Oliver EvansYou know that feeling when you wake up, and your stomach is staging a full-on protest? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s when you know it’s time for a proper English breakfast—a plate so hearty, it could probably solve world hunger if given the chance.
Growing up, I thought baked beans on toast was a punishment, but now? I’d gladly dive face-first into a pile of them alongside crispy bacon and a sausage or two. Funny how life changes, isn’t it?
Vancouver might not be the first place you’d think to find a killer English brekkie, but trust me, this city’s got some serious games. Whether it’s a spot that nails the classics or a café that puts a quirky spin on tradition, you’ll leave these places stuffed and smug.
Read on to discover unmissable spots serving breakfasts so good, they might just make you a morning person.
Twisted Fork
– Media from twistedforkbistro
Address: 1147 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-123-7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$
Right, let’s take a stroll down Carrall Street. If you’re not looking closely, you might miss Twisted Fork altogether—it’s one of those unassuming spots that quietly holds a treasure trove of good food.
Walk in, and you’re greeted by rustic wooden tables, low lighting, and that irresistible smell of freshly baked sourdough. It’s cozy without being cramped, the kind of place that feels instantly familiar, like you’ve stumbled into a mate’s kitchen.
Now, onto the main event—their version of the full English; we’re talking baked beans made in-house, none of that lazy, straight-out-of-a-can nonsense. The sausages are plump and packed with flavour, with just the right balance of spice.
The roasted mushrooms? Oh, they’re rich and earthy, practically melting in your mouth. And let’s not skip over the eggs, done exactly how you like them—runny yolk for me, thanks very much.
| Pro tip: This place fills up quicker than you can say “English breakfast,” so get there early or be ready to queue. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. |
Café Medina
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Address: 780 Richards St
Contact details: +1 604-879-3114
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8AM – 3PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – 3PM
Ah, Café Medina. Now this one’s for when you’re feeling a bit bougie. It’s got that sleek, modern vibe with high ceilings and just the right amount of hustle and bustle.
Their English breakfast comes with roasted potatoes that are crispy enough to hear the crunch but soft enough to melt away with each bite. Now, the kicker here is their harissa-spiced ketchup. It’s got a little heat, a little sweet, and it’s just what you need to elevate every bite.
But here’s the thing: Medina is also known for its coffee game. You’ll want to pair your meal with their lavender latte—it’s smooth, fragrant, and perfect for that morning caffeine fix.
Don’t forget to take in the atmosphere, though. You’ll spot people deep in conversation, couples sharing waffles, and solo diners savouring every last bite of their breakfasts.
| Pro tip: If you’re up for something different, their tagine is an absolute must-try. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you want a twist on tradition |
Knight Street Cafe
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Address: 3911 Knight S
Contact details: +1 604-872-5460
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7AM – 3PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 8AM – 3PM
Pricing: $
Website
Now, if you’re after that classic diner experience, Knight Street Cafe is where you’ll find it. Nestled in the heart of the neighbourhood, this spot doesn’t bother with pretence—it’s all about good food and hearty portions.
Their English breakfast is the stuff of legends. Thick-cut bacon, perfectly golden hash browns, and sausages that are juicy with just the right snap when you cut into them. The eggs? However you like them, they’ll come out just right.
And those beans? They’ve got this smoky undertone that pairs brilliantly with the crispy toast they serve on the side. The atmosphere here is pure nostalgia. You’ll see regulars chatting away with the staff, who are as friendly as they come.
The coffee flows freely, and there’s a comforting rhythm to the place—a perfect backdrop for a leisurely morning meal.
| Pro tip: Feeling fragile after a heavy night? Their English breakfast will set you right. It’s a proper feast that’ll have you back on your feet in no time. |
Jam Cafe
– Media from jamcafeyvr
Address: 556 Beatty St
Contact details: +1 604-123-7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$$
Jam Cafe is a bit of a legend when it comes to breakfast in Vancouver. If you spot a queue outside, don’t let it put you off—that’s just a sign you’re in for something special.
Inside, and you’re greeted by a warm, lively atmosphere with a bit of a rustic twist. Think exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and that comforting hum of chatter mixed with the clatter of plates.
Their English breakfast is a plate piled high with all the essentials: crispy bacon, plump sausages, hash browns with the perfect crunch-to-fluff ratio, and your choice of eggs. But here’s the kicker—they don’t stop at the basics.
You’ll also find their signature homemade biscuits, which are buttery, flaky, and downright addictive. And for those with a hearty appetite, their “Meat Lovers Skillet” takes it up a notch with extra portions of everything.
| Pro tip: Get the house-made jam for your biscuit, it’s the perfect sweet and tangy addition to your savoury feast. |
Red Umbrella Cafe
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Address: 1707 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-688-7818
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30AM – 3PM
Pricing: $$
You’ll know you’ve found Red Umbrella Cafe when you see the bright red awning and the cosy vibe spilling out onto the street. It’s all about comfort—soft lighting, friendly smiles, and the smell of sizzling bacon wafting through the air inside.
Their English breakfast is a no-nonsense, hearty affair. Expect thick slices of bacon, juicy sausages, golden hash browns, and eggs cooked to perfection.
But what really sets this place apart is their fresh, house-baked bread. Thick, warm, and perfect for slathering with butter, it’s the ultimate companion for those runny yolks.
This spot’s a favourite for both locals and visitors, and it’s easy to see why.
| Pro tip: Ask for a seat by the window for some prime people-watching as you enjoy your meal. |
Le Petit Belge
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Address: 340 Robson St
Contact details: +1 604-620-1007
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7AM – 3PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 8AM – 4PM
Pricing: $$
Le Petit Belge might sound like it’s all about waffles—and while those golden, crispy beauties are a highlight, don’t sleep on their English breakfast. Tucked away in a quaint little spot, this café oozes European charm with its chic, minimalist decor and cozy atmosphere.
Their full English features all the classics: bacon, sausages, hash browns, and eggs, but with a slight Belgian twist. Everything is prepared with meticulous care, from the perfectly crisped potatoes to the rich, flavourful beans.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with one of their signature lattes, topped with a delicate layer of froth that’s almost too pretty to drink.
| Pro tip: Treat yourself to one of their waffles on the side—you’ll thank me later. |
Yolks
– Media from yolksbreakfast
Address: 1598 E Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-123-6543
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$
Now, Yolks is one of those places that turns breakfast into an art form. It’s got a modern, cheerful vibe with bright blue accents and an open kitchen where you can see the magic happen.
Their English breakfast is a generous plate loaded with crispy bacon, perfectly seared sausages, and buttery hash browns that are golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. But the eggs are the real show-stopper.
Poached to perfection, they ooze a rich golden yolk that ties everything together. And if you’re a fan of hollandaise, you’re in for a treat—their homemade version is silky, tangy, and downright addictive.
| Pro tip: Add their truffle-lemon potatoes for an extra burst of flavour. |
49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts – Thurlow
– Media from luckysdoughnuts
Address: 689 Thurlow St
Contact details: +1 604-620-6020
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-5PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
If you’ve ever craved a top-notch breakfast with a side of doughnuts, 49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts is your dream come true. This Thurlow Street gem combines artisan coffee with some of the best breakfast bites in town.
The interior? Think industrial chic meets cosy café, with plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. Their English breakfast doesn’t just tick all the boxes—it elevates them.
Thick-cut bacon, savoury sausages, eggs your way, and golden-brown hash browns all come together in perfect harmony. But let’s not forget the side act: the doughnuts.
These aren’t your average treats—they’re fluffy, fresh, and come in flavours ranging from classic vanilla glaze to more adventurous combos like salted caramel. Pair your meal with a rich pour-over coffee, and you’re set for the day.
| Pro tip: Grab a box of doughnuts to go, you’ll thank yourself when that mid-afternoon sugar craving hits. |
Northern Cafe
– Media from northerncafeandgrill
Address: 1640 East Kent Ave S, Unit 201
Contact details: +1 604-327-0345
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-3PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
Now, this one’s a hidden gem if there ever was one. Perched atop an industrial building, Northern Cafe is like a secret clubhouse for breakfast lovers.
You wouldn’t expect much from the outside, but once you’re in, it’s all about the hearty, no-frills goodness. The atmosphere is unpretentious and cozy, with old-school diner vibes and a view of the city that makes the trip up well worth it.
Their English breakfast is the real deal. You get thick, crispy bacon, juicy sausages, perfectly cooked eggs, and hash browns that are just the right amount of crispy.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their homemade pies if you’re still peckish after breakfast—they’re a local favourite. |
Café Portrait
– Media from cafeportrait
Address: 1179 Denman St
Contact details: +1 604-620-7570
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-4PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
With walls adorned in captivating artwork and a cozy, chic interior, Café Portrait is as much about the ambiance as the food. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your day with an English breakfast that’s as picture-perfect as the café.
Their full English is a hearty affair, featuring all the essentials: thick-cut bacon, juicy sausages, golden hash browns, and perfectly cooked eggs. But what separates Café Portrait is their commitment to fresh, local ingredients and their in-house baked bread.
Soft and slightly sweet, it’s the perfect canvas for a generous slathering of butter or a dip in those runny yolks.
| Pro tip: Pair your breakfast with one of their signature lattes for a truly indulgent start to the day. |
Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe
Address: 3292 Cambie St
Contact details: +1 604-874-9955
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe is a cosy, family-run spot that’s been serving up hearty breakfasts for years. The interior is charmingly old-school, with wooden shoes on display and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.
But what really sets this place apart is their knack for making even the simplest dishes shine. With their full English breakfast, everything is cooked to perfection, with generous portions that’ll keep you satisfied well past lunchtime.
| Pro tip: Try their signature Dutch pancakes on the side for a sweet and savoury combo you won’t forget. |
