Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinIf you’re like us, we can’t function well without a hearty breakfast! But sometimes we don’t really have a lot of time to make our own, especially during busy mornings.
So we decided to scour the city to find the best places to get the best breakfast!
We absolutely enjoyed spending our time eating in these breakfast cafes and while we did indulge in some of the more decadent options, we also made sure to include some healthier choices on our list.
The Best Breakfast Cafes in Vancouver
1. Jam Cafe
When we heard about this breakfast cafe that offers an all-day breakfast, we knew we just had to go. It instantly became one of our favorite breakfast spots in the city!
We must admit that we had a little trouble choosing from their menu as everything looked scrumptious. But we decided on getting one dish for each section of the menu.
The Classic Blackstone Benny was our first order, and although we felt a little guilty about the bacon, we ordered a fruit cup on the side to make up for it.
One thing we can say for sure about these muffins is that they will fill you up, but we didn’t let that stop us from ordering more.
Our next recommendation would be their Old Town Breakfast. Yes, we know that we should go easy on the bacon, but it’s our cheat day today. This is the dish for you if you enjoy savory food!
Now, let’s talk drinks. Jam Cafe doesn’t really skimp on their coffee options, as they have all the classics like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas, but we decided to change it up a little bit and order a specialty drink instead: the Bloody Caesar.
This drink comes with a kick, but it surprisingly complements their breakfast dishes!
2. Cafe Medina
The Café Medina is a cozy breakfast cafe that looks like it came straight out of a magazine, with high ceilings, cement walls, and large windows that allow a lot of natural light to come in.
One of the standout items on the menu for us is the Belgian waffles, which come in a variety of sweet and savory combinations. But our top pick would be the milk chocolate lavender waffle.
It had the right amount of sweetness, and we liked the dipping sauces that came with it as they complemented the flavors of the waffle perfectly.
Their menu also makes them an ideal brunch spot as they serve dishes like avocado toast and omelets. But we were feeling a little adventurous so we opted to order their Paella bowl, and we’re glad we did.
This dish includes chorizo, mussels, and roasted vegetables, topped with a sunnyside egg, and it’s nothing but delicious.
Café Medina also became our go to coffee shop as they offer an extensive selection of coffee beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, brewed coffee, and espresso.
3. Breka Bakery & Café
We just so happened to be walking along Davie Street late at night when we came across this breakfast cafe, and we found out that they’re actually open 24 hours, so we decided to go in and take a peek at their menu.
All we can say is that we have found our place for breakfast pastries. The Breka Bakery & Café had a huge assortment of tortes and strudels on display, so we simply couldn’t order just one!
Our top pick is the European cheesecake with chocolate ganache. If you’re a huge fan of sweets, this pastry will definitely hit the spot, as it has a creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, and the chocolate ganache tastes so rich.
The best way to enjoy these pastries is with a cup of coffee! So we got an iced americano and another one with milk to kind of freshen our palate.
We ended our breakfast with a slice of German chocolate cake, which we highly recommend. It had a rich and decadent flavor and the moist texture was just a chef’s kiss.
It’s also a bonus that we found out that they still use the traditional German recipes for their apple strudels and artisan rye breads. So went ahead and gave those a try as well.
4. Greenhorn Cafe
From the get-go, the Greenhorn Cafe looked like just another breakfast cafe. But we’re so glad we found out that they serve gourmet breakfasts since we really needed a break from the usual breakfast options.
We decided to start off with an order of salad and a cup of coffee to warm up our tummies for when the main course arrives. The salad was a refreshing mix of greens, and the coffee had a rich aroma that awakened our senses.
Now, on to our first recommendation for when you decide to visit Greenhorn Cafe: the Mushroom Quiche. We loved this dish because not only was it filling, but the dipping sauce that came with it added a zesty flavor.
We also recommend you get the “Breakfast Skillet” if you still have room for it. This dish is packed with breakfast favorites such as bacon, eggs, potatoes, avocado, and bread.
We paired this with a hot cup of latte, but you can also have juice and tea with your meals. For those who prefer a lighter meal, we suggest trying their avocado toast topped with cherry tomatoes.
It’s equally delicious but it doesn’t fill you up too much so you have room for dessert.
5. Café Portrait
Ah, Café Portrait. The ideal breakfast cafe for anyone with an interest in coffee or art, as well as those who enjoy people-watching.
This breakfast cafe has portraits covering the walls, and we’re honestly not quite sure how we feel about it. This makes it feel like the people in the pictures are watching over you as you’re sitting down.
Nevertheless, since we’re talking about coffee, Café Portrait serves Aggro Roasters coffee. Aggro Roasters is an organic coffee roaster in Vancouver that’s owned and run by locals.
But while you’re here, we suggest you get the Turkish coffee as it’s their specialty.
This drink was the perfect way to boost our appetite as it’s strong and rich in flavor, and we paired it with their Munch Shakshuka.
The Munch Shakshuka was a little spicy for our taste but the smoky tomato sauce and feta cheese on top added a nice balance to the dish. Plus, the avocado slices were very fresh!
6. Northern Cafe
We spotted the Northern Cafe thanks to a long line we spotted above a hardware store. We got curious and we were also a bit hungry at that time so we decided to go and check out this upstairs breakfast cafe.
We didn’t know what to expect so when we sat down, we ordered a bunch of food items from their menu and we were surprised to taste the Asian influence in their dishes.
If you plan to visit here, we suggest you get the “Steak N’ Eggs” – a breakfast platter with a 6oz AAA sirloin steak, 2 eggs, hand shredded hash, fried mushrooms and onions.
It’s a classic Western dish but you’ll get the hint of Asian spices such as ginger and soy sauce while you eat it.
To wash it all down, this breakfast cafe also has a wide selection of beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and many more. You can also add a fresh lemon water to your order for a healthy start to your day.
But the Northern Cafe and Grill isn’t just a breakfast cafe. They also serve up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and Asian food you’ll most likely see in a Chinese restaurant for lunch and dinner.
7. Roundel Café
We seriously thought we traveled back in time when we dropped by the Roundel Café. This retro breakfast cafe is complete with jukebox tunes and vintage decor and believe us when we say we devoured their breakfast plates.
To save you some time, we highly recommend you get the avocado and tomato Benny first before moving on to the heavier meals. Despite the generous portions, it’s very light on the stomach.
Now, onto the heavy meal. Out of all that we tried, what captured our taste was the pulled chicken sandwich.
The chicken was juicy and tender, and the potatoes that came with it were very soft, so we didn’t have a hard time chewing. Overall, this was a delicious and satisfying meal.
As for coffee, the Roundel Café’s menu is pretty simple, offering drip coffee, Americano, cappuccino, latte, and mocha. But for those looking for a boozy drink, they also serve draft beer, wine, and cocktails for brunch.
8. Bread x Butter Cafe
If you’re a bread and butter enthusiast, then you need to check out the Bread x Butter Cafe in Vancouver. As soon as we walked in, we were hit with the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked muffins, loaves, and cookies.
But this breakfast cafe is more than just about bread; they also serve up some seriously tasty egg toast, sandwiches, and burgers.
Our favorite is the “BC Beef Burger” with BLT or the “Beyond Meat Burger” with vegan meat. And if you’re feeling indulgent, add a side of their crispy, salty fries.
Now, they don’t just serve up delicious baked goods and sandwiches—they also know how to quench your thirst.
If you’re in the mood for something hot, they’ve got you covered with a variety of espresso-based drinks. From classic lattes and cappuccinos to more adventurous options like Matcha latte and London fog.
9. That’s It Cafe
We must admit, we got a little cozy at That’s It Cafe as they have a cozy interior design with minimalist walls, wooden accents, and the restaurant is well-lit.
Their breakfast menu is like a gourmet version of your favorite comfort foods. Take the classic breakfast burrito, for example – at That’s It Cafe, it’s upgraded with citrus mustard aioli and swiss cheese, all served on thick-cut sourdough bread.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss their sweet and savory breakfast options, which include apple pie, creamy rice pudding, and quark cheese cake with cherries.
10. OEB Breakfast Co.
The OEB Breakfast Co. is not your average breakfast cafe. Here, they take breakfast seriously – really seriously. Their menu features unique dishes, such as breakfast poutines or breakfast burgers, and crostinis.
They also gave creative names to their dishes! For example their sandwiches are named after the ingredients they take after such as the “Cluck Norris”, which we highly recommend.
This breakfast sandwich includes pulled chicken, heirloom tomato, cranberry jam, and the pesto mayo really brought out the flavors of the tuna.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, they’ve got you covered there, too. Try the “Do Not Even Go There” – a French-style crepe with loads of sweet toppings such as vanilla custard, berries, banana, and many more that will surely give you that sugar rush.
Our list of the best breakfast cafes in Vancouver has come to an end. However, new cafes are constantly opening in the city, so keep an eye out for future suggestions.
Or, feel free to explore other food scenes, such as coffee shops or brunch buffets, during brunch time.
If you’re interested, check out these other breakfast idea places:
