A guide to Vancouver's best brunch and breakfast spots

Each of these 15+ different Vancouver brunch spots have something to offer

Author

Geoff Sharpe
November 22, 2023

Dreaming of the perfect brunch spot to cure that pounding headache after a long night out? Tired of the same old eggs and bacon?

Look no further! Vancity Lookout's guide to the top brunch and breakfast places in the city will satisfy your cravings quicker than you can say "coffee, please!"

While our list may not be as extensive as a breakfast buffet, rest assured, these eateries are the crème de la crème of morning delights, ready to satisfy your brunch cravings.

Disclaimer — if you haven’t read us before, we try to be as transparent as possible about places we’ve eaten at. Where possible, we’ll share extra info about why we loved the place.

Discovered a breakfast gem that we haven't covered? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We're all ears... and appetites!

Jam Cafe

Description: “An all-day breakfast and lunch cafe that started out in Victoria, now with multiple locations in Vancouver.

Inspired by recipes from the south, like house made cornbread, buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken, they offer a menu of comfort fare in a rustic-city atmosphere. Needless to say Jam Café has options that can satisfy the most discerning of appetites.”

Location: 556 Beatty Street | 2153 West 4th Avenue | 110 – 100 1st Street E.

What customers love: “ The best breakfast I’ve had in North America - and that says a lot as I’ve been to most cities here. The place is always busy and has a line. The food is perfect. Their scrambled eggs with their crispy and soft hash browns are exactly what you need in the morning. But this place goes further with the homemade hot sauce. Trust me when I say that their hot sauce elevates their breakfast multiple levels.

End your meal with their brioche French toast - soft but not too sweet. The perfect balance. This is a place you shouldn’t miss in Vancouver.” - Umair

Lookout’s recommendations: This place always has a huge line, so either come early or try it off-hours. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, anyone of their pancakes or French toast will be sure to satisfy. They also have my favourite coffee Drumroaster. And it’s bottomless! Be sure to pursue their multiple extra sides you can add to your meal.

The Templeton

Description: “The Templeton – nostalgic and delicious food served up in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district on Granville Row. It’s THE plate full of goodness that your mom used to make – or you wished she did!

Plug a quarter in the jukebox and enjoy breakfast made with free run eggs and naturally smoked bacon.”

Location: 1087 Granville St

What customers love: “Great old school vibe and delicious food. Shared between two, the poutin and breakfast with scrambled eggs, Toast, Bacon, and roast potatoes. Got the peanut butter milkshake and boy was i blown away. No word of a lie this was one, if not the the best milkshake i have ever had. They also give you the left over milkshake in the metal cup as all places should. It's days later and I'm still thinking about that milkshake! 100% do recommend!” -Aaron G.

Honey and Salt

Description: “A true neighborhood restaurant that combines classic comfort with a relaxed sophistication, Honey Salt delivers a contemporary experience complemented by the warmth and style of its dedicated owners.

Serving chef-driven, farm to table cuisine with an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients that highlight the bounty of British Columbia in an approachable and comfortable setting.”

Location: 39 Smithe St

What customers love: “The restaurant is a bright and energetic brunch spot with really warm and welcoming vibes.The coffee was phenomenal and I couldn’t help but get three refills. The portions look small but they are really filling.” - Zayn J.

Hunnybee Bruncheonette

Description: “A brunch restaurant, where you can also get a tasty coffee (and other things).” We’re a counter-service bruncheonette and cafe, open daily between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. No reservations—just come on by!”

Location: 789 Gore Ave

What customers love: “This is my absolute favorite place! I love sitting on the patio, which creates such a chill and relaxing atmosphere. Normally, I'm not a fan of sourdough, but this place has completely won me over. Their sourdough is simply delightful! My go-to favorites are the breakfast sandwich and the pancakes. They never disappoint. It's the perfect spot to start your day with delicious food and a tranquil vibe.” - MJ

Lookout recommendations: It can get busy, but it’s worth a visit. Their hash benedict is a steal at $17, while the sweet ricotta pancakes are simple but memorable. If you’re looking for something heartier, for my money they do one of the best shakshuka’s in the city.

Nero Waffles

Description: “Buzzy spot with a patio offering Liège- & Brussels-style waffles topped with sweet & savory toppings. Nero is the place to be in Vancouver for authentic waffles. They make waffles the way they do in Belgium and use traditional methods to prepare our dough and batter.”

Location: 1703 Robson St | 1002 Seymour St

What customers love: “Never knew waffles could taste this good!!

Tried their eggs benedict waffle, their plain waffle with syrup, their pistachio mini waffle and their biscoff n cream mini waffle all DELICIOUS. Never too sweet! Everything perfectly executed.

Also have a nice coffee and tea selection” - Bianca Pers

Fable Diner

Description: “Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Fable Diner is a breakfast and brunch spot with exceptional food, based on the farm to table concept, paired with exceptional service.”

Location: 151 E Broadway

What customers love: “I've been here twice and each time I found myself wondering why I don't come here more often. The food is always solid and the prohibition breakfast is an insanely great value. I'm in love with their milkshakes (especially the boozy ones) and their feature items. There is a bit of construction going on in the area, so I'd recommend planning for some delays.” - Evan K.

Botanist

Description: “ Airy, high-end restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel offering modern Canadian cuisine, wine & cocktails. On the more expensive side (they are Michelin-awarded), but their weekday and weekend brunch offerings are top of the notch.”

Location: 1038 Canada Pl

What customers love: “.Came here for brunch and was super impressed. $65 per person is steep for brunch, but you really do get a lot for the value. Perhaps less so if you only order vegetarian dishes, however they do sound delish. 2 alcohol (or not) drinks and two very generously sized dishes! Come hungry. The lobster eggs Benedict is next level. The mushroom toast also delicious. The vibe is warm, friendly and upscale. Will definitely be back.” - Maddi B.

Twisted Fork

Description: “Nestled on Granville Street, this charming eatery is a top brunch spot known for its cozy and rustic ambiance. It features comfortable booths with a touch of French bistro flair. Operating exclusively from 8 AM to 3 PM, it's a popular weekend brunch destination”

Location: 213 Carrall St

What customers love: “The eggs benny is absolutely delicious and very filling. The banana bread is to die for and probably the best banana bread I've ever had; I'd come back just for the banana bread!” - Steph D.

Belgard Kitchen

Description: “Belgard Kitchen is the restaurant component of the ’Vancouver Urban’ Brand Collective, alongside siblings Vancouver Urban Winery, Van Urban Cider, and Van Urban Beer Co. Inspired by fresh ingredients and local producers, our food menus highlight Canadian ingredients from east to west while taking influence from techniques across the globe, while our drink menus showcase BC wines and craft beer & cider made in house.

Open daily, we offer weekday lunch, weekend brunch, happy hour, and dinner seven nights a week.”

Location: 55 Dunlevy Ave

What customers love: “Belgard Kitchen never disappoints when it comes to brunch (never been for diner though). The atmosphere is truly unique and adds to the overall charm of the place. I particularly enjoyed their mimosa flight, and their salmon benny has become a personal favorite of mine. It's a spot I'll keep coming back to for sure!” - Alina D.

Knight Street Cafe

Description: “Knight Street Cafe offers a delectable menu featuring savory bacon, sausages, and mouthwatering pies. If you're in the mood for something sweet, their tasty fruitcake, bagels, and buttermilk pancakes won't disappoint. The cafe's cozy atmosphere creates a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, and many patrons praise the friendly and accommodating staff. Don't forget to complement your meal with their great selection of fresh juices, matcha latte, or iced tea for a delightful visit.”

Location: 3911 Knight St

What customers love: “A full breakfast was in order so I opted for the 2.2.2.2. (2 eggs, 2 maple smoked bacon, 2 sausages, 2 pancakes $15.75) everything on the plate was fantastic and it was nice to see the old school, plate-sized pancakes -very fluffy! Food was fantastic and filling. The unlimited coffee was nice and rich. A Family run and local small business deserves our support. Very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit if you have a hankering for some traditional breakfasts and brunches. Vegetarian option are available!” - Jeremy Wong

Maxine’s

Description: “Maxine's magnificent interiors are inspired by the funky watering holes of Soho and the corner bistros of Europe. A curated menu by Executive Chef Bobby Milheron and Chef de Cuisine Levi Johnston features elevated breakfast, brunch, lunchtime and dinner favourites that offer peak flavour and freshness. From morning favourites to later-day delights, discover what fits your fancy at the West End's premier neighbourhood café and bar.”

Location: 1325 Burrard St

What customers love: “My favourite place for brunch in Metro Vancouver! The food was amazing and the menu isn’t your average brunch menu. Staff were attentive and hospitable.

The Egg Cocotte had perfectly poached eggs and the tomatoes, olive, red pepper sauce underneath was a burst of flavour. The French Omelette, again, was perfectly cooked and the herb and cheese inside paired well and was not too heavy.

I don’t really like fries but I kept eating their fries. Every piece was crispy and even after it cooled, they didn’t become soggy. The Maxine’s Bacon were thick cut bacon with a slightly sweet taste. They also have regular bacon as an add on if you prefer savoury bacon.” - Chloe D.

Lookout’s recommendation: The vibes are real, with a patio that you’ll want to spend hours sitting at sipping a mimosa. Their croque madame is a bit on the expensive side, but it comes with smoked brisket, which really went well with the cheese.

Chambar

Description: “Chambar promises a dining experience with a cheeky twist. Inside, you’ll find chic industrial décor and a menu featuring intriguing dishes like Trout Waffle bennies and Fricassée. While it might come with a slightly higher price tag, the atmosphere and professional service add a unique touch to your brunch outing”

Location: 568 Beatty St

What customers love: “Chambar was a fantastic choice for brunch. I got a mimosa plus the Brochette de Porc and it fueled me for the majority of the day. The tomatillo pineapple salsa was the perfect sweet/acidic counterpart to the savory sausages & potatoes” - Joanna

Cafe Medina

Description: “Since opening in 2008, Café Medina has carved out a niche as a truly exceptional breakfast, lunch and weekend-brunch destination that effortlessly blends eclectic bistro fare, connoisseur-savvy coffee and sweet nourishment via the city’s best Belgian waffles.

While the name Medina has many interpretations, it was selected for its connotation to “radiant or enlightened city”. Indeed, this unique café quickly shone as one of the city’s most stylish additions, thanks to owner Robbie Kane’s pioneering attitude towards café culture and distinctive brand of enlightened hospitality — an ideal complement for the café’s instantly memorable, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. ”

Location: 780 Richards St

What customers love: “Cafe Medina is an absolute gem! Their brunch is a delightful journey of flavors, with unique dishes that never disappoint. Must try their waffles. The milk chocolate lavender mixed with salted caramel was our favorite topping for waffles. The atmosphere is charming. A must-visit for any foodie!” - Maya Shaw

Lookout’s recommendation: It’s another busy spot. The standout dish last time I visited was the tagine. It’s brings together Moroccan flavours, including a spicy merguez (lamb) sausage. Their waffle is also a nice little treat to wrap up the mail.

Waffleland

Description: “Waffleland, nestled in the heart of Gastown, boasts a cozy and welcoming interior that transports diners into a world of waffle wonders. The menu is a waffle lover's dream, offering a delightful selection of Liege and Norwegian waffles adorned with an array of creative toppings.”

Location: 32 Water St

What customers love: “OMG the salmon waffle was fabulous. So the service is great, the food was timely delivered even though quite busy. The quantity was as good as the quality. $23 CAD for a loaded smoked salmon waffle with a nice sized thick piece of cold smoked salmon seems quite reasonable. ” - Bill C.

Ask For Luigi

Description: “Ask for Luigi is a casual and intimate Italian restaurant, specializing in fresh hand made pasta. But this Michelin-recommended eatery also does brunch on weekends with Italian-inspired dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.”

Location: 305 Alexander St

What customers love: “I highly recommend this place for some of the best italian food in the city! It all started with brunch, and the brunch carbonara… I mean this is seriously authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. I often go for their specials, but some recent favourites are the bigoli niro fruti di mare, carbonara (of course), and the risotto! For the sweet stuff I always get the panna cotta, but the olive oil cake is a close second! Definitely” - Matthew Astorga

Say Hey Cafe

Description: “Say Hey Cafe and Deli is a go-to stop for its impressive selection of sandwiches, but it also takes your morning routine to the next level with freshly made breakfast sandwiches featuring soft scrambled eggs. ”

Location: 156 E Pender St

What customers love: “Wow, had the madame breakfast roll, incredible, the bun was magnificent, not to mention fast friendly service, very impressed with this little gem in the heart of Chinatown! I WILL be returning!” - Cyrus T.

Cafe Portrait

Description: “New, locally run and operated coffee shop that specializes on brunch, breakfast, coffee, tea and Turkish coffee. Our artsy cafe will take you on a journey through our artwork and delicacies”

Location: 1120 Denman St

What customers love: “This tiny cafe on Denman st, is so unique on its own, it has its own character with the lovely art all over its walls.

The dishes are full of flavours, especially the Sausage & Eggs plate! The Sujuk (sausage) is done to perfection and tastes amazing. The Shakshuka tasted great as well.” - A. Sabbagh

Argo Cafe

Description: “We are a diner that has been around since 1954 and has since evolved. Sometime in 2004, Chef Denis Larouche and brother in-law Kirby Wong came together and turned this greasy spoon into something like no other in Vancouver. Downtown food, at an East Van price.”

Location: 1836 Ontario St

What customers love: “Argo Cafe is one of Vancouver’s hidden gems!! A must-go for weekday lunch or weekend brunch. As a brunch regular, my favourite dish on the menu is Con Queso Eggs - it is to die for. The pancakes are a close second, though (sooo fluffy). Linda & the whole team at Argo are lovely people who make everyone feel welcome. I guarantee you that anything made off the comfort food style menu will be fresh and delicious.” - Michael Wilkinson

Northern Cafe

Description: “Family run operated greasy spoon, We offer comfort food with fresh ingredients and focus on a service culture where we treat everyone like family! “Our house is your house!”

Location: 1640 East Kent Ave S

What customers love: “I keep coming back to this cozy place for breakfast/lunch. I LOVE their shredded hash browns .

The family who runs this restaurant is super friendly! I brought my parents to eat the other day, and the owner came over to chat with us. Thank you for sharing your story with us, it made our visit super memorable.” - Alice Chan