8 must-try historic restaurants in Vancouver
From owners with fascinating backstories, to legendary beachside locations, these eight Vancouver restaurants are known as much for their colourful histories as they are for their delicious creations. [Photo courtesy of Homer St. Cafe and Bar]
Le Crocodile
100-909 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2Renowned Alsatian chef Michele Jacob allegedly traded his high school experience for an esteemed Parisian kitchen job before relocating to Vancouver in his early 20s. His first Le Crocodile on Beatty Street was an instant hit, and the chef soon moved to a larger space on Burrard, where he presently runs one of the top French kitchens in Canada. Tip for first-timers: you must taste Michele’s creative fois gras crème brûlée – you and your dinner date won’t regret it.
Bean Brother's Cafe
2179 41St Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z6For nearly 20 years, Vancouverites and visitors alike have flocked to this old-timey eatery for specialty coffees, sweet and savoury baking, and comfort dishes such as French toast, eggs and hash, and the chef’s own out-of-this-world eggs Benedict. When eating at this traditional, bustling cafe, you’re also contributing to the community at large; Bean Brothers donates five percent of every purchase to Vancouver’s Healthy Kids, Wealthy School program.
Teahouse Restaurant
7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2Where else to experience local history than from within Vancouver’s oldest park? Honoring the centuries-old English tradition of afternoon tea, Stanley Park’s quaint teahouse offers a substantial tea service throughout the day, and accompaniments include sandwiches, scones, cookies, light soups, and other delicate favourites. Open late into the evening, and with stunning ocean views, the patio is ideal for watching the sunset.
Ovaltine Cafe
251 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P2Ovaltine’s pink neon lights have shone since the café first opened in 1943. Easily one of Vancouver’s oldest restaurants, the interior has seen many upgrades, but the kitchen remains true to the original: unfussy American diner dishes are delicious and affordable here. For example, a cheeseburger – with a handmade patty – can be paired with fries and a milkshake for less than $10 each. Now that’s a deal that’ll go down in history!
Homer St Cafe & Bar
898 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5This upscale Southern-style restaurant is located inside one of Vancouver’s most beautifully restored heritage buildings, the Homer Building, in the heart of Yaletown. Also referencing history are the restaurant’s whole-chickens platters, roasted in a big red rotisserie oven behind the bar. Served with cracked new potatoes and green salad with fried egg, it’s a mouthwatering meal fit for any old fashioned southern gentleman (or lady).
Bishop's Restaurant
2183 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7Vancouver celebrity chef John Bishop’s long-standing Kitsilano bistro made headlines when it first opened for it’s undeniably West Coast dishes and commitment to high quality, local ingredients. Here, halibut comes from Haida Gwaii, and steelhead salmon from Lois Lake. The quiet, upscale eatery is a destination for tourists from around the world – and for good reason, with seafood almost as fresh one would find on the beach!
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5Named after Vancouver’s legendary lifeguard, Joseph Seraphim Fortes, whose dedication to ocean safety earned him a memorial in Alexandra Park, this decades-old bistro has one of the best patios in Vancouver’s downtown. Paying tribute to Joe’s favourite place, the restaurant specializes in Ocean Wise seafood ranging from surf n’ turf to mussels in wine broth to local halibut, and much, much more. Tip: their boisterous oyster bar is not to be missed.
