It’s a long weekend. Your primary objective? Maximum lounging, minimal effort. Stay in bed as long as you like, and when the hunger kicks in, unless you’re taking charge of the Thanksgiving holiday spread, let someone else handle the cooking.

Whether you’re corralling family or nursing a questionable decision from the night before; are in need of a break from meal prep and standing over the stove or are just in it for the eggs and a decent cup of coffee: these are a few of our favourite spots — ones that we consider well worth rolling out of bed for. (But keep in mind that the holidays could impact business hours, so double-checking before heading out the door to your choice is a good idea!) Did we miss your favourite weekend brunch spot? Let us know by reaching out to michelle [at] scoutmagazine [dot] ca .

Brunch at The Acorn | Photo via The Acorn

In a class almost entirely of its own in the brunch department, mighty The Acorn – arguably Canada’s best vegetarian/vegan restaurant – is more relaxed during brunch service, but no less inventive. Think a pancake like no other, made with red spring wheat and topped with house syrup, Fraser Valley hazelnuts and seasonal jam, and not-your-average (savoury) waffle topped with fried oyster mushroom, maple chilli oil, cayenne, miso gravy and pickles. **NOTE: Acorn’s annual “Everything but the Bird” Thanksgiving Dinner is this weekend’s main event…which might give brunch-goers a bit of an edge over those saving space for the feast. That being said, reservations are still highly recommended! Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm. Walk-ins first come, first served. DETAILS

Ask For Luigi

305 Alexander St.

Multiple award-winning Italian neighbourhood spot in Railtown, Ask For Luigi, has been a Vancouver favourite since 2013. The comfortable restaurant features a minimalist style, with black-and-white chessboard flooring and wooden wall panels, enhanced by natural light and a modern touch. Specializing in fresh handmade pasta, dishes are served family-style – perfect for sharing. Good news: Its awesomeness extends to weekend brunches, where their proper pastas come topped with poached eggs, and you have the option of adding a side of fresh baked banana bread with cinnamon ricotta (do it). Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 2:30pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Argo Cafe

1836 Ontario St.

This Vancouver institution is outfitted with big comfy booths and a diner fare menu including everything from a French toast platter to Steak ‘n Eggs. Brunch at Argo Cafe is served all day (8am to 2pm) on Saturdays only (they are closed Sundays and Mondays). Expect a wait. No reservations. DETAILS

Au Comptoir

2278 W 4th Ave

A touch of Parisian sophistication on a weekend morning is never a bad idea, especially when it’s coupled with a proper Omelette aux fines herbes speckled with black truffle and a side of some of the best damn frites in town. Not so secret weapon for the strong of heart: Burger maison with Raclette, caramelized onion, bacon and foie gras. Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

The classic brunch staples are all present and accounted for, but Chef Hartmann’s German heritage adds a Bavarian twist to Bacchus’ weekend and holiday brunch service with sneaky Chefs’ Features like Chicken Schnitzel and Cheese Spaetzle. The drink list featuring a bevy of brunch-y cocktails and three different versions of the Caesar checks all the boxes. The window for weekend brunch is small (11:30am to 2pm) but reservations are available. **NOTE: A special turkey brunch feature dish will be available during Thanksgiving. DETAILS.

Bells and Whistles

3296 Fraser St.

 

Bells & Whistles Brunch | Photo via Bells & Whistles

The brunch menu at Bells & Whistles is tight, but every dish pulls its weight — perfect for weekend sports fans who want something fried, filling, and fast. The place is lively and casual, with a rotating beer list, background tunes, and a Skee-Ball setup in the back, if you need to stretch your legs. The vibe of the room lands somewhere between vintage diner and modern minimalist sports bar, with banquettes, picnic tables, and a well-placed big screen. Brunch runs 10am to 2pm on weekends, with solid hits like the Fried Chicken Benny with thyme crème fraîche and hashbrowns, Tex-Mex Hash loaded with chili and tots, and French toast with seasonal fruit compote and whipped cream (add bacon — you’re not here to be shy). Reservations available. DETAILS

 

Bufala (River District)

3489 Sawmill Crescent

Located at 3489 Sawmill Crescent in Southeast Vancouver, Bufala River District offers a charming take on a neighbourhood trattoria with Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade pasta, and a good wine selection (cocktails and cold beer as well). Designed by Ste. Marie Studio, the 80-seat space boasts high ceilings, wooden accents, and a lively but elegant ambiance without losing a casual come-as-you-are feeling. Brunch it up with regulars like the Classic Breakfast (sausage or bacon, two poached eggs, rosemary potatoes, arugula salad & toasted sourdough), Eggs in Purgatory, two Brunch Pastas, and Tiramisu French Toast until 2pm every weekend. (**NOTE: The pizzas don’t begin coming out until 12pm.) And if you happen to wake up early enough (or stay out late enough) take note that brunch is half-price from 10am until 11am. Score for the early birds! Reservations available. Bufala DETAILS

Botanist

1038 Canada Place

Bright and airy, with lush greenery, subtle floral patterns, gentle pastels, and sheer curtains softening the natural light coming in through expansive windows, Botanist channels the understated charm of an elegant greenhouse. Set inside the striking, cosmopolitan Fairmont Pacific Rim, this is also a restaurant that expertly balances the full range of service you expect from a great hotel: effortlessly relaxed, yet fully capable of dialling up the “fancy” factor, depending on your mood. This versatility is mirrored in Chef Hector Laguna’s quietly beautiful brunch dishes, ranging from comforting steel-cut oats to indulgent butter-poached lobster Benedict. Not to be overlooked: the accompanying brunch-specific cocktail menu is worthy of equal attention. Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am to 2pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

845 Burrard St.

This high-end spot off the lobby of The Sutton Place is a testament to how good a hotel restaurant can be when the stars align. Everything at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is on point and tightly executed, including a brunch menu of elevated sweet and savoury options, like Soufflé Pancake crowned with maple whipped cream, roasted nashi pear, berries and candied walnuts; French Omelet with crème fraiche, dill, salmon caviar, herb ricotta, gruyère and black truffle; and Lobster Thermidor with béchamel, button mushrooms, gruyère and poached eggs. Also: there’s nothing that sets the precedence for “weekend extravagance” quite like a Seafood Tower. Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30am to 2pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

With its big open floor plan, high ceilings and flood of natural light, Chambar is a stylish pleasure to lounge in – easily one of the best looking of the brunch bunch. The food flirts with decadence, is always comforting, and often highly original – think Shakshuka with pistachios & barberry salad, fried halloumi, tahini dressing, and pita chips; Gaufre à la Truite (sourdough waffle, smoked steelhead trout, pea tips, soft boiled eggs, yuzu hollandaise); and their signature spicy lamb ‘Le Burger’ with labneh, grilled eggplant, roasted red pepper, parsley & mint, served with fried baby potatoes & harissa mayo. Also imperative: liege waffles with bacon caramel (if you’re feeling savoury-ish) or milk chocolate lavender (for indulging your sweet tooth). Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Chez Céline

4298 Fraser St.

Crêpes Suzette at Chez Celine | Photo by Scout

Le Brunch at Chez Céline – the French-Canadian concept from first time restauranteurs Margaux Herder and David Lawson (with a little help from J-C Poirier) – features all of the sweet and savoury Quebecois casse-croutes-style hits that can pass for a morning meal. From Croque Madame or Trout Gravlax + Boursin Cheese flatbreads, to Crêpes Suzette, their colourful Kids Dreamy Cereal Mix (aka ‘Froot Loops’) melange, and the Céline Burger with Sauce Mousquetaire and Poutine. Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 1pm. Reservations available (so is soft serve). DETAILS

Osteria Elio Volpe

540 West 17th Ave.

 

Brunch at Elio Volpe | Photo by Banda Volpi

Osteria Elio Volpe, serves a top-notch brunch. Depending on your dining style, small plates meant for sharing and hearty plates to have all to yourself are both available. Expect brunch classics with Italian flair (like Fried chicken & waffles with amaro maple syrup, pickled jalapeño, and poached eggs), fun and freestyle fare (Elio pop tart with concord grape and tahini glaze), plus brunched-up pizzas (add a poached egg!) and nice little selection of pastries. The brunch-aligned wine list is choice, but we suggest you add an Elio Cesare (Ketel One vodka, Sandman Ruby port, house clamato, Worcestershire, bomba chili, celery salt, cerignola olives) or Little Italy boozy coffee (The Woods Spirit Crema Nocciola ‘Hazelnut’, Galliano Espresso, Cynar Amaro, Ketel One Vodka, Shaken Espresso, Nutmeg & Hazelnut Biscotti) to start things off right. Saturday, Sunday and the holiday Monday, from 10am to 2pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Delara

2272 West 4th Ave.

Industry vet Chef Bardia Ilbeiggi’s 60-seat Delara restaurant at 2272 West 4th Avenue, opened in August, 2021, and has become a destination for Persian-inspired food ever since – in large part owing to a menu imbued with Ilbeiggi’s creativity combined with the influence and guidance of his mother, Mina Parsa. For brunch, familiar classics become transportive experiences: from the fragrant Khagineh (persian pancake) stuffed with walnuts, dates and cardamom, and topped with pistachios, rose and grape molasses; to a stack of Kookoo Sibzamini potato pancakes, embellished with a poached egg; omelet with house-made beef sausage, caramelized onions, braised oyster mushrooms (served with their delicious housemade flatbread, of course); and the standard Persian Breakfast platter (flatbread, feta cheese, butter, jam, soft-boiled egg, seasonal salad dressed in barberry and orange vinaigrette). Definitely finish with something sweet (the Saffron Ice Cream or Turmeric and Orange Cake are something special). Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. DETAILS

Fable Diner

151 E. Broadway

We’re suckers for Fable Diner’s milkshakes anytime, but during brunch hours the heavenly things come across like a meal in and of themselves – especially when there’s a hangover involved. Load up further with some roast duck cornmeal pancakes with house kimchi, green onions, duck mayo, crispy business and cilantro; the greasy spoon classic Truckers Breakfast (your choice of meat and eggs how you like them, alongside breakfast potatoes, sourdough toast and a pancake); or go healthy(ish) with the West Coast Toast (sourdough, smoked salmon, guacamole, mixed greens, soft poached egg and house pickled onions) – and opt for the rosti upgrade. The weekends-only prix fixe Prohibition Brunch will sort you out from coffee or tea, to dessert for just $30 before tax. Saturday and holidays from 9am to 2:30pm; and all-day Sunday (9am to 4pm). Reservations available. DETAILS

Hunnybee Bruncheonette

789 Gore Ave.

Hunnybee nails the tricky sweet spot between wholesome and hearty, and there’s always a pleasing hum about brunch here. Somehow, regardless of the weather, it always stays sunny inside — though the prime spots for top-notch people-watching are definitely the Union-facing tables or the tiny covered patio on Gore. Go for the sweet ricotta pancakes with maple syrup, blueberry jam and cultured cream; gently spiced shakshuka with lentils, labneh and grilled toast; or the reassuringly sturdy Hash Benedict with poached eggs, roasted veg, hollandaise, and a swirl of curried ketchup (plus sausage and/or avocado, depending on how virtuous you’re feeling). All day, every day from 8am to 4pm. A walk-ins-only situation. DETAILS

Livia

1399 Commercial Dr.

A line-up at this Commercial Drive bakery and cafe is a common occurrence, if not a given. If you’re on the go, slip by the window for a coffee, loaf of sourdough, assortment of treats, and/or a killer breakfast sandwich for the road. But if you have the time, head inside where Italian comfort food breakfast is waiting. Whether you’re down for Soft Polenta with local mushrooms, homemade Salty-Sweet Granola and Yogurt, or Spaghetti Carbonara, you’ll feel the love in Livia’s food. (That also goes for the kiddos, thanks to their ‘Bambino’ 12-and-under menu.) Indoor seats are a precious commodity, but there’s often a spot open at the bar. Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 5pm. Close on Mondays! Walk-ins-only. DETAILS.

Maxine’s Cafe & Bar

1325 Burrard St.

The room at Maxine’s is spacious and elegant, with a distinctly Euro vibe that extends onto the sidewalk terrace (weather permitting). Embrace the ambience with their Truffle Omelette with fine herbs, La Sauvagine cheese sauce, black truffle, and frites; Dutch Baby with seared foie gras, almond sauce vierge, apricot mostarda and smoked maple; or an amped up Croque Madame with house smoked beef brisket. Their French Toast, topped with preserved cherry, whipped mascarpone, maple syrup and pistachios is also pretty dang special. Add to that Maximosas (sparkling wine, grapefruit & maraschino foam) all around, of course! Available daily from 9am to 3pm⁠. Reservations available. DETAILS

Café Medina

780 Richards St.

The famed Media waffles | Photo by Scout

Think Liège waffles with various sweet toppings, Moroccan-inspired tagines, Cassoulet, and the decadent braised short rib Fricassée that cures any lingering hangover. Grab a solo seat at Medina’s bar to dodge the queue (and skip sharing) – it’s the ideal spot to tear apart fluffy waffles, dunking them shamelessly into Raspberry Caramel or Creme de Fruit de Passion. Brunch comfort, dialled way up. Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday, from 9am to 3pm. Reservations available by donation; walk-ins always welcome. DETAILS

La Mezcaleria

1622 Commercial Drive

 

La Mezcaleria tacos for Brunch | Photo by Scout

At La Mezcaleria, everything is good. It’s hard to decide between Huevos al Gusto (eggs, black beans, corn tortillas, charred jalapeno, and Taquera Sauce), brunch tacos or a big ol’ burrito, or the ‘Clásico’ Molcajete (melted cheese mix with caramelized onions, 8oz grilled Angus AAA rib eye, 4oz zarandeado shrimp, chorizo, cactus, and green sauce, served with corn tortillas). To drink? Micheladas! Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 2pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Inside an airy, light-filled and sleek cafeteria-like space in a new build at 3485 Fraser Street, Mishmish is a casual Middle Eastern bakery and cafe from Chef/Owners Abdallah El Chami, Leah Christ, and Marysol Lopez, along with Designer/Owner Shawn Rassekh (RAAF Projects). Simplicity and spice come together in wonderful ways here. Grab a seat to dig into one of their boards (salmon, veg, halloumi, or omelet option, with a freshly baked Ka’ak bagel, fresh veggies and a dip), grab a sandwich to go or (our preference) a six-pack of bagels and one of every dip to play with. Cookies, cakes and other inventive and cross-cultural sweets too, like the twice-baked concha (a Mexican spin on the classic almond croissant), Mishmish Bar (frangipane, apricots, cinnamon and cardamom streusel), and Sfoof Tres Leches (tres leches meets Lebanese turmeric cake, covered in pistachios). Further sort yourself out with coffee from Modus and Tea Sparrow teas. Open daily from 8am to 5pm; closed on Stat holidays. DETAILS

Au Petit Comptoir

1471 Continental St.

Au Petit Comptoir is the effortlessly chic younger sibling of Au Comptoir, with a compact brunch menu of no-nonsense French classics. Think Croque Madame or Monsieur; a breakfast Assiette of egg cocotte, pork sausage, bacon, duck fat & thyme potato rösti and salad; and a beautifully straightforward Steak Frites. Drinks range from fresh squeezed juices and housemade hot chocolate, to punchy espresso martinis and standout cocktails (Autumn calls for a Cognac Courvoisier, made with spiced white wine syrup and orange bitters), wines and cheeky digestifs. It’s charmingly European without trying too hard, making lazy weekend brunches feel quietly sophisticated. Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 3pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Provence Marinaside

1177 Marinaside Crescent

Provence-style brunch plates | Photo via Provence

From Benedicts and omelette, to crepes and tartines, Provence nails stylish French brunch fair, with lots of vegetarian and seafood options. They also take their brunch beverage situation seriously, with Mimosa flights, Caesars & Bloody Marys, boozy coffees and various cocktails all available. Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 2:45pm. Reservations available. DETAILS.

Northern Cafe and Grill

1640 East Kent Ave S.

Staircase to Western-to-Cantonese brunch | Photo by Scout

Northern Café sits above a lumber yard near the Fraser River. Find it by following the hand-painted signs and then climbing the narrow, timeworn stairwell amid scratched walls, spitting you into an equally tight hallway and then straight into a bright, colourful room buzzing with action. Expect laminate checkerboard floors, red booths, friendly service — and plates that get on with it: from eggs Benedict with proper yolks, to a wonton soup that will sort you out on a wet day. Overall, expect Western-to-Cantonese-style comfort, generous portions, and a crowd that mixes tradespersons, locals and curious tourists without fuss. The only downer: they’re closed on Sundays — so your weekend brunch window is Saturday only. 8am to 3pm. Walk-ins only DETAILS

Red Wagon

2128 E. Hastings St.

An East Van institution since 2010, the Red Wagon is known for its killer brunch. Despite the near-constant queue, their fresh, locally sourced ingredients, house-smoked meats, and from-scratch dishes make it well worth the wait. It nails the hearty side of the milieu with a wide range of offerings, from The Wagon Burger and BBQ Brisket with Jalapeño cornbread, to ‘Breakfast Banh Mi’ and Tofu Scramble – but their buttermilk pancakes get us every time (arguably the best in town). Plus, bottomless coffee, floats, boozy shakes, cocktails and more. Daily from 9am to 3pm (although technically the Allday Brunch menu continues until 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday). Holiday hours may apply! Walk-ins only. DETAILS

Selene Aegean Bistro

360 Penticton St.

Brunch at Selene Aegean Bistro handles Mediterranean mornings with quiet confidence, managing to be transportive without trying too hard. Chefs Adrian Nate and Arish Dastoor draw on Greek and Turkish traditions for dishes like Strapatsada Omelette with sun-dried tomato, barrel aged feta,and cucumber & courgette salad; Cilbir (fried eggs, baharat chili crunch, spinach, tzatziki, kefaloytri); and Tsoureki Pain Perdue with honey cream and preserved fruit. Plus, a trio of not-your-average brunch sandwiches. As for the drinks, think a boozy coffee with makedonias tsipouro, coffee liqueur, irish cream, espresso, green cardamom and clove; or the Caesar-adjacent ‘Kaisaras’ with house pickle infused vodka, harissa spice, clamato, and janissary salt. Altogether, the space and menu feel like a quiet departure from the everyday; weekend mornings, reimagined. Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday, from 10am to 2pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Stable House Bistro, The

1520 W. 13th Ave.

The Stable House Bistro neighbourhood eatery has been serving its community since 2013. This intimate 40 person room – tucked away just off the main South Granville shopping strip, on West 13th Avenue – is a great place to break bread and have a glass of wine with friends, family, or co-workers. And they do brunch! Although their menu features a solid selection of salads, soup and pastas, eggs are the real star of the show…Think Quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur, Black Forest Ham Bennie, and more! Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm. Reservations available. DETAILS

Their There

2042 West 4th Ave.

A Their There brunch classic | Photo by Scout

Definitely the coolest coffee situation going in Kits – and that’s saying something. Their There, sister to Michelin starred AnnaLena restaurant since 2018, pours up a good cup of hot coffee using beans from Fusée Papillon, but the seasonal cold-brewed drinks are also not to be missed (currently, carrot cake – confidently not pumpkin spice, but still embracing Autumn flavours). Brunch is what these guys do, six days of the week, and they do it damn well. Go lux with their slow cooked beef brisket hash over house tater tots with dijon sauerkraut and hollandaise sauce; or chicken and pancakes with miso caramel cream, maple blueberry sauce and a crispy walnut wafer – add shaved foie gras because you can. Like no other. Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm. Closed Mondays. DETAILS

Truck Stop Cafe

1046 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3J9

Fast, friendly and unpretentious, Truck Stop Cafe serves up basic diner-style breakfasts from 9am to 3pm every Saturday (closed on Sundasy). The All Day Breakfast (2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage, hash brown and toast) will run you a more-than-fair $6.95. Famished? Upgrade to the Trucker’s Special (3 eggs, 3 bacon, 3 sausages, and 3 buttermilk pancakes) for just $11.95. (“When in Rome”…) Look for the bubblegum pink building on the corner of Clark and Napier.

Yolks has mastered the art of quick service and fast table turnovers, making it a great place to grab a traditional eggs Benedict (done in several different ways; but we’re partial to the Wild BC Salmon version, with arugula and dill crème fraîche) or a non-traditional ‘Frit-tot-a’ (like a frittata, but with Yolks Tots) or egg sandwich, without a huge investment of time. And although eggs may be their foundation, it wouldn’t be a proper brunch spot without pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Their lemon-truffle roast potatoes are also highly addictive! All three locations are open daily from 8am to 3pm.Walk-ins only on weekends and holidays. DETAILS

Dining and Cooking