We’re taking a tasty tour of Vancouver’s many brunches to create The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide. This week we’re relishing a delightful late-morning meal at Gastown’s Wildebeest.
Located on West Hastings, Wildebeest is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of brunch on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Not only does the Gastown eatery offer a versatile menu, but there’s charm everywhere you look.
Crispy pork schnitzel (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
With a stack of cool rustic/industrial features and fittings, think worn timber tables, exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, and hanging lights, the team at Wildebeest have created a truly warm, welcoming and casual-chic setting.
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While Wildebeest’s gorgeous interior is enough to entice patrons back time and time again, ultimately the main draw is the delicious food offerings.
Two fried eggs, bacon, and toast (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Featuring share plates for the table, individual meals, sides, drinks and cocktails, Wildebeest is a brunch enthusiasts haven.
Those who are familiar with Wildebeest will be happy to note that the restaurant’s signature Crispy Pork Schnitzel, which proudly features on the dinner menu, is also available at brunch. Served with a pot of homemade spiced beer mustard, diners can enjoy this savoury and suitably salty dish no matter when and what time they visit.
“The Dutch Baby” (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
In addition to the sharable pork schnitzel bites, Wildebeest offers a range of appetizing main brunch plates, which include a Croque Madame ($14), comprised of Wildebeest ham, Gruyere cheese, fried farm egg, and cultivated and foraged greens; back bacon Benedict ($16), served with a jalapeño and cheddar biscuit, Hollandaise, and triple-cooked potatoes; a wild mushroom and bacon omelette ($16); Angus beef bavette, accompanied by smoked bierwurst, bacon, peppercorn sauce, three fried eggs, triple-cooked potatoes, and toast ($26), and more.
Wildebeest’s brunch spread (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Brunch purists will savour every bite of Wildebeest’s traditional big brekkie plate. Comprised of two flawlessly fried eggs, the choice of bierwurst or bacon, triple-cooked potatoes, greens and lightly toasted sourdough, this dish is deliciously simple. Those who opt for the bacon will discover perfectly charred thick-cut slices of meat, which pair incredibly well with the egg’s runny yolks and the mound of dangerously addictive seasoned potatoes.
Mini donuts with salted caramel drizzle (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Served warm, Wildebeest’s take on a Dutch Baby (a type of pancake) is a top choice for diners who crave a sweet and slightly tart brunch. Aptly named “The Dutch Baby,” the pancake is topped with cow’s milk ricotta, fresh fruit, raspberry jam, and bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup ($12). The texture of the pancake is fluffy, with a slightly crisp edge, while the flavour is rich and eggy.
Inside Wildebeest (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Even though Wildebeest’s main plates are enough to satisfy, diners would be foolish not to order a serve of mini donuts. Doused with sugar and presented on a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, these perfect spheres, which come in threes, are delightfully sweet, soft and chewy.
With excellent food options, an inviting and warm atmosphere, comfortable and ample seating, and friendly service, Wildebeest is must-visit brunch destination in Gastown, so definitely keep it in mind the next time you’re on the prowl for a new brunch spot to frequent.
Wildebeest
Address: 120 West Hastings Street
Phone: 604-687-6880
Hours: Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Website: www.wildebeest.ca
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