Whoever said breakfast is the most important meal of the day clearly didn’t understand the value of a quality lie-in.
Why force-feed yourself a lacklustre bowl of cereal at 7 a.m. when you can roll out of bed whenever you please and prop yourself in front of a more adequately sized, more filling, and frankly more fetching plate of food? Better yet, why waste time and energy in the kitchen when there are more than a few adept chefs serving up a multitude of fine dishes at establishments that are far more happening than the living room sofa?
We don't pretend to have all the answers here at the North Shore News, but we certainly have the ones that matter - and that's where to find the best brunch here on the North Shore. Whether sweet or savoury, all manner of best brunches can be found in our round-up below.
Merèon
It might be a newcomer but it is by no means struggling to capture the attention of locals - Merèon in its short six months has already made an indelible mark on the North Shore’s food scene. The West Vancouver-based French bistro is authentic and unstuffy, and it's an ethos that translates to its plates with ease. Think French onion soup and light quiches, sunny-side up croque monsieurs and oozing egg croquettes. Close your eyes, and you might just be able to convince yourself you’re sitting, swallowing brunch bites by the Seine.
1479 Clyde Ave, West Vancouver, mereon.ca
Jam Cafe
If you like your fare flavourful and your serving sizes colossal, then you’ve likely already been part of the lively throng that awaits outside Jam cafe’s doors on a Sunday morning. The cafe, one of four locations across Vancouver, has gained cult status for a reason: its seriously stacked plates are so delicious, you’ll be throwing aside all sense of courteousness to tackle them Bruce-from-Matilda style. Especially noteworthy are the pancakes, which, full warning, often require a return to bed after consumption.
100 1st St E, North Vancouver, jamcafes.com
The Bakehouse
You’ve got the window seat, a sun-drenched spot at an antique wooden table. Outside, people stroll past with market vegetables in tow or freshly bought flowers. In front of you sits a sour cherry tart. Or a fluffy cinnamon peach scone. Or even a hefty slab of lemon buttermilk pie. Breakfast at The Bakehouse is an experience reserved for lazy mornings where schedules are slim and cravings are of the sweet variety. (The menu traverses all manner of savoury brunch options too, but the baked goods are really the cream of the crop.)
2453 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, bakehousedundarave.com
Douce Diner
Head chef, and Top Chef Canada alum, Dawn Doucette wants us to reconsider everything we think we know about the classic diner experience. Vintage diners shouldn't have to equate to greasy plates and sticky floors, sometimes they can even be pastel-hued, adorable, and homes of fresh and flavourful food. Green Goddess salad bowls sit alongside thick-cut French toast, french onion grilled cheeses, stuffed breakfast sandwiches, and bowls of housemade granola.
1490 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver, doucediner.co
Tommy’s Cafe
To those who recoil at the word ‘brunch’ do not fear, you’ll find no smashed avocado toasts, mimosas or phone wielding influencers here. Laid back and welcoming, the family owned and operated Tommy's Cafe tends to specialize in unfussy sammys, fry-ups, sweet plates and burgers. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though. The retro-themed pit stop has been a staple of the community since 1990 thanks to its affordable prices, incredible service, cozy atmosphere and downright delectable classics.
1308 Ross Rd, North Vancouver, instagram.com/tommyscafe
Catch 122
If you’re looking to treat yourself to an especially decadent brunch (and why the hell not), look no further than Carrie Cates Court newcomer Catch 122. At once familiar and novel, the dishes served up here are like classics that have been carefully curated within a Willy Wonka factory. Sure, you’ve had a Snickers bar, but have you had Snickers pancakes with peanut and pumpkin seed nougat? Malt? peanut chocolate wafer? You’ve likely eaten chicken and waffles, but what about rosemary maple chicken waffles drenched in honey chipotle butter? An oat latte, but with house-made lavender syrup? Memorable dishes, to say the least.
28 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, catch122.ca
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
