Downtown Vancouver Dining

Downtown Vancouver Dining is constantly changing with new spots opening as frequently as I visit. My sightseeing excursions will always be planned around where my favourite eateries are located. Below, I have compiled a list of a few places I have been a repeat customer to. Not only are they are decadently delicious, they all have elements of vintage appeal whether it be in an a heritage building, feature antique design elements, or just feel like an old time-y tradition.

One of my top pastimes to partake in when visiting Van is eating. There’s breakfast, coffee, second breakfast, lunch, snacktime, cocktail hour, and dinner – respectively, but I’m always looking to add to mealtimes. All are imperative in my opinion. Here’s where I’ve been loving most recently.

Breakfast

MEDINA CAFE

Originally located on Beatty Street in crosstown, Medina Cafe has moved to Richard Street now which is apparently in the library district. The people of Vancouver take their brunching very seriously. Keeping that in mind, I recommend showing up at MC right when they open otherwise you will be waiting in line. Although it’s completely worth the wait, having to watch fellow brunchers enjoying their meals while you press your face against the glass in desperation, it’s not the most pleasant way to begin your day.

We arrived an hour after opening on a Tuesday and there was already a line the length of the restaurant. Despite now being in a newer building, they have managed to carry over many design elements with a vintage feel to their new location.

WHAT TO ORDER

My order – Saumon Fumé with a Lavender Latte [see full menu here]

Lunch

SHURAKU

UPDATE: Sadly ShuRaku has shut down permanently. As a replacement, I would highly suggest checking out Guu for an excellent Izakaya. There are several locations across Vancouver, each with their own unique spin.

WHAT TO ORDER

My order at ShuRaku was: – Tako Wasa, Tuna + Salmon Sashimi, Volcano Roll, Roulette Roll, and a Lychee Sour to drink.

Snacktime

SMOKE’S POUTINERIE

To be fair, Smoke’s is originally from Toronto but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of visiting. When I was attending university in the 6, I would reward myself with poutine on a bad day… or just every other day because it was honestly the best poutine I had had in years.

It’s rare to find a place that does a mushroom gravy perfectly like Smoke’s since most places make it either way too salty or are completely void of flavour. Plus they sell glass bottled pop at most locations like Pop Shoppe. It’s also located on Granville Street so if you didn’t sate yourself enough on sushi, there’s always a poutine down the way.

Did I mention their cheese curds are the authentic squeaky kind?

WHAT TO ORDER

My order – a traditional poutine with mushroom gravy and a Coke in a glass bottle [see full menu here]

Pre Dinner Dessert

EARNEST ICE CREAM

If I ever lived in Vancouver, this place would be dangerous for me. Not only do they sell scoops of ice cream, but pints of their deadly flavours. I doubt I would be able to resist the call of Earnest Ice Cream and my freezer would be full of pints.

Located in an old warehouse building by Science World, getting a scoop to go and walking around False Creek makes for a delightful afternoon.

Located in an old warehouse building by Science World, getting a scoop to go and walking around False Creek makes for a delightful afternoon.

WHAT TO ORDER

Our orders – left: Sour Cherry Goat Cheese | right: toasted coconut + london fog [see full menu here]

Dinner

SALT TASTING ROOM

Just follow your fear down Blood Alley and you will find Salt Tasting Room. Yes, there is a place in Vancouver called Blood Alley and I can confirm I would never walk down it alone at night.

The whole concept of this restaurant is picking the best charcuterie and pairing it with wine. If you are vegan, this place may not be for you. What I love most about Salt is that you’re able to either pick items for your tasting plate or have your server work their magic. I’m pretty easy going as long as there’s no blue cheese.

WHAT TO ORDER

My order – it changes every time, but my old standbys are: corned beef paired with Guinness mustard and an ashy goat cheese with honey. [get a sense of their menu setup here]

Post Dinner Cocktails

THE KEEFER BAR

Originally the Prohibition Bar in the basement of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia was on this list but sadly it has shut down. However, The Keefer Bar has been holding strong for well over a decade so I feel safe knowing it will remain open (and awesome). Its an apothecary themed cocktail lounge in Chinatown that never disappoints.

WHAT TO ORDER

The Skeleton Kiss is a must try drink off their alumni cocktail list.

Where to Stay While Dining Downtown Van

When looking for lodging in Vancouver, I gravitate towards a hotel that is both located near all the excellent eateries but also has some vintage flare to it. This time around, my sister and I checked into the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on the corner of Howe and West Georgia. Not only was the location perfect, but the hotel itself is a time capsule of a bygone era but with tasteful modern updates in the rooms. (many thanks to my friends at Expedia.ca for the accommodations!)

Downtown Vancouver Dining

Vancouver suffers from a plethora of choice when it comes to dining so I encourage you to look beyond this post since this is a jumping off point. Better yet, walk the city and try out places if they look interesting to you. Food trucks, street vendors, and tiny shops with little signage, you never when when you might find the next hidden gem.

Or if being the steward of your own edible adventure doesn’t sound appealing and you would rather take the backseat whilst someone leads you to tasty destinations, there is always the option of a Tastings Tour in historic Gastown!