5 Best and Must-Try Breakfast Cafés in Vancouver

Mornings are the perfect time to indulge in a cozy and delicious breakfast.

Whether you’re meeting a friend, enjoying a solo outing, or gathering with family, Vancouver’s breakfast cafés offer a delightful start to your day.

Here’s a roundup of the top five breakfast spots in the city.

Breakfast Café Costs in Vancouver

Before diving into our list, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for a meal at these cafés:

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The Best Breakfast Cafés in Vancouver

1. Jam Café

Criteria Ratings:

• Food Variation: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Coffee Menu: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
• Aesthetic: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Affordability: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Jam Café offers a delightful array of home-style dishes, including cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, and fried chicken. The rustic, vintage decor creates a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for family brunches. While the coffee menu is limited, specialty drinks like the Lavender Latte and “Spiked Iced Jam Coffee” are worth a try. Note that reservations are only available at the Kitsilano location.

Pros:

• Wide food variety
• Cozy aesthetic
• Open daily

Cons:

• No reservations at Beatty location
• Relatively expensive
• Limited coffee options

Customer Reviews:

• “Unique options and a great place for brunch. Tiramisu pancakes are very sweet, and the Later Tater bowl is always a good choice.” – Narae Lee
• “The food was worth the wait, with generous portions and friendly service. The blueberry pancakes were thick and delicious.” – Karina Sanches

2. Catch 122 Café Bistro

Criteria Ratings:

• Food Variation: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Coffee Menu: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Aesthetic: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Affordability: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Catch 122 Café Bistro, inspired by Joseph Heller’s novel “Catch-22,” serves fresh, inventive cuisine in a stylish, rustic setting. The menu features a range of options from starters to desserts, with a notable coffee selection including Matcha Oat and Turmeric Chai lattes. Reservations are available, making it a good choice for a more planned visit.

Pros:

• Varied menu
• Good coffee selection
• Reservations allowed

Cons:

• Some dishes can be pricey
• Kids’ menu only available upon request

Customer Reviews:

• “Great experience with fantastic food and service. The Bulgogi Steak n Egg and Tiramisu were standouts.” – Moeen
• “Delicious brunch, especially the Bulgogi Steak n Egg. Will return to try more pastries.” – Sandra Chan

3. Café Medina

Criteria Ratings:

• Food Variation: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Coffee Menu: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
• Aesthetic: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Affordability: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Café Medina offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a modern, stylish setting. Known for its waffles and unique menu items like Harissa “Burger,” this café also features an online grocery store. Reservations for small groups are accepted, though there’s no waiting area.

Pros:

• Diverse food options
• Open daily
• Online grocery store

Cons:

• Higher prices
• Limited coffee and tea options
• No reservations via email or phone

Customer Reviews:

• “Lively atmosphere and excellent waffles. The paella was flavorful and the service was prompt.” – Ni
• “Great food and friendly staff. The waffle with toppings is a must-try.” – Lucy Chai

4. Sophie’s Cosmic Café

Criteria Ratings:

• Food Variation: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Coffee Menu: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Aesthetic: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Affordability: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Sophie’s Cosmic Café stands out for its extensive menu and retro ambiance. With a variety of comfort foods and over 25 milkshake flavors, it’s a great spot for both breakfast and brunch. The classic diner decor adds to its charm, though the dining area can be a bit cramped.

Pros:

• Wide menu selection
• Excellent drink options
• Long-standing reputation

Cons:

• Cramped dining area
• Relatively high prices

Customer Reviews:

• “Nostalgic vibe with excellent food. The deep-fried home fries are a must-try.” – Stefan Rees
• “Expensive but worth it. Huge portions and friendly service.” – Gavin Lemon

5. Breka Bakery & Café

Criteria Ratings:

• Food Variation: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
• Coffee Menu: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Aesthetic: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Affordability: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Breka Bakery & Café is ideal for those who enjoy a sweet treat with their coffee. Open around the clock, it offers a variety of pastries and desserts alongside its coffee. The modern, stylish setting makes it a comfortable place to relax.

Pros:

• Open 24/7
• Excellent coffee and desserts
• Multiple locations

Cons:

• Can be crowded
• Limited meal options

Customer Reviews:

• “Amazing selection of sweet and savory items. Consistently busy but worth the wait.” – Ariel
• “Great spot for coffee and light bites. Busy on weekends, but the steak panini is excellent.” – Hamid

Explore these top breakfast spots and start your day right in Vancouver!