Best Brunch Spots in Vancouver for New Year’s Day 2014

Try these delicious brunch restaurants in Vancouver to kick off 2014

Whether you’re nursing a hangover or just want to fuel up on something tasty this New Year’s Day, jump-start 2014 with a hearty brunch. Many restaurants in the Lower Mainland are closed for the stat holiday, but we’ve searched out some of the best brunch spots in town that will be open this January 1st.

Hawksworth

The glistening chandelier, fresh flowers and impeccable service will ensure your brunch at Hawksworth is more extravagant than your local diner. Although menu items may be a tad pricier than your average brunch fare, regulars swear by the Pacific sablefish brandade served with poached eggs, tomato and chorizo as well as the “perfect” classic eggs benedict made with caramelized ham. On New Year’s Day, brunch will be served 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and reservations are recommended.

801 West Georgia, Vancouver

hawksworthrestaurant.com/menus/brunch

The Templeton

Serving breakfast every day until 3 p.m., this old-school diner opens at 9:00 a.m. on January 1st. While the fun decor is 1950s retro, complete with jukeboxes and vintage comic strips, The Templeton’s menu is modern. It incorporates vegetarian and vegan options (including mushroom gravy and veggie bacon) while the meat is organic and free range. Some of our favourite dishes include the Farmers Breakfast (rosemary potatoes sautéed with veggies, white cheddar, two eggs, served with salsa and sour cream) and the cinnamon raisin French toast served with fresh fruit. The only downside to this place is its small size, so try to get there early to score a table.

1087 Granville Street, Vancouver

Oru at the Fairmont Pacific Rim

Oru at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is hosting a New Year’s Day “Hangover Brunch” from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. that aims to cure all pounding heads and tired bodies with a grease-filled feast. For $33 a person, you get a buffet that includes breakfast wraps, potato hash, house-made bacon, ham, pork sausage and turkey sausage as well as pastries, yogurt parfaits and cereal. Highlights of the large spread also include make-your-own omelette/eggs benny bars and a build-your-own Caesar option. Reservations are always a good idea at the Fairmont but walk-ins are being accepted for this event.

1038 Canada Place, Vancouver

orucuisine.com/promotions

Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

A large number of Asian restaurants remain open over New Year’s and this is one of Vancouver’s best. While it is fairly formal and a bit pricey, Dynasty has been named as the best Chinese food in the city by many publications, food writers and diners. In 2013, the restaurant was named a gold medal winner by the Chinese Restaurant Awards for best dim sum, and their baked lemon BBQ pork pie was picked as a standout dish. Dynasty opens at 10:00 a.m. every day and reservations are recommended.

108-777 West Broadway, Vancouver

Unsure of what to order? Check out our guide for the dim sum newbie.

Acme Café

This small neighbourhood gem doesn’t take reservations, but opens at 9:00 a.m. on January 1st – so try your luck at grabbing a table. Tasty food at reasonable prices (everything on the breakfast and lunch menus is less than $13) is the formula that keeps this place full of hungry diners. While breakfast is only served until 11:00 a.m. during the week, Acme’s lunch offerings will still hit the spot if you end up rolling out of bed late. To remedy hangover symptoms, fill up on the bacon mac and cheese, chorizo sandwich or turkey club. If you can’t bear to deal with any crowds on New Year’s Day, Acme offers an extensive takeout menu.

51 West Hastings St., Vancouver

Peaceful Restaurant

Ever since Peaceful was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the restaurant has been lined up out the door. To the delight of all Chinese food and dim sum lovers, Peaceful has now opened up two more locations in Vancouver. Their award-winning Peaceful beef rolls consistently win accolades from everyone who tastes them, including Food Network host Guy Fieri. If affordable and delicious pan-fried pork buns, steamed dumplings and wonton soup are what you’re after on New Year’s Day, head over as soon as the restaurant opens at 11:00 a.m. as Peaceful does not accept reservations.

532 West Broadway, Vancouver

43 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver

2394 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

The Flying Pig

If hair of the dog is what you need, then The Flying Pig is your spot. Wash down brunch with one of their brekkie cocktails, such as a Kahlua Vanilla Mocha (coffee, Kahlua, milk) or Gramma’s Bloody Caesar (with spicy sriracha). While the breakfast menu isn’t extensive, the standard options are all there. If you have a sweet tooth, try the brioche French toast with maple blueberry compote. For the savoury lover, check out the wild mushroom, asparagus and chevre frittata. Brunch at both Flying Pig locations will run from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

1168 Hamilton St. (Yaletown)

102 Water St. (Gastown)