Twisted Fork Bistro is an unlikely gem amongst the sea of bright lights along the Granville Street strip. This restaurant is only open for breakfast and brunch, serving up comforting dishes from 8 am until 3 pm every day. The menu is chock-full of tempting dishes with options like a sweet banana stuffed brioche French toast. Feeling savory? Order a favorite brunch classic, eggs Benedict (with your choice of filler). Twisted Fork makes their own jams and pickled vegetables that accompany some of the dishes. They even sell them so you can grab some to take home. It's a popular spot with a line that builds quickly. If you find yourself waiting in line, there are cafes nearby where you can grab a cup of coffee to
Recommended for Breakfast because: If you like sweet in the morning, Twisted Fork Bistro's banana stuffed brioche French toast topped with vanilla whipped cream is to die for.
Natasha's expert tip: There's often a wait for brunch on the weekend, but it is worth it. Grab a coffee from Blenz at Granville and Davie to make the wait go by a little more quickly. If you can hold off, they serve coffee in individual French presses inside.
One visit to Purebread in Vancouver's Gastown and you'll see what all the fuss is about. With freshly baked goods that change daily, there's always something new that will tempt. Purebread uses only quality ingredients and bakes everything from scratch. From spinach feta brioche to vegan flourless chocolate chip cookies, Purebread serves a wide variety that caters to varying dietary restrictions. With all of the options, it's overwhelming (in the best way) when you first walk in. Take a moment to scan before choosing. Purebread serves Stumptown Coffee and Namaste teas along with hot chocolate and cold drinks. They're open throughout the day so you can stop by for breakfast, lunch or a quick snack.
Recommended for Breakfast because: If you love walking into a buttery heaven of baked goods first thing in the morning, you have to run to Purebread.
Natasha's expert tip: Get there before 11am have your pick of the freshest baked goods, keeping in mind that the earlier the better.
The atmosphere inside of this East Van restaurant evokes the retro furniture section in a thrift store. Although it's very charming, their reason for doing so is ethically sound and their devotion to the environment and the health of our bodies is dispersed from concept to menu. Local wines and beers mingle with organic and free-range ingredients to produce a socially responsible and healthy environment. They're constantly looking at ways to give back to the community. The menu is vegetarian but also favors vegan diets. With the use of nuts, tofu and beans, it's hard to miss the lack of meat. For breakfast, tuck into breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, their version of eggs Benedict, French toast, and so many other tasty options. The price point here is also pretty reasonable and the portion sizes are decent.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Bandidas Taqueria's vegan breakfast won't have you missing eggs and bacon. That being said, they do have eggs at this vegetarian restaurant.
Natasha's expert tip: Peak hours can bring a bit of a wait so get there early to avoid the line.
If you have a love affair with Parisian cafes, Au Comptoir in Vancouver's Kitsilano doesn't disappoint. When the sun rises and you're feeling perfectly caffeinated, marinate over the breakfast menu. From simple options to the more involved, there are just enough items to make your decision a tough one. If it's the former you want, freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat satisfy. For the latter, the croque-madame made with gruyére, ham, and a fried egg on country bread with a salad will hit the spot. The space itself nods to Parisian cafes, complete with classic French bistro chairs. When it comes to service, it's friendly and efficient.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Au Comptoir's omelet aux fines herbes is simple, delicious and perfectly cooked.
Natasha's expert tip: Dining solo? Au Comptoir is the perfect place to do just that because of it's cozy space and seating at the bar.
Step inside Catch 122 Bistro and immerse yourself in this Gastown eatery, where comfort food reigns supreme. The large space is warmed up with the custom wood tables and modern industrial lighting that looks cool during the day and sets the mood at night. While there are a bunch of egg-centric dishes, they also have sweet options like liege waffles and hot cakes. Though, if it's eggs you want, it's eggs they have. You can't go wrong with their eggs Benedict. This classic brunch staple usually comes with bacon, but at Catch 122 you have a choice of a vegetarian, pescatarian and meat option. What's also great about Catch 122 is that they have a lot of vegetarian options alongside some meaty mains.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Made with cauliflower-cheese croquettes, mushrooms, smoked tomato jam, greens and hollandaise, Catch 122 Cafe Bistro's cauliflower Benedict is a fun twist on a classic.
Natasha's expert tip: Going with kids? They have a menu for the under 12s that can change from time to time.
Known for their pulled pork pancakes, The Red Wagon Cafe is an East Vancouver favorite. Some brunch places around the city stop service around 3 pm, but these guys are open until 9 pm on the weekend. This bodes well for those who may have had a late night and need a late start to the day. The all-day menu includes brunch classics like eggs Benedict, a frittata, omelets and pancakes. For something a little different, try the BBQ brisket that's served with two eggs, house-made BBQ brisket, jalapeno cornbread and homefries. If your idea of brunch leans more towards burgers and sandwiches, they've got plenty of lunch and dinner options on the menu too.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Red Wagon Cafe's menu is stacked and the buttermilk pancakes layered with pulled pork, and Jack Daniels maple syrup is a hit.
Natasha's expert tip: If you're going on the weekend, get there bright and early to beat the line.
Jam Cafe brings comfort food to the next level with its all-day breakfast menu. Born in Victoria, Jam Cafe now has three locations, this third location in Kitsilano being their youngest. The space is cute with its antique touches, making for a cozy breakfast. Once settled, order a coffee or perhaps something with a kick. The classic Jam caesar with bacon is a popular choice. With both all-day breakfast and all-day lunch options, it's going to be a tough call. Breakfast dishes include classics like biscuits, omelets, Benedicts, and waffles. They also have their own breakfast creations. For something different, check out the naan breakfast burrito that's made with two sunny side eggs, avocado-bean salad, goat cheese and their house chili sauce. If you're feeling more like lunch, there's a solid selection of sandwiches that'll nourish. They're fried chicken sandwiches are a favorite.
Recommended for Breakfast because: If you love pancakes, you'll love Jam Cafe. With six different kinds to choose from, their red velvet and pulled pork are a real treat.
Natasha's expert tip: As much as Jam Cafe is known for their food, they're also known for a long line up. Expect an hour or so wait. There are coffee shops nearby or on route to grab a warm one while you wait. The closest being a Starbucks at International Villages Mall about a block away.
Locals flock to this popular brunch spot for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and Belgian waffles. There's usually a line to get a table, but if you go when they first open, you likely won't have to wait long. Medina is known for their waffles and though they may look small, they're quite dense and filling. Choose from toppings like milk chocolate lavender, fig orange marmalade and a mixed berry compote, to name a few. For your main, the tagine is tasty. Two poached eggs and merguez sausage are set atop a spicy tomato and chickpea stew and garnished with raita and grilled focaccia. There are so many great options to choose from that deciding is the hardest part. Medina Cafe is definitely the place to go if you're looking to shake things up and veer away from your typical breakfast fare.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Medina Cafe's waffles are where it's at. The milk chocolate lavender dipping sauce is pretty dreamy.
Natasha's expert tip: On weekends there can be very long waits and if you can wake up bright and early, you can beat the lineup.
If you love eggs Benny, you'll love Yolks. Their homemade hollandaise sauce is a real winner. Choose from Benny fillers like avocado with lemon and spinach, smoked wild BC sockeye salmon, maple ham with spinach and dijon, and more. You can have it served as a one-egg sandwich or a two-egg Benny, with add-on sides if you wish. If hollandaise isn't your thing, they also have grated cheddar as an alternative topping. Also delicious. In addition to the eggy offerings, they also make a mean chicken and waffles and French toast. For those who are leaning more towards a healthful option, the oatmeal or honey toasted granola satisfies. Whatever you pick, save room for an order of beignets with salted caramel dip.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Do not skip the lemon-truffle hashbrowns at Yolks. They're what breakfast dreams are made of.
Natasha's expert tip: Gluten-free? You can switch out the traditional (non-gluten) English muffin for a gluten-free option.
Chambar's one of the few restaurants that's open first thing and closes late in the evening. This bodes well for hungry diners in search of a delicious meal, any time of day. Whether you're here for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, the Belgian-North African cuisine brings beautiful dishes to the table. Breakfast starts at 8 am so you can even sneak in a breakfast date before hitting the office. On the menu, you'll find dishes like their paella. It's made with a fried egg, curried orzo, hot Spanish chorizo, charred tomato salsa, cucumber and cilantro. For something a little lighter, get the bon matin. This breakfast plate comes with prosciutto, tomato, avocado, olive tapenade, a soft boiled egg, brie, and sourdough. If you like sweets in the morning, be sure to order one of their waffles and a lavender latte.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Chambar's fricassee with braised short ribs, balsamic cippolini onions, potatoes, watercress, fried eggs, and applewood smoked cheddar is ridiculously indulgent and delicious.
Natasha's expert tip: Chambar takes reservations so give them a call to secure a table for breakfast, lunch or dinner.