Big Fish
Soft Shell Crab Club Sandwich
Unpretentious with pure, honest quality, this restaurant has been killing it since way before that was even a saying. The soft shell crab club sandwich, which is also on the daily lunch menu, is a bona fide go-to, with wild-boar bacon, organic tomatoes, deep-fried soft shell crab and a healthy slathering of aioli.
1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-277-3403, big-fish.ca
Galaxie Diner
Smoked Meat Hash
Yes, there will be a lineup (don’t worry, they hand out coffee), but this combination of authentic Montreal smoked meat, soft-basted eggs with yolks that ooze appropriately when cut into, sauted onions, hashbrowns and a bit of heat from banana peppers is worth the wait. It’s all the good parts of breakfast all mixed together. With cheese.
1413 11 St. S.W., 403-228-0001, galaxiediner.ca
OEB Breakfast Co.Â
Soul in a Bowl
On the massive menu at this ber-popular brunch spot, a lot of items could be considered signature dishes. But Soul in a Bowl gets the nod because it combines the classic, craveable bits from a traditional breakfast in a unique way. Poached eggs, bacon (in lardon form) and herby potatoes combine with cheese curds, then the whole thing is doused in a decadent brown butter hollandaise. Might not be good for the heart, but it’s definitely good for the soul.
825 1 Ave. N.E., 403-278-3447; 110, 22 5 Ave. S.W., 587-352-3447; 2207 4 St. S.W., 587-356-6323, eatoeb.com
Suzette Bistro
Complte Galette
Even if you can arguably eat them all day, crpes are surely brunch items. Take The Complte, which is filled with French ham and Gruyre cheese – quintessentially brunch ingredients – gently folded into a savoury gluten-free buckwheat crpe (traditionally known as a galette). You’ll find it at this small slice of France on 4th Street S.W. and in Britannia, transforming breakfast fare to something trs magnifique.
2210 4 St. S.W., 403-802-0036; 829 49 Ave. S.W., 403-719-3343, bistrosuzette.ca
Wurst
French Toast
Sometimes more is more, especially when it comes to this flavour explosion of double-smoked bacon, Gouda, apple slaw, whipped cream and fruit sauce.
2437 4 St. S.W., 403-245-2345, wurst.ca
Yellow Door Bistro
Chef’s Feature Pancakes
The brunch buffet at the bistro in the Hotel Arts is well worth checking out. That said, don’t overlook the ever-changing pancake creations. These are no basic buttermilk standbys. Instead, the chefs play off more conventional desserts and other sweet things. Perhaps a lemon meringue iteration nestled in a pool of lemon curd, or a Black Forest version for chocolate lovers? The features change often, so return often to see what’s next. (Incidentally, they’re offered up in tiny versions at the buffet if you want the best of both worlds.)
119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-206-9585, yellowdoorbistro.ca