Cover Photo courtesy of Published on Main

All you need is a weekend in the city to see why it’s earned its reputation as one of the world’s greatest places to eat, drink and reset

Vancouver is one of those cities that checks off all of the boxes—expansive frothy ocean views, proximity to soaring mountains, lush public parks and, most importantly, some of North America’s best food. The multiculturalism of British Columbia’s (BC) biggest city provides the perfect breeding ground for endless and diverse dining options, furthered by a new wave of young chefs who take full advantage of the abundance of superb seafood and produce to make it a worthy dining destination.

See also: A Food Lover's Guide to London

Start the day at… Nelson the Seagull

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Above Photo: Cleo von Siebenthal

Without a doubt, this is where you’ll go for the best bread in Vancouver. With a short and simple menu crafted to celebrate its traditional and renowned sourdough bread, Nelson the Seagull in Gastown is one of the most satisfying coffee, breakfast and lunch spots in town. Almost everything is made by hand, from the rustic wooden furniture to the crispy yet chewy loaves. While doors opened in 2011, the interior reflects the original age and architecture of the historical building with its chipped mosaic tiled floors, exposed brick and high ceilings. Takeout loaves are available, but be sure to snag one earlier in the day since it’s not uncommon for them to sell out of the 90 they bake each day.

Nelson The Seagull, 315 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 0A7, Canada; +1 604-681-5776

For true local flavour, head to… Forage

Each dish holds its own at Forage, a quintessential Vancouver restaurant that (true to its name) specialises in ingredients that have been foraged from the great British Columbian outdoors. Conveniently found on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, all meats and seafoods are organic-raised, sustainable and seasonal. If you’re having trouble narrowing down what to order, go for the bison board, which offers several different cuts of Canadian bison prepared in different ways, alongside a host of sides and vegetables. The focus on locality extends to the drinks list, with beers brewed in and around Vancouver, wines from the nearby Okanagan, and seasonal cocktails made exclusively using BC spirits.

Forage, 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada; +1 604-661-1400

For a taste of history, head to… Joe Fortes Seafood

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Above Photo: Cleo von Siebenthal

Crisp white linens, top class service and fresh, local and sustainable seafood come together to make Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse a dining landmark in Vancouver, and a trip to the city is not complete without at least a dozen oysters from their enormous seafood bar. For over 30 years, the restaurant has maintained its trustworthy reputation amongst locals, celebrities and tourists alike, serving more than fifty types of fish, top quality oysters and thick cuts of meat sourced from Pacific Northwest farmers and fishermen. Located right by the bustling Robson Street, it’s the ideal venue for lunch, happy hour or dinner.

Joe Fortes Seafood, 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada; +1 604-669-1940

Splurge at… Published on Main

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Above Wagyu carpaccio (Photo: Published on Main)

Opened in the winter of 2019, Published on Main has had a meteoric rise to stardom under the helm of executive chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, having topped the list for Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants of 2022. Located on Main Street, a haven for youth culture in the city, the fine-dining establishment manages to be thoroughly approachable, with the element of fun being emphasised as the main inspiration for the ever-changing menu.

Featuring local ingredients prepared with meticulous precision, an example of dishes to expect are the wagyu carpaccio with pickled elderflower, ginger miso and a malted barley cracker; chilled side stripe prawns with cucumber, apple and horseradish; and roasted Fraser Valley duck breast with crispy confit, beet and elderberry. The bar programme is also impressive, with a range of well-considered cocktails to choose from. Given the size of the restaurant, it’s highly recommended that reservations are made ahead of time.

Published on Main, 3593 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4, Canada; +1 604-423-4840

Grab a nightcap at… Bartholomew

Put on your “going out clothes” and head to this moody bar in Yaletown for a cocktail you'll remember. The 1,500-square-foot industrial-chic lounge is named after the patron saint of butchers, Bartholomew the Apostle, and accordingly, its charcuterie and cheese selection is second to none; but the cocktail selection more than holds its own, with a whopping 24 cocktails to choose from. There's entire sections dedicated to different worldly riffs on the Negroni and the Old Fashioned, alongside original House Concoctions, but if in doubt, the bartender's choice leaves your nightcap in the hands of the mixologist.

Bartholomew, 1026 Mainland Street, Yaletown, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4, Canada; +1 604-423-4131

Bring a piece of Vancouver home with you from… Granville Island Public Market

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Above Photo: Cleo von Siebenthal

Don’t be too quick to dismiss this as a tourist destination—the busting Granville Island Public Market is filled with offerings that will keep your senses rapt for hours. Open seven days a week, the indoor market is home to over fifty vendors that sell anything from seafood and meats to produce, baked goods, sweets and specialty foods, making it an ideal destination to pick up a thing or two to bring home. Weave through the stalls and build yourself a little picnic of charcuterie, smoked salmon, fresh bread and local cheeses and head to the waterfront to enjoy the view.

Granville Island Public Market, 1669 Johnston Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada; +1 604-666-6655


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