The Canadian Brunch Bucket List: 10 of the Best Places to Eat Brunch in Canada
Updated: Jul. 31, 2023There’s no better way to kick off your weekend than with a leisurely cup of hot coffee and a mouthwatering meal that’s made to order. From hidden gem cafés to high-profile restaurants, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best places to eat brunch in Canada.
The Best Brunch Places Across Canada
Brunch has become a beloved weekend tradition in Canada, with restaurants across the country curating exceptional brunch menus to satisfy every kind of craving. This list of Canada’s best brunch places, based on OpenTable’s recent report on The 100 Most Popular Brunches in Canada, highlights the most in-demand eateries from coast to coast. Find out why these particular restaurants have earned a reputation as a bucket-list brunch destination—and how they’re raising the bar for brunch places nationwide.
1 Kitchen Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Between the bright, glass-walled conservatory-style dining area, vaulted wood ceilings, and lush greenery, 1 Kitchen Toronto is a serene oasis that feels a world away from the city’s bustling downtown core. Brunch at this King West institution is served on Saturdays and Sundays, with a farm-to-table menu that showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients. Among the crowd-pleasing highlights is the Steak and Eggs dish: a tender and juicy flank steak complemented by a rich red wine jus, paired with two farm-fresh homestead eggs and golden, crispy home fries. Truly brunch perfection.
Looking for something sweet to cap it off? Follow Ontario’s famous butter tart trail.
Ancaster Mill
Ancaster, Ontario
Nestled beside a picturesque creek and boasting breathtaking waterfall views, the award-winning Ancaster Mill is one of the Hamilton region’s most in-demand brunch places. From delectable salads and fresh seafood to made-to-order omelettes and prime rib carving stations, the Sunday brunch menu caters to every taste. The secret to the culinary team’s success? A focus on farm-to-table freshness, making the most of local, in-season ingredients.
After brunch, explore these great day trips from Hamilton.
Bar Sofia
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Bar Sofia is one of the most noteworthy weekend brunch places on the east coast of Canada—and the next best thing to a sunny Latin-American holiday. That’s certainly the vibe of this elegant downtown Halifax establishment, decorated with the bright and bohemian artwork of Brazil’s famed Rafael Silveira. Latin-inspired flavours also take centre stage, with a breakfast empanada a true standout on the brunch menu. The must-have dish features two poached eggs atop a savoury Gaucho Pie Co. beef empanada, complemented by golden papas, juicy tomatoes, and an irresistible chimichurri-based sauce.
Campio Brewing Co.
Edmonton, Alberta
If you’re looking for epic brunch places in Edmonton, Campio Brewing Co. stands out from the crowd. Case in point, their signature Brunch Pizza. Featuring a truffle garlic cream base, and topped with Campio cheese, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, two perfectly fried eggs, and a scattering of fresh arugula, this delightful dish leaves a lasting impression.
Discover more hidden gems across Canada.
Cantina Gia
Ottawa, Ontario
Located in Ottawa’s downtown Glebe neighbourhood, Cantina Gia captures the true essence of Italian cuisine. The porchetta sandwich, served on Tuscan focaccia and accompanied by grainy mustard and sliced pear, is a prime example of the flavours co-owners Chef Adam Vettorel and Chris Schlesak bring to the table. Their passion for Italian cuisine and dedication to quality shines through in every dish on the brunch menu.
Check out 10 day trips from Ottawa worth adding to your itinerary.
Le Pois Penché
Montréal, Quebec
Le Pois Penché is a charming Montreal-style brasserie with an elegant interior and a brunch menu to match, filled with beloved French comfort-food classics. Indulge in time-honoured traditional dishes like steak frites, Parisian omelettes, tartare, salade niçoise, and freshly baked croissants. It’s by far one of the best brunch places for a romantic date in Montreal.
Find out more great things to do in Montreal this summer.
LOV Centropolis
Laval, Quebec
Montreal’s LOV Centropolis offers an irresistible plant-based menu with plenty of choices to suit every palate. Brunch menu highlights include the Forest Crostini, a delightful dish combining pan-fried umami mushrooms, crisp asparagus, delicate microgreens, and a luscious truffle sauce. For those seeking a sweeter start to their day, LOV’s Sweet Waffle featuring succulent berries and a delectable chocolate-hazelnut spread is an absolute winner.
These hidden gems in Quebec are worth exploring.
Neverland Tea Salon
Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s been 10 years since childhood best friends Terri Tatchell and Renee Iac opened the doors to Neverland Tea Salon, drawing on their background in theatre and film to create a space with a truly enchanting atmosphere. Exuding both elegance and whimsy, the Kitsilano hotspot continues to serve up a high tea experience like no other. The menu offers a remarkable selection of more than 60 teas sourced from four continents. Looking for a special afternoon with the family? Book the Tinkerbell High Tea: a kid-friendly experience designed for children 12 and under, featuring a delightful selection of finger sandwiches and sweet treats even the pickiest of eaters will love.
Here are 10 must-try Canadian dishes—and the best places in the country to find them.
The Vermillion Room
Banff, Alberta
The Vermillion Room is a beautiful brasserie inside Fairmont Banff Springs, one of Alberta’s most luxurious mountain resorts—and best brunch places. Their indulgent Sunday brunch includes all your breakfast favourites, along with carving stations and an array of spectacular desserts. Among the true standouts here are the caffeinated cocktails, including the Iced Irish, which combines the robust flavours of Irish Whiskey, cold espresso and cold brew coffee, along with a hint of sugar and fresh cream. We’ll toast to that.
Discover the fascinating origins of the Caesar—Canada’s unofficial cocktail.
Zarak
Vancouver, British Columbia
One of the most exciting brunch places in Vancouver, Zarak serves up traditional fare with an Afghan twist. Take that brunch classic, eggs Benedict, for instance: Here, tender lamb takes the place of ham or bacon, pairing perfectly with tangy pickled cabbage and zesty salsa verde. A chutney hollandaise sauce adds a layer of richness and complexity to the dish, making it a standout choice for brunch enthusiasts. *Chef’s kiss*
Next, check out Canada’s most unique restaurants.
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