The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide: The Oakwood Canadian Bistro

We’re taking a tasty tour of Vancouver’s many brunches to create The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide. This week we’re enjoying a stellar brunch at The Oakwood Canadian Bistro. 

With so many places in the city to grab a Caesar and an Eggs Benny on the weekend, the decision on where to brunch can be a little overwhelming. However, if you’re keen to head out of the downtown core, you should make a point to visit Kitsilano’s Oakwood Canadian Bistro.

The Oakwood proudly dishes up an array of West Coast and Pacific Northwest cuisine. While the farm-to-table restaurant’s dinner menu consists of inventive sharable plates, the brunch menu (which changes seasonally) features an array of brekkie favourites, along with some unique alternatives.

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Although the menu is concise, there are still enough tempting options to mull over. Indeed, items such as the crispy pork belly with fried polenta, cheddar scramble eggs and corn salsa ($14), and confit tuna with smoked aioli, asparagus, cucumber, radish, olives, mixed greens, grilled lemon and a dill vinaigrette ($15), make it near impossible to choose just one dish.

Those searching for something wholesome should tuck into the open-face smoked brisket sandwich ($14). With a tangy BBQ sauce, over easy eggs, a fluffy toasty base, maple grainy Dijon mustard, pickled red onion and home fries, this dish strikes an excellent balance of sweet and salty.

Brunch traditionalists will appreciate The Oakwood’s smoke ham hock Benedict ($14). Topped with nicely cooked poached eggs and a light yet creamy parmesan dill Hollandaise, The Oakwood’s Eggs Benny is scrumdiddlyumptious. The herb-infused sauce pairs incredibly well with the salty shredded ham. Sides of perfectly seasoned crisp home fries, and a vibrant green salad complete the dish.

Sweet-toothed bandits are guaranteed to go crazy over the eatery’s unique take on French toast ($15). Made with banana bread, instead of the usual thick cut bread or brioche, The Oakwood’s French toast is outrageously good. It’s warm, delightfully cake-y and topped off with a salted caramel drizzle, raspberry coulis and candied walnuts.

For those who simply can’t decide between sweet or savory, order both. Although not mentioned on the menu, diners can opt for a half size of the French toast. Better yet choose a savory dish to start, then end with a plate of French toast for dessert. Whether you share, well that’s up to you.

Even though The Oakwood’s main brunch plates are more than enough to fill you up, don’t be skipping the sides. For extra satisfying results you can choose between lemon parmesan Brussels sprouts (a must-order), crispy pork belly, house-cured bacon, home fries and more enticing options.

From the bar patrons can expect to see a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations. For those who enjoy starting their weekend mornings with a little booze, there’s a Classic Caesar, Black Gin Caesar, Mimosa, Apple Ginger Pimms Cup, and an Okanagan Coffee, comprised of McLoughlin & Steele whiskey, maple syrup, coffee, and hand whipped cream.

Drinks sans alcohol include a Mai Tai (lime, almond syrup, pineapple, walnut bitters and soda), and a Cherry Ginger Swizzle (ginger beer, cherry syrup, orange and egg whites). If you’re having second thoughts about whether or not to indulge in a boozy concoction, know that 25 cents from very Mimosa and Caesar go towards the Children’s Hospital.

Well-executed meals, fresh, vibrant and flavourful ingredients, super attentive and knowledgable wait staff, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere make The Oakwood a top brunch destination in the city.

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro

Address: 2741 West 4th Avenue
Phone: 604-558-1965
Hours: Brunch served Saturday and Sundays, from 10 a.m to 2:45 p.m.
Website: www.theoakwood.ca