REVIEW | The Best Brunch Spots in Vancouver

While brunch menus are usually limited to variations of the same classic dishes,  like avocado toast, eggs and waffles, there is a lot of room for experimentation and excellence in both flavour and presentation. The following restaurants are reviewed on the quality of their ingredients, the diversity of their menu, the quality of service, presentation, and overall taste. The majority of these restaurants are centrally located and should be accessible to Hamber students.

Cafe Medina 

780 Richards St 

Rating: 5/5

Price: Mains from $11 to $26, sides from $2.50 - $8 and drinks from $3.25 to $8

The Story: According to their website, Cafe Medina “is a purveyor of fine Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, connoisseur-savvy coffee and sweet sustenance via the city’s best Belgian waffles.” Mentioned in the Michelin Guide, this restaurant’s impeccable service and quality ingredients stood out among the options reviewed here. With a diverse menu that offers unique savory options and their famous liege waffles, ordering both a sweet dish and a savory dish was the best way for me to get a sense of their impeccable quality. No matter what you order, it must be accompanied by a serving of their liege waffles, which can be ordered with an assortment of toppings. Medina hosts a compelling atmosphere that blends industrial tones with antique French decor. Despite the prices and the wait time, this restaurant is without a doubt worth the line and the five star rating.

Food to try: 

Avocado Toast ($11): Despite arguably being one of the most “basic” brunch foods, this Avocado Toast exceeds expectations. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, fresh salsa and served on grilled focaccia, this is a perfect example of Medina’s excellence. 

Mini Liege Waffles ($4.20 each): Best topped with their Mixed Berry Compote (an additional $1.25), and White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater sauce (an additional $1.25), their freshly baked mini waffles complement any of their savory dishes or drinks perfectly. 

Nero Waffles

1002 Seymour St or 1703 Robson St 

Rating: 4.5/5

Price: $$

The Story: Specializing in Belgian waffles, Nero has two downtown locations which offer an array of unique waffles and drinks. As if choosing which toppings to order wasn’t hard enough, the restaurant serves two different types of waffles, Liege and Brussels. Brussels waffles are light and crispy and can be paired with sweet and savory toppings, while the Liege waffles are soft, sweet and chewy, and go best with sweet toppings. While both variations are good on their own, the addition of toppings makes them so much better. They also sell mini liege waffles to-go in flavors like Raspberry, Matcha, Smores and Churro, for $3.70 each or a box of 7 for $22, which allow you to bring the experience home. 

Food to try: Waffles from $6.50 to 21$ and drinks from $4 to $7

Tiramisu Waffle ($17): A new take on the classic Italian dessert combines a chocolate waffle with espresso mascarpone, belgian dark chocolate flakes, cocoa powder and vanilla ice cream. The bitterness and sweetness are perfectly balanced.

Avocado Benedict Brussels Waffle ($19): This dish elevates the classic eggs benedict in a unique and delicious way. Served on a crispy Brussels waffle topped with avocado, poached eggs, greens, and a house made hollandaise sauce, the Avocado Benedict waffle is a  perfect savory option. 

El Camino’s

3250 Main St - Weekends only from 10 AM - 2.30 PM

Rating: 4/5

Price: Mains from $12 to $18.50 and sides from $6 to $14

The Story: While also offering dinner, El Camino’s popular weekend brunch blends Latin American street food with classic brunch items. Their savory options balance spice and acidity, while their sweet dishes use unique garnishes to enhance overall richness and flavor. This is complemented by a vibrant and fun atmosphere. However, the menu is somewhat limited, especially when it comes to vegetarian or vegan options. 

Food to try: 

Canela French Toast ($16.50): Their French Toast, made with fluffy cinnamon bread and served with tequila caramel sauce, strawberries, bananas, candied pepitas and whipped cream, is rich and delicious. 

Huevos Rancheros ($16.50): Served on crispy tortillas and topped with sunny side up eggs, black beans, feta, avocado and ranchero sauce with home style potatoes on the side, the Huevous Rancheros offers classic Mexican flavors and a good amount of spice.

Guacamole + Chips ($14): While this doesn’t necessarily scream “brunch food,” the dish strikes a perfect balance between the spice and acidity of the guacamole and the salt of the chips.

Jam Cafe

556 Beatty St or 2153 West 4th Ave

Rating: 3.5/5

Price: Mains from $16 to $22.75, sides from $3 to $9.50 and drinks from $1.50 to $10.50

The Story: With three Vancouver locations, this local favorite always has a line outside, no matter the weather. The wait is somewhat worthwhile considering Jam Cafe’s multitude of both sweet and savory options, including benedicts, skillets, pancakes and waffles. While their food is good, it isn’t worth the ordeal of waiting in line for an hour, which makes this spot less appealing. Best to go on a weekday, instead of a weekend to avoid the full extent of the wait time. 

Food to try:

The Herald Street Omelette ($21): Named after their original location in Victoria, this four egg omelette is made with a choice of three fillings and is served with hashbrowns and toast. Filling options include cheese, salsa, tomato, bacon, spanish, mushrooms and ham.

The Fat Elvis Waffle ($19.75): Their house waffle topped with caramelized bananas, sugar-cured bacon and a peanut butter drizzle is both rich and flavourful, and is a great sweet option. 

Pür and Simple

299 East 10th Ave

Rating: 3/5

Price: Mains from $12.5 to $22.5 and drinks from $3 to $8

The Story:

Pür and Simple serves classic brunch dishes, which have that homestyle taste. It is well priced for the portion sizing, and offers an array of options ranging from waffles to benedicts. Large windows let lots of natural light into this clean and welcoming brunch spot. However, the dishes aren’t the most unique, and the quality and freshness of ingredients aren’t the best, despite the good presentation. 

Food to try: 

The Canadian ($20.5): A good way to sample Pür and Simple’s menu, this dish comes with 2 eggs with the option of bacon, sausage or ham and a choice of crepes, pancakes, french toast or a waffle. 

Smoothies ($7.50): Their array of berry smoothies accompany any main course well.