Vancouver is home to many good brunch spots. Those listed below are in a different category: they are outstanding. Of course, we all look for different things in a brunch spot. What does our ‘dream spot’ look like? It’s often independent and led by a passionate owner. It’s often based within a cool space (good design just makes food taste better, no?). And most importantly, the food — the food has got to be top notch and it’s got to include plant-based options. We’re talking good, exciting plant-based options! Coffee is also key. If a restaurant serves good coffee made by an actual barista (and they offer dairy-free creamer that didn’t come from a tetra-pack), chances are they are a shoe-in for this list. Hope you find this list helpful. Happy bruuuuunching!!!!
You might also be interested in my best brunch lists for Gastown, Chinatown, Kitsilano, South Granville, Main Street, East Van, Commercial Drive, and Squamish.
On the hunt for a truly fantastic brunch in Downtown Vancouver? These spots are pretty much guaranteed to leave you tingling with satisfaction.
Twisted Fork Bistro
1147 Granville St | 604-568-0749 $$ | Brunch
@twstdforkbistro |
Visit websiteA cozy, bustling brunch joint serving incredible homemade-style dishes and fresh-baked bread. Expect a line-up (displayed on their website so you can check the wait time).
Yew Restaurant + Bar
791 W Georgia St | 604.692.4939 $$$ | Seafood
@fsvancouver |
Visit websiteA grand, seafood-centric special occasion spot with a special vegan lunch menu within the Four Seasons Hotel. Chef Ned Bell, a leader in the sustainable seafood movement, offers a 22-item brunch menu including gluten-free pancakes and lunch-style options. Wash it all down with half-price wine bottles on special during brunch. Private dining area available and large groups welcome.
Café Medina
780 Richards St | 604-879-3114 $$ | Belgian
@cafemedina |
Visit websiteA vancouver institution boasting the longest queue in town, liege waffles, extra special 49th Parallel lavender lattes and a Mediterranean-inspired all-day breakfast menu (with lunch options). Owner Robbie Kane, the heart and soul of the operation, explains that the Medina experience transcends food; he and his staff aim to feed the soul of each guest.
Boulevard
845 Burrard St | 604-642-2900 $$$$ | Seafood
@blvdyvr |
Visit websiteA fancy, fine-dining style brunch that tastes as good as it looks. The crowd-pleasing stuffed Nutella French toast is a fav. Wash it down with a pot of piping hot Espro press coffee.
Looking for top brunch spots in the Gastown area? These cobblestone streets are home to some of Vancouver's coolest, off-the-radar destinations.
Secret Location
1 Water St. | 604-685-0090 $$$ | European
@slocation |
Visit websiteA white, sparkly, luxurious room fit for a Sex-and-the-City-style brunch with girlfriends.
Ask For Luigi
305 Alexander St | 604-428-2544 $$ | Italian
@askforluigi |
Visit websiteItalian brunch done right in a very small, simple room, which is easily one of Vancouver's favourite spots. With respected young chef J-C Poirier at the helm, bread is made in-house and everything is made under his passionate watch.
Calabash Bistro
428 Carrall St | 604-568-5882 $$ | Caribbean
@calabashbistro |
Visit websiteGet here for the chill vibe and big delicious portions of Jamaican brunch made by Chef Cullin David who first learned how to cook with his grandma. Vegan options aren't plentiful but the Jerk Veggie & Potato Hash with sauteed jerk veggies, roast cumin potatoes, fried plantains, roast akee, and coconut rundown hits the spot.
Belgard Kitchen
55 Dunlevy Ave | 604-566-1989 $$ | Fusion
@belgardkitchen |
Visit websiteThe transition from your couch to brunch is made especially easy thanks to Belgard's massive couch located in front of an even bigger fireplace that'll make you feel like you're in an episode of Game of Thrones. This fun spot, located in an industrial area, offers avocado toast, coconut chia pudding, a 'health nut' breakfast bowl and an amazing veggie brunch burger as veganizable brunch options. Another perk is the Postmark Beer made on-site.
Nelson the Seagull
315 Carrall St | 604-681-5776 $ | Lunch
@gastownseagull |
Visit websiteSimple and perfect. Cozy up on a comfy couch or antique chair for a thick slice of sourdough avocado toast and a latte made with Nelson's own almond milk. The South African brother sister team running this joint have an especially good eye for style and flavour.
Chambar
568 Beatty St | 604-879-7119 $$$ | Belgian
@chambar |
Visit websiteVancouver's beloved carbon-neutral Belgian eatery has nailed dinner service for years. Now, you can head to Beatty Street for outstanding brunch, as well. Their 11-item menu is meat-forward but vegans can find options or modify. Brunch is available Monday to Friday from 8-11:30 and on weekends from 8-3.
Looking for your best brunch options in Chinatown and Strathcona? These character-rich neighbourhoods offer quality-over-quantity kind of spots...
The Union
219 Union St | 604-568-3230 $$ | Asian Fusion
@theunionvan |
Visit websiteWith South Asian dishes like the Filipino Pankaplog and a selection of Bao Bun Bennies, "The Union" is one of Vancouver's most exciting brunch spots. Thai Caesars, Lychee Mimosas and non-alcoholic coconut milk-based drinks (like the Rosa Milk with hibiscus flower tea and pandan syrup) are liquid menu highlights. The communal seating here is ideal for large groups.
On a mission to find Kitsilano and Point Grey's very best brunch restaurants? This small list of spots outshines the other options in these laid-back, seaside neighbourhoods.
TurF
2041 W 4th Ave | 604-428-9970 $$ | Healthy Cafe and Gym
@turfliving |
Visit websiteThis gym-cafe's main menu is all-vegan and filled with tempting options like Mushroom Cashew Cream Ricotta Toast and Forbidden Rice Power Porridge. A big must-try is their 'house' almond walnut mylk latte made with Moja espresso (make sure to request the 'good' almond milk, as opposed to the tetra-pack version which is also on offer).
Nuba (Kits)
3116 W. Broadway | 604-336-1797 $$ | Lebanese
@nubatown |
Visit websiteLebanese brunch. Need I say more? And four of the five brunch entrees are vegetarian or vegan. This is a dream spot! The shakshukah (made with free-range eggs from Two Rivers) is spicy (but not too spicy) and served with warm whole-wheat pita. The naturally gluten-free benny is constructed on crispy potato latkes and served with cilantro pesto. The exotic space's high ceilings and glass-covered courtyard inhabited with plants and benches is also a draw. Kitsilano is the only Nuba who serves brunch and their hours are 11:30-3pm on weekends.
Aphrodite's Organic Cafe
3598 W 4th Ave | 604-733-8308 $$$ | Canadian
@aphroditescafe |
Visit websiteDon't dress up -- this is a casual neighbourhood bakery restaurant frequented by the laid-back Kitsilano crowd. Brunch is served daily until 3pm and the menu is entirely organic (with prices to match the high food quality). Think stuffed French toast, roasted fennel tofu scramble and breakfast burritos. Portions are generous and many gluten free and vegan options are available. Save room for pie or cake -- dozens of flavours are on offer, including two gluten-free vegan cakes (available in full-size) and ten gluten-free vegan pies!
Looking for the best brunch on Granville Island? This touristy area is home to several brunch-menu-bearing joints, but only one is worthy of extreme praise and respect.
Edible Canada Bistro
1597 Johnston St | 604-682-6681 $$ | West Coast
@ediblecanada |
Visit websiteThe perfect destination for your out-of-town guests. The eight-item menu is rich with Canadian classics and local ingredients. Try the Wild Mushroom Eggs Benny and sit on the patio.
Looking for best brunch options in the South Granville 'hood? You've got fine dining, underground, vegetarian and extreme-locavore options to choose from.
The Birds Nest
Secret | $$ | Brunch
@birdsnestdining |
Visit websiteA most charming, "underground" brunch destination ideal for private special occasions. Expect homemade cooking, seconds for the extra-hungry, and bottomless self-serve coffee in an eclectic Paris-inspired apartment. To reserve, head to The Birds Nest website.
The Farmer's Apprentice
1535 W 6th Ave | 604-620-2070 $$ | Local
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Visit websiteProof that a seriously good dinner restaurant can also be an excellent brunch spot. Expect feel-good music, a cozy room and real fresh-squeezed orange juice set out on the counter beside the breakfast pies. Menu changes weekly. Open for brunch on Saturdays only.
Heirloom Vegetarian
1509 W 12th Ave | 604-733-2231 $$ | Vegetarian
@heirloomveg |
Visit websiteBoasting one of Vancouver's most option-packed brunch menus, this spacious, beautifully-designed vegetarian restaurant is a crowd-pleaser for groups, moms with strollers or a even hurried twosome. Options include five bennies, several omelettes, French toast, and comfort food dishes like Huevos Rancheros, Quinoa Hash and Buckwheat Pancakes with cashew cream.
West Restaurant
2881 Granville St | 604-738-8938 $$$$ | Local
@westrestaurant |
Visit websiteA fine dining-style brunch featuring Chef Quang Dang's seven-item menu riddled with high end, local ingredients. This is the kind of spot where the "fresh squeezed orange juice" on the menu really is squeezed ten steps away behind the bar.
If a seriously satisfying brunch near Main Street and Mount Pleasant is what you're looking for, you've got a slew of super options...
The Wallflower
2420 Main St | 604-568-7554 $$ | Modern Diner
@wallflowerdiner |
Visit websiteThe Wallflower is a place for all types of eaters: vegans, celiacs and omnivores. This casual, hipster joint offers breakfast every day until 4PM and is often lined up on weekends. Try the polenta omelette with your choice of fillings -- it gets my vote for best vegan brunch plate in town. The Tofu Huevos is another stand-out breakfast entree.
33 Acres
15 W 8th Ave | 604-620-4589 $$ | Brewpub
@33acres |
Visit website33 Acres Brewing Co. proves that a lengthy brunch menu does not necessarily equal success. Their tiny, super solid, two-item menu creates a lineup at the 11am opening hour. Choose from an Avocado Smash on (Nelson the Seagull's amazing sourdough) and Beer waffles. Obviously, beer for brunch is a must here.
Burdock & Co
2702 Main St | 604-879-0077 $$ | Local
@burdockandco |
Visit websiteChef Andrea Carlson’s relationship with local suppliers ensures that only the best arrives at the table, whether sourced from one of Vancouver’s nearby farms or a downtown urban garden. Burdock & Co. serves refined dishes crafted from organic ingredients.
Chicha
136 E Broadway St | 604-620-3963 $ | Modern Peruvian
@chichavancouver |
Visit websiteEver tried a Peruvian brunch? Get to Chicha, where you won't only be impressed by the modern, South American-inspired dishes from Chefs Shelome Bouvette and Allison Flook...you'll be full. Choose from hefty Huevos Benedicts, Buttermilk & Sweet Potato Waffles, veggie-centric hash bowls and lots more. Note: their house-made honey quinoa bread is a carb-splurge you want to make.
Camp Upstairs
1020 Main St | 604-484-6018 $ | Bar / Snacks
@campupstairs |
Visit websiteThrough a discreet door you'll enter, and up a flight of stairs you'll go. At the top, you'll discover a delicious world hidden to the masses featuring in-house baked goods, 49th Parallel coffee, craft cocktails, and the type of indulgent brunch dishes weekends were made for, like Free-Range Fried Chicken and Biscuits, Baked Free-Range Eggs with pimento cheese and Hazelnut Crepes.
El Camino's
3250 Main St | 604-875-6246 $$ | Latin American
@el_caminos |
Visit websiteA casual joint serving generously-portioned Latin American street food-style eats. Vegan options are slim to none, but the kitchen offers to build animal-free dishes with brunch sides. Weekend brunch is served from 10-2.
Don't let this small section disappoint you. East Vancouver's "best brunch spots" could possibly be some of the very best in the whole city.
The Red Wagon
2296 E Hastings St | 604-568-4565 $$ | Breakfast/Brunch
@redwagoncafe |
Visit websiteA neighbourhood joint famous for its large portions, pancakes (with Jack Daniels maple syrup) and an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives - expect a line-up every day of the week.
Yolk's (Hastings)
1298 E Hastings St | 604-441-9655 $$ | Breakfast
@yolksbreakfast |
Visit websiteAn all-day breakfast and brunch joint in the old "Brave Bull" location, specializing in breakfast sandwiches (gluten free bun available). Waffles, pancakes, beignets, granola and oatmeal are also on offer. Here, the OJ is fresh-squeezed on the spot and hot chocolate/chocolate milk is made with Callebaut. Expect a line-up.
This up-and-coming neighbourhood is home to one truly special brunch spot. Though its menu is plant-based, the carnivores in your life will NOT be disappointed...
Commercial Drive is a lively area full of fun, casual brunch restaurants. Many of them offer a great vibe for weekend meal with friends, but if you are a discerning bruncher on the hunt for top quality food, an interesting menu, creative drink options and a well-designed room, you're left with a small handful of options. Here's where you'll find Commercial Drive's best brunch.
Bandidas Taqueria
2781 Commercial Dr | 604-568-8224 $$ | Mexican Fusion / All-day Breakfast
@bandidastacos |
Visit websiteLarge, home-style portions are the name of Bandidas' game. This long-standing favourite of breakfast and brunch-goers -- loved for its chill vibe and eclectic dining room -- has something for everyone, including several plant-based options. Definitely order the 'egg muffins' on cornbread with yam potato hash and vegan sausage. You'll need a to-go box!
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial Dr | 604-559-8226 $$ | Mexican
@lamezcaleriayvr |
Visit websiteArguably Vancouver’s most beloved modern Mexican restaurant, serving traditional recipes made with many local, organic ingredients. You might love the interior design (turquoise tiles, hanging fern baskets, skylights) as much as the brunch menu, which features chilaquiles with poached egg, four types of classic huevos, two huevos benedict options and fun drinks like pina-avocado smoothies and Micheladas. If you’re into mezcal, this is where you’ll find one of the city’s best high-end selections (tequilas, too).
Looking for the best brunch in Squamish? This is your spot!
Fergie's Cafe
70002 Squamish Valley Rd | 604-898-1537 $ | Comfort Food
@sunwolfbc |
Visit websiteFergie's Cafe offers a nine-item breakfast & brunch menu (from 8-3 daily), crafted by Chef Jason Nadeau, a Squamish local, who spent six years at award-winning Cioppino’s in Vancouver. The space is small, so prepare to eat lunch on their heated patio in year-round. It's magical and no one complains! Try the veggie bowl with braised beans, yam, kale and a poached egg (from their Stony Mountain Farm neighbours) or an avocado benny.