Canada is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering many delicious options. However, not many restaurants serve breakfast and afternoon meals, making it hard for a local or a visitor to explore the country’s food at different times.
But fear not. I’ve looked around Canada and found some great places serving tasty breakfast and afternoon meals. These restaurants have lots of delicious choices that will make your mouth water. They also show off the best of Canadian cooking.
If you want to know which restaurants I found, what kinds of food they serve, and the best places to eat breakfast or grab an afternoon snack in Canada, let’s examine some popular options and recommend a few restaurants to try.
Breakfast Options in Canada
Let’s start with breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Canada has a diverse range of morning eateries, from cozy diners to trendy cafes. Here are three popular restaurants that serve up some of the best breakfast dishes in the country, each offering its unique take on the first meal of the day.
Tim Hortons
No discussion of Canadian breakfast options would be complete without mentioning Tim Hortons. This iconic chain is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture and is a go-to spot for many Canadians to start their day.
Tim Hortons is famous for its coffee and donuts but also offers a range of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and muffins. Their breakfast menu includes classics like the Farmer’s Breakfast Sandwich, which features a fresh egg, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage on a biscuit or English muffin.
Tim Hortons’ breakfast wraps are popular for those on the go. These handheld meals include the Sausage Farmer’s Wrap or the Bacon Belt, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Cora
Regarding breakfast in Canada, Cora is a name that stands out. This beloved chain of restaurants specializes in breakfast and brunch, offering a wide variety of morning favorites. Cora has something for everyone, from classic egg dishes to creative fruit-topped crepes.
At Cora, you can enjoy hearty breakfast platters with eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. For those with a sweet tooth, their famous fruit-laden pancakes and French toast are sure to satisfy. Health-conscious diners will appreciate their selection of fresh fruit plates and yogurt parfaits.
Cora’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and eye-catching presentation sets it apart. Many of its dishes are adorned with colorful fruit arrangements, making your breakfast tasty and visually appealing.
A&W Canada
While A&W might be better known for its burgers, this Canadian fast-food chain also offers a tasty breakfast menu. Their All-Canadian Special is a hearty option featuring eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast.
For something a bit different, try their Bacon & Egger sandwich. This breakfast classic comes on a toasted hamburger bun, giving it a unique twist. A&W also offers lighter options like yogurt and berries parfait for those looking for a fresher start to their day.
Afternoon Meal Options in Canada
If I talk about afternoon meal options in Canada after breakfast, you’ll find a variety of delicious choices to satisfy your midday cravings. From classic burgers to unique Canadian specialties, the country has various restaurants offering different tastes and preferences. Explore three popular spots serving some of Canada’s best afternoon meals.
Swiss Chalet
Swiss Chalet is a Canadian favorite for afternoon meals. While it’s best known for its rotisserie chicken, it offers a variety of other dishes that make for a satisfying lunch or early dinner.
Their Quarter Chicken Dinner is a classic choice, served with your choice of side dish. For something different, try their Chicken Pot Pie or the Rotisserie Beef sandwich. Swiss Chalet also offers a range of salads and soups for those seeking lighter fare.
Harvey’s
Regarding afternoon meals in Canada, Harvey’s is a popular choice. Known for their flame-grilled burgers, Harvey’s offers a range of satisfying options for lunch or an early dinner.
You can customize your burger exactly how you like it at Harvey’s. Choose from toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and their famous Harvey’s sauce. They also offer chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and poutine—a Canadian classic of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
For a truly Canadian afternoon meal experience, look no further than Smoke’s Poutinerie. This chain specializes in poutine, offering creative variations on the traditional dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
You can try poutine topped with ingredients like pulled pork, chicken fajita, or even butter chicken at Smoke’s. They also offer vegetarian options like their Veggie Deluxe poutine. For those who prefer the classics, their Traditional poutine is a crowd-pleaser.
Flame-Grilled Burgers – A Personal Experience
You asked about experiencing flame-grilled burgers, and I can say that they are indeed a delicious treat. The flame-grilling process imparts a unique smoky flavor to the meat you can’t get from other cooking methods. It also helps to create a slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Harvey’s, which we mentioned earlier, is known for its flame-grilled burgers. Cooking over an open flame enhances the flavor and gives the burger a satisfying texture.
Wrapping it up
To sum up, Canada offers a wide variety of options for both breakfast and afternoon meals. From the fruit-laden plates at Cora to the customizable burgers at Harvey’s, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a classic Canadian poutine, or a flame-grilled burger, you will surely find something delicious to enjoy in the Great White North.
