Anh and Chi Soft Shell Crab Salad

If spring can’t come soon enough, may we suggest a short plane ride to Vancouver to take in some of the ever-growing list of must-try restaurants in the city’s coolest neighbourhoods?

We headed west in late 2024 for a culinary tour of Vancouver’s favourite foodie neighbourhoods. With the fabulous Douglas Autograph Collection Hotel serving as home base, we explored Granville Island, Kitsilano, Commercial Drive and Mount Pleasant – home of Vancouver’s MICHELIN Mile. Here’s what we found – and loved.

Photo Credit: Alyssa Dawson

Mt. Pleasant: The MICHELIN Mile

Mt. Pleasant is chock full of exceptional, independent restaurants on a vibrant and artsy street with so much to see, you could spend the day. Two MICHELIN-starred restaurants and a number of recommendations make Mt. Pleasant a must-visit ‘hood for the visiting epicurean.

Abelskiver at Published on Main

Scallop at Published on Main – credit Sarah Annand 2 (1)

Hay at Published on Main – credit Sarah Annand

Published on Main

While we couldn’t pronounce it, we’re glad we ordered the Aebleskiver! These three savoury Danish donuts stuffed with stewed herbs and served atop a fresh herb emulsion were a highlight, as were the Hokkaido scallops. This Scandinavian eatery boasts a MICHELIN star and is focused on sustainability.

Anh and Chi Pho Hoang by Leila Kwok

Anh and Chi Soft shell crab salad by Alyssa Dawson

Anh and Chi’s DIY Streetside Platter by Leila Kwok

Anh and Chi

This Vietnamese gem is a shining example of keeping a multi-generational-family-owned business relevant while honouring its storied past. Recommended by the MICHELIN guide, Anh and Chi offers an innovative, beautiful and modern take on Vietnamese cuisine while keeping decades-old family recipes in the mix. Try the soft shell crab salad and DIY streetside platter. Pop in next door at Good Thief cocktail bar for an imaginative selection of libations for every taste.

SUYO’s Arroz con Pato Photo by Amy Ho

SUYO BC Side Strip Prawn Ceviche Photo by Amy Ho

SUYO’s Octopus Anticuchero Photo Amy Ho

SUYO

Every Calgarian knows to find seafood when they visit Vancouver. Chef Ricardo Valverdi’s ceviches are one of the best ways to do it. Suyo’s Peruvian flavours bring this cozy dining room to life while gorgeous plating, brilliant cocktails and an upbeat vibe makes this a great choice for date night.

Granville Island/Kitsilano: Health Forward

Kitsilano is a neighbourhood that attracts Vancouver’s active crowd. With plenty of high-end sports equipment retailers, you’ll find something whether you’re snowboarding, skateboarding, kayaking or hitting the yoga studio. But we’re here for the food – which also offers a variety of delicious options for the health-conscious eater.

Maenam lunch – credit Olivia Horrell 2

Maenam’s Chef Angus An preparing the day’s finds.

Maenam’s Chef Angus An leading a tour through the Granville Island Market.

Granville Island and Kitsilano

After a tour of the Granville Island market with Chef Angus An of MICHELIN-recommended Maenam (pine mushrooms were in season!) we headed back to the restaurant where we enjoyed a Thai feast fit for a king. Maenam is consistently named one of Vancouver’s best Thai restaurants and fuses authentic Thai flavours with modern ingredients. The inventive menu is complemented by an innovative cocktail program featuring drinks that incorporate Asian fruits and spices as well as a carefully-curated wine list.

Northern Lights roll – by Leila Kwok

Chef Tojo

Sashimi at Tojo’s

Omakase at Tojos

Tojo’s

It’s not too often you get to meet a living culinary legend – let alone dine with one. Chef Hidekazu Tojo is the inventor of the California Roll – originally called…wait for it…the Tojo Roll. His version uses fresh crab and is miles above anything you’ve tried before. Enjoy the finest, freshest seafood Vancouver has to offer and treat yourself to the omakase experience at Tojo’s. Don’t forget the saki flight!

Commercial Drive/Little Italy

Offering a great counterpoint to Kits’ upscale sporty vibe and Mt. Pleasant’s artsy feel, Commercial Drive brings the grit with historic, authentic and fabulous locally-owned eateries including some must-tries.

Doug Stephen at The Drive Canteen

Down Low Chicken

Downlow Chicken and The Drive Canteen

Downlow Chicken
Launched in 2018 by Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann, DL Chicken brings bold flavours, charm, and hospitality to Vancouver with its take on Hot Chicken – the popular crispy, fried chicken style known for its signature paste blend of “hot” spices.
The Drive Canteen
The Drive Canteen has one of Vancouver’s largest non-alcoholic selections. Shoppers can also revel in its custom sneaker collection, and curated streetwear and satisfy their munchies cravings with locally made sweet and savoury treats.

Monster panini at La Grotta Del Fromaggio

Panini prep at La Grotta Del Formaggio

La Grotta Del Formaggio

Opened in 1979, this Italian deli is still situated in the heart of Vancouver’s ‘Little Italy’ supplying Vancouverites with high-quality foods from across the Mediterranean. The second generation is now running the place, staying true to its roots while continuing to evolve with changing tastes and trends. You don’t want to miss the famous panini fresh made for you in front of your eyes. They’re as big as your head, so come hungry or share with a friend.