The best part about eating in such a transit-friendly area? Not having to worry about hoofing it or driving home after you’ve no doubt eaten like royalty. With the SkyTrain, these breakfast/brunch spots are on your route, and make a great start to exploring the Vancouver area. Just hop on, dig in, and ride anywhere!
Vancouver
Chambar
Just a scone’s throw from Stadium Chinatown Station, Chambar has been a mainstay of the Vancouver brunch scene for a long time. With a cozy and modern ambiance, this Belgian-inspired cuisine is always reliable for a day-date, or just a round of morning-after mimosas. MVP of the menu: The paella skillet with two fried eggs, curried orzo, chorizo sausage, charred tomato salsa, cucumber and cilantro.
Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line to Stadium Station, exit from the North side, and hang a right. You’re there!
New West
Piva Modern Italian
Nobody does decadence quite like the Italians, and this downtown New Westminster locale definitely adheres to that culinary mantra. Step outside New Westminster Station, and you’re all but on the doorstep of one of the tastiest brunches on the Expo line. If you’re at a loss for what to decide on for your meal, you can never go wrong with the breakfast risotto—Italian sausage, spinach, parmigiano reggiano, and saffron, with a perfectly poached egg on top.
Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line to New Westminster Station, then walk down Eighth Street towards the water. You’ll see it on the corner of Columbia Street, attached to the Anvil Centre.
Burnaby
La Foret Bakery & Cafe
The picture says it all, really. The menu at this Burnaby staple is choc-full of brunch items that will have you bounding out of bed better than any alarm could. For a preview of the dilemma that lies ahead when you visit: the matcha waffles with fresh kiwi, a croissant sandwich with bacon and organic eggs, or the chicken and waffle platter drizzled with real maple syrup. It’s likely best to take some time with this decision before you visit.
Get there on transit: Get off the Expo Line at Metrotown Station. Walk Eastward down Central Blvd until you get to Imperial Street, you’ll see it on the corner!
Richmond
Tasty BBQ
Some of the best cuisine in the Lower Mainland can be found in Richmond, so it wasn’t easy to pick just one place! We had to give it to Tasty BBQ, though, for their exceptional Northern Chinese menu items. Their crispy crepes offer just the right amount of sweet and savoury, while the shitake and sticky rice Sui Mai dumplings perfectly accompany your morning green tea. Ride the Canada Line to the last stop at Brighouse Station and just follow your nose to an incredible meal.
Get there on transit: Take the Canada Line to Brighouse Station, walk north up No. 3 Road, hang a left on Westminster Hwy, and you’ll see it on the North side of the street on that block.
Surrey
Union Latino’s Food
With the best Latin fare in the area, it’s no wonder this is a foodie favourite. Start your day with the authentic tastes of Colombia, be it with homemade empanadas, cheese-stuffed plantains, or flank steak served with beans and rice. This is a must for anyone that requires a little extra kick and flavour in the early hours. Definitely more exciting than a cup of coffee! Editor’s note: the beer in the photo is assuming it’s your weekend of course!
Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line to Gateway Station, and walk south down University Dr. Hang a left at 105A Ave, and it’s two blocks away.
Coquitlam
Miracle Waffle & SandiEgg
The miracle in the title refers to if you can manage to only order one thing while visiting. A casual scroll through the Instagram feed is sure to seal whether you were thinking of visiting, with fluffy al a mode waffles and Korean egg drop sandwiches with gloriously caramelized edges. Nobody will blame you if it takes a couple tries before you finish your whole order.
Get there on transit: Take the Evergreen Line to Lafarge Lake Douglas Station, walk south down Pine Tree Way then turn right on Glen Dr. It’s only two blocks from there!
Vancouver’s North Shore
Nemesis Coffee
Not QUITE on a Skytrain route, but both the Canada Line and Expo Line drop you off at the SeaBus, so we’re saying it counts! If you’re in from out of town then you owe it to yourself to try some of the best pastries in the city. Croissant flavours like tiramisu and lemon meringue, freshly made pain au chocolate, and of course the croissant-muffin hybrid- the cruffin. It’s enough to throw a delicious wrench in any meal plan. Pair these picks with a world-class selection and you’re ready for every turn your day takes!
Get there on transit: Take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and walk east towards Carrie Courts Ct, you can’t miss it!
*All photos credited to the restaurant, unless noted otherwise
By Mark Shelling
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