Yaletown has a come a long way since being an industrial area of warehouses and lumberyards to the now hot spot for brunches, lunches, dinners, drinks and parties, summer or winter. From the cobble-stone streets of Mainland and Hamilton, to the marinaside, European vibes, Yaletown is littered with amazing food and drink spots. While it’s definitely the place to see and be seen, it isn’t all surface – there’s a lot of quality to be found. This is our guide to what to eat and drink in Yaletown:
Hapa Izakaya
Japanese
A very popular spot, especially for the late-night crew for Japanese-tapas dishes and sake poured out of bamboo shoots (Takezake). With their long booths and tables, Hapa is the perfect spot for large parties wanting to share in some good food and drinks.
Where | 1193 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
MeeT in Yaletown
Plant-based comfort
Veggie, vegan or full on carnivore, will all enjoy MeeT’s all plant-based comfort foods that you’ve grown to love like mac n’ cheese, burgers, poutines, bowls and appies. It’s also a great brunch spot to sit on the patio and take in the scenery.
Where | 1165 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
OEB
Breakfast / Brunch
Since opening a couple of years ago, OEB’s marinaside location has become the go-to breakfast spot, for their artistic bowls of comforting breakfast favourites and bright and fun interior. You can find unique twists and fan favs like ‘Soul in a Bowl’ – poached eggs, fried herb potatoes, Saint Cyrille curds, slow cooked bacon lardons, brown butter hollandaise, the ‘Threesome’ – free-run eggs + hardwood smoked bacon, Canadian bacon, rosemary ham, chicken blueberry bangers, or maple pork bangers, + waffle, crêpes, pancake, or brioche French toast.
Where | 1137 Marinaside Crescent
Website | Instagram
Do Chay
Plant-based Vietnamese
Do Chay is like a warm hug that leaves you feeling good. The plant-based Vietnamese restaurant is worth crossing Davie for (IYKYK). Serving up all the best of Vietnamese foods in vegetarian and vegan form and with the freshest ingredients possible, makes this a go-to any day.
Where | 1269 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
Nuba
Middle Eastern
Nuba is a Middle Eastern favourite in Vancouver, but it’s the newest Yaletown spot that shines bright with its beautiful colours splashed on Davie Street. The restaurant puts a modern spin on traditional Lebanese food, with all the flavours and freshest ingredients.
Where | 508 Davie Street
Website | Instagram
Tasty Indian Bistro
Indian
A family-run bistro means you get family-style meals and what could be better than that? Tasty has become a popular spot since expanding their original location in Surrey to Yaletown. The elevated Indian restaurant has its own unique take on traditional and timeless dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Where | 1261 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
The Greek by Anatoli
Greek
The Greek is a not only a family-run icon in the city, it’s a hot spot that turns up late night with ouzo and cocktails flowing. But before that happens, let’s talk about the salty flavours of the Med that they cook so good – perfect for a family-style dinner.
Where | 1043 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Robba Da Matti
Italian
It feels like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home at Robba Da Matti (and we speak from experience). The family-run restaurant(s) is always consistent with warm faces and even warmer fresh-made pasta. It’s small and quaint and always a great place to enjoy over food.
Where | 1127 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Bartholomew Bar
Cocktail Bar / Charcuterie
Bartholomew Bar is more known for their premium and unique cocktails, but the food is on par with their swanky vibe. Charcuterie boards of cured meats and cheeses from around the world are on the menu and pair perfectly with whichever drink you go with.
Where | 1026 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Homer Street Cafe
Classic comfort
If a restaurant could be a warm hug from a good friend, that’s what Homer Street Cafe would be. It’s homey, antique interior feels familiar and the classic comfort foods are comforting. Homer Street is also a popular spot for after work happy hour and weekend brunch.
Where | 898 Homer Street
Website | Instagram
The Yaletown Distillery
Italian / Bar
A very Americana jazzy style bar/pub/restaurant with an Italian-inspired menu. In the summer, the patio is the place to be for weekend brunch or an evening date under the twinkly lights. In the winter, the cozy interior with a fireplace and large leather couches is the perfect escape from the rain.
Where | 1131 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Provence Marinaside / TWB
French / Wine Bar
Sitting on a patio marinaside will have you feeling like you’re somewhere in the south of France. Provence takes its name from the french region, with an all french-inspired menu, including the extensive wine list, which includes more bubbles by the glass than any other restaurant in Vancouver.
Where | 1177 Marinaside Crescent
Website | Instagram
West Oak
West Coast
West Oak is THE dinner spot for the Yaletown crew for Thursday night dinners, birthdays and anniversaries, but besides being a local watering hole, the food is actually what brings new fans in and old fans coming back. It’s a premium West Coast experience with some of the best farm-to-table dishes in Yaletown.
Where | 1035 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Cibo Trattoria
Italian
Cibo Trattoria in the Moda Hotel is as authentic and rustic Italian eatery as it gets. From the 1908 original terracotta floors to century-old exposed beams and pop art, the atmosphere is the perfect escape from city life and into the simple life, including the fresh, local and scratch-made Italian dishes.
Where | 900 Seymour Street
Website | Instagram
Minami
Japanese / Sushi
Known for their unique aburi-style premium-quality sushi, innovative japanese cuisine and cocktails, Minami is a local favourite for date nights, business dinners, family dinner and basically any get together. In the summer, they have a zen hidden garden in the back, that feels like another world.
Where | 1118 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Capo + the Spritz
Italian / Cocktail Bar
Opus Hotel’s lobby dining and drinks now involves Capo (the restaurant) and The Spritz (the bar) for a full nightly experience contained in 1 spot. Capo is an Italian eatery with proper sourdough pizza, pastas and share plates, while The Spritz is the cozy and sophisticated cocktail bar right next to it, with lots of different types of Spritz cocktails and a lot more.
Where | 350 Davie Street
Website | Instagram
La Terrazza
Italian
La Terrazza has been one of the special occasion or date night spots since 1998. A restaurant so beautiful that people host their wedding receptions on the patio – which feels like you’re somewhere in the middle of an Italian village. The fine-dining menu is classic and consistent, but it’s the wine library that is a must-see.
Where | 1088 Cambie Street
Website | Instagram
Banter Room
Casual / Bar
Banter Room feels like you’re at that friend that thrives on hosting’s place. The atmosphere inside is very retro living room party (like you might throw in the keys), while the patio is very chic, trendy backyard party. It’s usually the spot you end up for drinks and music and always a good time,
Where | 1039 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
The Parlour
Pizza / Bar
The Parlour is another institution for the Yaletown crew. Known for their wild nights full of drinks, a champagne sabering station and the best pizza in Vancouver, it’s THE place to end up on a Thursday – Saturday night. During the summer, the patio on the cobble stoned street is the perfect spot for some rosé, charcuterie boards and people watching.
Where | 1011 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
Tutto
Italian
From an artsy cafe to a high-end Italian restaurant, this 1908 historic building is the definition of a ‘glow up’. Tutto is the newest addition to the Yaletown list, having opened in 2020 and has since become a local favourite, especially for business meetings and date nights. The open concept kitchen, wine bar and painted ceiling art are the best features, only after the traditional food.
Where | 901 Homer Street
Website | Instagram
Moltaqa Moroccan
Moroccan
If you’re looking for an experience, Moltaqa is it. The Moroccan restaurant stays true to its roots from the decor to the tajine to the nightly dancers. You’ll not only be blown away by the food, but the live entertainment is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Where | 1002 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
per se Social Corner
Mediterranean / Coffee Shop
Social Corner is a popular Mediterranean spot for morning coffee, lunches, after work drinks, romantic dinners or any occasion really. It’s 4 concepts under 1 roof with Ciclo (the coffee bar), Rosalinda (the Spanish tapas bar), Water + Flour (the pizzeria) and Neve (the gelateria) and then there’s the cocktail bar with premium drinks.
Where | 891 Homer Street
Website | Instagram
Brix + Mortar
Canadian
Brix + Mortar is such a beautiful restaurant that people get married at it. For real. The heritage building has an iconic courtyard with a chandelier and vines growing all around, making it the perfect backdrop for any occasion. The menu is modern Canadian of farm-to-table meats, fish and vegetarian options.
Where | 1138 Homer Street
Website | Instagram
Bistro Sakana
Japanese / Sushi
Bistro Sakana is one of Vancouver’s gems that continuously delivers on food, drinks and atmosphere. The enclosed patio with sparky lights is inviting in the colder winter months, the melt-in-your-mouth sushi is the best in the city and the extensive list of sake, wine and beer has something for everyone.
Where | 1123 Mainland Street
Website | Instagram
Elisa
Steakhouse
If you’re trying to impress someone, whether it’s date, business or in-laws, Elisa is the place in Yaletown for exactly that. It’s the dining hot spot if you’re in search of an elevated culinary experience as it’s known for some of the best flame-grilled, premium, fine-cut meats, seafood and produce in the city and is the place to see and be seen.
Where | 1109 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
Blue Water Café
West Coast
If seafood is your jam, Blue Water Café is a must as it’s one of the top fine-dining seafood restaurants in the city. The always busy, but cozy restaurant serves a West Coast meets Japanese culinary experience that excels in taste and presentation on everything. The wine menu is also a reason to go, as the cellar contains some 14,000 bottles.
Where | 1095 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Enoteca + Grill
Mediterranean
Cioppino’s is an institution in Vancouver and known all over the world – including having been rated #49 on the Best Italian Restaurants in the World, among hundreds of other accolades. It’s also the secret spot for celebs for the incredible food, Pino, the owner and the simple and sweet Italian atmosphere.
Where | 1133 Hamilton Street
Website | Instagram
save room for….
Mister
Ice Cream
Not a restaurant, but worthy of being on the list, because it’s the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste. Mister’s secret sauce is they make their ice cream with liquid nitrogen, making it dense and smooth and very flavourful. You can get it in a pint, cone or sammie form and there are also always vegan options.
