Alforno Bakery & Café
This patio is a few blocks from the Peace Bridge on the downtown side and is a good place to stop before or after a stroll along the river. The breakfast menu has several sandwich and eggs Benedict options, as well as the classic eggs breakfast or peach cobbler stuffed French toast. And of course, there are plenty of fantastic pastries if you are looking for something quick and light.
222 7 St. S.W., 403-454-0308, alforno.ca
Diner Deluxe
This popular diner is one of the best spots in the city for brunch, and the summer sun makes it that much better. Head to the Renfrew location to secure your spot on this busy patio and try items like the deluxe breakfast burrito, huevos rancheros or the buttermilk waffles.
804 Edmonton Trail N.E., 403-276-5499, dinerdeluxe.com
Monki Breakfast Club and Bistro
At both Monki’s Beltline and Inglewood locations, the breakfast menu includes a variety of sweet and savoury dishes for every type of brunch-goer. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the buttermilk waffles or the signature French toast stuffed with banana and Frangelico cream cheese. You can also go the savoury route with a smoked salmon benedict topped with pink prosecco hollandaise. You can enjoy any of these options on the patio, where there are heaters for the colder mornings. Capacity is limited so take advantage of the online waitlist system.
1301 10 Ave. S.W., 587-352-7131; 1420 9 Ave. S.E., 403-453-7131, monkibistro.ca
OEB Breakfast Co.
This place is serious about breakfast and has an extensive menu to prove it. With everything from a classic breakfast (featuring blueberry chicken bangers and rosemary ham) to breakfast poutines, you can easily find something to tantalize your taste buds as you enjoy some nice patio weather. Check out the patios at the University District, Downtown and Mission locations.
110 222 5 Ave. S.W., 587-352-3447; 4132 University Ave. N.W., 825-205-9942; 2207 4 St. S.W., 587-356-6323, eatoeb.com
Palomino Smokehouse
This is where you go when you want to dig into some barbecue for brunch. There is French toast with pulled pork and bourbon apples, hangover hash with Alberta beef brisket and a breakfast burger with a turkey sausage patty, Applewood smoked cheddar and a fried egg. The patio is out back right in the shadows of the tall downtown buildings (don’t worry, it still gets sun). Brunch is available here on weekends and holidays.
109 7 Ave. S.W, 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca
Red’s Diner
The Kensington, Ramsay and 58 Avenue S.E locations all have cozy patios and serve breakfast all-day, every day. Each location has special menu items so make sure to try the Kensington Benny at Kensington and the chorizo hash and eggs in Ramsay. Along with coffee and tea, you can order wine, beer and spirits for that true patio experience.
286 10 St. N.W., 587-356-1808; 1101 8 St. S.E., 587-353-1188; 324 58 Ave. S.E., 403-386-6688, redsdiner.com
River Café
This patio on Prince’s Island is like a little oasis right in the middle of the city. Brunch is served on weekends and plays to River Café’s strength of local, seasonal ingredients. The ham and cheese quiche is made with local ham and cheddar, and the smoked salmon tartlette has Fairwinds Farm goat feta and a local poached egg. Always order a side of the three fennel and coriander lamb sausage from Lambtastic Farms. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
25 Prince’s Island, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com
Starbelly
Out in the ‘burbs, you can find some delectable brunch items at Starbelly. Try the eggs Benedicts with your choice of proteins topped with brown butter hollandaise, or the chicken and waffles with maple chili sauce and country gravy. Plus, the patio at Starbelly is dog friendly, so you can enjoy brunch with your favourite furry friend. Brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends.
220, 19489 Seton Cres. S.E., 403-570-0133, starbelly.ca
Vendome Café
This café in Sunnyside is just outside of the main hustle and bustle of Kensington and the interior is a bright and beautiful mix of old and new. But if you’re reading this, you’re going for the patio, which is also bright and beautiful and feels a little European. Get the eggs Benedict (complete with Boursin hollandaise) or the awesome breakfast sandwich. If you lean more towards the lunch side of brunch, the duck confit panini is delicious.
940 2 Ave. N.W., 403-453-1140, vendomecafe.com
[Note: This story was updated on June 20, 2023]