Vancouver restaurant recommendations

[ready2 cruise]

Hi, does anyone have any family friendly restaurant recommendations for Vancouver? Preferably near the Canada Place terminal, and possibly in Stanley Park? Thanks!

 

[jburge12000]

We just got back on Monday from Alaska/Vancouver cruise. Next door to the cruise terminal is the Vancouver Olympic torch and a lot of restaurants around it. We found them to be a little fancier then what we were expecting with kids but Cactus Jacks was OK. Looks very nice, but when we had dinner they had a lot of families around us. Was rather pricey. If you go, make sure to run out side to hear the cannon fire from Stanley Park. The only do it once a night, I cannot remember what time, but you can see and hear it really well from the area in front of those restaurants.

We ended up eating more on Granville Island. Very short cab ride from Canada Place, just make sure you account for the fact that everything closes on that island at 7:00. A lot of really good restaurants and a really fun kids space.

If you like fish and chips, I would recommend Go Fish, a little hard to find but well worth it for lunch. They close at 6:30, but the sign says if the sun is shinning show up before 6. Only a few tables outside or you can pull up a chair on the boat dock. That's what we did and our kids had a blast.

The Gas Lamp district also had a lot of restaurants like Old Spaghetti Factory but that whole area was packed and looked like long waits at all of the places.

 

[niccikatie]

There a great brewpub called Steamworks a short walk from Canada Place. Excellent food and excellent service!

 

[maekeith]

Hi there,

Just texted my daughter as she frequents Vancouver on a regular basis and is quite the foodie.

She recommends Joe Fortes, Italian Kitchen, Black and Blue. That covers Seafood, Italian and Steak. Located just off Robson Street by " Fairmont Hotel Vancouver." Walking distance to Stanley Park.

Maybe check TripAdvisor for reviews.

Vancouver is a beautiful city. Enjoy!

 

[VicMom]

It's the 9:00 gun in Stanley Park. When I've been in Vancouver I've never noticed it firing even though it can be heard far away.

No ideas where to eat though (sorry). We just tend to wander until something looks good. I don't remember the name (I just remember it being downtown-so helpful I know) that was a crepe restaurant. Savory ones for a meal and then the most wonderful sweet ones for dessert (the one I had was filled with fruit and had a pot of melted belgium chocolate on the side to pour over it). If you can find one of the Crepe restaurants I would suggest trying it out.

 

[bumbershoot]

Red Robin. Even if you have them locally, the Canadian RR menu is different than the US menu.

And that's the same reason I dislike the Spaghetti Factory. I find the food there awful in Canada!


Cafe Crepe, yum. Check out the one on Robson right near Lush. Cutest little outdoor bench area for waiting for the to-go crepes. Or go inside and have a sit-down meal.

While walking, JapaDog! All sorts of meat hotdogs, and a veggie dog. They'll do it plain for you, but they also have interesting combinations using Japanese foods/additions to the hotdog. Several pushcart locations, but the one we like the most is just outside of Sutton Place Hotel.

 

[xlxo]

Some thoughts on "family friendly"...

• There's a White Spot between Canada Place and Stanley Park. Some friends ordered a pirate pack a few weeks ago. To our surprise there was free coupons for Peak2Peak and the Cap Suspension bridge saving us lots of money
  http://www.whitespot.ca/menu/bc/kids
• La Casa International Ice Cream is a kids fav (and adults too!)
  http://www.lacasagelato.com/
• Further East.... I like Montana's Cookhouse. They provides crayons to write on the paper table cloth
  http://www.montanas.ca/kids.php

 

[KnightRail]

Pretty much right next to Canada place (standing in front of the Olympic cauldron facing the water) there's Tap & Barrel (on the right hand side) .. When we were in Vancouver this past June we ate at this amazing & well-priced burger/brewery 3 times! (Lunch & dinner when we got to Vancouver, and lunch before leaving Vancouver) the servers are all friendly and their burgers are amazing (we don't drink so can't say anything about their beers but they smelled good)
Definitely would go back to this restaurant in a heartbeat (actually having their sweet potato fry-withdrawals)

 

[Mickdeb]

Just got off the Wonder on Monday. We ate lunch at Mahony's right across from Canada Place. We had an outdoor table and we were able to watch as the new passengers arrived onboard for lunch at Beach Blanket Buffet.
The food was very good, burgers and all kinds of sandwiches. The view was a bit sad and depressing as we were heading to the airport.

 

[MouseMomx2]

We loved the Elephant and Castle Pub. It is completely family friendly and the food was delicious. If you like Shepherd's Pie give theirs a try. It was fantastic!

 

[noahdove]

I'm enjoying this thread as I haven't even thought of where we would eat dinner once we get to the hotel...thanks for the question and the answers...

 

[ready2 cruise]

Thanks you! Thank you! for so many great ideas! I will write them all down and hopefully get a chance to try a few. Thank you!

 

[xlxo]

Looking at some suggestions, I noticed they were pubs. This June, the BC government changed liquor laws to allow children in pubs.

http://www.vancouversun.com/Beer+fa...+among+changes+liquor+laws/9962936/story.html

fyi... there's a few sites you can punch in a restaurant name to get reviews...

• http://www.urbanspoon.com/c/14/Vancouver-restaurants.html
• http://dinehere.ca/

Do you like Chinese food? Vancouver and nearby Richmond has become a major destination for multicultural foods.

• http://chineserestaurantawards.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmKCc73NZLo

While you can get King crab in Alaskan ports and an appy for one night on the Wonder.... is it enough? Are you happy with just boil and butter? Some Vancouver Chinese restaurants have perfected the King Crab with multi-flavour presentations! Call ahead to secure reservations with your crab before committing to a venue.

• http://www.followmefoodie.com/2014/04/dynasty-seafood-restaurant-alaskan-king-crab-dinner-vancouver/ (scroll down to drool on the food porn).
• Ginger? Garlic? Deep Fried? Baked? Why not all FOUR at the same time with the same crab?
  http://missvancouverpiggy.blogspot.ca/2014/03/top-cantonese-cuisine-restaurant.html

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

We stayed at the Pan Pacific last year and there are definitely lots of great places to eat nearby. We ate at Cactus Club Cafe and agree with another comment that it was on the pricier side and we didn't feel the portions were big at all. I believe we ended up ordering appetizers as a matter of fact due to the price but I'm not 100%.

We really enjoyed Bellagio's Cafe which is directly across from the Pan Pacific/Canada Place on the water. They seem to have a very popular Sunday brunch there so if you do eat there Sunday, be forewarned. We ate lunch there on Sunday and timed it so it was an early lunch and most of the breakfast folks were finishing up and we had pizzas which were good. The views are nice and they have inside or outside seating.

Another one we wanted to try but heard great things about was around the corner, as you are walking to Stanley Park that makes crepes but for the life of me can't remember the name. I believe it was Dutch.

Vancouver is an awesome city and we truly loved it!

Heather

 

[joycsk]

Across from the Fairmont and Pan Pacific, not far is Mink Chocolate shop. Amazing! Got the 2nd best Hot chocolate I'd had in my life there. (First was in Italia.)

 

[MouseMomx2]

Looking at some suggestions, I noticed they were pubs. This June, the BC government changed liquor laws to allow children in pubs.

Just an FYI for the OP...although it is called a pub, the Elephant and Castle was definitely more of a restaurant. While there is a bar area, most of the space is taken up with dining room seating.

 

[cedricandsophie]

The Tea Room in Stanley park is great. Wide variety if food. Lovely. Also we love Cin Cin in Vancouver. Maybe too fine dinng for what you want but right on Robson. Nice second floor outdoor patio. Took my 17 year old. She lived it. Excellent small pizzas and pasta. Good wine list.

 

[jennlindsey]

We loved White Spot (dined in their brand new flagship location off Dunsmuir several times -- great service) and Elephant and Castle (right below our hotel, so it offered room service!).

If you like Thai fusion, there is a chain called Noodle Box (think Asian Chipotle) that got rave local reviews. We tried it and it was waaaay too spicy for us, but if you like spice, it would be delicious! (Kids' teriyaki bento for the less adventurous ...)

 

[xlxo]

For those wanting to explore Vancouver restaurants. A local community paper just posted the reader's choice awards....

Best restaurant (independent)
1.Chambar Restaurant, 562 Beatty Street
2.Vij's, 1480 W. 11th
3.The Eatery, 3431 West Broadway

Best restaurant (chain)
1.Cactus Club, Various locations
2.Earls, Various locations
3.Milestones, Various locations

Best fine dining restaurant
1.Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
2.Chambar Restaurant, 562 Beatty Street
3.Bishop's, 2183 W. 4th

Best restaurant patio
1.Dockside Restaurant, 1253 Johnston, Granville Island
2.Tap & Barrel, Various locations
3.Boathouse Restaurant, Various locations

Best new restaurant
1.Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st
2.Farmer's Apprentice, 1535 W. 6th
2.Ask for Luigi, 305 Alexander
3.Bufala, 5395 West Blvd

Best restaurant bathroom
1.Cactus Club, Various locations
2.Joey Restaurant, Various locations
3.Earls, Various locations

Best kid friendly restaurant
1.White Spot, Various locations
2.Rocky Mountain Flatbread, Various locations
3.Red Robin, Various locations

Most romantic restaurant
1.Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd Avenue at Cambie Street)
2.Chambar Restaurant, 562 Beatty Street
3.Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1138 Homer

Best restaurant to take out-of-town guests to
1.Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd Avenue at Cambie Street)
2.Salmon House on the Hill, 2229 Folkestone Way, West Van
2.Boathouse Restaurant, Various locations
3.Sandbar Seafood Restaurant, 1535 Johnston Street

Best restaurant for stretching your dollars
1.Stepho's, 1124 Davie
2.Hawkers Delight, 4127 Main St
3.Famous Warehouse, 989 Granville Street

Best restaurant for meat
1.Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Various locations
2.Memphis Blues Barbeque House, Various locations
3.Gotham Steakhouse, 615 Seymour

Best veggie restaurant
1.The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2.Acorn, 3995 Main
3.Foundation, 2301 Main

Best place for gluten-free eats
1.The Wallflower Modern Diner, 2420 Main Street
2.Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery, 3385 Cambie
3.The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Most vegan-friendly
1.The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2.Acorn, 3995 Main
3.Graze Food and Drink, 3980 Fraser

Best all-day breakfast
1.Denny's, Various locations
2.Bons Off Broadway, 2451 Nanaimo
3.Sophie's Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th

Best pub
1.The Irish Heather Gastropub, 212 Carrall Street
2.The Charles Bar , 136 W. Cordova
3.Cambie Pub, 300 Cambie Street
3.London Public House , 700 Main Street

Best brunch
1.Café Medina, 780 Richards
2.Milestones, Various locations
3.Yolk's Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street

Best bistro
1.Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville
2.Les Faux Bourgeois, 663 E. 15th
3.Burgoo, Various locations

Best late night takeout
1.Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie
2.The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
3.McDonald's

Best food truck
1.TacoFino, Visit www.streetfoodapp.com for latest food truck locations/hours of operation.
2.Mom's Grilled Cheese, Visit www.streetfoodapp.com for latest food truck locations/hours of operation.
3.Vij's Railway Express, Visit www.streetfoodapp.com for latest food truck locations/hours of operation.

Best bread bakery
1.Terra Breads, Various locations
2.Cobs Breads
3.Uprising Breads Bakery, 1697 Venables

Best pastry bakery
1.Beaucoup, 2150 Fir
2.Fratelli, Various locations
2.Thomas Haas, Various locations
3.Thierry, 1059 Alberni

Best grocery store
1.Whole Foods Market, Various locations
2.Choices Market
3.Urban Fare, Various locations

Best produce store
1.Kin's Farm Market
2.Whole Foods Market, Various locations
3.Donald's Market

Best organic produce store
1.Whole Foods Market, Various locations
2.Choices Market
3.Donald's Market

Best specialty cheese store
1.Les Amis Du Fromage, Various locations
2.Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, Various locations
3.La Grotta Del Formaggio, 1791 Commercial

Best butcher
1.Windsor Quality Meats, 4110 Main Street
2.Jackson's Meats and Deli, 2214 W. 4th
3.Harkness & Co. Butchers, 666 East Broadway

Best seafood store
1.Daily Catch Seafood Company, 1418 Commercial Drive
2.7 Seas Fish Co., Various locations
3.Fish Counter (tie), 3825 Main
3.Granville Island Public Market (tie), 1689 Johnston Street

Best ice cream/gelato/frozen yogurt
1.Bella Gelateria, Various locations
2.La Casa Gelato, 1033 Venables Street
3.Mario's Gelati, 88 East 1st Avenue

Best professional culinary school
1.Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, 1505 West 2nd Avenue
2.Vancouver Community College, 250 W. Pender
3.The Art Institute of Vancouver, 2665 Renfrew Street

Best place for casual cooking classes
1.Dirty Apron Cooking School, 540 Beatty
2.Quince, 1780 W. 3rd
3.Barbara Jo's Books to Cook, 1740 West 2nd Avenue

Best independent coffee shop
1.Revolver Coffee, 325 Cambie Street
2.49th Parallel, Various locations
2.Matchstick Coffee Roasters, Various locations
3.Continental Coffee, Various locations

Best coffee shop (local chain)
1.JJ Bean, Various locations
2.Bean Around The World, Various locations
3.Caffe Artigiano, Various locations

Best coffee shop (national chain)
1.Starbucks
2.Tim Hortons
3.Blenz Coffee, Various locations

Best fair trade coffee shop
1.Ethical Bean Coffee, 1315 Kootenay
2.Salt Spring Coffee, B.C. Ferries-Tsawwassen Kiosk
3.Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House, Various locations

Best tea house
1.David's Tea, Various locations
2.Murchie's Tea & Coffee, Various locations
3.Urban Tea Merchant, 1070 W. Georgia

Best bubble tea house
1.Dragon Ball Tea House, 1007 W. King Edward
2.Bubble World, Various locations
3.Pearl Fever

Best restaurant wine list (b.c.)
1.Raincity Grill, 1193 Denman
2.Tap & Barrel, Various locations
3.Blue Water Café + Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton
3.Salt Tasting Room, 45 Blood Alley

Best restaurant wine list (imported)
1.Cioppino's, 1133 Hamilton Street
2.Blue Water Café + Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton
3.Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Best private wine store
1.Liberty Wine Merchants, Various locations
2.Marquis Wine Cellars, 1034 Davie Street
3.Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba

Best private liquor store
1.Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba
2.Brewery Creek, 3045 Main Street
3.Darby's, 2001 Macdonald

Best private beer store
1.Brewery Creek, 3045 Main Street
2.Legacy Liquor, 1633 Manitoba
3.Firefly Fine Wines and Ales, 2857 Cambie Street

Best brew pub
1.Yaletown Brewing Company, 1111 Mainland Street
2.Steamworks, 375 Water Street
3.Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st

Best brewery tasting room
1.Brassneck, 2148 Main Street
2.Parallel 49, 1950 Triumph Street
3.33 Acres Brewing Company, 15 W. 8th

Best new brewery
1.Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street
2.33 Acres Brewing Company, 15 W. 8th
3.Bomber Brewing, 1488 Adanac Street
3.Main Street Brewery, 261 East 7th Avenue

Best local brewery
1.Granville Island Brewing, 1441 Cartwright St.
2.Parallel 49, 1950 Triumph Street
3.Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street

Best locally brewed beer
1.Granville Island Lions Winter Ale
2.Parallel 49 Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale
3.Central City Red Racer IPA

Best b.c. beer brewed outside vancouver
1.Driftwood Fat Tug IPA
2.Phillips Blue Buck
3.Howe Sound Lager

Best canadian beer brewed outside b.c.
1.Steam Whistle
2.Mill Street Brewery, 55 Mill St.
3.Alexander Keith's

Best b.c. wine/winery (white)
1.JoieFarm Winery, 2825 Naramata Road
2.Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, 500 Burrowing Owl Place
3.Quail's Gate, 3303 Boucherie Road

Best b.c. wine/winery (red)
1.Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, 500 Burrowing Owl Place
2.Mission Hill Family Estate, 1730 Mission Hill Road
3.Quail's Gate, 3303 Boucherie Road

Best wine festival/event
1.Vancouver International Wine Festival
2.Okanagan Wine Festivals
3.Cornucopia

Best b.c. wine festival
1.Okanagan Wine Festivals
2.Naramata Bench Spring Release Party
3.Tofino Food and Wine Festival

Best restaurant to work for
1.Cactus Club, Various locations
2.Earls, Various locations
3.Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Various locations

Best sports bar
1.Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery, 560 Smithe Street
2.Score on Davie, 1262 Davie Street
3.Library Square, 300 W. Georgia
3.Sin Bin Sports Bar and Grill, 295 W. 2nd

Best juice bar
1.Juice Truck, Abbott and Water
2.Jugo Juice
3.Krokodile Pear, 1867 W. 1st

Best wine bar
1.UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar, 900 Seymour
2.Salt Tasting Room, 45 Blood Alley
3.Vancouver Urban Winery, 55 Dunlevy

Best bar lounge
1.Lobby Lounge Terrace + Raw Bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place
2.The Keefer Bar, 135 Keefer
3.1927 Lobby Lounge at Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W. Georgia

Best restaurant for drink specials
1.Granville Room, 957 Granville
2.Metropole, 320 Abbott
3.Browns Social House, Various locations

Best pickup bar (m seeking f)
1.The Roxy, 932 Granville
2.Killjoy Cocktail Lounge and Basement Nightclub , 1120 Hamilton Street
2.Republic, 958 Granville
3.Local Public Eatery, 2210 Cornwall

Best pickup bar (f seeking m)
1.The Roxy, 932 Granville
2.Bimini Public House, 2010 W. 4th
3.Local Public Eatery, 2210 Cornwall

http://www.straight.com/bov/2014/winners
http://www.straight.com/life/729906/bov-2014-contributors-picks-food-drink

 

[bumbershoot]

Looking at some suggestions, I noticed they were pubs. This June, the BC government changed liquor laws to allow children in pubs.

http://www.vancouversun.com/Beer+fa...+among+changes+liquor+laws/9962936/story.html

That makes so much more sense now. I kept seeing pubs, but our experience was that kids weren't allowed. Knowing that it has changed since we were last there makes me feel a little bit less confused.


The list of favorites/bests mentions various locations for Red Robin. For the cruise-goers, there is only one in downtown Vancouver, so unless your other touring plans take you outside of downtown, don't bother seeking out the others. Plus, I hear Seth Rogen likes to go to the one in Vancouver, so maybe you'll see him if that's a bonus.

Just like with Old Spaghetti Factory, the menu isn't quite the same as in the States, especially for kids at Red Robin, so make sure people know that! I find the menu at RR to be better in Canada, more "real" (the mac and cheese wasn't Kraft, for instance), but pickier people might have issues.