Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best restaurants in Calgary with an online voting ballot. Here are the winners and runners-up for Best Brunch Restaurants in Calgary.
Winner
OEB Breakfast Co.
The options are endless at this local chain. Its menu offers everything from breakfast poutines to burgers and sandwiches. It also accommodates diverse dietary needs — you can find options that are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. The atmosphere is casual and fun, which makes this the perfect place for brunch with friends.
Four Calgary locations, eatoeb.com, @oeb_breakfast
Runners-up
Queens Breakfast Cocktails
Queens’ intimate and rustic space is ideal for cozy breakfast dates. (But it’s also a great spot for a night out, as it’s open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.) Indulge in a little luxury with a croissant Benedict — the Berkshire pork Milanese and Montreal smoked brisket are both great options. Or choose the signature Queens breakfast — as well as eggs, sausage and bacon, this big breakfast comes with delectable lemon ricotta pancakes.
3927 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-764-0878, queensyyc.ca, @queensyyc
The Bro’Kin Yolk
Jeff and Gil Carlos, real-life brothers, are the duo behind this farm-to-table concept that now has five locations in Alberta. Get your hands on an open-face avocado sandwich with a side of duck fat hash browns. Or fill up on the “Fili” breakfast bowl; it comes with longanisa sausage, two sunny-side up eggs, jasmine rice, house-made tomato salsa and chili soy sauce.
Three Calgary locations, brokinyolk.ca, @brokinyolk
Blue Star Diner
Locally sourced ingredients, a carbon-neutral energy bill and “excellent” recycling practices make this diner anything but ordinary. You can feel good about eating at Blue Star Diner, particularly because the dishes on the menu, like the Alberta lamb “naanwich,” the brioche French toast, the buttermilk pancakes or any of the BSD bowls, are so tasty.
809 1 Ave. N.E., 403-261-9998, bluestardiner.ca, @bluestar_yyc
Red’s Diner
All-day breakfast, brunch and lunch is served at the four Red’s Diner locations in Calgary. Keep it simple and order one of the classics, like the prairie breakfast plate or Red’s big breakfast. Or take it up a notch and try something a little different, like the croque madame or crȇpes la Québécoise.
Four Calgary locations, redsdiner.com, @reds_diner
Diner Deluxe
Each of Diner Deluxe’s three Calgary locations has a different atmosphere. Dine at the original Bridgeland location, at the mid-century modern inspired Mahogany location, or at the European café-inspired spot in Marda Loop. When you arrive, order a brunch cocktail or tonic — we recommend the classic brunch mimosa — and be sure to pick a starter for the table to share, like the breakfast poutine.
Three Calgary locations, dinerdeluxe.com, @dinerdeluxe
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.
1006 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-7898, mavenyyc.ca, @maven_yyc
Brekkie Cafe
Head to West Springs if you’re in the mood for extravagant brunch dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Think black forest pancakes, jackfruit panna cotta and Instagram-worthy feature milkshakes. Besides satisfying whatever craving you have when you visit, this neighbourhood brunch spot is also a feast for the eyes. The space was created by Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, and features colourful abstract art and chic, modern decor.
125 20 Westpark Link S.W., 403-452-9005, brekkie.ca, @brekkieyyc
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 the mushroom croquette and Wagyu beef tartare. And good news for the crustacean lovers: Pigeonhole’s brunch menu has an entire section dedicated to seafood.
306 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4694, pigeonholeyyc.ca, @pigeonholeyyc
Vendome
You have options when you brunch at this European-inspired spot in the heart of Sunnyside. Opt for a freshly baked pastry — paired with a coffee, of course — or order a heartier dish off the menu. As well as breakfast items like pancakes, hash bowls and fancy toasts, there are soups, salads and hamburgers.
940 2 Ave. N.W., 403-453-1140, vendomecafe.com, @vendomeyyc