Your Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide

October 30, 2018
DV
By Destination Vancouver
58 min read

It’s the weekend, or maybe you had a late night. Brunch is on your mind, and the hunger is real. Lucky for you, a great brunch spot is in every neighbourhood worth trying. These are some of our favourites:

Kitsilano

Jam Cafe

Starting strong in Kitsilano, there's the famous Jam Cafe. With its roots in Victoria BC, Jam has become a Vancouver institution for elevated comfort food and massive portions. Go for their hearty cinnamon cream cheese swirl pancakes, smothered in maple syrup, or some green eggs and ham if you prefer a herby kick. Jam is just along West 4th Ave, downtown on Beatty Street, and in Lonsdale from 8 AM to 2:30 PM. They don’t take reservations, so bring a friend and join the crowd in line. From your first bite, you’ll know the wait was worth it.

TurF Cafe

Interior image looking out to the patio at the Turf café in Kitsilano, Vancouver.
Turf workout and bistro in Vancouver.

TurF Cafe is the type of spot you’d find in big cities like New York or LA, but with a distinctly Vancouver vibe. Part workout studio, part plant-based cafe/brunch restaurant, TurF is the place to meet your new wellness crew, and to dig into some feel-good bites from 8 AM to 3 PM every day. Their menu is like no other, where the lattes have ashwagandha, chocolate chip pancakes are generously topped with almond yogurt, and quinoa bowls come with power-packed veggies. Energy balls and smoothies are perfect for on-the-go while you window shop on West 4th Ave, or to be enjoyed with oceanside views at Kitsilano Beach.

South Granville

A mural in the South Granville neighborhood in Vancouver.
South Granville, Vancouver.

Breakfast Table

A big floral sign in South Granville seems unassuming, but behind it is one of the city’s trendiest brunch spots. Breakfast Table takes your benedicts and waffles and flips them on their head with dishes like golden chicken karaage hash with sweet chilli heat and Taiwanese scallion pancake rolls with savoury brunch fillings. The Asian flavours are bold, and pairing your dish with a bright purple Ube latte only adds to the fun. Brunch runs from 8:30 AM to 2 PM on weekdays and until 3 PM on weekends. There’s no reservations, so get your name down early, and if you’re staying at the Douglas Autograph Collection or the Opus Hotel, brunch is just minutes from your room.

Elio Volpe

We aren’t afraid to admit that we’ve eaten cold pizza in the morning, and at Elio Volpe, they don't judge; they embrace pizza for breakfast. This beautiful Italian dining spot, just off Cambie Street, curates unique plates influenced by the south of Italy with that West Coast flair. Their braised beef short rib dripping in fiery chilli hollandaise sauce is unforgettable, or go cheesy with their Fiore Di Latte pizza topped with a poached egg. Sip on prosecco between bites and sink into their bright, airy interior. Brunch runs on weekends from 10 AM to 2 PM, and you’ll definitely wanna stay for dinner starting at 5 PM.

The Acorn

A plate decorated with forest branches and flowers at The Acorn restaurant in Vancouver.
Lentil Plate at The Acorn Restaurant in Vancouver.

The Acorn in Mount Pleasant is one of the city’s most beloved vegetarian restaurants, and its Michelin recommendation adds to the hype. Weekend brunch offers surprising mash-ups, like their Allium, where braised leeks are cooked in a bechamel sauce, paired with fingerling potatoes, and finished with tangy shallots. The Acorn operates on a seed-to-stalk philosophy, which is a fancy way of saying if it grows, it goes on your plate,and you can feel extra good about your brunch pick. Brunch is served every weekend from 10 AM to 2 PM, and reservations are recommended. Even if you swear by bacon and eggs, The Acorn may just convert you.

Fable Diner

If you’ve made it this far on the list and still haven't seen your favourite diner classics like milkshakes, bacon, and pancakes, not to worry. Fable Diner’s got you covered. The menu is stacked with bennies and toasties, or you can go all out with their Prohibition Brunch, which bundles any main course, a drink, and a sweet treat for just $30. Or if you're feeling fancy, their roasted duck pancake is a savoury lover's dream, topped with kimchi and a perfectly crisp fried egg. They’re open from 10 AM, and on some weeknights, you can roll out the comfort until 10 PM. Fable is located in the historic Lee Building on Main Street, making it the perfect place to fuel up before wandering nearby vintage shops and record stores.

Downtown Vancouver

The Red Accordion

The Red Accordion feels like a speakeasy in the middle of Coal Harbour, and the interior matches the vibe. This quirky red house on Alberni Street serves up some top-rated brunch with Mediterranean treats, from bubbling shakshuka to crispy schnitzel. Their Bennys are anything but ordinary, with wild combos like lobster meat and hollandaise piled on warm fried dough. Slide into a vintage couch and enjoy a mimosa while taking in the party vibes. Brunch runs Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, and if you’re staying nearby at the Fairmont Pacific Rim or The Paradox Hotel, it’s just a quick stroll away.

Cafe Medina

Cafe Medina in Vancouver

Brunch without waffles is criminal. But Cafe Medina delivers Belgium's best gift. It all starts at the espresso machine, with smells of freshly brewed cappuccinos filtering the buzz of Yaletown traffic. Their golden liege waffles come with your very own personal dippings, with exotic flavours like salted caramel and white chocolate rose water. If you lean savoury, their brunch has Moroccan influence, with favourites like their spicy lamb meatballs cooked in a salted black olive tomato sauce, featuring a side of creamy hummus and warm focaccia. Brunch is served weekly from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM so that you can get your brunch fix every day of the week.

Brunch in Vancouver has your classics, but it’s our fresh West Coast touch combined with worldly flavours that's our standout. The only dilemma? Choosing where to eat, and knowing you’ll probably want to try them all.


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