Top 5 Facts About The Vancouver Brunch Scene

A Local Look at What Makes Brunch in This City So Unique

Vancouver is one of the most brunch-obsessed cities in Canada, and the city’s vibrant brunch culture is woven into its unique character—there’s more to it than avocado toast and packed patios. With influences from around the globe and a strong sense of community, the Vancouver brunch scene offers surprises at every corner. Whether you’re a tourist, local foodie, or weekend ritualist, here are five things you probably didn’t know about where and how Vancouver brunches.

1. Some of the Best Brunches Are in the Most Unexpected Places

Forget downtown hotspots. Some of Vancouver’s best brunch restaurants are hidden in warehouses, laneways, and lumberyards—literally.

The city’s brunch scene thrives in a variety of unique locations, from hidden warehouses to neighborhood gems.

Take Northern Cafe, for example: perched above a working lumberyard in South Vancouver, it’s a throwback to 1949 with a modern soul. There’s no flashy sign. Just a creaky staircase and the smell of sizzling bacon.

Why it matters: Vancouverites love a good secret, and when they find it, they tell everyone—quietly.

2. Brunch Here Goes Beyond Bacon and Eggs

Vancouver’s brunch menus reflect the city itself: diverse, vibrant, and deliciously unpredictable.

Northern Cafe, brunch includes:

• Handmade pork gyoza
• House wontons in broth
• Eggs Benny with creamy béarnaise
• Classic diner plates with a side of nostalgia
• Fried Chicken and Frend Toast
• Breakfast sandwich known for its richness with a Bearnaise creamy Dip
• Amazing Omelettes including the Meat Lovers Omelette
• Fluffy Pancakes which includes Blueberry or Chocolate

3. The Line Is Part of the Culture

If you’ve waited an hour for brunch in Vancouver, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. Lines have become part of the experience, a badge of honour for those chasing the best.

At Northern Cafe, we’ve seen guests wait in the rain, snow, and shine just to sit in their favorite booth. But once you’re inside? It’s worth every second. There’s nothing like finally gathering around the table with friends or family, sharing food and laughter in a warm, communal setting. “It’s a long wait, but it feels like family when you get there.”

4. The Community Is as Important as the Food

Vancouver brunch isn’t just about eating — it’s about connecting. These establishments serve not only delicious food but also lasting memories and a sense of belonging.

That’s why diners leave handwritten notes on our walls at Northern Cafe. Some share their first visit. Others mark family milestones. We’ve received notes in dozens of languages, from guests who’ve traveled across the world just to sit in our booth.

Brunch is memory-making — and the community plays a big part.

5. Vancouver Magazine’s Awards Shape the Scene

Want to know which places are truly worth visiting? Keep an eye on the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. These annual recognitions have become a major influence in the brunch world — and guess what? Other award-winning rests, like Acorn, are also celebrated for their creative, vegetable-forward brunch, open kitchen concept, and status as iconic destinations.

Many of these top spots are recognized not just for brunch, but also for their outstanding lunch and dinner menus, making them all-day destinations. On weekends, these restaurants are especially popular, with guests enjoying signature brunch cocktails like mimosas.

Northern Cafe was named Best Brunch in 2025.

From humble roots to top honours, our story is proof that a little heart goes a long way.

Neighborhood Favorites: Where Locals Really Brunch

When it comes to brunch in Vancouver, the real magic happens in the neighborhoods—where locals flock for delicious comfort food and inventive twists on classic breakfast dishes. These beloved brunch spots are where you’ll find the city’s true flavor, from the sizzle of bacon to the aroma of fresh coffee and pancakes.

Take Fable Kitchen, a Kitsilano staple known for its creative menu and welcoming atmosphere. Here, breakfast sandwiches are elevated to an art form, and the pulled pork pancakes are a must-try for anyone craving something hearty and unique. Their eggs benedict, served with perfectly poached eggs and house-made hollandaise, is a local favorite that keeps guests coming back week after week.

Just a few blocks away, Jam Cafe is a brunch lover’s paradise, offering everything from crispy fried chicken and golden waffles to vibrant avocado toast and grilled pita piled high with fresh toppings. The menu is packed with comfort food classics and adventurous new dishes, like harissa spiced beef and decadent white chocolate pistachio rosewater pancakes. Whether you’re in the mood for a basic benedict or something that pushes the boundaries of breakfast, these neighborhood gems have you covered.

So next time you’re searching for the best brunch in Vancouver, skip the tourist traps and head to where the locals brunch—you’ll find generous portions, friendly service, and a menu full of dishes worth waking up for.

Mediterranean Mornings: A Taste of the Mediterranean in Vancouver’s Brunch Scene

Vancouver’s brunch scene isn’t just about Canadian classics—it’s also a haven for Mediterranean inspired cuisine that brings a fresh, vibrant twist to your morning meal. If you’re craving something a little different, these Mediterranean brunch spots are sure to satisfy.

Café Medina is a downtown favorite, famous for its legendary Belgian waffles and creative toppings like white chocolate pistachio rosewater and tangy tomato jam. Their poached eggs are served with a Mediterranean flair, often paired with prosciutto or nestled atop a bed of spiced harissa beef. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, making every brunch feel like a special occasion.

For those who love to share, Delara offers a spread of Mediterranean-inspired dishes perfect for a leisurely brunch with friends. Think creamy baba ganoush, silky hummus, and warm grilled pita, all served alongside crispy pickles and savory hash. Their eggs and bacon get a Mediterranean makeover, with herbs and spices that transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or looking to explore new flavors, Vancouver’s Mediterranean brunch spots offer a delicious way to start your day. With fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, these restaurants are redefining what brunch in Vancouver can be.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver’s brunch scene is much more than trendy cafes and photo-worthy lattes. It’s full of hidden gems, family-owned diners, fusion flavours, and heartfelt stories.

So the next time you’re wondering where to go, don’t just follow the buzz — follow the love. Follow the stories. Follow the smell of wontons, béarnaise, and home-cooked pancakes.

We’ll be waiting for you.

 

Visit Us in South Vancouver

• Where: Upstairs above the lumberyard at 1640 East Kent Ave: Find us here! 
• When: Monday to Saturday from 8am-3pm
• What Else to Try: Blueberry Pancakes with fresh blueberries, Eggs Benny, Pork Gyoza