If you have an insatiable appetite for weekend brunching like I do, then you may as well think ahead and book a table before morning rolls around where your left stuck in line with hordes of other hungry, tired folks.
Here are eight brunch spots that will happily hold a table for you. Just don’t be late!
Brasserie Kensington
This bustling spot in Kensington serves up anything from breakfast poutine to duck cofit with waffles and, of course, a very well-garnished Caesar. It can be hard to get a table if you’re coming in on a whim, so plan ahead to secure some space for you and your friends.
1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-457-4148, brasseriekensington.com
Charbar
The weekend brunch menu here takes full advantage of the Argentine wood-fired grill in the open kitchen as well as its Simmons Building neighbour Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Order a fugazza (an Argentine-style deep dish pizza with a sourdough crust) or the asadora steak and eggs with fried yucca.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-452-3115, charbar.ca
The Lake House
When the snow and ice disappear completely from Lake Bonavista, a brunch date by the window here will be an extra beautiful thing. This family-friendly spot would also be a great place to bring grandma for Sunday brunch and we don’t want grandma waiting in line now, do we?
747 Lake Bonavista Dr. S.E., 403-225-3939, lakehousecalgary.com
Ma Maison
Ma Maison is in the old red house that used to be Laurier Lounge. The menu is still French with brunch favourites that include brie cheese brioche, quiche and duck rillettes.
1111 7 St. S.W., 403-452-1819, mamaisoncalgary.ca
Notable
If Michael Noble is cooking for you, you’re always in good hands. So, head over to Montgomery on Saturdays and Sundays for a plate of carrot cake French toast, flatiron steak and eggs and more.
4611 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-288-4372, notabletherestaurant.ca
Ox Bar de Tapas
The brunch menu here includes banana bread French toast and pork belly hash, but what you really want to do is order the brunch table. It comes with plate after plate of tapas that could include patatas bravas, croquettes and paella. A minimum of two people have to get the brunch table so you might as well get a pitcher of sangria as well.
528 17 Ave SW, 403-457-1432, oxandangela.com
Oxbow
This small dining room inside the Kensington Riverside Inn uses its modern culinary techniques on weekend mornings to serve up dishes like pumpkin spice cinnamon bun and croque madames. Bonus? Situated across the road from the Bow River, there’s no reason to not go for a river path stroll after brunch. It also has a great brunch cocktail menu.
1126 Memorial Dr. N.W., 403-228-4442, kensingtonriversideinn.com
Thomsons Restaurant
The Thomsons’ Sunday brunch buffet definitely has something for everyone and the large room can easily accommodate big groups if you’re looking to eat with the extended family or if you’re just too popular for your own good.
700 Centre St. S.E., 403-717-1234, thomsonsrestaurant.com