Recently, we posted a blog about the best dining spots in downtown Vancouver. There truly are so many options for dining in the city that we thought it would be best to break it down by neighborhood! Next up in Gastown, a beautiful neighborhood in Vancouver that is still close to downtown (around 1 km) away. It’s Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, so you’ll see beautiful Old Victorian houses, vintage lamp posts, and cobblestone streets. It’s definitely worth exploring, as there are plenty of boutiques to shop at, art galleries to check out, and attractions to see such as the Steam Clock and Hotel Europe. Now onto Gastown’s restaurants!
L-Abattoir
First up, let’s go fancy with L’Abattoir, a restaurant known for its incredible cocktails and French-inspired West Coast cuisine. The building it’s in also has a fascinating history – it was built in the 19th century and was the site of Vancouver’s first jail! The building features refurbished bricks and beams with an industrial finishes. Come for a cocktail or to check out the fabulous wine list at the bar, and stay for dinner at the lounge – you won’t leave disappointed!
MeeT in Gastown
Next up is MeeT in Gastown, which surprisingly has 3 locations (not all in Gastown). While known for their brunch, MeeT in Gastown also has great dinner fare. This spot is vegetarian and vegan friendly, and offers a wide range of healthy comfort food options. The founders’ goal when starting the restaurant was to help transition the mainstream to eating more plant-based foods in a friendly, accepting, and engaging venue (https://eatmeet.ca/about-us/). For brunch, check out one of their bennys, ‘handwhiches, waffles, or breakfast poutine!
This is also a great spot for happy hour with plenty of apps (we love the poutines) and glasses of wine for just $4 and draught beers starting at $2.5!
Water St. Cafe
Next up is Water St. Cafe, a restaurant in the heart of historic Gastown. It’s been a Vancouver landmark since 1988, but the building was built in 1906 as the site of the former Edward Hotel. This spot has even been featured in movies and TV shows! The vibes in the restaurant are amazing, and the ambiance only increases when the live music starts on the 2nd Floor, which happens 7 days a week. They also have 100 days of patio summer music, so go check this place out while you still can this summer! Water St. Cafe features local Canadian food with local beers, spirits, and BC wines. A great place to go for dinner and stay for drinks afterwards.
Steamworks
Voted one of the best year-round patios in Vancouver and one of the best dine outside restaurants in Gastown by Destination Vancouver, Steamworks is a great pub with great views overlooking the Vancouver Harbour. Open since 1995, Steamworks features 20 rotating taps with both it’s core list and seasonal rotators. Steamworks offers traditional styles such as pilsner and pale ales but is known for their Flagship IPA and Hazy Pale Ale.
The food they make to pair with the food is fantastic – you can’t go wrong with the burgers, pizza, brisket tacos, or poutine! Steamworks also features weekend brunch – and you may notice one of their food trucks around town!
Tacofino – Gastown
While it may feel weird to try a Mexican food spot in Canada, we guarantee that you won’t leave disappointed with the cuisine at Tacofino. With multiple locations in Vancouver, you’ll be sure to see a Tacofino during your stay, but we love the Gastown Taco Bar location – just look for the neon taco! You’ll feel like you’ve transported to Southern California with the ambiance, but then also with the latin flare. Their all day menu features plenty of tacos to choose from, from fish tacos, pork gringa, octopus tostada, or vegan gringa if you want to hold off from the meat. We highly recommend starting with some nachos to share and to sip on one of their margaritas on the patio while it’s still nice out!
Rodney’s Oyster House – Gastown
Last but certainly not least is Rodney’s Oyster House. A great spot for those that love seafood, Rodney’s Oyster House has been serving up a wide selection of oysters and other fan favorites for 20 years. It has a great atmosphere and has a great “grog” menu with a selection of draught beers and a slew of red and white wines. People rave about the oysters, service, and vibes here – so if you are an oyster fan you should check this place out! They are open for both lunch and supper.
