7 local brunch spots to take your mom on Mother’s day

Mother’s Day weekend is almost here, Victoria!

While the idea of breakfast in bed is great, burnt coffee and toast isn’t exactly what mom wants to see in her bed first thing in the morning.

Let’s leave it up to the professionals this year.

Let mom sleep in a bit and treat her to brunch or breakfast at one of Victoria’s stellar brunch restaurants. The city is known for its proclivity for breakfast food, and we’ve compiled a list of our favourite spots serving up bennies and omelettes.

But be warned, these places will be busy. Mother’s Day is one of their busiest days of the year and most spots on this list will not be taking reservations.

For those who aren’t familiar with the brunch game, here’s a brunch line-up hack: Send one person from your party down early to get on the list and have everyone join them when they’re close to getting in.

Your mom carried you for nine months. The least you can do is wait in line for an hour.

You can also try taking mom out on Friday or Saturday and avoid some of the lines, although the entire weekend is likely to be a busy one.

Here are 7 places in and around Victoria to treat your mom for breakfast or brunch this Mother’s Day:

The Blue Fox

We’re starting this list with an absolute classic.

The Blue Fox is one of Victoria’s oldest brunch spots, opening all the way back in 1991. They were the first spot in the city to offer all day breakfast, and they’ve made a name for themselves in that space since then.

They’ve been at the top of the list in the brunch conversation since their inception, and with good reason.

Serving up great dishes like their Huevos Rancheros and hot griddle cakes, getting mom a seat at the Blue Fox is bound to make her feel special and fill up her belly.

• Where: 101 – 919 Fort Street
• When: 
  • Monday and Tuesday – 8 a .m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday – closed
  • Thursday and Friday – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Village Restaurant

The Village restaurants have been multiplying across the city in the last decade, and not without reason.

They use fresh, local ingredients and make an effort to support the community by purchasing from favourite local suppliers. Red Barn bacon and Mount Royal Bagels make the list of tasty ingredients.

Get a benny on a latke for a unique take on a classic that you won’t regret.

Their restaurants are actually taking reservations, but they are almost fully booked for Mother’s Day now.

Call quickly to reserve a spot, head down and try your luck at walking in, or try grabbing mom some take-out breakfast from their online ordering system!

We’ve included the Estevan location below, but be aware that there are 3 separate Village locations in town.

• Where: 2518 Estevan Avenue
• When: Daily – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wonderffle Cafe

You’ve probably already guessed, but this one is for the moms with a sweet-tooth.

Wonderffle cafe specializes in delicious waffles, but they don’t limit themselves.

Their menu offers both sweet and savoury dishes, and their breakfast poutines and Korean BBQ benny deserves a mention on this list too. And be sure to try their Matcha lattes!

If you’re in a hurry, they do take-away waffles drenched in chocolate that will have everybody buzzing with energy for a day of activities.

The prices are good and the food is tasty. What more can you ask for?

• Where: 632 Yates Street
• When: 
  • Thursday to Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday – closed

The Ruby on Douglas

If you’re trying to stay out of the hustle and bustle in the downtown core on Mother’s Day, you can’t go wrong at The Ruby on Douglas.

While they do have a location downtown, the original restaurant was established in 2014 in Hotel Zed, and was immediately welcomed by the discerning Victoria breakfast community.

Their duck confit on hash, waffles or with eggs is unbelievable and sets them apart from many breakfast spots in town.

They’ve also got an extended hash menu, a selection of breakfast tacos and healthy and vegan sections for the health-conscious mamas out there.

They don’t take reservations, so make sure to drop a member of your party off at the restaurant to wait while you do some shopping at the Mayfair Shopping Centre or Indigo Books.

• Where: 642A Johnson Street
• When: 
  • Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jam Cafe

Jam Cafe has been a favourite spot for brunch in Victoria since it opened on Herald Street in 2012.

They’ve opened two more restaurants in Vancouver due to their popularity.

The cafe has vintage-inspired decor and rustic furniture makes for a cozy atmosphere and some of the best breakfast vibes in town.

Their take on Shakshouka called “The Shak” is to die for, or get the mom with a sweet tooth the apples and cream french toast.

And they serve beverages! Get mom “The Pain Killer” cocktail. You know she could use it.

The cafe doesn’t take reservations and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Where: 542 Herald Street
• When: 
  • Monday to Friday – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe 

Consider this one a hidden gem.

Not all moms want a “bougie” breakfast with delicate cutlery and avocado toast.

For some, a good breakfast means down-to-earth service and delicious food. This place does both perfectly.

For those who don’t know, Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe is a biker bar in Rock Bay, and while they might not be known for their brunch, the breakfast skillets on the weekend are irresistible.

Add a $6 “Rock Bay Mimosa” (Lucky or Pabst beer with orange juice) and mom is guaranteed to have a great start to the day.

• Where: 2620 Rock Bay Avenue
• When: 
  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Breakfast Shop

The Breakfast Shop opened in 2024 and has quickly become a favourite brunch spot just outside the downtown core.

With big shoes to fill after replacing Bear & Joey, which was beloved by so many, The Breakfast Shop has done the community proud with their delicious food and excellent service.

Try the classic bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, or spice things up a bit with the carnivore bowl.

While they don’t take reservations, they say that the turnover is quick and no one is ever waiting too long.

• Where: 1025 Cook Street
• When: 
  • Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.