Brunch is the perfect way to begin the day. For a taste of French-inspiration, take a seat inside Lily Mae’s. Brunch is a specialty at this bistro café-restaurant, who serves comforting delights like sweet or savoury waffles, and eggs or pork belly benedict. If you’re craving for traditional French cuisine, Jules Bistro offers classics like croque-Madame, croque-Monsieur, escargot, and French onion soup.
Or maybe your appetite is calling for West Coast flavours? The Flying Pig’s popular brunch menu offers Canadian bistro mains showcasing locally sourced meats. If you love Italian food, Brioche serves up Sicilian cuisine with West Coast flare. Order a variety of pan seared omlettes or French toast made with house-baked bread, accompanied with fresh cut fruit and house-blend Miscela Siciliana coffee.
Sundays are an ideal day to casually browse for new investment pieces. Why not try on a pair of bold frames at Bruce Eyewear? The premier eyewear boutique carries playful and statement designs by both emerging designers and major fashion houses. Quality leather shoes, handbags, land Danish briefcases can be found a couple of doors down inside Nika Design. This shop also offers complete shoe and leather repairs, so if you have something that needs a bit of sprucing, don’t forget to bring them with you on your stroll.
Walk along Water Street to discover imaginative shoe designs by John Fluevog. Situated in an all glass greenhouse-esque building, this stunning flaship shares the space with John Fluevog’s design studio. Look up towards the second floor and you might spot his team working their magic on the next collection. Eyeland Framemakers is another original shop offering out-of-the-box frames made from unconventional materials like wood and animal tusk. Owner Sara Moshurchak handcrafts custom one-off frames made just for you.
And don’t forget to peruse the home décor shops along the block. Litchfield has a curated collection of finely crafted everyday tools. If you’re looking for things to brighten up your home, Parliament offers vibrant coloured décor, modern furniture and signature owl items. Also, the selection of ornate wallpaper, wall hanging clocks and European housewares at Orling & Wu is uniquely refreshing.
Perhaps it’s time for a little coffee break? For those who appreciate bold Italian coffee, Milano serves their signature-roasted coffee and espresso drinks from a stunning modern interior. Or you could sit down for a coffee chat and enjoy a delectable almond croissant inside Coffeebar. For a more eclectic vibe, Smart Mouth Café offers fair trade coffee inside of a colourful, cozy space.
Once you’re refreshed, head towards the 300 block of Cordova to contiune your shopping adventure. Dutil houses over 3,000 pairs of raw, cotton, and premium denim for men and woman. Across the street, there’s a stylish selection of kicks, heels, and boots at Rowan Sky, an independent shoe boutique with a mix of European footwear designs and local handcrafted jewellery. Just a few doors down, you’ll find a collection of coffee makers, mason jars, glass lamps, and other domestic goods at Old Faithful. The shop is like a modern day general store carrying a mix of nostalgic items that are made with quality craftsmanship.
For Italian menswear, visit Alfie Italia anchored on the corner of Cordova & Cambie St. This chic boutique also carries edgy womenswear from emerging Canadian designers, and an assortment of unique accessories. Discover the art of spectology at the newly opened Bailey Nelson. The brand’s first Canadian flagship sits along Cambie, showcasing their chic frame designs. The styles are quite affordable, starting at $145 for one frame.
Whether you’re an avid Guinness fan or enjoy a cold glass of Scotch, the Irish Heather has something for you. The gastropub boasts a wide selection of whisky, spirits, along with quality beer pours and specialty coffees. You can order a few rounds and fill your belly with savoury mains like turkey meatloaf and steak and ale pot pie. The Black Frog Eatery is another pub offering a spectular food menu with a few healthy options.
Or maybe you’re in the mood for a few cocktails? Sophisticated Italian boite, Notturno serves tasty Italian cicchetti share plates and craft cocktails created by award winning bartender, H. You could also end the night stomping your feet to the sounds of live rock ’n’ roll at Revel Room. Drawing inspiration from the South, the funky eatery offers both original and classic libations, South American tapas, and weekly live music nights. On Wednesday nights, catch Revel Room’s owner Dennis Brock rocking out on the main stage with house band, the Revellers.
