Curious about cuisine from around the world? You don’t need to travel far to send your taste on an adventure through the continents. Famous for flavours hailing from across the globe, Vancouver boasts a wide range of international dining establishments. Whether you crave authentic delicacies or experimental fusion, Vancouver’s culinary scene has more than enough variety to satisfy any palate. Spend the weekend in Vancouver traveling through taste.
Day One
CURRY AND SPICE (SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA)
Start your taste adventure with brunch at The Union, located at the edge of Strathcona, the Union serves up tasty Southeast Asian snacks with a fusion flare, and their inventive brunches are only available on the weekend. For a little extra spice, hop over to Davie Dosa, in the West End neighbourhood of downtown for traditional South Indian crepes with a variety of spiced fillings for vegetarians and meat eaters.
Stroll down Robson street for some light shopping and swing by Banana Leaf for happy hour, where you can munch on Malaysian snacks while sipping on a refreshing lychee mojito, or make your way to Tasty Indian Bistro in Yaletown where traditional tandoori meets modern ambiance for a cocktail and a curry. End your day in the heart of Kitsilano for dinner at Maenam, where world-famous chef Angus An transforms authentic Thai street food into an unforgettable dining experience with a constantly evolving menu featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Image credit: Courtesy of Tasty Indian Bistro
LINGUINE LOVERS (ITALY)
If you’re in the mood to take your taste adventure to Europe for the evening, try one of Vancouver’s many incredible Italian restaurants. From casual plates of pasta in a lively environment at Pepino’s or Caffe La Tana (both on Commercial Drive in Vancouver’s historic Italian Neighbourhood), to the thoughtful wine list and delicious modern twist on regional classics at Osteria Savio Volpe. For a romantic dinner, you can’t beat the intimate atmosphere and handmade pasta at Ask for Luigi, located just at the edge of Gastown.
Day Two
MEZCAL AND MARGARITAS (LATIN AMERICA AND MEXICO)
Begin your day on Commercial Drive, a vibrant central area of East Vancouver where you can find a variety of wonderful cafes and food, starting with brunch at La Mezcaleria. Inspired by the regions of Mexico, they offer shareable dishes such as ceviches, quesos fundido, grilled seafood and meat parrilladas and Mexican-style bennies, accompanied by brunch cocktails with a Mexican twist–it’s never too early for a michelada or mimosa.
In the afternoon, explore Main Street, a lively area with shopping, restaurants and bars. While you’re exploring, take your tastebuds on a trip to Latin America and hit up El Camino’s happy hour. Latin American street food in this cheerful neighbourhood haunt and enjoy tacos, arepas, bocadillos and a range of happy hour classics. Bar hop down to trendy gastown and nab a seat on the patio at Tacofino Taco Bar for margaritas and eclectic. Originating in Tofino, BC, Tacofino features Mexican-inspired cuisine blended with the wild West Coast.
BON APPÉTIT (FRANCE)
Plan a romantic dinner for two in the evening at one of Vancouver’s most elegant restaurants, Le Crocodile. A classic French ambiance and menu, with a flair for impeccable service and an upscale dining room, Le Crocodile has set the bar for haute cuisine in the city for over 20 years. For a modern take on French classics, book at table at L’Abattoir in historic Gastown where French-influenced West Coast fare is paired with an award-winning wine program and inspired cocktail list to offer an unforgettable dining experience.
Day Three
DIM SUM TO SUSHI (EAST ASIA)
You haven’t truly experienced the culinary highlights of Vancouver if you haven’t sampled its renowned East Asian cuisine. For something laid-back and undeniably delicious, grab your friends and start the day with a leisurely traditional Chinese dim sum at Kirin Mandarin Restaurant downtown or Floata Seafood Restaurant in historic Chinatown. Remember, more people at the table means you can try more dishes, so don’t forget to invite your whole crew.
Wander through downtown Vancouver enjoying the sights, the shopping and grab a spot on a sweet little patio hidden from view at Eat Bar and Patio Haraheri, serving Japanese fusion. For the vegetarians, head to Yaletown for the patio at Do Chay. Their menu features a plant-forward twist on Vietnamese classics.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Do Chay
Walk through downtown to seawall and bask in the epic ocean view near Canada Place before diving into elevated Japanese cuisine at Miku. Their gourmet Japanese Aburi cuisine menu features delectable appetizers, signature flame-seared sushi, mouthwatering entrées and house-made dessert confections made with fresh, local West Coast ingredients. For fusion-lovers, Torafuku at the border of Chinatown offers contemporary interpretations of pan-Asian flavours in a trendy room, with a focus on small plates, experimental flavours and original cocktail creations.
INSIDER TIPS
- Are you a night owl? In addition to brunch, Mezcaleria and The Union are also popular late night spots serving imaginative cocktails, beer, and casual dinners.
- El Camino also features a Latin American-inspired weekend brunch menu, if you’re in the Main Street area in the morning.
- If Persian cuisine excites your tastebuds, make sure to visit Afghan Horsemen Restaurant near Granville Island, or Cazba on Davie Street.
