Whether you’re here for the TED conference or attending one of the many events held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, you’re going to get hungry. And most likely, a wrap and a bottle of water is not going to cut it. Recently, a couple people have asked me for suggestions around the Convention Centre, as they’re coming for conferences and so I thought I’d share my list with you too!
Here are some places you can check out that’s within walking distance of the convention centre, sorted by distance.
Closeby (5 mins)
Miku Restaurant – $$$$
200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
One of my favourite places for sushi in Vancouver. During lunch, they have their Zen box which is a nice introduction to their menu items for under $30. Try their signature Aburi sushi.
Chewies – $$$
110-1055 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9
Cajun/Creole with a West Coast twist, Chewies makes a mean chicken and waffle. Besides that, their Happy Hour (3-6pm daily) offers Buck-A-Shuck oysters!
Tractor Foods – $$$
335 Burrard St, Vancouver
Boasting healthy “fast” food, their veggie salads and stews make for a perfect, filling and healthy meal.
Tableau – $$$$
1181 Melville Street, Vancouver BC, Canada V6E 0A3
One of the most fabulous (but tucked away) places in the city is Tableau Bar and Bistro. French favourites such as coq au vin, steak frites are on the menu – but their mushroom toast is a must try.
Bella Gelateria – $$
1001 West Cordova Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 0B7
Not necessarily a ‘place to eat’ but a definite must try for those visiting Vancouver, Bella Gelateria is a world class gelateria. Using only the best ingredients from local producers, they offer fabulous flavours like buko pandan, Akbar Mashti, banana bread and much more.
Further (10 mins walk)
Caffe Artigiano – $
1101 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A2
One of my favourite places to grab a mocha is Caffe Artigiano. They’re plentiful in the downtown core, but this one is closest to the convention centre.
Guu Otokomae – $$
105-375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5C6
One of the largest cuisines (if not THE biggest) in Vancouver is Japanese cuisine. Guu Otokomae is a Japanese Izakaya that serves small share plates and has great drink specials. One of my favourite dishes is their Mushroom Cheese bibimbap (hot stone bowl of mushrooms, rice, cheese and nori seaweed sauce).
Royal Centre / Bentall – $
1055 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3
Unbeknownst to many, there is a food court located at Royal Centre, beneath the Bentall Towers. They have staples like McDonalds, Tim Hortons, Triple O’s (a Canadian burger chain).
Even Further (15-20 min walk)
Finch’s – $$
353 West Pender, Vancouver BC, V6B 1T1
If you’re looking for a damn good sandwich that is just as good looking, Finch’s is a must try. Give yourself plenty of time, as this place is very busy during lunch hours.
purebread – $
159 West Hastings
A popular bakery that originated in Whistler, BC – purebread serves up sweet and savoury pastries that are habit forming. They also serve up Stumptown Coffee to go along with their delicious treats.
Revolver coffee – $
325 Cambie St., Vancouver BC, V6B 1H7
If you’re looking for Artisan coffee and probably the best coffee in town, you’ll want to get yourself to Revolver coffee. Your coffee is brewed when you order it and you can choose what kind of beans get to go into your cup of coffee.
Furthest – (20 min walk+):
Yew – $$$$
791 W. Georgia, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T4
The Yew offers modern West Coast cuisine that is sustainable via the Oceanwise program. Regarded as one of the best places to dine in the city, I would tend to agree. If you decide to eat at their Bar rather than have a sit down meal, try their Lobster Mac and Cheese. Life changing.
Hawksworth Lounge – $$$$
801 West Georgia, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1P7
A high end restaurant that conveniently has a separate bar area – they have one of the nicest bars in the city with a great cocktail list. Their bar food includes “KFC” which is Korean Fried Cauliflower – which really does not taste like cauliflower at all but something far more delicious!
Bel Cafe – $$
801 West Georgia, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
Owned by David Hawksworth and located in the Hotel Georgia, Bel Cafe offers typical cafe fare but also lots of great sweets. Their hot chocolates are my go to. Seasonally, they also offer ice cream made on the premises, cocktails and much more.
Joe Fortes – $$$
777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Happy Hour where everything off the bar menu is 50% off? Sign me up. Available every day from 4-6pm, they offer “Buck-a-Shuck” oysters, jumbo tempura prawns, fried oysters and mini lobster shrimp rolls (amongst lot of other items).