The holidays are great for getting together with friends and family for meals. Thankfully, they don’t all have to be at home. We’ve poked around and confirmed this list of ten tasty options for December 26th (Boxing Day) and/or New Year’s Day. If we’ve missed a really good one, please share in the comments.
Phnom Penh
You won’t be the only one thinking that a feast of lemon-garlic fried chicken wings, green onion oyster pancakes, Chinese sausage fried rice, and butter beef is exactly what is required on Boxing Day. Don’t fret, as the line-up at Phnom Penh – the Cambodian-Vietnamese-Chinese family institution in Chinatown – moves with reasonable speed. December 26th | 10am-9pm
BELLS & WHISTLES
The Bells & Whistles brunch menu may be short, but the All Day Breakfast Burger is STACKED. It doesn’t hurt that the beer menu is also on point with some exceptional seasonal brews. December 26th, 2019 & January 1st, 2020 | 11:30am
FABLE DINER
This casual, super-consistent diner is open for brunch-only on New Year’s Day. Not ready to give up the indulgent streak you cultivated over the holidays? Keep it up by slurping up a fresh banana and vanilla ice cream milkshake topped with caramel and crispy bits of salted cereal before tucking into a roast duck pancake. January 1st, 2020 | 9am – 2pm
HOMER STREET CAFE & BAR
Head to Yaletown for a classy brunch in this bright and beautiful space. The rotisserie will be operating at full tilt alongside a menu divided into two categories: “Eggs” and “Not Eggs”. Although you may initially scoff at the latter suggestion, be prepared to be swayed… December 26th, 2019 & January 1st, 2020 | 10:30am – 2:30pm
HUNNYBEE BRUNCHEONETTE
For casual and friendly vibes, wholesome eats and prime people-watching, hit this neighbourhood hub on the edge of Chinatown and Strathcona. Hunnybee is open for both post-holiday services, and we’re excited to fork their jam and crumble-topped ricotta pancakes. December 26th, 2019 & January 1st, 2020 | 9am – 3pm
Sprezzatura
Whether you’re winding down or fueling up to brave the [shudder] Boxing Day shopping crowds, pizza for breakfast is a great idea. This new Mount Pleasant (Kingsway and 11th) Italian spot’s brunch menu has both a veg and meat Breakfast Pizza option as well as a Panuozzo (basically a pizza dough sandwich). December 26th, 2019 | 11:30am – 3pm
JUKE FRIED CHICKEN
Whether you’re anti-resolution or resolved to approach 2020 with a fresh attitude, you’ll want to go out of your way to attend Juke’s 4th annual ‘Cluck Your Resolutions’ brunch party. Double up on all-day half-price chicken and waffles, and wash them down with delicious cocktails courtesy of new bar manager Sabrine Dhaliwal. January 1st, 2020 | Noon – 3pm
RED WAGON
If you anticipate feeling rough around the edges on New Years Day, a low-key brunch might be a good idea. Roll into this East Van institution for a no-nonsense Trucker breakfast or a stack of pulled pork pancakes, and then slip back to bed where you belong. January 1st, 2020 | 9am – 3pm
Botanist
The Botanist’s New Year’s Day Brunch includes a welcome ‘amuse’ and a special savoury French toast followed by your choice of one item off of their ‘Late Riser’ menu and (if you’re up for it) a punch cocktail. We think this elegant space is a great choice for setting the tone of 2020: bright, full of plants and good food. PS, don’t overlook the option of picking up a Sugarbun from Giovane Café on your way out, even if you’re full from brunch, as this cream-filled treat may come in handy later on. January 1st, 2020 | 10am – 2pm | $76 per person | Find out more.
Notch8
Start 2020 off decadently with a midday meal at the Hotel Vancouver that includes pastries, both a seafood and salad bar, a chef-attended carving station, multiple desserts and much more. Bonus: Notch8’s signature Caesar cocktail is also included in the menu (made with pickles, onions, spicy peppers, sausage, pepperoni, carrots and hot sauce). January 1st, 2020 | 9am – 2pm | $99 per person | Find out more.