Best Restaurants in East Vancouver

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Let’s not kid ourselves – East Vancouver has some of the best restaurants in the city. As someone who spends most––if not all––my time in and around East Van, I thought I’d share some of my favourite restaurants with you. This is in no way an exhaustive list, it will at least give you an idea of East Vancouver’s must-stop places to eat.

BEST FANCY RESTAURANT in EAST VAN

Les Faux Bourgeois on East 15th in Fraser takes the romantically lit candle in this category. In addition to being especially fancy, this place serves some of the finest Classic French food in the Vancouver (think Bouillabaisse, Coq au Vin, etc). Les Faux Bourgeois great ambience and wine list make it an ideal option for a romantic anniversary or celebratory dinner. Note: Les Faux is only open for dinner.

663 East 15th Av (at Fraser): Yelp Reviews of Les Faux Bourgeois

BEST COMFORT FOOD in EAST VAN

Burgoo is known for it’s good comfort food, without it being a greasy kitchen. They’ll serve you well thought out classic like mac & cheese, stews and more with a menu that evolves with the weather. The Burgoo on Main St has a great sunny patio and lots of room inside.

3096 Main St (at 15th Ave): Yelp Reviews of Burgoo

BEST BREAKFAST in EAST VAN

Slickity Jim’s Chat n Chew, at it’s new location on Main at 19th in Riley Park, is one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in the city. Not only do they serve breakfast every day, but it’s delicious home food (think real potatoes rather than tater tots), in a cool atmosphere. The menu is big, but there is no such thing as menu regret here since everyone will be pleasantly satisfied with their meal.

3475 Main St (at 19th Ave): Yelp Reviews of Slickity Jim’s

BEST VEGETARIAN in EAST VAN

The Acorn in Riley Park is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a wonderful vegetarian meal (or gluten free, or vegan, or raw). Taking dishes to new heights where you won’t miss the addition of meat is what this restaurant strives to do, and they do it well.

3995 Main St (at 24th Ave): Yelp Reviews of the Acorn

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The Foundation is a popular Vegetarian spot on Main St (at the corner of 7th), and a good choice because it’s amazing vegetarian food. Famous for their nachos – if you’re not a vegetarian, that’s what you should get when you go.

2301 Main St (at 7th Ave): Yelp Reviews of The Foundation

BEST HOLE IN THE WALL in EAST VAN

The Red Wagon in Hastings-Sunrise takes the honour here, thanks to it’s appearance on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”. Famous for their pulled pork pancakes with Jack Daniels maple syrup (get them with a fried egg on top!), their grilled cheese and tomato soup, and other classics. The interior is nothing fancy, it’s all about the food at the Red Wagon.

2296 E Hastings St (at Nanaimo): Yelp Reviews of The Red Wagon

BEST BAGEL in EAST VAN

The honour HAS to go to Solly’s Bagelry. They know bagels and they do them well. I’ve tried every Eggel more than once, I have a freezer full of their frozen latkes and if you ever invite my over for a morning coffee I’m bringing some of their fresh bagels.

4071 Main St (at King Edward): Yelp Reviews of Solly’s

BEST ITALIAN in EAST VAN

Campagnolo Roma is one of the best Italian places in the city. It’s casual, cool and will satisfy your italian cravings. They have wood fired pizza, pasta dishes and antipasti. The original location is in Strathcona on Main St near Chinatown the new location is on Hastings at Nanaimo in the East Village (Hastings-Sunrise). Go for their 5-6pm and 9-10pm daily $15 “Pizza and a Beer” special.

2297 E Hastings St (at Nanaimo): Yelp Reviews of Campagnolo Roma

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Lombardo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is a hidden gem – seriously, it’s located in an odd spot – but delicious and always busy. Out of so many Italian places on the Drive, this one makes the cut.

1641 Commercial Drive (at 1st Ave): Yelp Reviews of Lombardo’s

BEST BAR FOOD in EAST VAN

The Union tops this category. It’s not the kind of bar food you’re used to thanks to the Asian menu (to match the drinks made with herbs from Chinatown). However, you won’t be disappointed. They offer vietnamese bowls that pack a flavour punch, banh mi sandwiches and some delicious appetizers. The Union has long communal tables perfect to chat with friends and enjoy some food and drink, without it feeling like you’re in a restaurant. Monday night’s they have a Banh Mi Sandwich and a pint for $10.

219 Union St (at Main St): Yelp Reviews of The Union

BEST INDIAN FOOD in EAST VAN

House of Dosas is known in the city. It’s a gem in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage area. You have to go more than once to try all the dosas (and everything else) – but head there on Monday’s when dosas are only $6. It gets spicy!

1391 Kingsway (at Knight St): Yelp Reviews of House of Dosas

BEST THAI RESTAURANT in EAST VAN

Mali Thai on Main St. The owners have a great thing going – loads of flavour in every dish, good service and a great location. Try it today – I bet you’ll become a regular.

2710 Main St (at 11th Ave): Yelp Reviews of Mali Thai

BEST SUSHI in EAST VAN

Zipang on Main St is one of our favourites. Seems as if every time I mention a sushi joint on Main St, someone mentions this one!

3710 Main St (at 21st): Yelp Reviews of Zipang

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Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen should be your go to for Sushi on Commercial Drive. It’s a tiny restaurant (I’d say less than 20 seats), so it fills up quickly, but it’s a great dinner that you won’t regret.

2054 Commercial Drive (at 5th Ave): Yelp Reviews of Kishimoto

BEST SANDWICHES in EAST VAN

Big Lou’s in Hastings is a favourite – not surprisingly since it’s really a butcher shop. You know you’re getting a meaty, saucy, well made sandwich from people who really care about the ingredients inside. It’s a big sandwich, be prepared. Also a great place to buy meals, and to order your turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.

269 Powell St (at Gore Ave): Yelp Reviews of Big Lou’s