Restaurants Archives - West Coast Food

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver September 11, 2024

Welcome To the World of Themed Restaurants in Metro Vancouver

As foodies, we’ve all run into those people who insist that they can make food better themselves. Whatever cuisine you suggest, Thai, Ukrainian, Ethiopian… “Nah, we can have that at home.” For many of us, this is our mother. Thankfully, no matter how skilled they are as a chef, there’s a reliable checkmate argument you can use against these culinary naysayers: the themed restaurant. Where else can you sip cocktails in a tropical tiki shack, or enjoy brown sugar bubble tea in a candy-colour room filled with cat plushies? The following local Metro Vancouver spots are all about an experience you can’t get at home, no matter how much your mom tries to tell you otherwise! MAKCHANG DODOOK- Coquitlam 1150 Austin Ave #100, Coquitlam, BC If you’ve ever wondered what the food is like in prison, here’s your chance to find out (ok, this is likely far better, but stay…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver September 4, 2024

Gotta Try ‘Em: 7 New Metro Vancouver Restaurants

Summer ‘24 was a busy season for Metro Vancouver’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Exciting new concepts and additions to established local favourites were popping up everywhere, and still going! Here are 7 new and upcoming restaurants to check out this Fall. Dehl’s Gourmet – New Westminster New West’s Dehls Gourmet specializes in authentic Ghanaian cuisine from chef and owner Delali Adiamah who brings her rich heritage and culinary expertise to traditional dishes like Jollof Rice, Honey Jerk Chicken, and Kelewele. From its humble beginnings as a catering service, Dehl’s now serves not only as a place to grab a delicious meal, but also to learn about a culture under-represented in Metro Vancouver’s dining scene. 906 Quayside Drive, New Westminster Little Pisces – Burnaby First-time restaurateurs Linda Dai and Jacky Tian are bringing another first to a Metro Vancouver dessert shop. A popular street-food in Japan, Taiyaki is a traditional fish-shaped pastry…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 11, 2024

Exploring LGBTQ+ – Owned Eateries in Metro Vancouver

While an increasing number of restaurants in Metro Vancouver proudly advertise themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly, there remains a noticeable scarcity of LGBTQ+-owned establishments. Discrimination, whether subtle or overt, has long posed significant challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals aiming to establish themselves in entrepreneurship. These obstacles, spanning financial disparities to enduring social stigma, highlight the resilience needed to launch and sustain openly LGBTQ+-owned restaurants. Moreover, many of these businesses choose not to openly promote their LGBTQ+ identities, wary of potential backlash or loss of clientele. Join us as we celebrate the pioneering eateries in Metro Vancouver that proudly celebrate their LGBTQ+ ownership. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Tall Shadow Bakery – Vancouver 2474 E Hastings St, Vancouver Tall Shadow Bakery began by showcasing their organic sourdough, artisanal loaves, and pastries at farmers’ markets and fulfilling custom orders for beloved Vancouver restaurants and food trucks. The enthusiastic reception prompted them to establish a bustling…

World food in Metro Vancouver June 20, 2024

Around the World in Metro Vancouver

Adventurous foodies need not leave Metro Vancouver to explore hidden gems of world cuisine. In an era where global connectivity is at our fingertips, our local dining scene becomes a portal to far-off lands. By exploring unique regional cuisines, we not only indulge in exotic flavours but also get the opportunity to engage in a deeper dialogue about identity, heritage, and the socio-political forces shaping our world. In each dish lies a story of history, migration, and resilience, offering insights into the complexities of our world. From culinary fusions born out of cultural exchange to dishes that carry the weight of centuries-old traditions, every bite becomes a lesson in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experience. Uncover the delightfully unexpected at these restaurants around Metro Vancouver. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Spice of Nepal – Surrey While Indian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity, the culinary treasures of its…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver March 1, 2024

Women-Owned Eateries Around Metro Vancouver

International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Pampanga Cuisine – Vancouver Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site. Burdock & Co…

Festivals & Events January 25, 2024

February 2024 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Why stay cooped up inside through winter? After all, Valentine’s is this month, and what better way to show your intentions than by taking your date OUT to a food event or two? Here are the Feb happenings you should know about so you can flex your foodie status with someone special. Just remember, nothing says “💘”, quite like… 🌮 🥗 🍕 🍜 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 24 – March 3 The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wine events, offering something for every level of wine enthusiast, collector and trade professional. In 2023 alone, the festival featured 147 wineries across 17 countries, pouring and discussing over eight nights. The heart of the event is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where each winery pours 4 to 5 wines for the public. Vancouver Various Locations Dark Fields of Winter, Vancouver…

Festivals & Events January 19, 2024

Dine Out Festival – Top 5 Restaurants to try outside of Vancouver

With over 300 restaurants participating this year, a wide net of delicious, affordable dining options has been cast over communities across the greater Vancouver area. The 2024 Dine Out Festival runs from January 17 to February 4, so here’s a list of top 5 restaurants to get you started on filling your Festival calendar. Make reservations soon to avoid disappointment. By Catherine Dunwoody Pho Den – Burnaby We love ducking out of our workday for a great lunch deal anytime, and especially during Dine Out. Vietnamese restaurant Pho Den has 3-courses for $22 (dinner is $24) which cannot be beat. Start with crunchy, dippable spring rolls, then a steamy bowl of winter-comforting pho (beef, chicken or veg) and royal milk tea with topping for dessert. Accepting reservations for lunch and dinner, $22 and $24 per person. By transit: bus 191, or SkyTrain Millennium line or Expo line. Instagram The…

Holiday December 11, 2023

Holiday Dining Guide: Vancouver’s South Granville District

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,…

Festivals & Events November 7, 2023

Spice it up in Metro Vancouver! Delicious Indian Dishes for Diwali

Celebrated worldwide, Diwali is the calendar event of the year! Observed by people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, Diwali also known commonly known as the Festival of Lights, with lights symbolizing “the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Taking place on November 12, 2023 this year, Diwali is a time to clean your place, gather with family and friends, brighten your home with diyas (tiny, clay pot oil lamps that can be lit with a match or holders for tea lights) placed around the house, watch patake (firework displays) illuminate the sky, and share a delicious feast of traditional Indian dishes and sweets with people you care about. Not only does Diwali look and feel magical, but your dhid (stomach) will be celebrating too! Cooking for the big day can be a lot of (unnecessary) work, so here’s a list of where to get delicious Indian eats to honour the…

Festivals & Events June 22, 2023

July Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

It’s finally summer–which means festivals with live music, local breweries and international flavours are happening across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein. Parade starts at 10AM and festival grounds are open 11AM – 5PM Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street Langley Bubble Tea Festival, July 7 – 9 After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Bubble Tea Festival returns! This year’s Bubble Tea Festival theme is Taste of Taiwan, featuring Bubble tea vendors, Food trucks with Asian street foods, outdoor movies, concerts, performances and even bumper cars for toddlers. Children 12-year old enter free (with an accompanying adult.) Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street Burnaby BC Halal Food Fest, July…

Dine the Line April 4, 2023

The Plant-Based Path – Food You Can Feel Good About

Appreciating the natural abundance of the region through healthy lifestyle choices and ecologically sustainable day-to-day practices are a part of West Coast culture, resulting in an impressive range of restaurants that offer mindful meals and tasty treats that celebrate a plant-based diet, from grab-and-go cafes to upscale dining. In Metro Vancouver, eating your greens isn’t a punishment, it’s a delicious (and nutritious) reward. Serving up more than just salad, Dine the Line’s Plant-Based Path Itinerary features Vegetarian, Vegan and health-conscious plant-forward menus across North Vancouver and Vancouver, all located within a 15 minute walk from a SkyTrain, SeaBus Station, or RapidBus stop. By Marisa Chandler The Workshop Vegetarian Café – North Vancouver Hop on the 2 RapidBus and make the Workshop Vegetarian Café your first stop, just a six minute dash from Pemberton Ave and Marine Drive in North Vancouver. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian café and store is also a plant-based…

Festivals & Events April 1, 2023

April Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Spring has sprung! And with all the new shoots and blossoms comes a fresh crop of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Soup & Bread: Tour, Passover Cooking Demo & Lunch, April 8 Enjoy a tour of Coquitlam Heritage’s current Breaking Bread exhibit (running until June 30) focusing on the historical and cultural importance of bread followed by learning about the process of making Matzo ball soup and Matzo Kugel during the Jewish festival of Passover in this mini-workshop and lunch with Chef Victoria Paikin. Details and tickets on the event page. Coquitlam: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House, 1116 Brunette Avenue Easter Egg Hunt at Township 7, April 9 Sip on award-winning local wines while the kids enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt, scavenging the vineyard, and enjoy activities such as Glitter Tattoos, a petting zoo by the 4H club, and more. Adults can join…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver March 24, 2023

5 NEW Restaurants at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby

Burnaby’s one-of-a-kind urban gathering place, The Amazing Brentwood, is not only a destination for fabulous shopping and entertainment but for a wide range of dining options too. In the last few months, five new restaurants have opened, and you’ll want to check them all out. Here’s what’s what. By Catherine Dunwoody Earls Kitchen + Bar Just opened on Brentwood Plaza, the newest Earls location has a beautifully designed space including a lounge, dining room, and an island bar featuring artwork from local BC talent. Expect Earls classic, signature dishes like the Santa Fe chicken salad, famous clam chowder and Bigger Better burgers, plus weekend brunch dishes, and happy hour deals. Exclusive to this Brentwood location is a take-out window, the very first of its kind from Earls, and ideal for grab and go – literally. 1308 – 4525 Lougheed Hwy Neptune Seafood Palace Restaurant This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers sophisticated gourmet…

Dine the Line March 17, 2023

Brunch to Brews – A Leisurely Day in Langley

Local history meets luscious farmland in picturesque Langley! Visitors can easily while away the hours exploring the culinary gems of Langley Township and Fort Langley, taking their palates for some site seeing. Start with a leisurely brunch and wander, sampling beer flights at the local pubs, or catch up with friends at one of Langley’s many cozy cafes and restaurants- just a few ways to spend a sunny day! From omelets to ales, you’ll have a day full of adventure and new experiences when you explore with Dine the Line’s Brunch to Brews in Langley itinerary. Hop on the #562 Langley Centre Bus and learn about why so many people love Langley! By Marisa Chandler Langley Egg Bomb Egg Bomb is a beloved all-day breakfast and lunch spot serving up fresh twists on traditional brunch classics. Indulge in a plate of fruity croffles (croissant-waffles covered in fresh berries and whip)…

Festivals & Events March 7, 2023

Sip in style–Cinq á Sept at Vancouver Cocktail Week 2023

Bartenders across Vancouver are shaking, stirring and mixing it up all week for Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW). Presented by The Alchemist, VCW is back for its second year, the festival is shining a spotlight on multi-award-winning bartenders ambassadors that contribute to Vancouver’s globally- celebrated culinary community. Running from March 6 – 11th, 2023 Vancouver Cocktail Week celebrates the vibrant, creative culture of craft cocktails and food pairings at bars and restaurants across the city. While there are plenty of fantastic ticketed events (many of which have sold out already), one of the easiest ways to join in is to stop in for a VCW Cinq á Sept Happy Hour after work at one of the many participating bars and restaurants this week. Cinq á Sept in the city Based on the French concept of the “cinq à sept”—5 to 7 pm, the hours between work and home life. Swing by…

Dine the Line February 15, 2023

Dining With Friends – Places to Book a Big Table

The one thing that’s guaranteed to make your meal taste better (other than salt), is sharing it with the people you enjoy spending time with. Whether you’re hitting the bar for appies and drinks after a long day with your work crew or you’re rounding up your buds for a banquet-style dinner and catch-up session, it’s always better with friends. The only catch? You’ll need to find a location everyone likes that’s not only easy to get to, but has a table big enough for 6 people (or more). Make sure no one gets left behind, and plan your next group dining event using the Dine the Line It’s Better With Friends Itinerary. Ride through Surrey, Burnaby and New Westminster and find your new favourite meet-up spot. Each location is easily accessible on foot from a SkyTrain station or Bus stop and welcomes large parties for all kinds of occasions.…

Dine the Line February 6, 2023

Grab a BC Ale Trail Passport and Map Your Transit Route with Dine the Line

If you’re looking to plan out a route of Metro Vancouver’s best restaurants/breweries, you can expect to encounter mental gridlock pretty quickly! There are just too many options to pick from. However, there is hope for fledgling foodies looking to cross names off their local “to-try” list. Curated eating/drinking paths are available through handy programs like Dine the Line and The BC Ale Trail. Each one provides notable restaurant and brewery stops easily accessible along local transit routes. It’s definitely a delicious way to get from A to B. From New West to White Rock via a pulled pork sandwich and an IPA. From Coquitlam through Burnaby by way of a cobb salad with dressing on the side. Not sure where to start? Try these maps on, and see what your appetite is. Tasting Passport – Try a Local Brewery, Collect Stamps and Win this February Once you’ve had dinner,…

Festivals & Events January 16, 2023

New Year’s Reservations–The 21st Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Swap your New Year’s resolution for a reservation– the 21st Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is set to brighten your day (and your diet) this month. Starting January 20th and running until February 5th, 2023, Dine Out encourages you to support local restaurants across the city. After the high of the holiday parties and retail splurges in December, January is normally slow for restaurants as people kick off their new health regimens and buckle down on sticking to their budgets. This makes it the perfect time to support your favourite local restaurants, or visit one that’s been on your must-try list for the first time. With more than 350 restaurants participating, you’re guaranteed to find something to your taste. Brought to you by Destination Vancouver, Dine Out 2023 presents flavours from across the globe and invites diners to experience cuisine from the best chefs and restauranteurs in the city–whether you’re…