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Locally run 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters sources and roasts their own coffees, which they feature at their flagship café on Main Street. It's always packed with neighborhood residents and shoppers enjoying the top-notch brews and the house-made Lucky's Doughnuts, which come in flavors from simple vanilla-glazed to salted caramel to decadent triple chocolate. Centered on a wood-framed counter, this large airy space has walls of windows on two sides. Its three other locations help keep the rest of the city caffeinated.
2902 Main St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 3G3, Canada
Known For
- Direct-sourced coffee
- Exceptional doughnuts
- Neighborhood hangout
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Granville Island has several coffee places, but only the Blue Parrot provides sweeping views of False Creek. If you haven't eaten your fill elsewhere in the market, accompany your espresso with a sticky hot strudel or gooey cinnamon bun. Early birds, take note: you can perch at the Parrot starting at 7 am, before the rest of the market stalls open. There's a second location at Hillcrest Centre, near Queen Elizabeth Park.
1689 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R9, Canada
Known For
- Unbeatable views
- Good coffee
- Hearty sandwiches
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If the weather's fine, head for this seafood stand on the seawall, overlooking the docks beside Granville Island. The menu is short—highlights include fish-and-chips, grilled salmon or tuna sandwiches, and fish tacos—but the quality is first-rate. It's hugely popular, and on sunny summer days the waits can be maddening both to order and to wait on its cooked-to-order delivery. So try to avoid the busiest times: noon to 2 pm and 5 pm to closing (usually around 7). Because there are just a few outdoor tables, be prepared to take your food to go.
1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 1E8, Canada
Known For
- Seaside location
- Fresh-off-the-boat fish
- Long lines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Closes at 7 pm
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This floating fish-and-chips stand, the original location of the popular local eatery, draws crowds all summer long.
12351 Third Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7E 2Z1, Canada
Known For
- Fresh fish
- Fun dining experience
- On the water
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Stop for an espresso on the airy enclosed patio at the West 4th location of this local coffee roaster, where delicious doughnuts are made on-site.
2198 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 1N7, Canada
Known For
- C$6.50 coffee-and-doughnut combo
- Gluten-free and vegan options
- Lively and bright sunroom
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Kitsilano |
This local minichain, of the "Fuelled by Caffeine" slogan, runs a number of comfortable coffeehouses around town. If you like your cappuccino with no pretension (and perhaps with a muffin or slice of banana bread), head for "The Bean." In addition to this branch near Kitsilano Beach, their many Vancouver locations include 175 West Hastings Street (at Cambie) in Gastown, 1002 Mainland Street in Yaletown, 2977 Granville Street in South Granville, and on Main Street at No. 2528 and No. 3598.
1945 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 1C8, Canada
Known For
- Great coffee
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Fresh baked goods
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Run by the same team that oversees the adjacent Hawksworth Restaurant, this upscale little café at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia serves fine coffee, a few salads and sandwiches, and exquisite pastries, from colorful macarons to beautifully crafted fruit tarts. Downtown business types like to meet here, and both shoppers and sightseers stop in to recharge. It's opposite the Vancouver Art Gallery and just a short stroll from Robson Street's boutiques.
801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3G1, Canada
Known For
- Great coffee
- Beautiful pastries
- Busy meet-up venue
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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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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Some of Vancouver's best coffee is served at the several locations of Caffè Artigiano, where the baristas have won prizes for their latte art. Come for the java, and satisfy your hunger with a pastry or sandwich, too. In addition to locations further afield, other Downtown locales are at 763 Hornby St., 666 Burrard St., and 429 Howe St.
1101 W. Pender St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2P4, Canada
Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Latte art
- Award-winning baristas
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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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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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There might be other places in the world that sell Japanese-style hot dogs but the phenomenon is so very multiculti Vancouver, and this tiny storefront is the sit-down-at-cramped-counter spin-off of a wildly successful food cart with a loyal following. Bratwurst and wieners are topped with teriyaki sauce, nori, and other Asian condiments. You can still find the carts (usually) at two Burrard Street locations—one at the corner of West Pender Street between Robson Street and Smithe Street, and another near Waterfront Station on West Cordova Street at Granville. Keep an eye out for the JAPADOG food truck, which may be found in Kitsilano, South Granville, or the Olympic Village.
530 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Known For
- Japanese hot dogs
- Asian condiments
- A Vancouver icon
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With thin, fresh egg noodles and homemade broth (it's a meat stock, so vegetarians won't find much on the menu), a bowl of noodle soup here is cheap, filling, and oh so tasty. Expect long lines, but you can use the wait to decide between lean or fatty pork, and rich, medium, or light stock. Once you're inside the bare-bones storefront, the harried staff doesn't tolerate any dithering. Kintaro is owned by the same people as Motomachi. They're both top-notch ramen shops, but this one is more of a quick eat-and-run stop—not the place for a leisurely meal.
788 Denman St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 2L5, Canada
Known For
- Top-notch ramen
- Fast-paced dining
- Value for money
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations not accepted
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As you'd expect from the name, this compact storefront specializes in noodles, and they're made by hand in the open kitchen, so you can watch. The choices are simple—noodles in soup or in straight-up stir-fries—but you can also order a plate of garlicky pea shoots or a steamer of dumplings to accompany your meal. The restaurant is just a short stroll from English Bay.
1074 Denman St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 2M8, Canada
Known For
- Handmade noodles
- Open kitchen
- Local fave
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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At this trendy sandwich shop, you simply wait in line (there's almost always a queue), and choose from the short daily menu of five sandwiches. The rich and crispy house-made porcetta (Italian-style roast pork) with salsa verde on a freshly baked ciabatta bun is a must-try. Who knew simplicity could taste so good? There are now four Vancouver locations to choose from; all close at 3 pm.
370 Cambie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2N3, Canada
Known For
- House-made porchetta
- Friendly staff
- Hearty soups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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$ | West End |
The Japanese-style wooden furnishings here reveal some flair, and the menu offers noodle soup choices for patrons who don't eat pork. A popular specialty is smoky charcoal ramen (trust us, it tastes better than it sounds); the gyoza (dumplings) are a good choice for appetizer. Under the same ownership as the Kintaro ramen shop, Motomachi is also small and not great for lingering, but it's a bit more stylish. Motomachi also has chicken and vegetarian options, while Kintaro only has pork-based broth. It's a handy stop for a noodle fix en route to Stanley Park.
740 Denman St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 2L5, Canada
Known For
- Charcoal ramen
- Vegetarian options
- Fast service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
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Because Vancouverites don't live by coffee alone—they're also tea drinkers—look for this tiny Yaletown tea bar that serves 60 of its own blends, including rich, milky "Lat-Teas." If you're feeling under-the-weather, order the "Cold Blaster," a rejuvenating blend of tea, orange juice, honey, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
1116 Homer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2X6, Canada
Known For
- Unique tea blends
- Cold teas
- Tea lattes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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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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Authentic Northern Chinese dishes are the specialty at this friendly storefront restaurant. Particularly good are the hand-pulled noodles that the cooks knead and stretch in the open kitchen and the popular spicy dan-dan noodles. Vegetarians have plenty of options, including many of the dumplings. Dim sum dishes are also on offer, and the helpful staff is happy to guide you to more authentic Mandarin fare. There is another West Side location at 2394 West 4th Ave. in Kitsilano.
532 W. Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1E9, Canada
Known For
- Tasty dim sum options
- Vegetarian-friendly menu
- Fast service
