salsa verde, a fluffy free-range omelet stuffed with sablefish, asparagus and Gruyere cheese, and classic English breakfast with sautéed mushrooms, charred tomatoes and black pudding.
Homer St Cafe & Bar
898 Homer St, Vancouver BC V6B 2W5Housed inside the historic Homer Building, this restaurant on the edge of Yaletown has a contemporary farmhouse feel. The stunning space features patterned floor tiles, eye-catching paintings and a bright red rotisserie that takes centre stage in the open kitchen. Vegetarians beware, weekend brunch here is a meaty affair. Chefs Marc-André Choquette and Tret Jordan serve up a constantly changing roster of farm-fresh dishes and gourmet comfort foods served in skillets. The popular maple chicken and bacon cobbler with poached egg is an almost permanent fixture on the menu thanks to its sophisticated mélange of sweet and savoury flavours.
MARKET by Jean-Georges
1128 Georgia St W, Vancouver BC V6E 0A8The first Canadian restaurant from three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is housed inside the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel. Modern brunch dishes are designed to change with the seasons in order to showcase regional flavours and locally sourced meat, seafood and produce. Meals here are on the pricy side, but the elegant third-floor dining room, attentive service and refined dishes make it a great spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty St, Vancouver BC V6B 2L3Served Saturdays and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm, brunch is serious business at this award-winning Belgian restaurant on the edge of Gastown. The meaty menu takes an inventive approach to traditional breakfast dishes: steak and eggs are served with chargrilled cornbread and chimichurri while the friccasse offers a delicious melange of braised short ribs, balsamic onions, potatoes, fried eggs and apple-wood smoked cheddar. Dessert-sized Belgian waffles are available with numerous different sweet toppings; we love the dark chocolate lavender and the bacon caramel. Pro-tip: avoid the weekend line-ups and reserve a table ahead of time.
Fable Kitchens Ltd
1944 4th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1M5Chef Trevor Bird opened his Kitsilano restaurant at just 29 years old after a stint on Top Chef Canada. As with many of the city’s best restaurants, Fable (a portmanteau of “farm-to-table”) changes its menu throughout the year to keep things as fresh as possible. Omelettes, eggs Benedict and scrambled egg specials showcase in-season veggies and locally sourced meat and seafood. The always-popular farmhouse brunch is offered on a walk-in basis except for the last Sunday of the month when a limited number of reservations are taken for the restaurant’s Boozy Brunch event.
Deacon's Corner Diner
101 Main St, Vancouver BC V6A 2S5Deacon’s does classic home-style breakfast dishes that will line your stomach and cure last night’s hangover. The truck stop inspired diner on the border of Gastown and Chinatown specializes in Southern comfort foods such as Carolina pulled pork pancakes, house-made buttermilk biscuits topped with sausage and smothered in gravy, and fried chicken and grits. If you’re wary of the artery-clogging fare there are a few lighter options such as a smoked salmon and avocado salad.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
845 Burrard St, Vancouver BC V6Z 2K6Breakfast is offered throughout the week at this stylish spot inside the Sutton Place Hotel, but the weekend brunch service features special dishes that are worth savouring. Elevated classics like eggs Benny and Nutella-stuffed French toast are a gourmet way to start your morning, but we suggest trying something a little more out-of-the=ordinary. Beef short rib croque Madame is a meaty riff on the French favourite, while the Louie salad (with shrimp, crab, avocado and a soft boiled egg) is a healthier version of the classic Cobb. Make it a complete meal with a sparkling bellini or two.
The Templeton Holdings Inc
1087 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1L4This not-too-greasy greasy spoon on Granville Street has been a breakfast staple in Vancouver for years. The old school diner serves home-style dishes with a side of nostalgia thanks to the tabletop jukeboxes. Breakfast staples range from light options such as cereal and baked grapefruit to heartier dishes like huevos rancheros and omelettes. The Big Ass Breakfast lives up to its name, delivering a plate piled high with three free-run eggs, sausage or bacon, rosemary potatoes and your choice of French toast or blueberry pancakes on the side. Tofu scrambled eggs and veggie bacon will appeal to the meat-free folks.
Tuc Craft Kitchen
60 Cordova St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1C9This 80-seat spot in Gastown is perennially packed thanks to its welcoming industrial-chic interior and a rustic-yet-elegant menu that’ll tempt you to tuck in. The crispy chicken and waffles are a crowd pleaser served with three unique sauces: classic maple syrup, spicy tomato vinaigrette and a creamy butter-based Dijon mournaise. The Asian-inspired okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake filled with shredded pork, cabbage, BBQ sauce, kewpie mayo and bonito flakes) is another highlight. For a fragrant twist on your morning caffeine fix, try a latte infused with lavender or rosemary.
The Elbow Room Cafe
560 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6B 2G4Got a big appetite and a good sense of humour? First opened in 1983, this quirky Vancouver institution specializes in cheap diner fare with a side of friendly verbal abuse. The menu features standard breakfast dishes – eggs, pancakes, Bennies, French toast, sandwiches – but the real draw here is the sassy wait staff. Don’t be offended if your server offers up expletive-riddled heckling throughout your meal, that’s all part of the fun.
Heritage Asian Eatery
1108 W Pender St, Vancouver BC V6E 4J6This bustling counter-service spot in Coal Harbour is a lunch-hour favourite during the workweek, but its weekend brunch is worth lingering over. Chef and co-owner Felix Zhou is known for his fresh, seasonal fare that blends Far East flavours with a Locavore approach. His Asian-influenced benny bowls are served with poached eggs, potato rösti and your choice of Peking duck, lamb, pork belly or shiitake mushrooms, drizzled with yuzu hollandaise. On a rainy day, you can’t go wrong with hearty congee topped with poached oyster, pork belly or char siu. For something sweet, opt for creamy lemongrass ginger-infused coconut pudding.
Sophie's Cosmic Cafe
2095 4th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1N3With vinyl red booths, and plenty of vintage toys and garage sale décor adoring the walls, there’s no shortage of kitsch at this longstanding Kitsilano diner where the all-day breakfasts are available until 5 pm. B.C. free-range eggs are served almost any way you can imagine – fried, poached, scrambled, folded as omelettes or placed upon English muffins and drizzled in hollandaise. There are also plenty of sweet delights from the griddle (Belgian waffles, thick-cut French toast, buttermilk pancakes) and lighter options like organic oatmeal or granola and yogurt topped with fresh fruit. Expect a line-up here, especially on weekends.
Heirloom Restaurant
1509 12th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 2E2You’ll forget all about your beloved Peameal bacon after you try the tarragon-roasted beet Benny at this healthful restaurant just off South Granville. Vegan and vegetarian brunch selections include egg-based dishes, savoury bowls packed with veggies and protein, sandwiches and salads. The signature Heirloom scramble features eggs, organic Saskatchewan quinoa, greens, oven roasted tomato, goat cheese and salsa verde. To drink, there’s Republica espresso, Namasthé tea, kale smoothies and a few not-so-virtuous cocktails to choose from.
Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe
3292 Cambie St, Vancouver BC V5Z 2W4This family-run joint on Cambie feels like dining at your grandmother’s house – especially if she happens to hail from the Netherlands. The faux European windows and yellow clogs adorning the walls give this homey neighbourhood spot a somewhat hokey feel, but the country-style cooking is the real thing. Much of the menu is dedicated to Dutch delicacies, including Pannekoeken (Dutch style pancakes) topped with sweet and savoury ingredients. You’ll also find classic diner breakfast options and a few fusion specialties such as Nasi Goreng, a fried rice dish originating from Indonesia, a former Dutch colony.
Roundel Cafe
2465 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V5K 1Y8Roundel is one of the oldest restaurants in Vancouver and has been a dependable breakfast spot for Hastings-Sunrise residents for almost 50 years. Delighting families and foodies alike, the relatively small daytime menu features made-from-scratch options that can be modified to accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets. We love the eggs Benny, which features free-range eggs topped with your choice of bacon, meat-free bacon, smoked salmon, avocado or spinach. Parents will appreciate the high chairs, dedicated kids’ menu and collection of communal toys. There are also craft beers on tap, boozy breakfast cocktails and double-spiked milkshakes for big kids.
Yolk's
1298 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V6A 1S6Steve Ewing has perfected the soft poached egg. His legendary made-to-order breakfast sandwiches are available from his iconic powder blue food truck (most often found at the Stadium-Chinatown sky train station but check Twitter for daily locations) or at the bricks-and-mortar Yolk’s location in Strathcona. The menu reads like a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ flowchart, leading diners through a tour of locally sourced sandwich fixin’s (double smoked bacon, truffle aioli, Portobello mushrooms, Okanagan Valley goat cheese) to mix and match atop your choice of carb, be it an English muffin, truffle-lemon hash browns or a gluten-free bun.
Yew Seafood + Bar
791 Georgia St W, Vancouver BC V6C 2T4This modern seafood bar at the Four Seasons Hotel made a splash on the Vancouver culinary scene the moment it opened its doors. The weekend brunch menu is an elegant affair that pays homage to locally sourced seafood. Enjoy creamy chowder or house-smoked salmon to start and follow up with a gourmet lobster Cobb salad, halibut hash with potato and pork belly, or shrimp eggs Benny with chorizo. The prices are in keeping with the upscale offerings but the restaurant does offer a three-course brunch special – just add $12 to any main to tack on an appetizer and dessert.
Grapes & Soda Pantry
1535 6th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1R1Forget basic omelettes and pancake stacks, the creative breakfast options at Farmer’s Apprentice have made this rustic 30-seat dining room in Fairview Slopes an in-demand spot for local foodies. As the name would suggest, the kitchen sticks to seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and the ever changing fresh-sheet keeps things interesting while making every visit unique. Eggs are served with unexpected ingredients that range from rutabaga pastrami with kohlrabi kimchi, to spaghetti squash, ricotta, honey and pumpkin seeds. Not-so-basic oatmeal is topped with celeriac and caramelized whey, while the blueberry tart with lemon curd delivers the ideal sweet-and-citrusy finish.
The Union
219 Union St, Vancouver BC V6A 2B2This modern South Asian fusion spot in Chinatown is a stylish spot to start your day off with some spice. The dinner menu is focused on pan-Asian bowls and curries and experimental cocktails while the brunch menu serves up a unique selection of daytime plates done with regional flavours. Nab a spot at the communal tables with the other cool-kid diners and nosh on Bao bun Bennies or breakfast Bánh mì sandwiches washed down with lychee mimosas.
Tangent Cafe Vancouver
2095 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4B1Live jazz, a charming patio and a laid-back vibe have made the Tangent Café a favourite hangout along the eclectic Commercial Drive strip. Breakfast here is an eggy affair; we’re talkin’ classic breakfast plates, omelettes, scrambles, sandwiches and seven different varieties of eggs Benny topped with house-made hollandaise. If you don’t see what you like on the menu, feel free to build your own brekkie from a range of a-la-carte items – toast topped with avocado, sautéed mushrooms and smoked brisket? Hell yeah.
Jethro's
3420 Dunbar St, Vancouver BC V6S 2C2We’re still not quite sure who Jethro is, but dammit his grub is mighty fine – and cheap to boot! If you’re a dessert-for-breakfast kind of person, try the chocolate chip banana bread French toast or the apple cinnamon pancakes. Want something saltier? The corned beef hash will definitely hit the spot, as will the breakfast burrito (order the Tex-Mex inspired wrap “wet” to have it smothered in country gravy and melted cheese). Breakfast is served seven days a week until 4 pm at both locations. This modest neighbourhood diner doesn’t believe in reservations so expect a wait on weekends.
Greenhorn Cafe
994 Nicola St, Vancouver BC V6G 2C8It’s hard to believe this delightful West End spot is just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Robson Street. Tucked away along a sleepy residential side street, the cozy café specializes in fresh-pressed espresso from North Van’s Moja Coffee Roasters and a selection of pastries, sandwiches, salads and a few Spanish-inspired dishes. On weekends, you’ll find young families and neighbourhood locals packed inside sipping on cortados and tucking into plates of baked eggs and chorizo, coconut black rice pudding, and tortilla Española, a house specialty topped with salsa Fresca and cilantro.
Teahouse Restaurant
7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver BC V6G 3E2When it comes to scenic settings, it doesn’t get much better than The Teahouse in Stanley Park. Sure it might be a tourist trap but hey, there’s a reason visitors flock to dine here, especially on the heated patio overlooking the ocean. Surrounded by 200-year-old cedar trees, the picturesque dining room offers breathtaking views of English Bay and the surrounding parklands. The extensive weekend brunch menu caters to diners young and old and has plenty of options. Breakfast favourites like eggs Benedict, omelettes and Belgian waffles are served together with soups, salads, pizzas, seafood-focused entrees and other lunchtime fare.
The Birds & The Beets
100-55 Powell St, Vancouver BC V6A 1E9Pinterest dreams are brought to life at this charming Gastown café on Powell Street. The eye-catching interior is decorated with whimsical patterned wallpaper, shabby-chic furniture and fresh floral arrangements from in-house florist Wild Bunch. Items on the daily breakfast menu are just as Instagram worthy: think avocado and poached egg on brioche, Bircher muesli, and whole grain granola with yogurt. If you’re looking for something a little heartier, there are a variety of snacks, salads and sandwich options that are great for mixing and matching. Be sure to grab a bouquet of wildflowers on your way out.
33 Acres Brewing Co
15 8th Avenue W, Vancouver BC V5Y 1M8You might not automatically think of a brewery when you think of brunch, but 33 Acres is full of surprises. The Mount Pleasant brewery is renowned for its craft beers, but also attracts Vancouver foodies with its high-quality eats and a stylish Instagram-worthy interior that features stark white walls and potted succulents throughout. The short and sweet menu changes weekly and offers just a couple of options; the beer waffles, if available, are a must-try. Of course, we suggest pairing your meal with a beer tasting flight, but if its too early for a brew there’s always Matchstick pour-over coffee.
The Belgard Kitchen
55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver BC V6A 3A3Housed inside Vancouver’s historic Settlement Building in Railtown, Belgard Kitchen is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Grand wooden doors lead into the atmospheric dining room, which features soaring ceilings, industrial wooden beams and an oversized fireplace. Meaty skillets are the standout on the brunch menu; Postmark Ale sausages are served in a cast iron pans and topped with poached eggs, roasted mushrooms, grilled tomato and a Parmesan cream sauce. There’s also a brunch burger topped with a fried egg or a healthy quinoa and veggie breakfast bowl for the more virtuous brunch fans.
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 4th Avenue W, Vancouver BC V6K 1P9The brunch menu might read like a Portlandia sketch (there’s a lengthy description of cage-free flock management for farm hens) but we assure you there’s nothing pretentious about this Kitsilano bistro. Oakwood’s much-celebrated Canadiana-inspired menu consistently ranks as one of the best brunches in the city. And while the organic eggs, antibiotic- free meat and Oceanwise-certified seafood will make you feel good about what you’re eating; it’s the taste you’ll remember. Dishes are hearty, flavourful and likely warrant a brisk walk afterwards; the crispy pork belly with fried polenta and the banana bread French toast are neighbourhood faves.
Forage
1300 Robson St, Vancouver BC V6E 1C5Forage might be situated inside the Listel Hotel on Robson Street, but it’s not your average hotel dining room. Chef Chris Whittaker eschews the standard continental breakfast in favour of charcuterie boards, spiced lentils paired with merguez sausages, and his award-winning seafood chowder. As with many Vancouver brunch destinations, there’s a strong focus on farm-to-table fare and ethical, organic ingredients procured from local suppliers. Visit during Hair of the Dog Hour (Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 10 am) to enjoy classic eggs Benny and either a Caesar, mimosa or draft beer all for just $12.
Calabash Bistro
X1-428 Carrall St, Vancouver BC V6B 2J7Enjoy a taste of the Islands at this Jamaican-owned bistro in Gastown. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, the Caribbean Brunch menu is packed with exotic flavours prepared with regionally inspired cooking methods. Start your day with ackee and saltfish (a classic Jamaican breakfast) served with coconut dumplings or an early-morning roti stuffed with scrambled eggs, roasted cumin potatoes and jerk pork belly. Wash it all down with a sorrel-infused rum punch or a coconut jumby and you might just convince yourself you’re enjoying an Island getaway, even if it’s pouring rain outside.
Le Marche St Geroge
4393 St. George St, Vancouver BC V5V 4A3How did a corner store on a quiet residential street become one of Vancouver’s hottest dining destinations? Simple: beautifully prepared crepes, creamy latte bowls and a laid-back European ambiance. Part lifestyle boutique; part dining room, the quaint interior seems lifted straight out of the pages of Kinfolk. Shelves are lined with an eclectic selection of artisanal giftware (ceramics, blankets, apothecary items) displayed alongside gourmet groceries. The kitchen serves a simple-yet-delicious array of French café fare: croissants, daily quiches and the aforementioned sweet and savoury crepes available in both regular and gluten-free varieties. Seating is at a premium so arrive early.
Bon's Off Broadway
2451 Nanaimo St, Vancouver BC V5N 5E5In a city where you can’t buy a latte for less than $4, finding a hearty breakfast plate for just $2.95 seems like an unreal deal. With graffiti on the walls and coffee-stained menus, this greasy spoon is definitely a no-frills kind of joint. But what it lacks in décor it makes up for in large portion sizes and cheap prices. The aforementioned all-day breakfast special comes with eggs, toast, hash browns and your choice of sausage or bacon. It’s simple, filling and won’t break the bank. It’s not the best breakfast in town, but it might be the cheapest.
West Restaurant + Bar
2881 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6H 3J4Visiting this renowned South Granville fine dining restaurant for brunch is a great way to enjoy chef Quang Dang’s contemporary West Coast cuisine at a more affordable price point. While the elegant eatery bills itself as “the jewel in Vancouver’s culinary crown,” the service feels far from stuffy – especially after you’ve enjoyed a few sips of an elderflower cocktail or a Canuck coffee spiked with Canadian rye. The brunch menu offers a straightforward list of refined daytime dishes such as a smoked salmon Benedict, pulled pork hash, vanilla waffles with strawberry compote and a selection of fresh oysters.
Burdock & Co Restaurant
2702 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3E8It might be hard to snag a seat inside Burdock and Co.’s long narrow dining room on a busy Sunday afternoon, but you’ll be happy you did. Chef and owner Andrea Carlson is dedicated to using local, sustainable and organic ingredients and has created a menu of simple, tapas-style dishes that are simultaneously rustic and refined, much like the restaurant’s interior. In keeping with Carlson’s farm-to-table ethos, the small plates change with the season. But you can be certain to find free-range eggs, grass-fed meat, and freshly picked fruit and vegetables adorning every plate.
Caffe Brixton
212 Georgia St E, Vancouver BC V6A 1Z7Distressed tables, exposed brick walls and a hipster clientele make this loft-like café in Strathcona feel a bit more Brooklyn than Vancouver. The weekend brunch menu features standard egg-based dishes (eggs Benny, Huevos Rancheros, Croque Madame) alongside lighter options like house made granola, avocado toast and soft-boiled eggs with toast soldiers. Feeling boozy? The cocktail list ranges from classic Caesars, spiked coffees and mimosas to some more aggressive options like Death in the Afternoon (absinthe paired with champagne) or the aptly named Kick in the Teeth, which sees 49th Parallel espresso topped with absinthe and whipped cream.
Sea House Restaurant Ltd
1089 Marinaside Cres, Vancouver BC V6Z 2Z4Craving an ice cream sandwich for breakfast? You can make your saccharine sweet dreams a reality at this popular old world gelateria in Yaletown. Ask for the Sicilian breakfast to enjoy a warm home-made brioche bun stuffed with your choice of gelato. For those who prefer something a little more savoury (but no less indulgent) there’s a selection of brunch pizzas topped with soft cooked eggs, prosciutto, fior di latte and other farm-fresh ingredients. Finish your Mediterranean meal with a traditional Italian soda made to order with flavourful sorbetto, fruit juice and Vivreau soda water.
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5L 3Y4Ignacio Arrieta first brought his authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails to Commercial Drive back in 2013. The much-hyped restaurant recently introduced a new brunch menu that’s been generating plenty of buzz in the neighbourhood and beyond. You can have your huevos (eggs) a number of ways; we suggest the Huevos Motuleños, a classic Yucatan breakfast tortilla with green peas, honey-smoked ham and mozzarella. The menu also features a unique variety of house specialties – quesadillas, seafood soup, steak and eggs, creamy polenta – all done in a signature south-of-the-border style. Breakfast is served Tuesday through Sunday.
Ask For Luigi
305 Alexander St, Vancouver BC V6A 1C4The secret’s out on this hidden gem in Railtown. The one-room Italian restaurant is perpetually packed (we’re talking two-hour wait times for dinner), so snagging a table during the weekend brunch service might be the easier option. The rustic menu impresses with its tasty array of honest cuisine and house-made pastas. Pappardelle alla bolognese gets the breakfast treatment with addition of a fried egg, as does the chicken parmigiana and the tagliatelle alla carbonara. As with any good Italian joint, the espresso here is delizioso. Order a cappuccino to start and follow up with a spritz, a classic Mediterranean cocktail.
Jam Cafe
556 Beatty St, Vancouver BC V6B 2L3A cult favourite from the Island has found its way to the Mainland. The beloved breakfast joint from Victoria, B.C. opened its Vancouver outpost in early 2016 in the old Café Medina location on Beatty Street (a good omen perhaps?) and has been attracting crowds ever since. The epic all-day menu is loaded with towering pancake stacks, hearty Bennies, decadent brioche French toast, and Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. If you’re looking for a light breakfast, it’s probably best to look elsewhere as most of the dishes here are of the filling-and-fried variety. Hearty pulled pork pancakes are a must-try!
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