Guidebook for Vancouver
Food Scene
Delicious non-traditional ramen. Try #39, it's our favourite.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Harvest Community Foods
243 Union StDelicious non-traditional ramen. Try #39, it's our favourite.
Delicious fresh made pasta and funky vibe. No reservations taken so put your name on the list and go have a drink at The Keefer while you wait.
172 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ask For Luigi Restaurant
305 Alexander StDelicious fresh made pasta and funky vibe. No reservations taken so put your name on the list and go have a drink at The Keefer while you wait.
A bit pricey, but really tasty and interesting west coast menu, which changes often. Locally sourced, and great natural wine list. Sit at the bar and try their deep-fried chicken.
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Burdock & Co
2702 Main StA bit pricey, but really tasty and interesting west coast menu, which changes often. Locally sourced, and great natural wine list. Sit at the bar and try their deep-fried chicken.
This is our favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Chef Angus An has a few restaurants in town, but this is his "higher end" place. Reservations accepted. Try the chef's tasting menu; really good value.
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Maenam
1938 W 4th AveThis is our favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Chef Angus An has a few restaurants in town, but this is his "higher end" place. Reservations accepted. Try the chef's tasting menu; really good value.
Close by, affordable, great wine and beer program, delicious vegetarian food. Definitely try their artichoke sandwich and deep-fried "oysters," (oyster mushrooms). And if it is sunny, sit in their fabulous back patio.
184 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Acorn Restaurant
3995 Main StClose by, affordable, great wine and beer program, delicious vegetarian food. Definitely try their artichoke sandwich and deep-fried "oysters," (oyster mushrooms). And if it is sunny, sit in their fabulous back patio.
Delicious modern Vietnamese food a couple of blocks from here. No reservations so be prepared to wait, but the menu is fun and fresh.
132 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Anh And Chi
3388 Main StDelicious modern Vietnamese food a couple of blocks from here. No reservations so be prepared to wait, but the menu is fun and fresh.
Handmade ice-cream made while you wait with liquid nitrogen. Run by three sisters. Great spot.
Buckets Ice Cream
3330 Main StHandmade ice-cream made while you wait with liquid nitrogen. Run by three sisters. Great spot.
Definitely higher price-point, but worth a splurge. Really delicious and interesting vegetarian food and a great cocktail list.
184 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Acorn Restaurant
3995 Main StDefinitely higher price-point, but worth a splurge. Really delicious and interesting vegetarian food and a great cocktail list.
Vikram Vij is a Vancouver institutions in and of himself. He has several eateries around Vancouver, but this is his flagship. Modern Indian, great wine list, and if it is in the summer be sure to have a drink on the roof-top patio. No trip to Vancouver is complete without eating here! Reservations are accepted but you can always pop in and sit in the lounge for drinks and nibbles until your table is ready.
264 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Vij's
3106 Cambie StreetVikram Vij is a Vancouver institutions in and of himself. He has several eateries around Vancouver, but this is his flagship. Modern Indian, great wine list, and if it is in the summer be sure to have a drink on the roof-top patio. No trip to Vancouver is complete without eating here! Reservations are accepted but you can always pop in and sit in the lounge for drinks and nibbles until your table is ready.
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Vancouver for tasty, fresh and reasonably priced food. No reservations so be prepared to wait. Our secret is to skip lunch, and get in line at 4:45 and then be first seated when the door opens at 5 pm. Try their box sushi and baked black cod.
131 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Toshi Sushi
181 E 16th AveOne of the best Japanese restaurants in Vancouver for tasty, fresh and reasonably priced food. No reservations so be prepared to wait. Our secret is to skip lunch, and get in line at 4:45 and then be first seated when the door opens at 5 pm. Try their box sushi and baked black cod.
Delicious home made pasta, within walking distance, casual, good price point.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Autostrada Osteria Main Street
4811 Main StDelicious home made pasta, within walking distance, casual, good price point.
Good for takeout - very close and great Thai food. No liquor license.
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bob Likes Thai Food
3755 Main StGood for takeout - very close and great Thai food. No liquor license.
Terrific pizza. Not the best decor or atmosphere, but who cares? The pizza is amazing. Try the potato and bacon pizza.
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Corduroy Pie Company
758 W 16th AveTerrific pizza. Not the best decor or atmosphere, but who cares? The pizza is amazing. Try the potato and bacon pizza.
Really good Italian food. A Vancouver favourite. Located in the "Fraserhood" neighbourhood where Kingsway meets Fraser Street.
180 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Osteria Savio Volpe
615 KingswayReally good Italian food. A Vancouver favourite. Located in the "Fraserhood" neighbourhood where Kingsway meets Fraser Street.
Great Mexican food. This is their newest and biggest location.
96 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
2450 Yukon StGreat Mexican food. This is their newest and biggest location.
Sal y Limón
701 KingswayCheap and cheerful, great tacos and burritos.
You may need to make a reservation a few weeks out, but worth it. One of Canada's best restaurants. French-Canadian chef with a Quebecois menu. Gorgeous interiors. Expect to spend a bit!
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
St Lawrence Restaurant
269 Powell StreetYou may need to make a reservation a few weeks out, but worth it. One of Canada's best restaurants. French-Canadian chef with a Quebecois menu. Gorgeous interiors. Expect to spend a bit!
Meat-forward menu, so delicious! Friendly, welcoming staff, great bar program. Try their tasting menu and expect to leave stuffed!
37 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Mackenzie Room
415 Powell StMeat-forward menu, so delicious! Friendly, welcoming staff, great bar program. Try their tasting menu and expect to leave stuffed!
This is our favourite place for pizza. It's far away, so you'll need a car, but worth it. Try their funghi pizza, or their pizza with artichoke and olive with soppressata. Yummy!
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bufala
5395 West BlvdThis is our favourite place for pizza. It's far away, so you'll need a car, but worth it. Try their funghi pizza, or their pizza with artichoke and olive with soppressata. Yummy!
This is our favourite place for North Vietnamese food, and the food is amazing. Try their papaya salad and tumeric sticky rice. Also, their spring rolls. Well, anything really...
47 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mr Red Cafe
2131 E Hastings StThis is our favourite place for North Vietnamese food, and the food is amazing. Try their papaya salad and tumeric sticky rice. Also, their spring rolls. Well, anything really...
In our humble opinion, the best bakery in town. Try their multigrain loaf and definitely their sourdough. They have a little cafe, too - so if you walk there you can stop and have a bite and a cup of really good coffee before you head home.
91 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Batard Bakery
3958 Fraser StIn our humble opinion, the best bakery in town. Try their multigrain loaf and definitely their sourdough. They have a little cafe, too - so if you walk there you can stop and have a bite and a cup of really good coffee before you head home.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer StFabulous cocktails.
Hail Mary's
670 E BroadwayGood cocktails and tasting menu. Fun vibe. Close.
There are so many craft breweries in Vancouver and many of them are along the Main Street corridor. This is a good one; try their "Nirvana" (an IPA) or "33 Acres of Sunshine" (a French blanc).
307 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th AveThere are so many craft breweries in Vancouver and many of them are along the Main Street corridor. This is a good one; try their "Nirvana" (an IPA) or "33 Acres of Sunshine" (a French blanc).
Another great local craft brewery with a rotating tap. We like "Passive Aggressive," a dry hop pale ale.
289 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brassneck Brewery
2148 Main StAnother great local craft brewery with a rotating tap. We like "Passive Aggressive," a dry hop pale ale.
Parks & Nature
Best views of Vancouver and you can walk there from our house. Just head south on Ontario Street. If the weather is good, play pitch and putt, or wander through the former quarry which is now a world-renowned garden. Enjoy a cocktail or snack on the heated patio at Seasons.
830 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iqela likaQueen Elizabeth
4600 Cambie StBest views of Vancouver and you can walk there from our house. Just head south on Ontario Street. If the weather is good, play pitch and putt, or wander through the former quarry which is now a world-renowned garden. Enjoy a cocktail or snack on the heated patio at Seasons.
Great for walking. Lots and lots of well-marked trails.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ubc Endowment Lands Ecological Reserve
Great for walking. Lots and lots of well-marked trails.
Iconic Vancouver sightseeing spot. Walk around the seawall, yes, but the walks in the middle of the park are quieter and equally spectacular. Here you will also find the aquarium.
2658 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke ye-Stanley
610 Pipeline RdIconic Vancouver sightseeing spot. Walk around the seawall, yes, but the walks in the middle of the park are quieter and equally spectacular. Here you will also find the aquarium.
Arts & Culture
A must visit especially if you are interested in learning a bit more about the history and culture of the Canadian Aboriginal peoples. The building itself is also stunning.
502 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iziko leAnthropology
6393 NW Marine DrA must visit especially if you are interested in learning a bit more about the history and culture of the Canadian Aboriginal peoples. The building itself is also stunning.
Shopping
Well-curated little store with many locally-made items, from housewares to haberdashery to tchotchkes.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Much & Little
2543 Main StWell-curated little store with many locally-made items, from housewares to haberdashery to tchotchkes.
Just go! Welk's literally has everything. Eco cleaning supplies, dishes, hardware, underwear, books, imported facial products, men's grooming, books, art supplies. You need to see it to believe it.
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Welk's
3511 Main StJust go! Welk's literally has everything. Eco cleaning supplies, dishes, hardware, underwear, books, imported facial products, men's grooming, books, art supplies. You need to see it to believe it.
Local knitting store. Great selection of locally-dyed and imported yarn and knitting supplies.
Three Bags Full Knit Shop
153 Main StLocal knitting store. Great selection of locally-dyed and imported yarn and knitting supplies.
There are three Fronts, all located next to each other. One is a pop-up shop with a rotating collection of clothing; the second is a gift store with unique items and cards; the third is a clothing store with new and consignment items.
88 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Front & Company
3772 Main StThere are three Fronts, all located next to each other. One is a pop-up shop with a rotating collection of clothing; the second is a gift store with unique items and cards; the third is a clothing store with new and consignment items.
Women's clothing store, both maternity and "regular"! They sell their own brand of clothing, but also lines like Chalet, Cut Loose, etc.
Hazel & Jools
4280 Main StWomen's clothing store, both maternity and "regular"! They sell their own brand of clothing, but also lines like Chalet, Cut Loose, etc.
Women's clothing. Very feminine and floaty. Lots of dresses.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barefoot Contessa
3715 Main StWomen's clothing. Very feminine and floaty. Lots of dresses.
Motherland
3647 Main StMen's clothing; local chain; designed here in Vancouver.
Architecture books, designer housewares like Alessi, Scandinavian furniture. Beautiful!
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Vancouver Special
3612 Main StArchitecture books, designer housewares like Alessi, Scandinavian furniture. Beautiful!
Eugene Choo has been in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years. It was a pioneer in putting this part of Main Street on the map for hip clothing. A very well curated mix of fashion forward men's and women's clothing from designers near and far.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eugene Choo
3683 Main StEugene Choo has been in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years. It was a pioneer in putting this part of Main Street on the map for hip clothing. A very well curated mix of fashion forward men's and women's clothing from designers near and far.
Essentials
East West will have all your essentials, especially fruit and vegetables.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
East West Market
4169 Main StEast West will have all your essentials, especially fruit and vegetables.
If you are after organic food, this is the place.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Organic Acres Market
3603 Main StIf you are after organic food, this is the place.
Walk-in medical clinic. I recommend Dr. Elinda Ho, if she is available.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
QE Park Medical Clinic
4060 Cambie StWalk-in medical clinic. I recommend Dr. Elinda Ho, if she is available.
Small neighbourhood hospital with an ER that often has much shorter waits. But note that the ER is only open from 8 am to 8 pm.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mount St. Joseph's Hospital
3080 Prince Edward StSmall neighbourhood hospital with an ER that often has much shorter waits. But note that the ER is only open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Huge chain pharmacy where you can get your prescriptions filled, buy a huge range of cosmetics and pretty much anything else. Good place to go if you need milk late at night. Closes at midnight.
692 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Shoppers Drug Mart
1006 Homer StHuge chain pharmacy where you can get your prescriptions filled, buy a huge range of cosmetics and pretty much anything else. Good place to go if you need milk late at night. Closes at midnight.
Michael St Clair Fine Cleaners
1235 Pacific BoulevardDry cleaning
Smaller outlet of a major grocery chain. Has all grocery items, as well as a deli.
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Save-On-Foods
2949 Main StSmaller outlet of a major grocery chain. Has all grocery items, as well as a deli.
Larger grocery store chain - located close by. Good selection and parking
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Safeway King Edward
990 W King Edward AveLarger grocery store chain - located close by. Good selection and parking
Entertainment & Activities
Local recreation centre with a swimming pool, skating rink, curling rink, fitness centre and small library.
68 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hillcrest Centre
4575 Clancy Loranger WayLocal recreation centre with a swimming pool, skating rink, curling rink, fitness centre and small library.
Great small yoga studio with two locations on Main Street. One on 14th, above the Starbucks, the other across the street at 15th.
Open Door Yoga (Main & 14th Studio)
200-2940 Main StGreat small yoga studio with two locations on Main Street. One on 14th, above the Starbucks, the other across the street at 15th.
Really terrific wellness-oriented yoga studio. Small studio with great classes that are more focused on gentle stretching, relaxation, and meditation.
Just Yoga Vancouver
2240 West BroadwayReally terrific wellness-oriented yoga studio. Small studio with great classes that are more focused on gentle stretching, relaxation, and meditation.