12 awesome spots to eat brunch in Vancouver

What is it? A brunch and drinks cafe in the Shipyards District with cosy exposed brick interiors and a lip smacking eclectic menu. Brunch served until 3pm. 

Why go? You know those brunch spots that just get it right? This is one of them. An always mouthwatering menu, full of everything from breakfast sandwiches and stuffed bagels to churros and filled cruffins. There’s nothing this place doesn’t do, but the catch is that you’ll want to come back again and again and again. 

What is it: An incredibly popular downtown café serving breakfast delights all day and every day, often with a very big queue.

Why go: Jam Cafe is a cult favourite for its savoury spreads as well as its ridiculously decadent pancakes stacks. Here you’ll find every kind of benedict under the sun (yes, there’s a fried chicken one), cinnamon bun pancakes and pulled pork tater bowls. The (breakfast) dream. 

What is it? A colourful, sunny breakfast spot in Yaletown, with prime seafood options and a stunning view to boot. 

Why go? This new kid on the block boasts a massive menu featuring a lobster and shrimp crepe, an extensive list of breakfast poutines, and a wild boar spalla that you don’t want to miss.  

What is it: This local brewery also serves pretty solid brunch fare on the weekends.

Why go: Waffles with beer? Yes, please. Also, order the toast with jam and the avocado toast, made with sourdough from Nelson the Seagull.

What is it? Located in the Settlement Building near a winery and a brewery, this eatery is best known for its dinnertime tapas but also serves up a mean brunch on the weekends.

Why go? The kitchen's brunch skillets are eye-catching and delicious (wagyu meatballs, anyone?), as is their bread pudding French toast and Belgard bacon, a maple bourbon pork belly topped with maple caramel. Need an extra nudge? The seafood is Ocean Wise.

What is it? Voted one of the best vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in the world, Acorn is an icon on Main Street, and its brunch does not disappoint.

Why go? Delicately plated, colourful dishes each come with an ingredient list that is a mile long. Most of the dishes can be vegan but don’t have to be — so you can hang onto your eggs if that’s your favourite part of brunch.

What is it? A simple, bistro-style brunch joint serving breakfast items with a French twist every day of the week. 

Why go? Four words: Banana-stuffed French toast. This delectable dish comes with a massive portion, but you'll still be tempted to grab an asiago scone to-go (go on, we won't tell). If you prefer savoury, try an egg dish with baked beans to take your breakfast across the channel, and coffee will always come served in a French press. 

What is it? A handmade pasta joint in Gastown serving breakfast pasta on the weekend with half the wait time as dinner. 

Why go? Pasta for breakfast. Brunch pasta includes a poached or sunny-side-up egg to mix into your noodles. Depending on where you’re sitting, you can watch them make the pasta by hand right in front of you. Ask for the banana bread with cinnamon ricotta—you won’t regret it.

What is it: Comfort food is served amongst vintage toys, collectables and eclectic art.  

Why go: Got kiddos in the mix? Take them to this brunch institution in the bustling Kitsilano neighbourhood. They'll be fascinated by the decor, and you'll appreciate the prime people-watching from the patio. 

What is it? A cozy and elegant Belgian restaurant (located in Chinatown) with breakfast every day and a lengthy brunch menu on the weekends. 

Why go? For a classy brunch on a special day, this place has it all. The menu is short, but it has something for everyone,  including a glorious chorizo paella and Ocean Wise mussels three ways. The fluffy Belgian waffles are a no-brainer add-on to your meal, and white chocolate-and-pistachio rosewater makes a wonderful dipping sauce or as an added shot of flavour in your latte.

What is it: If brunch means seeing and being seen, then head to Medina, where the line outside proves it's one of the most popular restaurants in Vancouver. Rest assured, the menu is worth the hour you might wait. Locally sourced ingredients combine to make Mediterranean-inspired comfort food and famous, fluffy waffles. 

Why go: ... for food that feeds the soul. We like the Harissa burger, made with harissa-spiced beef on grilled pita with fried eggs, hummus, baba ganoush and preserved lemon.

What is it: A popular spot, often with a line outside to show, for all-day breakfast in the slowly-turning-hip Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood. 

Why go: For diner basics and classics, especially eggs benedict, done very well. One thing you’re sure to love: the pulled pork pancakes complete with Jack Daniel’s maple syrup.