photo: MARKET by Jean-Georges
Summer’s intoxicating blend of long, sultry days has us chasing every outdoor experience Vancouver has to offer – after all, these days our #lifegoal is to maximize every moment in the sun. And there’s no better place to start than brunch. A favourite pastime among Vancouverites, brunch is even sweeter in summer thanks to lazy days that encourage lingering over lighter dishes, indulging in easy-sipping cocktails and enjoying al fresco entertainment. Don your shades, grab a few friends and make tracks for one of our picks below.
photo: MARKET by Jean-Georges
MARKET by Jean-George: Rosé All Day
The perfect shade-to-sunshine ratio at this lovely terrace located on the third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel is just the icing on the (pan)cake. Recently, the restaurant launched its “Rosé All Day” brunch series, which dishes up tasty new dishes and rosé cocktails alongside performers crooning groovy cover tunes. Guests can choose from menu items like the savoury truffled mushroom paté with mushroom relish; lightened-up avocado toast topped by heirloom tomatoes and sea salt; an indulgent Smoked Cauliflower Croque Madame; and more – or, better yet, order one of each and share amongst the table. The patio bar cart features several rosé styles, as well as delightful cocktails – our favourite is the delicate, subtly sweet La Rosette (sparkling rosé and St. Germain liqueur). Rosé All Day runs every Saturday and Sunday (11.30am to 3pm) until Labour Day.
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver | 1115 Alberni Street | Website
photo: Clough Club
Clough Club: From Brunch to Happy Hour
The hidden, sun-soaked patio here offers a cozier, more secluded alternative to Gastown’s bigger see-and-be-seen brunch venues. Clough Club’s daytime summer menu is all about classic comforts like Chicken & Waffles and Eggs Benny, as well as a collection of sweet and savoury crèpes. Drink options are classic and refreshing: Caesars made with housemade tomato base, frozen cocktails, and the House Radler (Driftwood Witbier combined with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice). Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm (followed by Happy Hour, running from 4pm to 7pm).
212 Abbott Street | Website
photo: Burdock & Co.
Burdock & Co.: Hyper-local Daytime Eats.
Burdock & Co.’s philosophy of using seasonal ingredients means diners are guaranteed flavourful dishes that showcase locally grown summer ingredients. The award-winning brunch menu caters to traditionalists and adventure seekers alike with options ranging from exotic congee with B.C.-grown rice, sea urchin and fried egg to gluten-free eggs benny topped by rich hollandaise. Top it off with the Morning Buzz cocktail – essentially sunshine in a champagne flute, the intoxicating blend combines chamomile-infused gin, honey, lemon and sparkling wine. Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday (10.30am to 2pm).
2702 Main Street | Website
photo: The Union
The Union: Tropical Drinks and Brunch with Bite
The Union’s intimate patio is perfectly situated for guests to soak in the heat along with Chinatown’s chill vibe. Brunch features include bao bun bennies with savoury toppings like smoked salmon and dill cream cheese, and a spicy Indian Flat Bread with red lentil dahl, spinach and crispy fried chickpeas. Tropical cocktails balance the dishes’ exotic bite, including the Brunch Banga (five-spice vodka, tangerine, pineapple, lime and agave) and the non-alcoholic Lapu Lapu (cucumber juice, coconut water, ginger, calamansi and pandan syrup). Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday (10am to 2.30pm). Late to bed on Saturday? Not to worry: every Sunday, The Union also offers all-day Happy Hour drink specials.
219 Union Street | Website
photo: Ancora
Ancora: Patio Views for Days
Ancora’s coveted location along a particularly scenic stretch of the False Creek seawall makes for idyllic patio lounging. Weekend brunch here evokes a casual vibe with classic favourites like rich Dungeness crab bennies and a butter croissant shrimp melt balanced by Peruvian-inspired dishes, including spicy paella with black cod croquettes and chorizo. Best enjoyed with Mimosas and sunnies – and don’t forget the sunscreen! Brunch is offered every Sunday (11am to 2.30pm).
1600 Howe Street #2 | Website
photo: L’Abattoir
L’Abattoir: Bubbles and Brunch
Summertime brunches call for sparkling sippers, seasonal sweets and decadent savouries – and L’Abattoir’s playful Bubbles and Brunch services delivers on all. The French-inspire dishes include oh-so-worth-it indulgences such as caramelized onion and mushroom quiche; sourdough pain perdu (Cajun-style French toast) with butterscotch apple and whipped caramel; and an elegant spin on the classic full breakfast with eggs, duck sausage, pork and beans, boudin noir and toast. Pair your meal with a refreshing bubbly – there’s plenty of choice thanks to a selection of champagnes and B.C. sparkling wines specially curated to complement the brunch menu. Try to score a seat in the atrium, where floor-to-ceiling windows invite streams of delightful sunshine all summer long. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday (10am to 2pm). Happy dining!
217 Carrall Street | Website
