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 (Elf: The Musical is on until December 31, 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.
For a pick-me-up, South Granville has no shortage of cafe options. Besides the bustling Starbucks in the Indigo building, there are plenty of indie spots to choose from: Small Victory bakery has some of the city’s best coffee, bread, and pastries, Bean Around the World never disappoints, and if you’re in the mood for cheesecake, Trees Organic Coffee is a Vancouver favourite for a reason.
Gary’s on 12th
1485 W 12th Ave
Gary’s opened their doors to the community earlier this fall in the space previously occupied by Fiore. 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 Risotto with preserved lemon, hazelnut, puntarelle, comté 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.
The Marquis
2666 Granville St
The Marquis Grill is a South Granville mainstay and one of the few spots in the city open late. Pro tip: If you plan to visit on a Stanley Theatre show night, make a reservation (it gets busy!) and show your tickets with your bill for a discount. Looking for a warming meal after a day spent pursuing the shops? The Marquis’ Braised Short Rib, Prawn Linguini, or Mac and Cheese should do just the trick.
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 in celebration of their 10th birthday, The Stable House is bringing back old, classic favourites like rigatoni carbonara, chicken liver mousse, and striploin steak with peppercorn sauce. 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.
Impostori Trattoria + Negroni Bar
3121 Granville St, Vancouver
Italian is always a good idea. Impostori Trattoria is one of the newer spots on South Granville, coming from chef Andrey Durbach. The cuisine is mostly Italian with flares of French and Asian inspiration. Pair your antipasti, primi or secondi with an impressive selection of European wines, negronis, and imported beer. Personally, I wouldn’t miss out on their delicious selection of Lambrusco, with an order of Spaghetti Carbonara, and House-Baked Focaccia.
There are many ways to get to these by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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