Best Brunch in Vancouver

Waffles with raspberry caramel sauce

Vancouver is home to many good brunch spots. Those listed below are in a different category: they are outstanding. Determining who makes the list is easy. I’m either blown away or I’m not.

Each restaurant is to die for in its own way, though each offers 1) incredible, mainly local, quality food 2) great, friendly, timely service 3) some sense of aesthetic and/or ambiance.

Below, I’ve recommended several must try dish. In many cases, I haven’t specified as I trust you’ll love anything you order. Expect line-ups at the following spots, keeping in mind that it will be worth it.

Downtown Vancouver

Brunching downtown? Here are your best bets.

Must try: Banana-Stuffed Brioche French Toast, house-made bread and jam

: Brisket Benny

Claim to Fame: Owner and chef Dale MacKay is winner of Top Chef Canada 2011

UVA | 900 Seymour St. | 604-632-9560 | $$$ | Italian | Menu

Gastown | Crosstown

Looking for the best brunch in Gastown? Here are a few spots you will love.

Must try: Lavender Latte, waffle with raspberry caramel sauce (see pic above)

Tip: while you wait (line-up is long on weekends), head to Dirty Apron next door to check out their gourmet deli and market

Yaletown

If you need a great brunch restaurant in Yaletown, here are your options.

: Oatmeal with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, brown sugar & cinnamon

Tip: the menu is simple and straightforward; when you don’t feel like cooking, head here for a big healthy bowl of oatmeal or some free range eggs on a whole wheat English muffin

Claim to Fame: regular customers include Jodie Foster, Shia Labeouf and Ron Howard (when in town filming)

Dungeness crab benny

Tip: Arrive early or wait for a seat on the patio – this is prime people watching territory

Must try: Belgian Sugar Waffles, bottomless coffee

Tip: arrive early for a walk on the seawall and wait for one of the few patio tables overlooking the marina

West End

If you’re hunting for delicious brunch in the West End, you absolutely must visit this spot.

: Omelette du Jour

Warning: extremely rich menu

Kitsilano | Point Grey

Brunching in Kits? You must try these restaurants.

Lyon Breakfast

Must try: If I were forced to pick just one: Lyon Breakfast or Healthy Breakfast. Grab a Blueberry Beet Muffin on your way out.

Claim to Fame: owned and run by Chef Steeve Rayé, son of Chef Alain Rayé (La Regalade)

Tip: Enjoy the wait by strolling down to Kits beach for a seaside walk

Chocolate Banana Bread French Toast

Must try: Chocolate-Chip Banana Bread French Toast

Claim to Fame: an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives (watch here)

Albacore Tuna Nicoise Benedict

Tip: get cozy by the massive fireplace

Granville Island

Granville Island Market is a spectacular culinary destination. Why not kick-off your scouring with brunch?

French Toast with caramelized apple & bourbon maple compote

South Granville

Looking for a great brunch on South Granville? West will knock your socks off.

West Restaurant | 2881 Granville St. | 604-738-8938 | $$$

Short Rib Hash

The perfect ‘special occasion brunch’ where dishes are made with superior local ingredients – expect impeccably plated dishes by award-winning Chef Quang Dang and expert service

Must try: Short Rib Hash with Helmers Farm potatoes, mushrooms, and two flawless poached free-range eggs

Main Street

If you’re heading to Main Street for brunch, here are some spots you are guaranteed to love.

Pulled pork, pickled jalapeno benny on cornbread

Note: Eggs benedict fanatics will enjoy choosing from eleven different creations

Commercial Drive

Brunching on The Drive? If you have kids, you’ll especially enjoy this spot.

Little Nest | 1716 Charles St. | 604-251-9994 | $ | Menu

Note: one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in town – expect lots of them

East Vancouver

Hunting for brunch on the East side? These are your spots.

Must try: Pulled Pork Pancakes with Jack Daniels maple syrup

Roundel Cafe | 2465 E. Hastings St. | 604-253-2522 | $

Carrot, Walnut & Blue Cheese Omelette

Why it’s special: this unassuming, cozy space is run by extremely friendly staff serving seriously good home-cooked food made with local, free run, free range ingredients.

North Shore

Looking for brunch in North Vancouver? You can’t beat dining by the sea.

The Lobby at Pinnacle Pier | 138 Victory Ship Way | 604-986-7437 | $$$ | Menu

*This list is constantly changing. Have a reco? Tweet at me –> @erin_ireland

You might also care to read my list of ‘Best Cafés in Vancouver’