It's What's For Brunch: 5 Restaurants that Raise the Bar!

When the weekend calls for more than a basic bagel or fruit smoothie, these five Vancouver brunch spots answer with bold, plant-based brilliance. Each restaurant on this list celebrates vibrant flavours, hearty portions, and creative brunch fare that transforms local ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you are craving a Vietnamese crepe, a decadent stack of pancakes, or a cider house poutine, this lineup will raise your expectations for what brunch can—and should—be.

DO CHAY | KINGSWAY

Vietnamese comfort food gets a dazzling modern spin at Do Chay. Every dish is thoughtfully layered with herbs, sauces, and textures that surprise and satisfy. The lemongrass tofu is perfectly seasoned and served with fragrant rice, but the true showstopper is the garlic eggplant—crackling hot and silky inside, it is unforgettable. The banh xeo crepe, stuffed with imitation shrimp and paired with their signature “ish” sauce, hits every note. Bright and refreshing salad rolls, savoury truffle and crystal dumplings, and raved-about coconut rice cakes round out an experience that is both vibrant and indulgent. Cocktails, craft beer, and Vietnamese lemonade complete the scene.

CHICKPEA | MAIN STREET

Mediterranean fusion and street food comfort collide at Chickpea, a lively eatery where every dish delivers satisfying depth. The malawach flatbread, topped with oyster mushrooms and a vegan poached egg, sets a new bar for brunch decadence. The chicksteak and shawarma burritos arrive generously filled with grains, greens, and flavourful proteins. Baba ganoush, chickpea fries, and schnitzel platters are all served with flair and crowd-pleasing portions. With beer, wine, and cocktail options on tap, it is an ideal setting for relaxed meals with friends and family.

MILA PLANTBASED | CHINATOWN

Chic and contemporary, MILA brings elevated plant-based dining to the heart of Chinatown. This stylish restaurant is known for its sushi (the Aburi Lox Oshi is a signature favourite) and inventive brunch offerings, including Pina Colada Pancakes topped with rum-candied pineapple and toasted coconut syrup. Chicken and waffles, bao buns, and shareable plates make it easy to explore a range of bold and satisfying flavours. For dessert, the Peanut Butter Cup Pie offers a rich finish, best paired with a crafted cocktail for the complete MILA experience.

FOLKE | KITSILANO

Folke offers a beautifully considered menu grounded in seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which means dishes change frequently based on what is freshest and available. When we visited, standouts included chickpea tofu, crispy Hannah Brook greens, and incredibly tender tapioca dumplings. Heartier dishes like the maltagliati and strawberry shortcake brought a satisfying depth, while a rhubarb matcha cake added a gentle, sweet finish. The flavours were subtle, balanced, and elegant throughout—an experience that felt both elevated and calming. With tipping already included and an inviting atmosphere, Folke is a thoughtful take on contemporary plant-based dining that encourages a slower, more connected meal.

THE CIDER HOUSE | KITSILANO

A beachside favourite, The Cider House brings together a curated menu of comforting dishes and craft beverages in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With flights of local cider and kombucha, the drinks are as delightful as the food. Spicy Nachos topped with seasoned vegan ground round are a standout, while the Mushroom Calamari offers a crispy texture and rich flavour. The roasted mushroom poutine, piled with gravy and melted cheese over fries, delivers cozy indulgence, while burgers and bowls round out the menu. Their sunlit patio just steps from the beach adds to the draw.

BRUNCH BETTER

Set aside the usual café and discover a new level of weekend dining. These five plant-based destinations offer inventive, nourishing, and crave-worthy brunch experiences that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Whether you are exploring something new or returning for a favourite dish, each spot raises the bar on what a Vancouver brunch can be. This weekend, explore beyond the familiar and treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].