The countdown to the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver is officially on and if there’s one thing this city does well beyond the soccer hype, it’s eating!

Whether you’re headed downtown for a match at BC Place or making your way to the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park/PNE in East Van, there are so many great spots nearby to turn your game day into a full-on food crawl.

The FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with giant viewing screens, live entertainment, food vendors and events throughout the tournament.

Here are some spots worth bookmarking now.

BC PLACE AREA

If you’re staying downtown for the matches, you’ve honestly got every kind of dining experience within walking distance. Whether you’re grabbing quick bites before kickoff or planning a full celebratory dinner after the game, there’s something for every budget.

Miku Vancouver
Arguably the best place for waterfront sushi. Their aburi sushi remains iconic for a reason and it’s a great spot if you’re looking to impress visitors coming into town.

District Bar & Restaurant
Probably one of the easiest game day picks near BC Place. Casual, lively, lots of screens, solid burgers and a great atmosphere before and after matches.

Honey Salt
Inside Parq Vancouver and ideal if your group wants something a little more relaxed. Good brunch options, cocktails and enough variety for picky eaters!

Cactus Club Cafe
Touristy? Sure. But the Coal Harbour location still delivers when you want reliable food, cocktails and waterfront views for out of town guests – don’t forget the obligatory frozen bellini.

Phnom Penh
Not exactly beside the stadium, but absolutely worth the short walk into Chinatown. Their butter beef and chicken wings are basically mandatory Vancouver eats at this point – but…just don’t tell too many people!

Chambar
Perfect for a more elevated pre match dinner (or brunch). Belgian inspired comfort food, great cocktails and one of the nicer rooms in the city.

Tacofino Ocho
Another iconic spot in Vancouver! Quick bites but tacos, burritos and margaritas before the game just makes sense.

Jam Cafe
If you’re doing early matches or recovering the next morning, Jam’s hearty brunch plates always hit.

Keefer Bar
One of Vancouver’s best cocktail bars and a fun late night stop after the crowds thin out.

Score on Davie
For CRAZY giant Caesars, oversized comfort food and pure sports bar energy – this is the spot.

EAST VAN / FIFA FAN FESTIVAL AT THE PNE

East Vancouver honestly feels like the perfect backdrop for the fan festival. The food scene around Hastings and Commercial Drive is diverse, casual and packed with local gems.

Nonna’s Cucina
One of the best quick casual options near the PNE. Sandwiches, pasta and comfort food that feels homemade in the best way.

Green & Oak Malaysian Restaurant
If you’re craving laksa, curry or Malaysian comfort food after spending hours at the festival grounds, this is such a solid option nearby.

Meet and Eat
A newer East Van spot serving Turkish and halal dishes that are perfect for sharing with a group before heading into the fan zone.

Via Tevere Pizzeria
Still one of the city’s best Neapolitan pizza spots and always worth the lineup.

Hanoi Old Quarter
Comforting pho and Vietnamese dishes that are especially good after a long day outdoors.

La Grotta Del Formaggio
A Commercial Drive institution for sandwiches and picnic snacks if you’re heading to the PNE for the day.

Pepino’s Spaghetti House
Big portions, old school Italian vibes and honestly one of the most fun group dinner spots in East Van right now.

Downlow Chicken Shack
If spicy fried chicken is your thing, this one’s a must.

Earnest Ice Cream
Because realistically, you’ll probably want ice cream after spending all day at a summer fan festival.

It’s apparent the buzz of excitement that is building within our city leading up to the World Cup – but the very best part (other than the matches) is checking out Vancouver’s delicious and diverse food scene. My biggest advice? Make reservations early, expect downtown to be packed on match days and leave extra time for transit because the city is expecting huge crowds throughout the tournament.