Everyday brunch up top, and the dress-up, special-occasion spots below.
Looking for a breakfast spot that's far from traditional? Maven is it. The Brekkie group's menu changes often and leans Asian-inspired, so there's always something new to try.
Must try: Garlic Fried Rice with Bacon, Miso Salmon Hash, Kaya Toast.
Erin's tip: One of my go-tos for brunch.
Pro tip: Get there early. It fills up as the morning goes on.
1006 17 Ave SW · Map for Maven
Maven's sister restaurant, and the west side's go-to for bennies. Cozy and homey, with a long list of creative eggs Benedict and some of the best pancakes in the city.
Must try: Korean Braised Short Rib Benny, Lobster Thermidor Benny, Wild Mushroom Parmesan Benny, the Pancakes, an upgrade to Korean potatoes.
Pro tip: Join the waitlist before you head over. Open daily from 7.
20 Westpark Link SW · Map for Brekkie
A beautiful, warm room on 17th with friendly, quick service and a menu that does the classics well. Easy for a girls' brunch or a weekday lunch.
Must try: The Tuna Melt with Tomato Soup, the Eggs Benny, Avocado Toast, a Lemon Scone to start.
Erin's tip: A great brunch spot.
Pro tip: Open daily from 8 to 4. Grab cookies to go on your way out.
819 17 Ave SW · Map for The Sweatered Hen
A chic little French spot with a patio, brunch Friday to Sunday and wine in the evenings. Brunch, bachelorettes and boeuf bourguignon all work here.
Must try: The Big Board to share, Salmon Brioche, Banana Chocolate French Toast.
Erin's tip: Don't skip the lobster roll.
1512 29 Ave SW · Map for Brioche
Japanese fusion brunch, beautifully plated, in a tiny room of about ten tables. Some regulars call it the best brunch in Calgary, and the lineup agrees.
Must try: Zangi Chicken Benny, Chicken Croffles (shaped like moons), Matcha Pancakes, Mentaiko Kimchi Cream Pasta, a Yuzu Ade.
Pro tip: Join the waitlist and wait it out at the café next door. Closed Tuesdays.
725 1 Ave NE · Map for Komorebi Brunch
An authentic Turkish breakfast built for sharing. Big platters, warm simit, properly brewed black tea and an owner who comes by to check on every table. Bring a group.
Must try: The VIP Breakfast Set (it feeds about five), the Simit Platter, Turkish tea.
Pro tip: Reserve for the good tables; there's usually a line. Closed Mondays.
2604 4 St NW · Map for Turca Breakfast House
The perfect place to lose a whole Saturday morning to brunch and mimosas. From the Teatro group, just off the beaten path between Eau Claire and downtown, and a short walk from the Peace Bridge. Grab a coffee and croissant to go, or settle in for a proper breakfast.
Pro tip: The covered side patio is dog friendly and heated in winter. Don't leave without a stop at the pastry case.
222 7 St SW · Map for Alforno
Brunch done differently. European-inspired decor and a non-traditional menu served on eclectic china, beautifully presented and made for your camera-happy friends.
Must try: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, the Waffle Sandwich, Avocado Toast, a breakfast cocktail.
3927 Edmonton Tr NE · Map for Queens Breakfast + Cocktails
Farm-to-table eggs, fresh sourdough and a big menu with something for everyone. A reliable crowd-pleaser with locations all over the city.
Must try: Lobster and Shrimp Crepe, Berry Waffle.
Pro tip: Join the online waitlist before you leave the house.
An eclectic breakfast joint with a cocktail-bar aesthetic. Roll in after a big night for a giant brunch and a badass Caesar, or after spin for a lighter bowl and a mimosa (the juice makes it healthy, right?).
Must try: Brisket Benny, Caramel Apple French Toast, a mimosa.
Pro tip: Like every breakfast spot in Calgary, there's a line. Join the waitlist online.
Calgary's oldest restaurant takes local love to heart. This former milk bar uses local ingredients in almost every dish, and the team knows their suppliers by first name. Small, cozy and very celiac friendly.
Must try: Brioche French Toast, the Mushroom Swiss Burger.
Pro tip: No reservations. Put your name down and expect a short wait.
319 19 St NW · Map for Dairy Lane Café
The Bridgeland original has closed, but Diner Deluxe lives on in Marda Loop. Its mission hasn't changed: food is best when you're comfortable. A wide mix of breakfast dishes for every kind of eater.
Pro tip: One of the few breakfast spots with a dedicated kids' menu, so bring the whole family.
2252 33 Ave SW · Map for Diner Deluxe
A modern take on the well-loved diner. Close to downtown and open at 7 am on weekdays, it's a gem for the early-meeting crowd, with everything from pancakes to breakfast salads (for that one guy who bikes to work).
Pro tip: The patio is dog friendly.
A bright breakfast spot in the Alt Hotel, open daily from 6:30 am. Sweet or savoury, there's something for everyone, and a cocktail menu to go with it.
Must try: Chix Waffles (chicken and waffles), the Potato Wedges, Bacon in a Bag.
624 6 Ave SE, Alt Hotel · Map for Chix Eggshop
In the historic Simmons Building on the river path. Pastries, sandwiches, great coffee and a view of the river. Put it at the top of your list for the next sunny Sunday.
Pro tip: Come early to grab a patio spot.
Erin's tip: Don't skip the Buttered Toast with Jam Cookie.
A European-inspired bakery and café with an all-day brunch menu and a mouth-watering case of fresh pastries and bread. Make friends at the office with a box of croissants, or grab a Saturday treat after spin.
Pro tip: Not a sweet tooth? Take home a loaf of rustic sourdough.
The same vegetable-forward cooking as dinner, with all the nutrients you need for the day packed into tasty, Instagrammable breakfast plates.
1209 1 St SW · Map for Ten Foot Henry
A bright, calm brunch spot with an open kitchen and food that's clean, simple and done really well. Great sourdough, perfectly poached eggs and some of the best Bennys in the city.
Must try: The Avo Mushroom Benny, the Korean Fried Chicken Benny, Avo Classic Toast.
Pro tip: Open every day from 8. It's bigger inside than it looks from the door.
401 11 Ave SE · Map for ZCREW Café
A busy brunch spot with a huge menu that wanders from classic Bennys to Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Fresh, beautifully plated and hard to choose from, with lattes worth ordering a second of for the road.
Must try: The Fried Chicken Benny with tater tots, Banana Crème Brûlée French Toast, Farmer's Market Perogies, a Honey Cardamom Latte.
Pro tip: Reserve on weekends, when there's a line out the door. Edmonton Trail is open daily, and Macleod is closed Sundays.
824 Edmonton Tr NE, plus Macleod Trail · Map for Namo Café Bistro
Weekend brunch on the island. Walk the park first, then settle onto the patio.
Must try: Braised Short Rib Eggs Benedict.
Weekend brunch or high tea in a heritage house steeped in Calgary history, with an edible garden on site and oysters on the brunch menu. Dress up with friends or impress your mother-in-law.
806 9 Ave SE · Map for Deane House
Fun fact: Staff and guests have reported paranormal happenings for years.
The Fairmont Palliser's polished dining room. Weekend brunch and high tea for any fancy breakfast occasion. Book ahead: it's a hotspot for events.
Pro tip: Swap the Saturday sweats for something a little more dressed up.
Fairmont Palliser, 133 9 Ave SW · Map for Hawthorn
Built in 1896, this historic house has been hosting soirées ever since. The brunch menu leans on local meats and vegetables, with vegan options too. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it on a warm summer day when you can take in the house and garden.
Just outside the city, in a big, modern room built for every occasion. Best known for its weekend brunch.
If you're looking to impress your foodie friend, Vero's brunch is the move: dishes like sweet potato breakfast gnocchi, inspired by Chef Jenny Chan's trips to Europe.