The Heart and Plate
8157 112 Avenue
825-480-8811
theheartandplate.com

Breakfast restaurants seem to fall into two categories these days: chain operations with long lineups and premium prices, or small neighbourhood spots that quietly go about serving good food without much fuss. The Heart and Plate belongs firmly in the second category, and that’s exactly what makes it such a welcome addition to the area. 

From the moment we walked in, it felt comfortable and inviting. Booth seating lines the large front windows, while tables with polished black granite tops fill the dining room. We were fortunate to grab a spot by the window, making it easy to watch the neighbourhood wake up while enjoying breakfast.

The service set the tone immediately. Rather than simply taking our order, our server carefully asked how we wanted everything prepared, from egg preferences to toast choices. It was a small detail, but one that demonstrated a genuine commitment to getting breakfast right.

Our table sampled a variety of dishes, including the Smoked Salmon Benny, Avocado Toast, Chocolate Dream Pancakes with bacon, and the Canadian Breakfast with ham.

The Smoked Salmon Benny delivered everything one hopes for from a classic eggs Benedict variation. The rich hollandaise, perfectly prepared eggs, and generous portions of smoked salmon were combined into a satisfying breakfast that felt indulgent without being overpowering.

The Avocado Toast showcased the restaurant’s attention to quality ingredients. Fresh, colourful, and thoughtfully prepared, it offered a lighter option that still felt  substantial.

One of the surprises of the morning was the fruit garnish accompanying several dishes. Every piece tasted perfectly ripe. There were no woody melon chunks, no overripe berries, and none of the disappointing fruit that often appears as an afterthought on breakfast plates. It was clear someone in the kitchen cared about the details and had hand-selected their ingredients.

My brother-in-law’s Chocolate Dream Pancakes quickly became a table favourite. The pancakes themselves were exceptionally fluffy, while the chocolate flavour was present without becoming overly sweet. They struck a balance that would satisfy both children and adults. Alongside them came crisp bacon cooked exactly as bacon should be: crunchy, savoury, and not under or over-salted.

The Canadian Breakfast with ham delivered the kind of hearty, traditional breakfast that remains popular for good reason. It was generous, well prepared, and comforting without trying to reinvent anything. 

What impressed us most about The Heart and Plate was how effortlessly it competes with Edmonton’s more celebrated breakfast destinations. The food quality easily rivals any of the city’s default brunch spots, yet the atmosphere feels relaxed and approachable. There is something refreshing about enjoying an excellent breakfast without navigating crowds, complicated menus, or inflated prices.

Its location also makes it surprisingly convenient. Residents from nearby neighbourhoods will appreciate having a dependable breakfast destination close to home. For commuters coming from Highlands, it would make an easy stop on the way to work, while visitors from other parts of the city can reach it with a short walk from Stadium LRT Station. It’s also directly across from The Yards and Norwood Legion.

Most of all, The Heart and Plate feels like the kind of restaurant every neighbourhood hopes to have: welcoming, comfortable, and consistently good. Sitting by the windows with a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast, it was easy to forget about the rush of the day outside. In a city increasingly filled with corporate chains and “designed” destination brunch spots, The Heart and Plate proves there is still plenty of room for an “ordinary” restaurant that isn’t ordinary: it simply does everything well. For local residents, that’s a welcome bonus indeed. 

The Heart and Plate serves breakfast until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and until noon on weekends. After that, the restaurant switches to an extensive menu featuring lunch and diner items including salads, burgers, paninis, Italian dishes, and a variety of other entrees. We can’t wait to go back later in the day and see what their evening dining is like!

Alan Schietzsch lives in McCauley and is a member of the paper’s Board of Directors.