Winner
OEB Breakfast Co.
With a large menu that offers everything from breakfast poutines, to burgers, to eggs Benedict, the options are endless at this local chain. OEB also accommodates diverse dietary needs — you can find gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options. The atmosphere is casual and fun, which makes this a great place for brunch with friends.
Multiple Calgary locations, eatoeb.com, @oeb_breakfast
Runners-up
The Bro’Kin Yolk
Brothers Jeff and Gil Carlos are the duo behind this farm-to-table concept that now has four Alberta locations. On the menu, you’ll find tempting creations like apple and cinnamon waffles, the Fili breakfast bowl with longanisa sausage, baked egg frittatas and more.
Three Calgary locations, brokinyolk.ca, @brokinyolk
Queens Breakfast Cocktails
Queens’ intimate and rustic space is ideal for cozy breakfast dates (though it’s also a great spot for a night out, as it’s open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Start your day on a luxurious note with a croissant Benedict — the smoked wild salmon and Montreal smoked brisket are both great options. Or if you have a big appetite, consider the signature Queens breakfast, which, along with eggs, sausage and bacon, comes with delectable lemon ricotta pancakes.
3927 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-764-0878, queensyyc.ca, @queensyyc
Namo Cafe Bistro
You can find a variety of brunch dishes at this café that draws inspiration from around the world. From sweet menu items like pumpkin spiced pancakes and passionfruit mango crêpes, to savoury delights like brunch bowls, sandwiches and eggs Benedicts, there’s something for everyone here. And if you’re in the mood for something more lunch-like, the “lunchy brunchy” section of the menu has you covered with offerings like the shawarma chicken and lentil bowl or lamb shakshuka.
824 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-475-7010; and 396 11 Ave. S.W., 403-263-5872; namocafebistro.com; @namoyyc
Maven
Maven is decorated with whimsical decor and an abundance of plants — in fact, just past the kitchen galley, you’ll find the plant store and café, Maven Plants. Chef Michelle Hobbs’ menu is a story in itself, inspired by travelling, culture and childhood. The thick-cut kaya French toast shouldn’t be missed — kaya is a coconut pandan jam popular in Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, and Maven makes it in-house. For something savoury, try the Singapore-style pork congee.
1006 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-7898, mavenyyc.ca, @maven_yyc
Park By Sidewalk Citizen
This beautiful solarium in Central Memorial Park does double duty as both a dine-in restaurant and a takeaway spot with a walk-up window for coffees and pastries. For brunch, you’ll find a Mediterranean-inspired menu with sandwiches, pita wraps, salads and other dishes like potato pancakes and shakshuka.
340 13 Ave. S.W., 403-263-2999, parkbysidewalk.com, @parkbysidewalk
Ten Foot Henry
Ten Foot Henry offers family-style dining under an array of fresh plants in Victoria Park. While you can order from the full menu during brunch, there are also some brunch offerings that are only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a four-egg omelette, toasts, double smoked bacon and a sweet sourdough pancake.
1209 1 St. S.W., 403-475-5537, tenfoothenry.com, @tenfoothenry
Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro
Now offering three locations spread across Calgary, this ever-popular breakfast spot is known for having a large menu with interesting rotating features. Pancake breakfast tacos, Ferrero Rocher French toast and a chocolate fondue board are just a few of the creative dishes you can dig into here. Wash it all down with a Monki mimosa in one of four flavours.
Three Calgary locations; monkibistro.ca, @monkibistro
Pigeonhole
Because Pigeonhole is located right on 17th Avenue S.W., it’s a great spot for brunch before some Saturday shopping, a leisurely walk downtown or a wander along the Elbow River pathway. As well as the usual brunch items, expect to find some elevated options on this menu, like a mushroom croquette and charred cabbage. And good news for crustacean fans: Pigeonhole’s brunch menu has an entire section dedicated to seafood.
306 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4694, pigeonholeyyc.ca, @pigeonholeyyc
Brekkie Cafe
Head to West Springs if you’re in the mood for extravagant brunch dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Think peach tamarind pork belly eggs Benedict, cream spinach and mushroom toast, and barbacoa beef short rib poutine. This neighbourhood brunch spot is also a feast for the eyes thanks to the room’s colourful abstract art and chic, modern decor courtesy of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design.
125, 20 Westpark Link S.W., 403-452-9005, brekkie.ca, @brekkieyyc