It’s a long weekend. Your primary objective? Maximum lounging, minimal effort. Stay in bed as long as you like, and when the hunger kicks in, let someone else handle the cooking.

Whether you’re corralling family, nursing a questionable decision from the night before, or just in it for the eggs and a decent cup of coffee, these are a few of our favourite spots — well worth rolling out of bed for. (But keep in mind that the holidays could impact business hours, so double-checking before heading out the door to your choice spot is a good idea!) Did we miss your favourite brunch spot? Let us know by reaching out to michelle [at] scoutmagazine [dot] ca .

In a class almost entirely of its own in the brunch department, mighty The Acorn – arguably Canada’s best vegetarian/vegan restaurant – is more relaxed during brunch service, but no less inventive. Think a pancake like no other, made with red spring wheat and topped with house syrup, Fraser Valley hazelnuts and seasonal jam, and not-your-average (savoury) waffle topped with fried oyster mushroom, maple chilli oil, cayenne, miso gravy and pickles. **NOTE: Easter Brunch is happening this weekend, so expect a bit of a different scenario (multi-course set menu) with all of the same tastiness of the regular offerings. DETAILS

Multiple award-winning Italian neighbourhood spot in Railtown, Ask For Luigi, has been a Vancouver favourite since 2013. The comfortable restaurant features a minimalist style, with black-and-white chessboard flooring and wooden wall panels, enhanced by natural light and a modern touch. Specializing in fresh handmade pasta, dishes are served family-style – perfect for sharing. As it’s first come, first served, arriving early is recommended. Good news: Its awesomeness extends to weekend brunches, where their proper pastas come topped with poached eggs, and you have the option of adding a side of fresh baked banana bread with cinnamon ricotta (do it). DETAILS

This Vancouver institution is outfitted with big comfy booths and a diner fare menu including everything from a buttermilk pancake platter to steak ‘n eggs. Brunch at Argo Cafe is served all day on Saturdays only (they are closed on Sundays). Expect a wait. DETAILS

A touch of Parisian sophistication on a weekend morning is never a bad idea, especially when it’s coupled with a proper Omelette aux fines herbes speckled with black truffle and a side of some of the best damn frites in town. Not so secret weapon for the strong of heart: Burger maison with Raclette, caramelized onion, bacon and foie gras. DETAILS

The classic brunch staples are all present and accounted for, but Chef Hartmann’s German heritage adds a Bavarian twist to Bacchus’ weekend and holiday brunch service with sneaky Chefs’ Features like Chicken Schnitzel and Cheese Spaetzle. The drink list featuring a bevy of brunch-y cocktails and three different versions of the Caesar checks all the boxes. DETAILS.

The brunch menu at Bells & Whistles is tight, but every dish pulls its weight — perfect for weekend sports fans who want something fried, filling, and fast. The place is lively and casual, with a rotating beer list, background tunes, and a Skee-Ball setup in the back, if you need to stretch your legs. The vibe of the room lands somewhere between vintage diner and modern minimalist sports bar, with banquettes, picnic tables, and a well-placed big screen. Brunch runs 10am to 2pm on weekends, with solid hits like the Fried Chicken Benny with thyme crème fraîche and hashbrowns, Tex-Mex Hash loaded with chili and tots, and French toast with seasonal fruit compote and whipped cream (add bacon — you’re not here to be shy). DETAILS

Located at 3489 Sawmill Crescent in Southeast Vancouver, Bufala River District offers a charming take on a neighbourhood trattoria with Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade pasta, and a good wine selection (cocktails and cold beer as well). Designed by Ste. Marie Studio, the 80-seat space boasts high ceilings, wooden accents, and a lively but elegant ambiance without losing a casual come-as-you-are feeling. Brunch it up with regulars like bennys, a Classic breakfast (sausage or bacon, two poached eggs, rosemary potatoes, arugula salad & toasted sourdough), and Eggs in Purgatory, plus features like Bomboloni with wild berries & elderflower lemon curd – until 2pm every weekend. And if you happen to wake up early enough (or stay out late enough) take note that brunch is half-price from 10am until 11am. Score for the early birds! DETAILS

Bright and airy, with lush greenery, subtle floral patterns, gentle pastels, and sheer curtains softening the natural light coming in through expansive windows, Botanist channels the understated charm of an elegant greenhouse. Set inside the striking, cosmopolitan Fairmont Pacific Rim, this is also a restaurant that expertly balances the full range of service you expect from a great hotel: effortlessly relaxed yet fully capable of dialling up the “fancy” factor, depending on your mood. This versatility is mirrored in Chef Hector Laguna’s quietly beautiful dishes, ranging from comforting steel-cut oats to indulgent butter-poached lobster Benedict. Not to be overlooked: the accompanying brunch-specific cocktail menu is worthy of equal attention. **NOTE: Botanist is doing offering a customizable three-course Easter Brunch menu, April 18-20th. DETAILS

This high-end spot off the lobby of The Sutton Place is a testament to how good a hotel restaurant can be when the stars align. Everything is on point and tightly executed here, including a brunch menu of elevated sweet and savoury options, like Soufflé Pancake crowned with maple whipped cream, roasted nashi pear, berries and candied walnuts; French Omelet with crème fraiche, dill, salmon caviar, herb ricotta, gruyère and black truffle; and Lobster Thermidor with béchamel, button mushrooms, gruyère and poached eggs. Also: there’s nothing that sets the precedence for “weekend extravagance” quite like a Seafood Tower. DETAILS

With its big open floor plan, high ceilings and flood of natural light, Chambar is a stylish pleasure to lounge in – easily one of the best looking of the brunch bunch. The food flirts with decadence and is often highly original. Aim for their monthly brunch burger special; for April, it’s stacked with lamb, labneh, grilled eggplant, roasted red pepper, parsley and mint, all on a brioche bun. Also imperative: liege waffles with bacon caramel (if you’re feeling savoury-ish) or white chocolate pistachio rosewater (for indulging your sweettooth). DETAILS

Osteria Elio Volpe, serves a top-notch brunch. Depending on your dining style, small share plates and hearty plates to have all to yourself are both available. Expect brunch classics with Italian flair (think Lobster Benedict with fried potatoes, hollandaise, leafy greens; Potato latkes with gravlax, soft boiled egg, crema fresca, dill, pickled onions; Brioche french toast with blueberry citrus conserva, candied pecans, amaro maple syrup, and Stracciatella gelato), plus brunched-up pizzas (add a poached egg!) and nice little selection of pastries. The brunch aligned wine list is choice, but we suggest you add an Elio Cesare (Ketel One vodka, Sandman Ruby port, house clamato, Worcestershire, bomba chili, celery salt, cerignola olives) to start things off right. Weekends and holidays only. DETAILS

Industry vet Chef Bardia Ilbeiggi’s 60-seat Delara restaurant at 2272 West 4th Avenue, opened in August, 2021, and has become a destination for Persian-inspired food ever since – in large part owing to a menu imbued with the daily influence and guidance of Bardia’s mother, Mina Parsa. For brunch, familiar classics become transportive experiences: from the fragrant Khagineh (persian pancake) stuffed with walnuts, dates and cardamom, topped with pistachios, rose and grape molasses; to a stack of Kookoo Sibzamini potato pancakes, embellished with a poached egg; omelet with house-made beef sausage, caramelized onions, braised oyster mushrooms (served with their delicious housemade flatbread, of course); and the standard Persian Breakfast platter (flatbread, feta cheese, butter, jam, soft-boiled egg, seasonal salad dressed in barberry and orange vinaigrette). DETAILS

We’re suckers for the milkshakes here anytime, but during brunch hours the heavenly things come across like a meal in and of themselves – especially when there’s a hangover involved. Load up further with some roast duck cornmeal pancakes with house kimchi, green onions, duck mayo, crispy business and cilantro; or go (slightly) more classic with brioche french toast topped with white minted mousse. The weekends-only prix fixe Prohibition Brunch will sort you out from coffee or tea, to dessert. DETAILS

Hunnybee nails the tricky sweet spot between wholesome and hearty, and there’s always a pleasing hum about brunch here. Somehow it stays sunny inside — even when Vancouver’s weather is having “a mood” — though the prime spots are definitely the tables facing Union Street, or that tiny covered patio on Gore for top-notch people-watching. Go for the sweet ricotta pancakes with maple syrup, blueberry jam and cultured cream; gently spiced shakshuka with lentils, labneh and grilled toast; or the reassuringly sturdy Hash Benedict with poached eggs, roasted veg, hollandaise, and a swirl of curried ketchup (plus sausage or avocado, depending on how virtuous you’re feeling). DETAILS

This bright, beautifully designed looker fires on all cylinders at brunch; and the service is arguably the best of the brunch lot. They do a shockingly good Eggs Benedict, but aren’t afraid to get deliciously, if confidently, weird. Witness the HSCB Loco Moco (house Spam, garlic fried rice, egg, chicken gravy). Better yet, eat it! Bonus: excellent coffee. DETAILS

A line-up at this Commercial Drive bakery and cafe is a common occurrence, if not a given. If you’re on the go yourself, slip by the window for a coffee, loaf of sourdough, assortment of treats, or a killer breakfast sandwich for the road. But if you have the time, head inside instead, where Italian comfort food breakfast is waiting. Whether you’re down for Soft Polenta with Mushrooms,  Salty/Sweet Granola and Yogurt or Spaghetti Carbonara, you’ll feel the love in Livia’s food. Indoor seats are a precious commodity, but there’s often a spot open at the bar AND it won’t be long before patio seating is comfortable once again! DETAILS.

Spacious and elegant room, with a distinctly Euro vibe that extends onto the sidewalk terrace (weather permitting). Embrace the ambience with their Eggs Cocotte (soft baked eggs, San Marzano tomato, olives, roasted pepper, fior di latte, grilled bread), or an amped up Croque Madame with house smoked beef brisket. Their Banana Fosters French Toast, topped with salted rum caramel, whipped mascarpone, bananas and pecans, is also pretty dang special. Add to that Maximosas (sparkling wine, grapefruit & maraschino foam) all around, of course! DETAILS

Think caramel-dipped Liège waffles, Moroccan-inspired tagines, and the decadent braised short rib fricassée that cures any lingering hangover. Grab a solo seat at the bar to dodge the queue (and skip sharing) – it’s the ideal spot to tear apart fluffy waffles, dunking them shamelessly into salted caramel or milk chocolate lavender. Brunch comfort, dialled way up. DETAILS

Everything is good here. It’s hard to decide between Huevos al Gusto, a brunch burrito, and the Chilaquiles Mezcal (housemade tortilla chips covered with Macha Sauce and topped with eggs, beans, mozzarella and feta cheeses, homemade creme fraîche, and onion). To drink? Micheladas! DETAILS

Au Petit Comptoir is the effortlessly chic younger sibling of Au Comptoir, with a compact brunch menu of no-nonsense French classics. Think Croque Madame, silky fine-herb omelettes, and a beautifully straightforward Burger Maison. Drinks range from fresh squeezed juices and housemade hot chocolate, to punchy espresso martinis and their standout cocktails — the Paris Sour (Calvados Père Magloire, amaretto, lemon, apricot syrup) or a sharp Negroni Blanc (Citadelle gin, Amaro Ciaro, limoncello, St Germain, dry vermouth) — to wines and cheeky digestifs. It’s charmingly European without trying too hard, making lazy weekend brunches feel quietly sophisticated. DETAILS

From Benedicts and omelette, to crepes and tartines, Provence nails stylish French brunch fair, with lots of vegetarian and seafood options. They also take their brunch beverage situation seriously, with Mimosa flights, Caesars & Bloody Marys, boozy coffees and various cocktails all available. DETAILS.

The Red Wagon, an East Van institution since 2010 is known for its killer brunch. Despite the near-constant queue, the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, house-smoked meats, and from-scratch dishes make it well worth the wait. It nails the hearty side of the milieu with a wide range of offerings – from BBQ Brisket with Jalapeño cornbread to ‘Breakfast Banh Mi’ and Chilaquiles – but their buttermilk pancakes get us every time (best in town). DETAILS

Brunch at Selene Aegean Bistro handles Mediterranean mornings with quiet confidence, managing to be transportive without trying too hard. Chefs Adrian Nate and Arish Dastoor draw on Greek and Turkish traditions for dishes like Shakshuka with soft-poached eggs and salty feta; Strapatsada Toast (Tall Shadow sourdough piled high with soft scrambled eggs and sun-dried tomato); and Pistachio Honey Toast layered with whipped ganache, toasted coconut, and cynar-orange blossom syrup, on Tall Shadow milk bread. Drinks are light and brunch-appropriate; think citrus-forward cocktails and crisp wines that keep things bright and easy. Altogether, the space and menu feel like a quiet departure from the everyday; weekend mornings, slightly reimagined. DETAILS

The Stable House Bistro neighbourhood eatery has been serving its community since 2013. This intimate 40 person room – tucked away just off the main South Granville shopping strip, on West 13th Avenue – is a great place to break bread and have a glass of wine with friends, family, and co-workers. And they do brunch! Although their menu features a solid selection of salads and pastas, eggs are the real star of the show: from Quiche Lorraine, to Croque Monsieur, Black Forest Ham & Egg on sourdough, Shakshouka, and more! DETAILS

Yolks has mastered the art of quick service and fast table turnovers, making it a great place to grab traditional eggs Benedict (done in a few different ways; we’re partial to the Wild BC Salmon version, with arugula and dill crème fraîche) and highly addictive lemon-truffle roast potatoes, without a huge investment of time. DETAILS