The Best Breakfasts, Breads and Brunches in Vancouver

This post was last updated on September 4, 2018.

Guest Post by Jeska B.

Officially and unofficially known as the most important meal of the day, breakfast — or for the later riser, brunch — is serious business that ought to taste good, nourish, and thoroughly delight first thing in the morning, regardless of whether “morning” occurs at 8 a.m. or noon. Vancouver has long been a beacon of fantastic food and drink, and while its breakfast offerings sometimes slip beneath the radar, there are plenty of diners, restaurants, and bakeries that prove this should change.

Vancouver views at Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour, Vancouver Waterfront

Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious visitor, here are some of the places you must try for a superb, first meal of the day in beautiful Vancouver.

1. Twisted Fork Bistro

Home to one of the most popular brunches in Vancouver, this tasty little joint is busy, cozy, and always reliable. Brunch is served daily from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., which means you don’t have to wait for the weekend to get their stellar Croque Monsieur and banana bread.

They also offer a host of excellent brunch cocktails that go far beyond the traditional Mimosa or Bloody Mary. Try the 3 Musketeer made with brandy, Grand Marnier, and orange juice, or tackle the savory Brutus, a refreshing spin on the Bloody Mary made with vodka, horseradish, Dijon, dill, and clamato juice.

2. Café Medina

Another exceedingly popular brunch spot is Café Medina, best known for their Belgian waffles and the scores of sauces that accompany them. However, their entire menu is quite deserving of attention.
From paella to house-cured bacon, the ingredients and dishes are without compare, and the atmosphere is light, airy, and classy without feeling at all stuffy or self-important. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can also enjoy Café Medina on weekends and holiday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, since they don’t take reservations, you may have to wait a while to get a table — especially if you’re traveling with a large party. Don’t despair. Their food is worth the wait.

3. Terra Breads

Terra Breads opens its doors and its arms to the world each morning at 7 a.m., and for the regulars who depend on their fare, it can’t come early enough. Artisan breads including pumpkin seed, sourdough, rye, and cornbread are made with precision and expertise beginning each morning around 4 a.m. For a taste of old world excellence in the form of a loaf of bread, Terra Breads is a perfect way to start your day.

4. Beaucoup

Beaucoup has much to offer by way of pastries, but the hands-down main reason you should stop there first thing in the morning is due to their decadent croissants. Started by a former graphic designer who quit her job to study pastry making in Paris, Beaucoup’s croissants taste like Paris on a cold, clear day.

Flaky, buttery, perfectly baked — they need absolutely nothing to improve their taste. And, for those times when you’re feeling a need to depart from the traditional, they also have a cheese croissant.

5. Nice Café

Nice Café epitomizes the delectable greasy spoon for those mornings when you want a hearty meal that tastes great, but you don’t want to spend too much time oohing and aahing over the presentation. Their inexpensive and simple menu belies how tasty everything is. The coffee is hot if not memorable, and the second cup is free.

Order eggs with hash browns and be sure to choose the sourdough toast. You’ll get plenty full on good food, and once it’s over, you’ll be amazed at how inexpensive the whole experience was.

6. Yolks

Another solid all-day brunch and breakfast restaurant that’s open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, Yolks offers free-range eggs, locally roasted coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. They also make their own sausage, and their hollandaise is second to none.

Unexpected items that should be tried include a nice range of hot chocolate and chocolate milk options as well as a spiced cider that comes with or without booze.

Eating in Vancouver has long been considered one of the best decisions a food lover can make, and that trend continues. Whether business or pleasure brings you to Vancouver, be sure to rouse yourself each day with a worthy appetite for some of the best morning meals in all of North America.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

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