I recently touched on brunch in my guide on What to Eat in Vancouver. But, let’s be honest, brunch never gets enough attention. Having forever been a brunch enthusiast, even while back in the UK, moving to Vancouver gave me the best opportunity to sample as many Vancouver brunch places as possible. Brunch is definitely done a little differently this side of the world in a number of ways. Firstly, it’s less boozy in Vancouver; secondly, at home it’s definitely more traditional (much more egg based dishes, here anything goes, including banh mi), and finally, there’s often a portion of fruit served with your dish, even with omelettes. What’s that about, hey Vancouver? So, my friends, whether it’s chicken and waffles or a good old fashioned Eggs ‘Benny’ that tickles your fancy, read on to see where to get the best brunch in Vancouver.
Catch 122
Located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown, Catch 122 serves up deliciously wholesome food, and it’s brunch is certainly one of the best in the city. As a true potato snob, their roast potatoes are truly amazing, and all of the dishes I’ve had are great. The staff are also super friendly.
Order The Classic, or the Smoked Pork Shoulder Benny.
The Beach House
The Beach House is in beautiful Dundarave in the affluent neighbourhood of West Vancouver, one of my favourite parts of the city. Although it’s currently undergoing an extensive renovation fresh for late summer 2019, I’m excited to see which improvements will be made in the refurbishment. Its brunch is absolutely delicious, and they have a Brunch Happy Hour, where all brunch dishes are just $10, including a crab eggs benedict. Even better, the views across to Stanley Park are simply divine. Watch this space!
The Truffle House & Cafe
Another wonderful West Vancouver spot in Dundarave village, The Truffle House & Cafe is pretty scrumptious and undoubtedly serve up one of the best brunches in Vancouver. With an evident soft spot for truffles, their brunch dishes are wholesome and decadent. Expect croissants instead of bread, and rich ingredients, with the obvious scattering of truffles where necessary.
Order the Truffle Omelette, or the Truffle Mushroom Benny.
Slickety Jim’s
Hidden high up on hipster Main Street (and with another location on West 7th), but nevertheless well known, Slickety Jim’s is a brunch classic. Renowned for its extensive breakfast menu, there’s plenty of choice for everyone. There are tons of vegetarian options, and the classics mixed with some more out-there options. You’ll particularly enjoy the menu names.
Order the To Kill a Sunrise omelette, or the Short Rib Benny.
Body Energy Club
Granted, this isn’t the usual place you’d expect to hear about for brunch, given that Body Energy Club is a health and fitness store. But hear me out. If you’re looking for something a little healthier (hey, this is Vancouver), but equally delicious, look no further. With various branches throughout downtown, they do an amazing range of protein smoothies and acai bowls. And I promise you, they’re actually delicious. Plus, you don’t feel guilty afterwards.
Order their Blueberry Almond Acai superfood smoothie (I get one every time), or a Superfood Acai Bowl.
Tuc Craft Kitchen
If anyone asks me where the best Vancouver neighbourhood for brunch is, I’ll often tell them Gastown. There are plenty of awesome spots on the cobbles, and Tuc Craft Kitchen is another one. With a chic interior, these guys dish up wholesome food, and are also pretty famous for their fried chicken and waffles. They also serve some boozy drinks to complement your meal.
Order their Crispy Chicken and Waffles – it’s the only way.
Belgard Kitchen
I’d describe Belgard Kitchen as a diamond in the slightly rough neighbourhood of Railtown. Once you’re through the beautiful, heavy wooden doors, you’ll see what I mean. I’ve long loved coming to the Belgard Kitchen for wine alone, but their weekend brunch is as scrumptious as the interior itself. It’s certainly a classier option for brunch, with some delicious farm-to-table dishes to suit everyone.
Order their Wagyu Meatball Brunch Skillet or the Salmon Gravlax Hash. Either way, you won’t regret it.
Earls
To be brutally honest, I wasn’t too keen on including a chain restaurant on my list, but you’ll see why. This, my friends, is solely down to their Brunch Happy Hour, which I think is pretty unbeatable. With essentially an Earls in each neighbourhood, it’s also super convenient. For under $10, you can choose from a variety of brunch dishes which are all pretty tasty, filling, and reasonable. This means more room for mimosas, surely?
Order the Avocado Super Brunch or the Chorizo and Mushroom Hash.
Twisted Fork
This is what I’d consider to be a downright ‘dirty’ brunch. Don’t come to Twisted Fork for health, instead come for the beautiful (and very worthwhile) calories, my fellow Vancouverites. Pretty much every brunch dish on the menu is incredible, and the portions are so generous you won’t need to eat again for hours. It’s a little unsuspecting from the outside, and you’ll have to look past the fact it’s on Granville Street, but this little beauty is a decadent heaven.
Order the Smoked Gouda Baked Eggs. Or the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny. Or the Banana Stuffed Brioche French Toast. And the – you get the idea.
Jam Cafe
Admittedly, I’ve been trying to avoid adding Jam Cafe to my list of the best brunch in Vancouver, simply because it’s on every damn list out there. However, it’s surely justified. Firstly, there’s a huge menu with an excellent choice. There’s certainly something on there that even the fussiest of your pals will enjoy. It’s also very reasonable, and offers up generous portions. All of this, I surmise, is why there’s probably the longest lineup for any brunch spot in Vancouver. So get there early.
Order the Farmer’s Breakfast Skillet, Huevos Rancheros, or the Blackstone Benedict.
Le Petit Belge
As the French name may suggest, you can expect some bloody awesome Belgian waffles from this cute Vancouver brunch spot. Le Petit Belge offers up a tasty menu of both savoury and sweet waffles, from proscuitto or brie to strawberries and ice cream. If waffles aren’t all that for you, fear not. They do also serve up a number of eggs benny options, omelettes, and traditional brunch dishes from the comfort of their cosy cafe in central downtown.
Order the Smoked Salmon Waffle, or the Majesty II, which comes with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, caramel, hazelnuts, and whipped cream. Delish!
Forage
Forage’s principles lay all around sustainable dining, and this is pertinent to their brunch menu. On the edge of Vancouver’s West End, offering casual and reasonably priced eats, Forage embodies BC. It offers an extensive menu of delicious brunch options, from breakfast classics to tasty hashes and eggs bennys. What’s equally as impressive is the accompanying brunch cocktail menu, which help elevate it as one of the best brunches in Vancouver.
Order the Two Rivers Turkey Sausage Hash or the Halibut Cake Benny. All washed down with a Local Kir Royale, of course!
Botanist
This is most definitely one of the fancier options on the Vancouver brunch list. A contemporary, high-end restaurant that’s part of one of Vancouver’s three Fairmont Hotels, The Botanist is famous for its boujis cocktails. As you can imagine, the plates are as beautiful and colourful as it’s well considered surroundings. Towards the higher end of the price scale, it’s worth it for an occasion or a treat. There are pantry items which come with freshly squeezed juice and coffee, or a range of delicious kitchen items.
Order the Botanist Benedict with crab and avocado, or the Salmon Tartine.
So, next time you’re looking for the best brunch in Vancouver, look no further! Are there any great brunch spots I’ve missed? If so, let me know in the comments below.
So glad to see Forage in your list. It is definitely one of our favourite places for breakfast/brunch in the West End. Another interesting bunch option is the Mexican. Thanks for sharing Laura. Allan
Thanks for the tip – haven’t tried that one yet, but will be sure to 🙂
Check out Dutch wooden Cafe on main Street if you’re in the neighborhood.
Awesome, thank you for the recommendation! I certainly will check it out