Though I’m sure there are those who luxuriate during the early afternoon hours of Monday to Friday, brunch is firmly a weekend activity for most of us. One where mimosas are poured freely, sauces are made with an extraordinary amount of clarified butter, and yes, an order of pancakes for the table is highly recommended. 

Though preferences can be divisive (don’t get me started on my ideal morning-potato rant), whether your Saturday requires something soaked in syrup or you’d rather indulge in the savory wonder of biscuits and gravy, one fact is indisputable: there’s a brunch spot for every craving in Kitsilano.

Below are six restaurants that elevate this food writer’s favourite portmanteau into something worthy of getting out of bed for. 

Fable Kitchen

I heard rumors of Fable Kitchen’s Johnny cakes before I even set foot in the city I now call home. Luckily for me, the cornmeal pancakes topped with a mountain of sauce-laden pulled pork, tomato jam, and pickled jalapenos live up to the hype. Though I consider myself a loyal orderer, the farm-to-table brunch fare at Fable has me switching up my Saturday go-to thanks to things like rotating feature bennys and caramelized challah french toast. Hot tip: upgrade your breakfast potatoes to the rosti (with chive sour cream!) and thank me later. 

Address: 1944 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 11 a.m to 2 p.m, 5 p.m to 10 p.m Monday to Friday; 9 a.m to 2 p.m, 5 p.m to 10 p.m Saturday; 9 a.m to 2 p.m, 5 p.m to 9 p.m Sunday 

Jam Cafe 

Are you truly a Vancouverite if you haven’t lined up for brunch outside of Jam Cafe? Sure, the wait can be long, but the restaurant’s Insta-worthy stacks of creative pancakes (I’m looking at you, cinnamon bun topped with cream cheese icing) and savory delicacies (like the buffalo blue benny, that yes, has both fried chicken and blue cheese) are worth the wait. For those more interested in the lunch side of a midday meal, the meat me in little Italy sandwich has chorizo-based meatballs. Need I say more? 

Address: 2153 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 8 a.m to 2:30 p.m Monday to Friday; 8 a.m to 3 p.m Saturday and Sunday

Their There

There are many reasons why Their There deserves a spot on this list. From the nitro espresso martinis to the beef brisket hash (yes, the potatoes of said hash are of the vastly superior tot variety) to fresh, made-in-house mochi donuts (don’t sleep on these)—but the main reason is that the breakfast sandwich is one of the city’s finest. The brioche bun is the pinnacle of buttery perfection, the egg is expertly folded and chive-dotted, the sprouts cut through the richness of the classic sauce and best of all, the cheese is American. I’m not saying that through a lens of homeland bias. I love a gourmet $15 cheese as much as the next sticker-shocked millennial. But the nostalgic nature of the ultra-melty cheese makes this sandwich a must-eat. 

Address: 2042 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 9 a.m to 4 p.m Tuesday to Sunday

Au Comptoir 

Sometimes you just want to eat half a dozen crispy fried duck wings at 11 a.m. It’s just a fact of life. And on those days, Au Comptoir not only has the answer to your cravings, but it also rounds out your morning with even more decadent, elevated brunch fare. From an herby, gruyere French omelet to a buckwheat waffle topped with onion mornay, ham, and a soft poached egg—the dishes will transport you to a bistro in Paris. 

Address: 2278 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 8 a.m to 9 p.m Wednesday to Thursday, and Sunday; 8 a.m to 10 p.m Friday to Saturday; Closed Monday and Tuesday

Chewies Chicken & Biscuits

Chewie’s menu is eclectic and wide-ranging (think everything from perogies to a slice of N.Y. cheesecake). But we’re here for brunch, and since you’re reading this you’re under my guidance; which means I’m about to wax poetic about the best biscuits in the city. They’re fluffy, they’re buttery, they’re flaky perfection—and they’re somehow even better than the sum of their parts when topped with sausage gravy or fried chicken. I haven’t had a biscuit this good since my Tennessee-born grandma used to serve them up alongside dinner. Yes, you might need a midday nap. Also yes? The meal might be the best decision you’ve made all week. 

Address: 2822 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 10 a.m to 8 p.m Everyday 

Delara 

Delara’s Persian fare is not your average brunch. Dining here all but guarantees that your next dozen conversations will include recommending its kookoo sabzi sandwich (herb, walnut, barberry fritters with feta, lemon mayo and greens) or raving about their seasonal dips and seedy sourdough flatbread. Before you ask, yes, you can get the walnut, date and cardamon-honey baklava to go alongside your eggs. 

Address: 2272 W 4th Ave. 

Hours: 12 p.m to 9 p.m Monday to Friday; 11 a.m to 9 p.m Saturday and Sunday