We’re taking a tasty tour of Vancouver’s many brunches to create The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide. This week we’re at Yaletown’s West Oak.
Whether you’re after a quick bite to eat or a social three-course meal, West Oak has got your weekend brunch covered. Priding itself on a locally sourced, modern West Coast inspired menu, West Oak offers a range of long-established brunch favourites as well as appetizers, salads and gourmet sandwiches.
Dungeness crab cakes (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Cooking with fresh herbs from the counter, free-range eggs, OceanWise-sanctioned seafood and grass-fed beef from local suppliers, West Oak dishes up a solid brunch menu featuring dishes such as: Vancouver Island mussels and fries; beef carpaccio; Eggs Benedict with roasted ham; baked eggs with sausage, red and white bean cassoulet; Croque Madame; steak and eggs; flaxseed pancakes; prawn and quinoa salad, and more.
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Brunch enthusiasts who crave something light should not miss the Dungeness crab cakes ($14) starter plate. Served with house-made tartar, chili oil and a cucumber and watercress salad, West Oak’s crab cakes are stuffed with delicious flakes of crab meat – no mystery filling here! While the dish is not overly big it is certainly fresh and guaranteed to whet the appetite for more tasty things to come.
Beef short rib hash (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
For something more hearty, the beef short rib hash ($16) is an excellent option. Presented on a wooden board in a piping hot cast iron skillet this meal consists of shredded beef short rib, Fingerling potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and is topped with two poached eggs smothered in buttery Hollandaise sauce. While it may be a struggle to finish the last few mouthfuls of food (the portion size is rather generous), the combination of flavours achieved are most enjoyable.
With plenty of highlights on the menu it’s easy to overlook the sides. However, with triple cooked fries, Brussel sprouts and bacon, and truffled scrambled eggs diners won’t want to.
Flaxseed pancakes (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
To round the meal off with something sweet, a plate of the kitchen’s signature chocolate chip cookies will do the trick. Baked to order and accompanied by a pot of French vanilla bean dipping sauce, West Oak’s cookies are the perfect after meal treat. They’re warm, chocolately and delightfully chewy.
Weekend brunch would not be the same without a rightfully boozy concoction in hand, therefore patrons can seal the deal with West Oak’s morning mimosa or Caesar. Coffee, tea and a variety of juices are also available for those who wish to begin the day in a less alcohol-forward way.
Inside West Oak (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
In addition to a tasty, well-balanced menu, West Oak also offers diners a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy a late morning breakfast. Giant heritage wood beams frame the high ceilinged room, while an attractive décor of white oak tabletops and chairs, rustic mirrors and funky industrial lighting have been tastefully appointed in and around the brick-walled interior.
With quality, well-presented food, personable and attentive service, and a polished space, West Oak is well worth a visit when attempting to satisfy brunch time hunger in Yaletown.
West Oak
Address: 1035 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-629-8808
Hours:
Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.
Website: www.westoakrestaurant.com