Let’s be real—Vancouver is obsessed with brunch.
And honestly? I totally get it. Between the mountains, the ocean views, and the food scene, there’s no better way to start a slow weekend morning than with a plate of something delicious and a killer cup of coffee.
And Bruch is not a passing thing. The Washington Post claims that the search term “brunch” has been growing since 2004. Why not join such a delicious trend?
Brunch in Vancouver isn’t just about eating—it’s a full-on weekend ritual. Locals line up early, cafes spill out onto sunlit patios, and menus are packed with everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to farm-fresh avocado toast. According to the Vancouver Sun, brunch has become one of the top dining searches in the city, especially in neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Commercial Drive.
Must-Try Brunch Spots
Here’s your ultimate list. Bring your appetite—you’re going to need it.
1. Jam Cafe
If you love big portions and Southern-style comfort food, Jam Cafe is your spot. Their Charlie Bowl (an epic mountain of hash browns, gravy, and eggs) is basically legendary. Heads up: they don’t take reservations, so get there early!
2. Medina Cafe
Medina is a brunch institution. Their Belgian waffles with lavender milk chocolate sauce are a chef’s kiss. Plus, the Moroccan-spiced tagine is unforgettable if you want something savory.
3. Yolks
Simple, fresh, and ridiculously good. Yolks is famous for its poached eggs and crispy truffle potatoes. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes if you’ve got a sweet tooth—you won’t regret it.
4. Catch 122 Cafe Bistro
A cozy downtown spot with a rustic vibe, Catch 122 serves up beautiful brunch boards, house-made pastries, and one of the best flat whites in the city.
5. Chambar
Think upscale Belgian-inspired brunch. The brunch cocktails at Chamber are amazing (looking at you, Raspberry Mule), and the spiced lamb burger is a total game-changer.
6. Cafe Lokal
Tucked away in Kitsilano, Lokal nails the cozy, European-style cafe atmosphere. The sourdough open-faced sandwiches are simple but absolutely packed with flavour.
7. OEB Breakfast Co.
If you like your brunch a little over-the-top (hello, duck fat fried potatoes), OEB is the place to be. Their creative menu combos are wild in the best way.
8. Heirloom Vegetarian
Not every brunch needs to be a meat fest. Heirloom serves up gorgeous vegetarian and vegan dishes that even hardcore carnivores can get behind. The avocado toast here is next-level.
9. Nelson the Seagull
This Gastown cafe has a slightly hipster vibe but backs it up with incredible homemade bread and sunny, plant-filled spaces. Nelson the Seagull is perfect if you want a more chill, slow-paced brunch.
10. Pallet Coffee Roasters
Maybe you just want a no-fuss brunch with perfect coffee. Pallet has several locations around Vancouver and always delivers strong brews, buttery pastries, and solid breakfast sandwiches.
Delicious Dishes to Try
- The Charlie Bowl at Jam Cafe
- Lavender Belgian Waffles at Medina Cafe
- Duck Fat Potatoes at OEB
- Tagine at Chambar
- House-Made Sourdough Toast at Nelson the Seagull
Seriously, bring a friend (or two) so you can order a few things and share. There’s too much good stuff to settle on just one dish.
Planning Your Brunch Experience
A few things you should know if you want to brunch like a Vancouver local:
- Get there early. Some places have lines starting by 9 a.m., especially Jam Cafe and Medina.
- Be ready to wait. It’s part of the experience! Grab a coffee nearby and chill out.
- Weekdays = shorter lines. If you can sneak out for a late Friday brunch, you’ll thank yourself.
- Most spots are casual. Jeans and sneakers are totally fine, even at fancier places like Chambar.
Brunch Spot Locations and Atmosphere
- Downtown is packed with cute cafes and upscale brunch options (Catch 122, Medina, Chambar).
- Kitsilano brings the chill beach-town energy (Lokal, OEB).
- Mount Pleasant and Commercial Drive lean a little more artsy and indie (Heirloom, Nelson the Seagull).
- Gastown gives you the full old-town Vancouver vibe with brick buildings and cozy nooks (Nelson the Seagull, Pallet).
Each neighbourhood kind of has its own brunch personality, so depending on what vibe you’re in the mood for, you can pick your spot.
Insider Tips and Recommendations
- Parking downtown is a nightmare. Take the SkyTrain or grab an Uber.
- Some cafes serve brunch until 2–3 p.m., so you can sleep in.
- Look for seasonal menus. Lots of places change up their dishes depending on what’s in season (especially in spring and summer).
- Don’t skip the drinks. Brunch cocktails are an art form here—think lavender mimosas, craft Caesars, and locally roasted pour-overs.
One More Thing…
Let me introduce you to something special. Our Canada Hustle app is the perfect answer when you are looking to make your stay fun and easy. Finding the best restaurants with endless options for lunch, dinner, and brunch is just a few clicks away.
Available for both Android and iOS users, this one’s a lovely travel companion. Thrill-seeking? Food-hunting? View-chasing? Canada Hustle helps you do Canada your way.
The Last Dish
Vancouver takes brunch very seriously—and once you dive into a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes or a farm-fresh poached egg, you’ll understand why.
According to Destination Vancouver, there were over 2827 restaurants in 2024, and brunch and breakfast cafes are among the fastest-growing categories. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic eggs benny, vegan grain bowls, or something totally off the wall, this city has you covered.
The only downside? You’ll probably want to stay forever.
But hey, at least you’ll be very full and very happy while you’re here.
Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Joshita
