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In this hip, brick-walled eatery, classic Belgian dishes are reinvented with flavors from North Africa and beyond. The moules (mussels) are justifiably popular, either steamed in white wine or sauced with exotic smoked chilis, cilantro, and coconut cream. Those seeking a more adventurous option might select the barbecued frog legs, curried mushrooms, or ostrich carpaccio. Unusual, perhaps, but definitely delicious. Meanwhile, a smartly dressed crowd hangs out at the bar sipping imported beer or delicious cocktails like the Blue Fig (gin infused with oven-roasted figs and served with a side of blue cheese). An easy walk to theaters and sports arenas, it's a good spot for a pre-event bite.
568 Beatty St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B2L3, Canada
Known For
- Moules frites
- Belgian beer
- Specialty meats
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Watch floatplanes take off and land at this buzzy pub on the Fraser River, near YVR's south terminal. A shuttle service runs from the main terminal.
4760 Inglis Dr., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7B 1W4, Canada
Known For
- Unique location
- Great atmosphere
- Tasty pub grub
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This is where the culinary students of the adjoining Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts strut their stuff. Standards are high and the artisanal breads, soups, wraps, and gourmet desserts are outstanding.
1505 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Y4, Canada
Known For
- Unique location at culinary school
- French-inspired baked goods
- Local favorite
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This Vancouver institution is about 1 kilometer (½ mile) east of the main Commercial strip but is well worth the trek. Their famous breakfast—served with two eggs, toast, hash browns and meat—is just C$3. (And the price hasn't changed in years.) This place really showcases the East Side's gritty character: from the graffiti-covered walls to the no-frills, serve-yourself coffee bar. Weekend lines are long; get there as early as you can.
2451 Nanaimo St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 5E5, Canada
Known For
- C$3 breakfast
- Distinctly East Van vibe
- Unlimited coffee
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For Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and lunch fare, from skillets piled high with eggs, roasted potatoes, and caramelized onions to paella, try this casually chic (and always busy) Downtown café just off Robson Street. Don't leave without sampling their specialty: Belgian waffles, with toppings like dark chocolate or salted caramel. The address is misleading; the building's configuration means the entrance is actually half a block north.
780 Richards St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 0C8, Canada
Known For
- Belgian waffles
- Breakfast skillets
- Friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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A favorite with locals for their hearty pub fare and craft beers, it is also one of South Granville's best places for brunch or a late-night snack.
2975 Granville St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3J6, Canada
Known For
- Great for happy hour drinks and snacks
- Huge beer selection on tap
- Great breakfasts
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Overlooking False Creek and Yaletown, the Dockside's patio is the big draw, especially for owners of chic yachts moored alongside. Because it faces east, sunsets are behind the building, and cool shadows come early, so grab a table beneath a heater. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the inside feel like the outside with decor that exudes a modern vibe and includes a 50-foot aquarium. House-brewed ales and lagers are served from the adjoining casual brewpub.
1253 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R9, Canada
Known For
- Fabulous views
- Great for weekend brunch
- Daily happy hour also features tasty bites
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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This quintessential Commercial Drive spot sells all-organic groceries and vegan food in a small café. Their smoothies, bowls, and sweet treats are all must-tries. We recommend the Incredi-bowl. Choose pan-fried tempeh or roasted veggies, and quinoa or brown rice, and it'll come mixed with miso ginger dressing, avocado, sprouts, and sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick bite or yummy picnic fare.
1025 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5L 3X1, Canada
Known For
- Sugar-free desserts
- Smoothies and juices
- All-organic groceries
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Located in the same former Stock Exchange building as the luxe EXchange Hotel, Hydra Estiatorio transports you to the Greek islands. Check in at the long bar for mezzes and cocktails, including items from the raw bar such as ceviche, or linger over specialties that include forno-roasted leg of lamb, pan-roasted salmon, and the catch of the day—either grilled or baked. Sharing platters are flavor-packed. Globally sourced vintages include a rare nod to the home country, including Moschofilero, Assyrtiko, and Xinomavro. The contemporary mood is a big hit with the after-work crowd and millennials.
825 West Pender St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1K7, Canada
Known For
- Platters and sharing plates
- Friendly service
- Great atmosphere
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$$$ | Yaletown |
This chic dining room at the Opus, Yaletown's most stylish hotel, serves innovative interpretations of Italian classics. The pastas are homemade, the fish is freshly grilled, and dishes like Gorgonzola risotto or the 16-ounce veal chop would do any nonna proud. The best way to dine here is to choose the family-style chef's tasting menu, a multicourse parade of the kitchen's greatest hits (C$60 per person for five courses). Breakfast is a delicious option, too, particularly the buttermilk pancakes served with candied pecans and seasonal fruits.
350 Davie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5Z6, Canada
Known For
- Family-style tasting menu
- Italian classics
- Great breakfast
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$$$$ | Downtown | Asian
Although globe-trotting celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is rarely spotted at this contemporary dining room, his signature Asian influences abound, as in the nut and seed–crusted halibut with a sweet and sour broth, the crispy soft shell crab risotto with lemon and Thai basil, or the soy-glazed short ribs. If you don't fancy a full meal, you can dine lightly (and less expensively) on stylish salads or creative appetizers. Either way, you'll want to dress up a bit to match the sleek space.
Shangri-La Hotel, 1115 Alberni St., 3rd fl., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0A8, Canada
Known For
- Asian-influenced dishes
- Upscale dining
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There's a distinctly European vibe to Maxine's. In part, because of the central display of wines and spirits around which you can sip and savor. And in part, because of the menu that goes from croissants and cafe au lait in the morning, to a slow-cooked pork collar or risotto for dinner. And the brunches in between are legendary. Then there are the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that seem to bring the outside in, making the outside patio very much part of the eatery.
1325 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Z7, Canada
Known For
- Brunch
- European vibe
- Service
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Tucked down a tiny alley in the middle of the island, this espresso bar and bistro offers a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy public market. The ethos here is all about organic, sustainable, and local ingredients. Try a pistachio latte or lavender white hot chocolate to-go, or grab a seat on the garden patio or in the upstairs loft for a hearty sandwich or breakfast offering from the bistro menu. Everything is made from scratch in house.
1363 Railspur Alley, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 4G9, Canada
Known For
- A favorite with the locals
- Locally roasted beans
- Baked goods made fresh daily
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This Whistler-based bakery offers its yummy handmade goodies and freshly baked bread at three locations in town, including this bright storefront café in Kits.
2887 W. Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 2G6, Canada
Known For
- Huge assortment of cakes and pastries
- Online pre-order available
- Friendly staff
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Inspired by the street foods of Rome, this cafeteria-style Italian bakery-café (pronounced "shoe-eh") starts the day serving espresso and pastries, then moves to panini, soups, and pastas. One specialty is the pane romano, essentially a thick-crust pizza, sold by weight. There can be lines out the door at lunch, so try to visit early or late. (Not too late, though, as it's only open until 5 pm.) There are additional Downtown branches with varying hours. If you're in Yaletown, look for the location at 126 Davie St.; it's open every day.
110–800 W. Pender St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2V6, Canada
Known For
- Thick-crust pizza
- Lunchtime crowds
- Fast service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Reservations not accepted
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