Where to go to Brunch in Burnaby

Burnaby is BC’s third-largest city, so it’s no surprise that it boasts of a massive and diverse community and is influenced by different cultures. You can easily see the influences in the wide variety of restaurants in the area, where something as specific as brunch can refer to a range of different dishes.

From the usual diner fare with a hot twist to a Eurasian spin on breakfast and more – here are our picks of great brunch places in Burnaby. 

The Gray Olive Cafeteria

Nothing compares to your mom’s home cooking. The three brothers behind Gray Olive on Hastings developed their menu with this nostalgia in mind, serving meals that reference their childhood but with a twist. Their take on chicken and waffles, for example, comes with a side of spicy Korean ketchup for a bit more bite. Heat is a constant in their menu, with items like red pepper relish and chimichurri often sprinkled in various dishes. The only downside is that G.O. has a small space that fills up quickly, so it’s best to come early or make a reservation.

Fraser Park Restaurant

With its modest exteriors and simple décor, it can be pretty easy to overlook Fraser Park Restaurant based on aesthetics alone. But that would be a mistake because their hearty all-day breakfast menu has been pleasing locals for nearly two decades. Serving a mix of German and Filipino-style breakfast dishes in huge portions, the resto will definitely satisfy many a hungry diner. House recommendations include the German Breakfast (with meats cured in-house), Schnitzel Burger, and homemade soups. 

Hart House Restaurant

Hart House, located at a three-acre estate on Deer Lake Avenue, is a breathtaking property with Tudor Revival architecture and a stunning lakeside view. With Executive Chef Mike Genest at the helm, the menu offers local, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring seafood and local produce. For three decades, the combination of the relaxing ambience and delicious fare has attracted many visitors to take the long drive downtown and spend quality time with their loved ones. If you’re looking for an elevated weekend brunch experience, Hart House is for you.

Ambit Café 

Only about a year old, Ambit Café is a trendy spot that caters to a younger clientele. With a menu filled with sandwiches, wraps, and salad bowls, Ambit is perfect for the busy commuter who doesn’t have time to craft their own healthy meal. But for those who want to stay, their small, functional space aims to be a place to lounge with friends and maybe even meet new ones. Over the summer, they held a live painting night where interested guests can come in to showcase their inner artist, all while sipping a good cup of coffee.  

Cozmos Cafe + Bistro

Cozmos, a Burnaby mainstay for almost 20 years, serves a mix of popular breakfast items and Greek dishes.  Their many regulars, which come in often and treat the staff like family, rave about the great customer service and, of course, the delicious food. Cozmos wants to make everyone feel at home – they say even if you’re not hungry, you’re welcome too! They serve a wide variety of wine, cocktails, beers, and other drinks that can help take the edge off after a long day.  

We love hearing your feedback! If you have a list of great places to go or you know of a business owner who has a fascinating story to share, we’d love to hear your suggestions.