Photo via @botanistdining / Instagram
Brunch might be one of the most incredible things to come out of humanity’s existence. Delicious eggs benny, pancakes & waffles, and a few mimosas to wash it all down. In terms of catching up with friends over a nice meal, it really doesn’t get better than that. And luckily, there are some fantastic cafes, diners, and fine dining spots in Vancouver that fit the bill, whether you’re recovering from the night before or celebrating a special occasion.
So with that in mind, here are some of the best places to get boozy brunch in Vancouver.
A Vancouver classic, Cafe Medina boasts some amazing brunch dishes and cocktails. And, all of them take inspiration from the Mediterranean. So, some amazing new flavours are in store. May we recommend their cocktail called the Moroccan Maria? It will blow your mind.
Where: 780 Richards Street
If you haven’t yet been to Kitsilano’s prime spot for Persian fare and family-style eats, you definitely should. Delara’s really sets the mood with bright and airy windows, skylights, hanging plants, and mouthwatering dishes complemented by a curated wine list and a blend of unique cocktails. Think fresh herbs, saffron, turmeric, rose, and sumac – among many other vibrant flavours. Persian Breakfast, honey baklava, and plum spritzers, anyone?
Where: 2272 West 4th Avenue
The newest edition to this list, Novella Coffee Bar, just launched this week – which we think definitely calls for celebration. The cozy coffee shop and hang-out spot not only has some killer espresso drinks, but offers guests plenty in the fine dining variety when it comes to brunch options and specialty cocktails like Blueberry Tea, Improved Root Beer, and Bulletproof Hug.
Where: 2650 Main Street
Without a doubt, Breakfast Table is one of our very favourite spots to get boozy brunch in Vancouver. While there’s a solid range of the classics, these folks also offer some incredible fusion dishes with a focus on Korean and Japanese cuisine. Plus, all of their morning cocktails are under $10!
Where: 3014 Granville Street
Listen. Their name is Yolks. If they weren’t amazing at brunch, we would be the first ones demanding they change their name. This egg-cellent brunch spot has two locations for you to try some of their great eats. They have a great selection of all types of eggs benny as well as some lip-smacking cocktails such as the Harvey Wallbanger or a classic mimosa.
Where: 1598 East Hastings & 546 West Broadway
Speaking of names with big promises, Brunch is about as pure as you can get. And as the name suggests, Brunch has become a must-visit spot for delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. Because let’s face facts, there are some mornings where the only thing getting you out of bed is the promise of Huevos Rancheros.
Where: 1147 Granville Street
This Vancouver Brunch stalwart is one of the top places for amazing food and strong cocktails. Their brunch menu is fitted out with great eats in their two or three-course brunches. Try their Slow Roasted Onion Benedict, Veal Ragu or their Bittersweet Chocolate Praline Fondant and be transported to another world.
Where: 1038 Canada Place
If you’re after a more plant-based brunch, Heirloom is the place for you. This vegetarian restaurant has some amazing options that drop the meat, but keep all the deliciousness. From their amazing Heirloom Hash to a Carrot “Lox” on Toast, their dishes are genius. And don’t worry, the cocktails are also vegetarian, which is par for the course.
Where: 1509 West 12th Avenue
In the relatively short time it’s been open, Zarak has already carved its own corner of the brunch world – serving up delicious elevated Afghan food alongside imaginative drinks like the Fruit Loops cocktail with bourbon and oat milk, Not An Espresso Martini made with Turkish coffee, as well as mimosa and caesar flights. And for dinner, their rotating cocktail menu has plenty of unique standouts – like the Zarak Old Fashioned, Xi Fei, and Dr. Damji’s Negroni.
Where: 2102 Main Street
And now, the most classic choice on this list. If you’re feeling a retro-style diner experience, The Templeton is where you wanna be. Their all-day breakfast menu has everything you could possibly want for breakfast. French toast? Yup! Classic eggs benny? Yup! And much, much more. Oh, and they got every classic hair-of-the-dog drink you could ever need.
Where: 1087 Granville Street
If we’re including a downtown classic then we need to include the Kits one as well. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe is a fantastic way to kick off the day at Kits Beach, offering all the classic breakfast staples you know and love. Seriously, the only problem here is beating all the UBC students to get in the door!
Where: 2095 West 4th Avenue
If there was one spot on this roundup that should be on every seafood lover’s bucket list, this is it. Joe Fortes more or less sets the bar for downtown dining, and that applies to their brunch as well. Sure it’s pricey, but a lobster benny with some champagne to wash it down is well worth dining on a budget leading up to it.
Where: 777 Thurlow Street
And finally, we’ve got a Gastown staple to cap this list off. Specializing in French cuisine, Twisted Fork is another one of those spots where a visit is not a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’. And you’ll be rewarded when you go, with a delicious Croque Monsieur (our top pick) and a full list of drinks to choose from.
Where: 213 Carrall Street
And that’s a wrap on boozy brunches, folks! Granted, brunch doesn’t have to be boozy to be downright delicious, but it certainly never hurts to have options.
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