Best Brunch in Vancouver- A Complete Guide for 2020

When it comes to the first meal of the day, do you know where to have the best brunch in Vancouver?

Vancouver is definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to best Vancouver brunch! Brunching on weekends is a spectator sport in Vancouver with many restaurants seeing a line-up of bleary-eyed patrons out the door at their busiest times. Unless you’re as good a cook as Ina Garten, brunch is something best left to the professionals!

Whether you’re looking for the best Sunday brunch in Vancouver or the best breakfast in Vancouver BC, you’re sure to find a must eat Vancouver restaurant that’s right for you.

The best advice is always to brunch early, if possible. You’ll avoid the lines and have plenty of time left in the day to enjoy some of other great things to do in Vancouver.

Check out these amazing spots in Vancouver for your next weekend brunch outing.

Best Brunch in Vancouver – By Neighbourhood

Best Brunch Kitsilano

Fable Kitchen

From Farm to Table, this is one of the best places to get that “fabled” Vancouver combination of locally sourced ingredients and great dishes with great taste! We love Fable for their interesting brunch menu like the pulled pork Johnny Cakes as well as the excellent Eggs Benedict.

Fable serves Brunch on weekends only from 10am to 2pm, and it’s walk-in only, so make sure you get there early. Fable has a great boozy brunch on the last Sunday of every month for which they take limited reservations.

Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe

A neighbourhood favourite since the 80s, you’re sure to see a long line outside of this gem of a place on weekends if you don’t get in early. When eating brunch in Kitsilano at Sophie’s, you’ll get to enjoy the quirky decor with lots of primary colours, original artwork, vintage toys and loads of knickknacks all over.

Along with the ubiquitous eggs benedict, Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe has some other great additions to your breakfast in Kitsilano including great Belgian waffles (my favourite) and omelettes.

Among the Kitsilano breakfast restaurants, Sophie’s is definitely my favourite! Breakfast and brunch is served daily from 8am to 5pm. Parking might be hard to find in the area, so I suggest you cycle, walk or take public transit.

A great memory of brunch at Sophie’s would be a great Canadian souvenir!

Best Brunch Yaletown

OEB Breakfast Co.

This dedicated breakfast establishment is one of a few under the same banner located in a number of Canadian cities as as well as Scottsdale, Arizona. They have an interesting on-line wait list system to try to minimize on-site wait times. It works pretty well!

The brunch at OEB is truly delicious. Must try’s are the French Toast Trifle and the Canadian lobster & Shrimp Crepe. There are some truly innovative brunch offerings here for those looking for something a little different for breakfast.

OEB is open from 7am to 3pm every day.

The Flying Pig

With 3 locations in Vancouver, the Yaletown location is my favourite. They feature locally sourced and sustainable ingredients where they can, and I really appreciate that. It’s the best breakfast in Yaletown.

Start your brunch at this tasty brunch location with a co*cktail – my favourite is the bacon bourbon sour – it’s a great way to start the day. Or you could try a Caesar, one of Canada’s great drinks.

For eats, I love the brioche french toast or the signature corned beef hash. Their classic benny is also really well done.

The Flying Pig is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Brunch on Main Street Vancouver

Slickity Jim’s Chat ‘n Chew

I was initially charmed by the name of this great brunch spot, but came back because the food was so good!

Located on Main street at hipster central, Slickity Jim’s is small but mighty! Famed for their short rib benny, you’ll find an amazing variety in the menu. I love the Honey Man City Butter (French Toast) and the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a favourite for the vegetarian crowd.

Part of the charm of Slickity Jim’s is the eclectic décor of rummage sale finds, novelty items and old Vancouver photographs. You’ll spend half your time looking about and seeing what there is to see! Slickity Jim’s is one the best cafes in Vancouver.

Slickity Jim’s serves Breakfast on Main Street Vancouver from 8:30am 7 days a week. Get there early to avoid the line-up

Lucy’s East Side Diner

If you’re looking for cafes on Main Street Vancouver, look no further than Lucy’s EastSide Diner. Invoking the spirit of the classic North American diner, it infuses the familiar with an unexpected flair.

We first found Lucy’s a few years ago when we were awake at 5:30am on a weekend and were looking for a great place to eat. Luckily we found Lucy’s which is open 24-hours! We rolled up on our motorcycles at 6am to see the last of the after-bar-closing crowd leaving. After shift change at 6am, a sea of fresh faces arrived to look after us.

Despite the classic diner décor, Lucy’s food is anything but greasy! The affordable menu includes diner classics like the breakfast special of two eggs, toast, hash browns and choice of meat as well as eggs benedict. I had the pulled pork pancakes, a new find for me! It was three buttermilk pancakes with pulled pork inside and served with hash browns. It was really delicious!

Lucy’s does take out as well and has an awesome patio during the warmer months. Lucy’s does a great brunch on Vancouver’s Main Street.

Gastown Brunch

Jules Casual French Bistro

If you’re looking for an authentic French bistro experience, look no further than this delightful place. Located in the heart of Gastown, this cozy spot has really delicious brunch food like croque-monsieur, authentic French croissants and moules frites. I particularly enjoy the breakfast cassoulet of white beans, bacon, chorizo and duck confit. Their croissants might be the best croissant in Vancouver.

This unique restaurant in Vancouver is open for Brunch from 11:30 to 2:30 on Saturday and Sunday.

L’Abattoir

In Gastown between Gaoler’s Mews and Blood Alley, L’Abattoir is located on the site of Vancouver’s first jail. But, I assure you that the ambiance and decor have improved considerably since then!

This best brunch in Vancouver BC will definitely be a highlight. From a classic full breakfast of eggs, sausage, pork & beans, toast and a rosti to the absolutely delicious buttermilk ricotta pancakes, you’ll come away from brunch at L’Abattoir quite convinced you won’t need to eat again until dinner.

Don’t miss the excellent champagne selection as well as the brunch co*cktails.

I think L’Abattoir is one of the best brunch spots in Vancouver. It is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Reservations are welcome as are walk-in’s.

Tuc Craft Kitchen

This farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Gastown is run by restaurant industry veterans. With a warm and convivial atmosphere, you’ll spend an enjoyable morning having delicious food here.

Tuc has concrete flooring and high ceilings and unique menu offerings including excellent poached eggs, great coffee and yummy chicken and waffles with maple syrup. I love the Chorizo scramble, and for dessert the chocolate ginger budino was heavenly.

Brunch is served at Tuc on Fridays from 11:00am to 2:30pm, on Saturday from 10:00am to 2:30pm and on Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Commercial Drive Brunch (Hastings)

Scandalicious

Scandilicious is a recent epic find! Offering food from a Scandinavian perspective (Norway specifically) Scandilicious has a delicious variety of brunch and lunch options.

With a slogan of “plunder your hunger”, Scandilicious is sure to tackle your Viking-sized appetite! House specialties include kumle, a traditional Norwegian boiled potato dumpling seasoned with thyme then sliced and pan fried and served with butter.

You’ll also find four-kinds of waffles (Brussels, Liege, Gluten-Free and Vegan Gluten-Free) served in both sweet and savory configurations. My favourite is the Apple Pieffle sweet waffle with scandilos gingerbread spread, warm apple pie filling, whip cream and fresh apple slices.

I’m advised by my gluten-free friends that the gluten-free offerings at Scandilicious are really good – much better than the typical gluten-free options available. Scandalicious is a great choice for gluten free pancakes in Vancouver.

Scandalicious is a small spot with 10-12 indoor tables as well as a nice outdoor seating area and is definitely a good brunch in Vancouver. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, and weekends from 8am to 3pm.

Red Wagon

This self-styled “neighbourhood joint” is a local favourite in the Hastings-Sunrise area.

This very popular spot is a good one to get to early, as the line-up outside grows as morning ticks on. Expect typical diner-style breakfast done exceptionally well. I love the pulled-pork pancakes smothered in Jack Daniels syrup. I’ve also tried the crispy pork belly served with 2 eggs, grilled tomato, salsa verde, hollandaise, home fries and toast. Servings are large! People also love the breakfast banh mi.

Breakfast and brunch is served all day along with more typical lunch options. The Red Wagon is open 8am to 3pm Monday and Tuesday and stays open to 9pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Prices are reasonable.

South Vancouver Brunch

Northern Cafe

This brunch spot might just be the most unusual on this list! Located in south Vancouver above a working lumber yard is this traditional mom and pop diner.

Getting into this restaurant is an adventure itself! Park in front of the lumber yard and make your way to the building. Up the somewhat rickety and uneven stairs (watch your head!) and around the corner and you’ll arrive at the café.

Jimmy is the owner and chef, greeting his regulars by name and doing his best to get to know everyone else! Very personable and friendly, Jimmy will tell you his own story about coming to Canada at the age of 14 and is a warm and affable host.

All the food at Northern Café is home made on the premises by Jimmy, his wife Connie and son Raymond. Nothing is frozen or microwaved. French fries are hand cut (and delicious!) and pancake batter is mixed for each order. There is traditional diner food as well as some Asian favourites like beef & broccoli and wonton soup. Most menu items are under $10.

We’ve had brunch at the Northern Café many times and consider it our neighbourhood brunch spot. Don’t miss this Vancouver gem!

The Northern Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3pm.

Update: The Northern Cafe was recently featured on CBC news.

Best Brunch Downtown Vancouver

Café Medina Vancouver BC

Located in the library district in downtown Vancouver, Café Medina has the best brunch in downtown Vancouver and is almost a Vancouver institution! Purveyor of the finest Belgian waffles in the city, Café Medina offers great Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Belgard Kitchen

Serving locally and ethically sourced food made from scratch, this Vancouver eatery serves food designed for social sharing. You might not catch me sharing some of their delicious brunch dishes though!

There’s no better place for breakfast in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver favourite avocado toast can be ordered with added salmon or burrata, and the Mediterranean Polenta skillet is to die for.

My favourite menu item is the health nut breakfast bowl. It starts off with quinoa, avocado, goat cheese, nuts and an on-point vinaigrette. What makes it so special are the add-on’s to make it unique such as brunch spuds, grilled sausage, bacon or salmon. It’s heaven in a bowl.

Belgard is open for Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm and is the perfect place for brunch when you’re only in town for 48 hours.

Jam Cafe

If you’re looking for the best breakfast in downtown Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with Jam Cafe. With two locations in Vancouver, there’s still almost always a wait for a table at this very popular breakfast spot. My favourite is the downtown location.

Serving only breakfast and lunch, Jam Cafe offerings are inspired by recipes from the South. Expect home-made cornbread, buttermilk biscuits and delicious fried chicken.

I’ve tried the maple pan fried oatmeal (oatmeal layered with peaches and topped with blueberries and lemon curd) – to die for if you’re an oatmeal lover, as well as the french toast brioche. Friends have had the eggs benedict and report excellence all round. The Dutch baby is next on my hit list – an oven baked pancake with lemon curd or apples and cinnamon.

Jam Cafe Vancouver is open daily from 8am to 3pm. No reservations are accepted – get there early!

Honey Salt

This may be the best breakfast in Vancouver downtown. Located in the swanky Parq Vancouver hotel, Honey Salt has made a splash with its chef-driven farm to table cuisine.

The menu at Honey Salt features mostly traditional brunch favourites like Dungeness crab omelette, eggs benedict, buttermilk pances and steak & eggs, but they do everything so well. My favourite is the pain au chocolat with a fruit plate and tea, of course. Don’t miss the creative concoctions from the juice bar.

Breakfast in downtown Vancouver is available at Honey Salt from 6:30am to 11:30am Monday to Friday and from 6:30am to 2:30pm on weekends.

Honey Salt is truly one of the good places to eat downtown Vancouver.

Best Brunch Buffet in Vancouver

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Notch8

If you’ve a yen for a luxurious fine-dining experience for breakfast or brunch, swan on in to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and amble into Notch8 for the best breakfast buffet in Vancouver.

Notch8 is not only a beautiful space to dine in, but the food is pretty darn good too. Although pricey at $59 per adult for the Sunday brunch buffet (which includes a co*cktail), you’ll find top-notch ingredients like farmer’s market produce, sweet and savory options and cooked-to-order favourites including excellent seafood. The pastry chef game is strong here so make sure to save some room for the warm sticky toffee pudding.

This is a great choice for the best Mother’s Day brunch in Vancouver.

The full breakfast buffet at $34 is available Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 10:30am and weekends from 7:00am to 10:30am.

Arc Restaurant – Fairmont Waterfront

It seems that best breakfast spots in Vancouver for buffet brunch are now confined to the great hotels. Another on the list is the breakfast buffet at Arc.

You’ll find the excellent service that we’ve all come to expect from the Fairmont brand at Arc, and you’ll undoubtedly feel pampered (and full!) after your brunch experience here. Expect typical breakfast fare here, done extremely well. Don’t miss the fresh honey comb to go with your toast, made from the bee keeping operations at the hotel. A la carte menu options are also available.

Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 6:00am to 10:30 and Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00am to 11:00. Brunch is served on weekends from 11:30 to 2:30pm.

The Fairmont Waterfront is also one of the best places to stay in Vancouver.

Globe @ YVR – Fairmont Vancouver Airport

The third breakfast buffet from a Fairmont Hotel makes the list for the best breakfast in Vancouver, and this one is at the airport, of all places!

Admittedly, the buffet breakfast at the Globe YVR is much like the other buffet options in Vancouver like the Fairmont Hotels downtown, but what makes this one special is the amazing floor to ceiling views of planes taking off and landing at YVR. This is a great place to eat before your flight, especially if you decide not to access one of the premium lounges at YVR.

Along with the stunning views, the food is pretty good too! If you’re flying into or out of YVR or you’re staying overnight at the airport before your early-morning flight, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind place. It’s definitely one of the best breakfast places in Vancouver.

Best Brunch Outside Vancouver

Brunch in Richmond BC

Dim Sum – various locations

As a very multi-cultural city, Richmond has an incredible selection of Asian restaurants to choose from for Dim Sum. For those not yet in the know, Dim Sum is a style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. Dim sum is usually served with tea and is classically eaten at brunch.

For the best breakfast in Richmond, BC, Dim Sum is a great choice. In Dim Sum restaurants, servers typically rotate through the restaurant pushing traditional carts, calling out their offerings. Diners flag down the servers if they want that bite.

If you’re trying Dim Sum for the first time, here are some tips to ease your experience. Take small bites rather than eating the whole piece at once. The flavours are better when eaten slowly. Don’t use too much soy sauce, as most Dim Sum is already well-seasoned. Use the spoon to scoop up your Dim Sum and just chew your way around it! Don’t serve others with your chopsticks. If your teapot runs dry, turn the lid upside down and one of the staff members will refill it for you.

The best Richmond BC brunch for dim sum are: Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant, Empire Seafood Restaurant and Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant.

Best Breakfast in North Vancouver

Tomahawk Restaurant

For the best brunch in North Vancouver, there’s no better place than the Tomahawk. We love eating here before we take a road trip up the Sea to Sky Highway.

Open since 1926, this venerable institution is a great place not only to eat but to see the amazing collection of Native art, vintage posters and other North Vancouver memorabilia. The restaurant walls are covered with their amazing collections.

Famous for its Yukon-style bacon & eggs, this amazing breakfast features free run eggs, a large portion of hash brown potatoes and toasted Artisan bread. Many of the menu items are worthy of sharing including the Mixed Grill. Bring your appetite because you won’t go hungry at the Tomahawk.

For brunch in North Vancouver, we love going to the Tomahawk in the summer and sitting outside.

Tomahawk is open 7-days a week from 8am to 4pm.

Burnaby Brunch Places

Cozmos Cafe + Bistro

This long-established restaurant in North Burnaby serves up excellent breakfast and brunch using fresh, quality ingredients.

If you’d prefer to stay out of Vancouver and still want a delicious brunch in Burnaby, Cozmos is a great option. With great prices (many choices under $10) and classic breakfast options, you’re sure to find something you love. The omelettes are particularly good.

Breakfast and best brunch Burnaby at Cozmos is served from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday, and from 9:00am to 3:00pm on weekends.

Best Breakfast Surrey BC

Roadhouse Grille

We love coming to the Roadhouse for breakfast on weekends when we’re out riding. Located in south Surrey, this tasty breakfast spot serves up home style favourites in two rooms, both of which have a distinctly different ambiance. The front room feels like a traditional restaurant with big windows and regular tables and chairs. The rear room has a distinctively retro feel with memorabilia on the walls, formica tables and chairs and all kinds of kitsch. There’s also an atrium that is open in warmer weather.

The food at the Roadhouse is very tasty traditional diner food. Prices are reasonable and service is great. I love the Belgian waffle breakfast and the fresh fruit bowl. The omelettes are great as are the eggs benedict.

The Roadhouse Grille is open for breakfast at 7:30am Monday to Saturday and at 8am on Sundays.

For some great suggestions for brunch further afield, check out Claudia’s excellent recommendations for where to eat in Abbotsford.

What is your favourite Vancouver brunch spot?

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Best Brunch in Vancouver- A Complete Guide for 2020 – Freedom56Travel (2024)