Brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s a delicious way to ease into the day. Whether you’re a local brunch enthusiast or a curious visitor craving morning eats in between your wandering adventures, Niagara’s wine country from St. Catharines to the Niagara Benchlands is full of delicious hidden gems ready to satisfy!
From eclectic diners to bistros serving made from scratch plates, this region offers something for every breakfast lover and brunch-goer. Here’s your insider guide to discovering six epic brunch spots in Niagara!
The Diner House 29
Where: 431 Welland Ave, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
First up, a retro-inspired spot that dials up the flavour, The Diner House 29 is one of St. Catharines’ best-kept brunch secrets! From the creative spirit and hand of husband and wife team Anne and Dave House, you’ll find anything but ordinary plates to fuel your day. Each dish is crafted with bold personality and a delicious creative flair.
While enjoying standouts like the Crab & Spuds Hash or sinking your teeth into the hearty Brekkie Burger, diners can soak in the nostalgic charm of Anne’s vintage Pyrex wall, a colourful collection she’s been curating since the diner opened over a decade ago.
Every savoury dish comes with a side plate of various house-made hot sauces, crafted with ingredients grown in Dave’s own garden! Quickly becoming a beloved Niagara staple, be sure to grab a bottle to take home before you leave. Trust us it’s flavour worth remembering!
You can see through the menu and the entire diner experience that Anne and Dave are passionate about serving up flavour-packed meals to kick off the day. This makes The Diner House 29 a must-visit spot to add to your itinerary and devour!
Bistro Mirepoix
Where: 64 Court St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
If you’re looking for a delicious made from scratch brunch in St. Catharines, Bistro Mirepoix is a sure bet! This intimate eatery offers beautifully presented, locally sourced dishes that change with the seasons.
Owner Aaron personally welcomes each guest and plays a hands-on role throughout the entire dining experience, from helping diners decide what to order to cooking and serving each plate with care.
Signature dishes like the pork belly eggs benny, served with perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise on house-made sourdough really showcases the bistro’s approach to quality and fresh made comfort food. For something sweet, the seasonal waffles were a standout, topped with strawberries, roasted apples, and a generous drizzle of maple cream. This particular dish changes to incorporate the seasons freshest flavours.
The Bistro is an ideal spot for a relaxed weekend morning and while reservations aren’t accepted, arriving early is highly recommended to snag a seat!
Wandering Spirits Coffee Trailer + St. Catharines Farmers’ Market
Where: 96 King St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map); 91 King St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
Not a traditional brunch spot, but for those looking to truly tap into the local flavour of the region, a warm coffee and a visit to the farmers’ market is a must. For an easy and quick start to the day, enjoy a handcrafted pick-me-up from the Wandering Spirits Coffee Trailer.
Located in Downtown St. Catharines, fuel up with a cold brew or matcha, then wander across the street to the Downtown St. Catharines Farmers’ Market, where a variety of food stalls and local vendors offer something for everyone to savour!
From fresh pastries and artisanal snacks to handmade goods and farm-fresh produce, it’s a fun and delicious way to ease into your Niagara adventure, perfect for those craving a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Penny’s Kitchen
Where: 3347 King St, Vineland, ON (View Map)
Next up: a true thumbprint of local life in the Benchlands. Penny’s Kitchen captures the warmth and rhythm of a small-town morning. Here, neighbours stop in to say hello to one another and longtime friends meet over coffee for their weekly catchup.
Whether you’re craving something light, like a yogurt parfait or freshly baked treat or something heartier, like the full lumberjack breakfast served with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and homefries, Penny’s Kitchen is a delicious brunch stop to fuel your wander in Niagara. This charming café is the perfect place to experience small-town hospitality in Lincoln, one delicious bite at a time.
The Shore
Where: 2793 Beacon Blvd, Lincoln, ON (View Map)
The Shore, a beautifully renovated waterfront restaurant in Jordan, has quickly become a standout in the Niagara Benchlands brunch scene. Their weekend-only breakfast menu offers a refined take on morning favourites.
One must-try is their Eggs Benedict, perfectly poached and generously layered with rich, house-made hollandaise, it’s a delicious way to kick off your day! With breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, the dinning room is a stylish and welcoming spot to fuel up before heading out to your next activity.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking to stay local and explore more of Jordan, make your way to Jordan Village and visit the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre to discover exhibits like All Abuzz that invite you to learn about the life of bees. Before heading off, stop by Plant No. 1 Bakery just down the road for a delicious detour. Enjoy a specialty coffee with a plant-based donut to sweeten your day!
Revalee Brunch Cafe
Where: 4100 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON (View Map)
A local favourite located in Vineland, a stop to Revalee Brunch Café is one you surely won’t want to miss. This cozy spot is big on flavour and serving dishes made using local ingredients. Whether you’re craving something hearty like their Smoked Salmon Benny or keeping it light with a vegan French Toast or Avocado Toast, there’s something here for everyone. If the weather’s nice, you can even grab a seat on the patio. With a menu split into omni-brunch and vegan brunch, this is a great spot to go with a group with varying dietary needs and wants!
Get Ready to Brunch Your Way Through Niagara!
Whether you’re starting the day with a bold coffee and farmers’ market treats or sitting down to a beautifully plated eggs benny with a view, Niagara’s brunch scene is delicious as the region itself. These brunch gems from St. Catharines to the Benchlands offer more than just great food; they serve up local flavour and the perfect excuse to slow down and savour your morning.
So grab your appetite and get ready to brunch your way through Niagara, one delicious stop at a time!
