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 alongside the classic eggs, bacon and potato rosti. Order the strawberry cheesecake waffles if you like sweet.
222 7 St. S.W., 403-454-0308, alforno.ca
Monki Breakfast Club and Bistro
At the Beltline location, the breakfast options are grouped into categories so you can easily find what you’re hankering for. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the chocolate waffles and a pancake s’more stack. If you’re health conscious, Monki has a selection of vegan bowls as well as salmon avocado toast. 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, 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 scrambled crepe, you can easily find something to tantalize your tastebuds as you enjoy some nice patio weather.
110, 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 and Applewood smoked cheddar. The patio is out back right in the shadows of the tall downtown buildings (don’t worry, it still gets sun).
109 7 Ave. S.W, 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca
Red’s Diner
Both the Kensington and Ramsay locations 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, redsdiner.com
River Café
This patio on Prince’s Island is like a little break right in the middle of the city. Brunch is served on weekends and plays to River Café’s strength of local, seasonal ingredients. The buckwheat pancakes have blackcurrant butter and maple syrup. The spinach and mushroom tart has Fairwinds Farm goat yogurt and puffed red fife. Always order a side of house-cured Berkshire bacon. And, make sure you 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 that make it worth the drive down south. Try its Starbelly Benny that features sourdough bread and chimichurri or the chicken and waffles with maple chili sauce and country gravy. Starbelly also recently took over operations of The Beltliner where you can also enjoy a great brunch on the patio overlooking Memorial Park.
220, 19489 Seton Cres. S.E., 403-570-0133, starbelly.ca
Vendome Café
This café in Sunnyside just outside of the main hustle and bustle of Kensington underwent a renovation refresh over the past several months. The interior is a bright and beautiful mix of old and new, but if you are reading this you are going for the patio. It’s also bright and beautiful and feels a little European. Get a rolled French omelette or eggs Benedict. If you lean more towards the lunch side of brunch, the steak frites is delicious.
940 2 Ave. N.W., 403-453-1140, vendomecafe.com
