On a weekend morning, Calgarians love to do brunch. Sometimes, we fall so intensely in love with a certain eggs Benny or omelette that we forget to expand our brunch horizons.
Here are some restaurants that dish out a stellar brunch on the weekends that you may not know about, but should definitely consider the next time you’re waking up (kind of) early and looking for some sustenance.
Borgo
It can be hard to snag a table in this Italian eatery during the evening, but come Saturday and Sunday morning there is room aplenty for a beautiful brunch. A personal favourite/borderline obsession here is the Purgatorio – baked eggs in sweet tomato sauce with pancetta. To die for. (818 16 Ave. S.W., 403-245-2202)
Carino
For a unique brunch experience, try one of the Japanese fusion dishes here. Yakisoba with tender pork belly and eggs is as far from a predictable breakfast as one could get. The Domo-Arigato omelette filled with edamame and crab is also worth a try, if only for the cool name. (709 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-984-7534)
Cassis Bistro
A charming and romantic date destination any night of the week, Cassis now offers a weekend brunch that is equally as lovely. Be happily wined and dined with some of the tastiest Croque Madames and Monsieurs a bruncher could possibly buy. (2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @CassisBistro)
NOtaBLE
These brunch plates are worth the few extra minutes of travel. From a morning “pizza” made of lamb merguez, manchego, eggs and potatoes to chocolate banana bread French toast, enjoying breakfast in Bowness has never been more delicious. (4611 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-288-4372, notabletherestaurant.ca, @NotableCalgary)
River Cafe
Prince’s Island’s premiere restaurant is always guaranteed to serve a stellar meal, regardless of the time of day. Try River Caf on the weekend for breakfast with the foraged chanterelle quiche or brioche French toast. You can walk off the calories in the park afterwards. (25 Prince’s Island Park S.W., 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com, @RiverCafeYYC)
Thomsons
Many Hyatt guests know this already, but we often forget. In the heart of downtown, Thomsons serves an elaborate Sunday brunch with free-range scrambled eggs, carvery and omelette stations and much more, making sure that everyone’s palate leaves satisfied. (112 Stephen Ave. S.E., 403-717-1234, hyatt.com)
Vero Bistro
Last, but certainly not least, chef Jenny Chan’s mouth-watering brunch menu offers dishes like short rib hash with aged balsamic, passionfruit French toast brle and sweet potato gnocchi with boar bacon and fried eggs. Quit asking yourself why you haven’t had brunch there before and get there this weekend. (209 10 St. N.W., 403-283-8988, verobistro.ca, @VeroBistro)