I’ve only ever gone to Pip for brunch and, while the dinner menu looks delightful, I’m convinced that the best way to experience the 28-seat corner restaurant is in its pre-3 p.m. glory. There will likely be a lineup, but good things are worth waiting for. And, when it comes to brunch, Pip serves this city’s best (plus you can always duck next door to The Next Act while you wait). It’s especially great if you like eggs but can’t consistently pull off the trickier styles — simply find a seat or sidle up to the bar and let Pip’s egg experts whip up one of their poached or Benedict dishes, or try the one-of-a-kind Eggs & Bocconcini, a soupy, cheesy concoction served with toast. It’s warm, filling and encapsulates the website slogan: “Small space/big hearts.” — Cory Schachtel
10403 83 AVE. NW, 780-760-4747, pipyeg.com
The quaint, cabin-like setting at Chartier radiates warmth all year long. Known for its elegant rustic decor and seasonal French-Canadian cuisine, the restaurant now provides an exquisite twist on brunch, introduced last fall. Cravings can be satisfied by a wide range of dishes, from poutine and eggs to smoked brisket and of course, French toast. When it comes to crepes, Chartier offers a delicacy that’s hard to refuse. Filled with mashed potato, lemon, dill, ricotta and topped with sweet brown butter béarnaise and smoked pastrami spiced salmon, Hailey’s Blintz melts on your tongue upon the first bite. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet and savoury. — Kateryna Didukh
#102 5012 50 St., Beaumont, 780-737-3633, dinechartier.com
Don’t be fooled by the whole toast thing. Sure, bread is at the centre of Toast Culture’s dishes, but don’t think you won’t need a knife and a fork. That’s because the bread is often loaded with some really outstanding toppings; the avocado BLT is a slice of bread with a more than generous helping of the green stuff, with rounds of capicola and a mound of arugula. Or, go with the poke or a poached egg. These are substantial offerings that prove toast sometimes can’t be picked up. — Steven Sandor
11965 Jasper Ave., 780-761-4482, toastculture.com
Back to Edmonton’s Best Restaurants 2020
This article appears in the March 2020 issue of Avenue Edmonton
