Brunch, the ubiquitous mid-morning meal, is equal parts indulgent and practical. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down and savour a meal, inviting a little bit of ease and ideally, some good company to share it with, into your day. Straddling the line between breakfast and lunch, brunch resists strict definitions, welcoming everything from sweet to savoury onto your plate.
In every city, locals have their go-to spots, and visitors arrive with ‘must-try’ lists in hand. In Winnipeg’s Exchange District, a few legendary brunch spots stand out from the rest. Purveyors of brunch and casual diners take note, and add any you haven’t tried yet to your weekend plans!
Clementine
Clementine is an iconic Exchange District brunch spot that has been serving up some of the best food in town since 2016. It has cemented itself as a stand-out restaurant, and the frequent line-ups (they don’t take reservations) and bustling atmosphere prove that true. It’s received consistent accolades since its opening (most recently being rated as No. 74 in the 2024 edition of Canada’s Best Restaurants), and for good reason. The menu, comprised of à la carte mains and sides, is the perfect mix of flavours for whatever you’re in the mood for. At the helm is chef/co-owner Chris Gama, co-owner Raya Conrad and chef du cuisine Paul Eccles, who do an excellent job of including fresh and seasonal ingredients. Another win is the menu itself, which keeps fan favourites alive but brings enough newness to keep it fresh for the regulars. Try the Braised Bacon Benedict for a hearty option, or the Turkish Eggs for something lighter. Don’t forget to add a side, like the fried cauliflower salad or yogurt panna cotta.
123 Princess St
Instagram: @clementine.winnipeg
Website: https://clementinewinnipeg.com/
Culinary Exchange at RRC
Inside the Paterson Global Food Institute at Red River College, the Culinary Exchange serves fresh and delicious breakfast options from Tuesday through Friday. Students in the Culinary Arts program prepare the food, and it is wildly affordable — everything on the menu is between $3.50 and $7.75. It’s an excellent option for students and anyone who wants a good value. Try the lemon blueberry pancakes for something sweet, or opt for the Huevos Rancheros or Eggs Benedict if savoury is more your style. Make sure to add this little-known gem to your must-try breakfast list!
504 Main Street
Instagram: @rrcfoodservices
Website: https://www.rrc.ca/culex/breakfast/
Salisbury House
Salisbury House, a legendary Winnipeg institution, cooks up breakfast from 7am to 2pm every day at its Exchange District location. This Manitoba-based greasy spoon chain has been around since 1931, so they’ve had a lot of time to get it right. What they do best is affordable comfort food, served in generous portions, at great prices. Though the nips (100% Manitoba beef burgers) are what made the chain famous, the all-day breakfast comes in at a close second. On the menu, you’ll find a wide range of options, like traditional breakfasts, pancakes, benedicts, omelettes, and hearty skillets. Salisbury House boasts many locations across the city, but only the Exchange District one is in a heritage building! It offers a unique experience and is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast at any time.
177 Lombard Avenue
Instagram: @salsmb.ca
Website: https://www.salisburyhouse.ca/home
Peasant Cookery
For over a decade, Peasant Cookery has been serving French-inspired comfort food with a made-from-scratch approach in the Exchange District. Recently, to the delight of fans everywhere, they’ve added brunch to the mix, and its ethos of non-pretentious, well-made comfort food holds. Homemade stocks and sauces are complemented by fresh-baked bread, alongside different cuts of meat, and of course, eggs. The brunch menu is full of hearty, flavourful options that feel both elevated and familiar. Crowd favourites include the Saskatoon Stuffed French Toast, indulgent Breakfast Poutine, and the savoury Brisket Skillet. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing you time to savour the delicious flavours and enjoy excellent conversation with good company. It’s upscale comfort food done right, perfect for your next brunch outing.
283 Bannatyne Ave
Instagram: @peasantcookerywpg
Website: https://peasantcookery.ca/