Vancouver’s food scene has everything. The West, the East and everything in between meets here in this multicultural city, and the food definitely reflects it. Food here is fresh and you can definitely taste that people put a lot of effort into preparing it. Here is a quick guide to local and seasonal eats all around the city and surrounding areas!
1. Richmond Night Market, Richmond
Okay, this isn’t really in Vancouver, but come on, it’s like right across the river and definitely a must-visit if you’re in town anytime from mid-May to October. I’m from the 626 area in SoCal and attend school in the OC which both have their own night market and neither of them can beat the quality and taste of the food at the Richmond Night Market.
Address: 8351 River Rd., Richmond, BC, Canada
Directions: Just a block away from Skytrain Canada Line Bridgeport Station; when you get there a lot of people will be heading in the direction of the night market so you definitely won’t get lost!
Website: ☆
2. Crust Bakery, Victoria
While looking for a place to eat, my roommate ( whom I went to Vancouver with) and I stumbled upon Crust Bakery. Its a cute and neat place with wide range of pastries. I suggest dropping by here if you’re around the Fairmont Empress or the Inner Harbour. I got a creme brulee
Address: 730 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Canada
Directions: Right inside the alley next to the Cactus Club Cafe
3. Cactus Club Cafe
This is actually a chain restaurant that can be found all around British Columbia. It serves a variety of foods, serving new Canadian cuisine. I noticed a lot of the menu items were Asian fusion. I visited the one on Victoria and it was really good (or maybe I was super hungry). Good quality food and presentation! I ordered a Tune Stack and my roommate got a Thai Red Curry Pacific Lingcod.
Website: ☆
4. La Belle Patate
When in Canada, you definitely have to try some poutine. La Belle Patate is a poutinerie located in downtown Vancouver and serves a wide variety of poutine. I tried the Steak and Pepperoni poutine and the Braised Beef which was a Monday special. The gravy is just right in my opinion and I really liked the meat. A good place to go for first timers!
Address: 1215 Davie St, Vancouver, Canada
Directions: From Skytrain Canada Line Vancouver City Centre Station, take Bus 006 (Stop ID: 54831) to the Bute Street stop and it will be right in front of the bus stop.
5. Ladurée Vancouver
Ladurée is located in Downtown Vancouver and while its actually a French brand, if you aren’t able to visit France anytime soon, its nice to stop by here too. There’s usually no line and its a quite little boutique. The macarons are good and there’s a variety of flavors. Obviously the ones in France are better, but its a great place to taste and experience some French confections and decor.
Address: 1141 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Directions: From Skytrain Canada Line Vancouver City Centre Station take the 005 Bus (stop ID: 59040) to Thurlow Street and walk a little bit down or you can walk down Robson Street from Nordstrom and browse through other stores before reaching Ladurée.
6. Miku
A sort of high end Japanese cuisine restaurant right by the waterfront (haha get it?) without all the awkwardness of a high end restaurant. Great atmosphere and great food, taste-wise and presentation-wise. A must-eat if you’re in Vancouver. I recommend booking a table before you come. I went for dinner and tried the Aburi Beef Carpaccio, a Premium Aburi Nigiri (highly recommended), King Roll, and a Green Tea Opera for dessert (yum!).
Address: 200 Granville Street, Suite 70
Directions: Right outside Skytrain Canada Line Waterfront Station
Booking: call 604.568.390 or OpenTable
Website: ☆
7. Granville Island Public Market
A great place to go for a quick snack or lunch. A wide variety of pastries and different cuisines. Go here if you want to check out souvenirs and specialties! Its like a neater night market except it’s not just open at night.
Address: 1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3, Canada
Directions: Bus 050, Anderson Street stop
8. Forage
Forage is a restaurant with a super modern and healthy concept. All of their ingredients are locally sourced and really fresh. Its a family styled restaurant meaning the dishes are shared between the whole party (but who says you can’t eat the entire plate by yourself?). Good portions and an interesting experience-a must try! My roommate and I shared a Stinging Nettle Risotto and a Bison Rib Eye (so good).
Address: 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Website: ☆
Booking: ☆
