The Canadian Bucket List: The Best Places to Eat in Canada

Canada is home to some incredible restaurants serving up delicious breakfast, brunch, and dinner options from coast to coast. As a food-loving country, Canada offers tasty eateries to suit any palate. Here are 7 of the top spots across Canada for brunch and breakfast that should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

Cantina Gia - Ottawa

Cantina Gia – Ottawa, ON

This Italian restaurant in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood perfectly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Their porchetta sandwich on focaccia bread with mustard and pear is a standout. The brunch menu highlights the passion co-owners Chef Vettorel and Schlesak have for quality Italian flavours.

1 Kitchen Toronto

1 Kitchen Toronto – Toronto, ON

With its bright conservatory-style interior and farm-fresh menu, 1 Kitchen Toronto is an urban brunch oasis in downtown Toronto. Their steak and eggs featuring flank steak with a red wine jus and homestead eggs is a prime example of their dedication to locally-sourced ingredients.

Le Pois Penché - Montreal

Le Pois Penché – Montreal, QC

As a charming French brasserie, Le Pois Penché in Montreal offers classic French brunch options like omelettes, steak frites, and fresh croissants. It’s a romantic spot for weekend brunch in the city.

Ancaster Mill - Ancaster

Ancaster Mill – Ancaster, ON

Situated beside a picturesque creek, Ancaster Mill is known for its waterfall views and Sunday brunches. With salad bars, carving stations, and farm-to-table offerings, they cater to all tastes.

Bar Sofia - Halifax

Bar Sofia – Halifax, NS

Bar Sofia in Halifax brings Latin flair to weekend brunch with bohemian decor and Latin-inspired menu items like breakfast empanadas. It’s a sunny escape from the Nova Scotia weather.

Campio Brewing Co. - Edmonton

Campio Brewing Co. – Edmonton, AB

In Edmonton, Campio Brewing Co. stands out for brunch with their signature Brunch Pizza topped with cheese, bacon, eggs, and arugula. It’s an epic way to start the day.

LOV Centropolis – Laval, QC

LOV Centropolis in Laval offers plant-based brunch options like their Forest Crostini featuring mushrooms and truffle sauce. They have sweet and savoury dishes to suit all diets.

A Tribute to Blue Plate Diner

Located at 12323 Stony Plain Road, the Blue Plate Diner Edmonton was the epitome of a traditional diner experience, enriched with a modern touch. Its ambiance was a homage to classic diners, yet its menu reflected a contemporary taste, offering a broad spectrum from a comforting diner breakfast near me to a hearty blue plate dinner. The diner was a cherished spot for both locals and visitors, bringing together the community over a love for good food. The delightful Blue Plate Diner photos capture the essence of what made it a beloved spot in Edmonton AB.

The Blue Plate Diner was a cherished establishment in Edmonton, known for its delightful ambiance and wide array of meal options covering lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The Blue Plate Diner menu was a testament to its culinary versatility, offering a range of dishes that catered to different palates. However, it closed its doors for good around August 2022, after 15 years of service. The closure followed a move from its longtime location on 104th Street due to a development project. After its closure, a new burger joint is slated to take up the former space.

Blue Plate Diner

The closure was publicly announced through social media, marking a melancholy moment for both the owners and the loyal clientele it had amassed over the years. It was particularly lauded for its farm-to-table fare long before such terms became trendy within the food and beverage industry.

The owner, Rima Devitt, expressed heartbreak over the closure but also reflected on the community’s support over the years, especially during the trying times in the final years of its operation.

Top Restaurants in Edmonton Right Now

The Canadian Brewhouse

  • Type: Bar, Grill, Pub
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Address: 9538 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton, Alberta T6X 0K6 Canada
  • Phone: +17804692232
The Canadian Brewhouse

The Canadian Brewhouse is a distinctive Canadian-themed restaurant and sports bar that embodies the spirit of a traditional pub. With an extensive menu offering a variety of appetizers, entrees, and a wide array of drinks, it’s a place where every night brings a new special to look forward to. They host an array of events throughout the year for community leagues and fundraisers, making it a lively spot for locals to gather. The modern yet cozy ambiance, coupled with their commitment to providing a fun-filled experience, makes The Canadian Brewhouse a favored spot to enjoy a game and celebrate with friends.

Duchess Bake Shop

  • Type: Bakery, Cafe
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Reviews: 1,331 on TripAdvisor
  • Special Note: A visit isn’t complete without trying the famed Duke cake. Also, consider grabbing their coffee or latte to go.
Duchess Bake Shop

Duchess Bake Shop is a charming bakery and cafe, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Known for its meticulously crafted pastries and cakes, especially the famous Duke cake, it’s a haven for dessert enthusiasts. The quaint setting and delightful coffee offerings make it an ideal spot for a casual meet-up or a peaceful afternoon indulgence. While their Duke cake receives high praises, their coffee and latte are also recommended for a comforting warm sip.

Hathaway’s Diner

  • Type: American, Cafe
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Reviews: 336 on TripAdvisor
  • Special Mention: Featured as “Gotta Eat Here! Edmonton at its best!”
Hathaway's Diner

Hathaway’s Diner is a quaint cafe showcasing classic American fare in a warm, inviting setting. It’s a place where traditional diner aesthetics meet hearty meals, providing a nostalgic dining experience. Known for its feature on “Gotta Eat Here! Edmonton at its best!”, Hathaway’s Diner has become a notable spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a comforting meal amidst a friendly atmosphere.

Reinette Cafe and Patisserie Ltd

  • Type: Dessert, Cafe
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Reviews: 30 on TripAdvisor
  • Special Note: They’re known for their afternoon tea, a must-try at the West Edmonton Mall.
Reinette Cafe and Patisserie Ltd

Located in the bustling West Edmonton Mall, Reinette Cafe and Patisserie Ltd is a sweet escape for dessert aficionados. Known for their afternoon tea, it’s a place where one can indulge in a variety of pastries while enjoying a tranquil tea experience. The elegant setting and the array of delicious offerings make it a must-try spot for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings.

District Cafe & Bakery

  • Type: Quick Bites, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly
  • Address: 101-10011 109 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S8 Canada
  • Phone: +1 780-705-7788
  • Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Reviews: 54 on TripAdvisor
District Cafe & Bakery

District Cafe & Bakery is a vibrant establishment offering quick bites, vegetarian-friendly options, and a cozy cafe setting. With its welcoming ambiance and a selection of freshly baked goods, it’s a great spot for a casual meal or a coffee break. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, District Cafe & Bakery has become a go-to place for locals and visitors looking for a wholesome meal or a quick snack in Edmonton.

Eight ½ Restaurant Lounge

  • Type: Restaurant, Fine dinning
  • Address: 151 East 8th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5T 1R8, Canada
  • Phone: +1 604-568-2703
  • Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 AM
  • Reviews: 84 on TripAdvisor
Eight ½ Restaurant Lounge

Eight ½ restaurant lounge is based on the principle that food should be straightforward, local, and fresh. Because we are a port city, we can get the freshest ingredients from all across the Pacific Rim and the lower mainland to make recipes that Vancouverites can now claim as their own.

Eight ½ restaurant lounge is the only place where fine dining meets online gaming. This idea is not only fascinating, but it’s also completely changing how we consume entertainment. Imagine yourself enjoying a delicious five-course dinner and an enjoyable online gaming session with friends or even complete strangers. This is a real-life experience that many people are embracing, not just a futuristic notion.

Restaurants That Have Closed Their Doors

The Vancouver food scene has sadly said goodbye to several beloved eateries recently. A few local favorites across the city have shuttered over the past months, leaving behind many happy memories for their regulars.

SeaHouse Restaurant

After years of serving pizza, pasta, and hosting live jazz nights, the popular Vancouver venue SeaHouse Restaurant has closed down. The cozy eatery was a regular spot for many to enjoy dinners out and music evenings. SeaHouse will be fondly remembered, leaving room for new dining destinations in the city.

Nukid Cafe and Bakery

The Robson Street bakery Nukid Cafe and Bakery has closed just a year after opening. Nukid gained a following for its unique Korean-inspired donuts in flavors like yuzu and s’mores. The cafe also served specialty coffee drinks. Foodies will miss its inventive baked goods and Instagram-worthy donuts.

Chef Hung Taiwan Bistro 990

The downtown Taiwanese eatery Chef Hung Taiwan Bistro 990 on Smithe Street has permanently closed. The restaurant was popular for its comforting dishes like fried chicken and beef noodle soup. Its closure leaves a gap in the neighborhood for quality Taiwanese cuisine.

Paddlewheeler Pub

Paddlewheeler Pub in New Westminster announced its closure in an emotional Facebook post after years as a local staple. Located near the iconic Tin Soldier statue, it was a favored community spot for dining and gathering. Paddlewheeler will be deeply missed by its many regulars.

Union Market

After years serving Vancouver’s Strathcona neighborhood, the beloved family-run Union Market grocery store closed its doors at the end of October. As a convenient local shop, it was a community pillar that neighbors regularly visited. Rising costs led to its difficult closure.

Ganache Patisserie

The popular French bakery Ganache Patisserie in Yaletown has permanently closed after a long tenure. It was renowned for its beautiful cakes and pastries. Ganache’s delicious treats and special occasion creations will be fondly remembered by its many loyal customers.