If you’re lacking Christmas spirit, Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood is the prescription. Over the last few years, the South Granville BIA has turned their strip into a picture-perfect snow globe with a public Christmas tree, Santa-themed pop-ups, live music, and pops of holiday-inspired street decor.
Aside from the cheerful adornments, South Granville is truly the perfect spot for holiday shopping and entertainment. You can tackle your shopping list in one visit, enjoy a wonderful meal or two, and catch some live theatre by the Arts Club at the iconic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is on until Dec 24, don’t miss it!).
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite South Granville spots and eats to help fuel your holiday cheer.
Gary’s on 12th
1485 W 12th Ave
Fresh off their 2024 Michelin recognition, Gary’s has already become a South Granville staple in a relatively short time. Helmed by Bailey Hayward and Matthew Bishop–hospitality vets hailing from (The Mackenzie Room, Say Mercy!, Collective Goods–Gary’s on 12th is set on a casual fine dining experience inspired by their restaurant upbringings.
The menu is ever-evolving, but the current menu featuring beef pot-au-feu, parsley root, leek, rosemary-tallow, consommé is surely a standout.
Keep an eye on their Instagram for rotating specials, detailed wine features, and merch sales. If you’re in the mood to imbibe, their impressive wine list is not to be looked over.
Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen
1488 W 11th Ave
Whether you’re holiday shopping or visiting the Stanley Theatre with a pal, consider popping into Mazahr for a delicious meal and small plates, ideal for a sharing experience.
Lebanese is one of my favourite cuisines, so I am partial to just about everything on Mazahr’s menu, but the Beef Shawarma (AAA local top sirloin beef marinated in a home-made spice mix), the Halloumi Cheese (Pan seared halloumi served with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives and mint), and the generous Mixed Grill Value Feast.
Breakfast Table
3040 Granville St
Serving up brunch comfort food every day of the week, Breakfast Table is the name to know if you’re hungry in the AM. There’s a good chance you’ll have to put your name on a waitlist, but it’s worth the extra time you’ll have to appreciate the unique character of the nearby storefronts. Once inside, you can treat yourself to all kinds of tasty highlights. Challah French toast, pulled duck bennies, breakfast ratatouille— there’s no end to how you can indulge. Of course, if you’re having trouble deciding, you can always order one of their famous ube lattes while you mull your options.
The Stable House Bistro
1520 W. 13TH Avenue
Unfortunately, we are not rich with options for traditional wine bars in Vancouver, but thankfully we do have spots like The Stable House that more than make up for that.
Embodying the perfect European bistro, The Stable House offers a beautiful, extensive wine list and educated staff who are eager to talk about their craft and pour you the perfect glass. The food program rotates seasonally but you can’t go wrong with current favourites like rigatoni carbonara, chicken liver mousse, and squash gnocchi. The ambiance of The Stable House will surely keep you cozy; this quaint wine bar is perfect for recharging after a day of shopping, or for meeting a date before a show.
Small Victory
3070 Granville St
A fantastic spot to kick off your morning with a Spanish latte, or take a break from shopping with a freshly baked pain au chocolat, Small Victory is always reliable for wherever you’re at in your day. The friendly staff never fails to charm and there’s plenty of seating for you and your holiday shopping companion. Their baked daily loaves of bread are the perfect accompaniment to a wine and cheese night, so be sure to grab one for your next holiday mixer.
There are many ways to get to these by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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