Kitsilano is known as brunch central for its plethora of egg-poaching and pancake-flipping eateries. But what about when you want something a little different? Here are five brunch spots that offer something a bit more off the eaten track.
Oakwood Canadian Bistro
Eggs over easy are a classic, but pair them with avocado on toast, maple pork belly, pea shoots and fries, and the classic goes full-on contemporary. The menu here changes regularly, but the eggs are certified organic, and the meats are fully free-range, GMO-free and naturally raised (no animal byproducts, synthetic chemicals or antibiotics). Coconut-crusted French toast is a winner, as is the smoked ham hock benedict. TheOakwood.ca
Aphrodite’s Organic Café
Served daily until 3pm, this is the perfect mid-week escape. Everything’s organic, and the roasted fennel and tofu scramble is delicious, with vegan cilantro cream and roasted shallots. When something sweet is needed, one of their famed pie slices is always a good choice, or you could go for the stuffed French toast with quark cheese, fresh fruit and Chantilly cream. OrganicCafe.ca
Fable Kitchen
Chef Trevor Bird stays true to the farm-to-table philosophy with dishes like the Fable stew, loaded with eggs, lardons, mushrooms, potatoes and kale, and sided with bread and tomato “jam.” Don’t miss the pulled pork Johnny cakes, a free-range take on a classic Caribbean treat. Pair with the bacon caesar made with organic hemp vodka. For something that’s a bit more heart-healthy, try the overnight oats, studded with banana, trail mix and berries. Bonus for parents: There’s a kids menu for the 10 and under set. FableKitchen.ca
Au Comptoir
What’s brunch without a Kir Royale or Mimosa, and some oysters? The cucumber mignonette is lovely and there’s nothing more French than a round of oysters with something bubbly. The crispy fried duck wings are decadent and addictive. Almond waffles with caramelized bananas and vanilla crème fraîche are a good sweet choice, and for something more feral, the veal sweetbreads with asparagus, morel mushrooms and poached egg are lusty and rich. AuComptoir.ca
Trafalgars Bistro
The ham and bacon is cured and smoked in-house, and this long-running bistro has been called Vancouver’s greenest restaurant. Everything is local, sustainable, ethically raised or sourced, and all seafood is Ocean Wise. House-smoked cod fritters are a great start, but save room for the Peace Country lamb burger with onion jam on poppy seed brioche. The popular fried chicken and waffles are here as well, but the waffles are made with bacon, and it’s free-run breast, rather than leg, so you can fool yourself into thinking it’s actually good for you. Trafalgars.com
