Brian's Vancouver Favourites

I get asked for recommendations on every tour, so I put my go-to spots in one place. These are the places I actually send friends and guests to, all around Vancouver. None of these are stops on my tours, they are the spots I love the rest of the week.

If you have not been on a tour yet, come eat your way through the city with me at localeatsfoodtour.com.

Your homework before the tour

Whichever tour you are joining, do yourself a favour and listen to this first. It is a light-hearted Planet Money episode from NPR, about 30 minutes, called "The skyscrapers that NIMBYs and zoning couldn't stop." It tells the 100-year story of Sen̓áḵw, the Squamish Nation land right here by Kitsilano, and how they reclaimed it and built one of the most interesting developments in North America. I bring it up on the Taste Trail, and it is worth the listen no matter which tour you book.

Listen here: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/27/nx-s1-5764334/squamish-nation-senakw-vancouver-indigenous-construction-housing-nimby

What are the top things to do in Vancouver?

Ride the seawall. Walk it, bike it, or grab a Lime and roll the whole loop. It is the best way to see the city from the water's edge.

Check out Granville Island. The Public Market, the artists, the shops (look for the Broom Shop; it’s weird, I know), easy to spend a half day there (see my food picks for it below). If you like thermal experiences, book Circle Wellness in advance; so cool. Don’t drink at the brewery… or drink there; just know it’s owned by Molson-Coors.

Take the SeaBus to North Vancouver. It is the cheapest and best boat ride you can do in the city, a proper harbour crossing for the price of transit. While you are over there, check out the Shipyards.

What is the best rainy day activity in Vancouver?

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC. The best way to spend a wet Vancouver afternoon, and worth the trip out even on a dry day.

Where should I get brunch in Vancouver?

Yolks. Upgrade to the lemon truffle potatoes over tater tots. I love the portobello mushrooms

Where do you get coffee in Vancouver?

Kits Beach Coffee for the vibe. For the coffee itself, Oide or Revolver.

What is the best bakery in Vancouver?

Annabelle's. My favourite bakery in the city. The miso cookie it top 5 but the specials are always great.

What is the best patio in Vancouver?

Batch, at their Kitsilano location. My go-to when the sun is out.

Where do locals buy souvenirs in Vancouver?

Make, on Granville Island. Cool local souvenirs that people actually want, not the usual tourist stuff. They have a smaller Gastown location too, but the Granville Island shop is better. If you arrive early to the Local Taste Trail, go over to Make Gastown as it’s a block away. Ignore the steam clock. Don’t get me started on the steam clock.

Where should I eat on Granville Island?

Go Fish. I love the tacones, but the fish and chips are just as good. For Thai, head into the Public Market food court for Sen Pad Thai. It is the sister spot to Maenam, Vancouver's top high-end Thai restaurant, so the food punches well above a food-court setting. Also soon the be open it Burdy; the best chicken parm sandwhich in town!

Best breweries in Vancouver?

My picks: Mount Pleasant - 33 Acres. East Van (all are walkable from each other) - Superflux, Strathcona, Container and 49th Parallel. Port Moody - Rewind (Kristy loves the pizza) and Yellow Dog

Best cocktail bar in Vancouver?

The Keefer Bar, in Chinatown. My favourite cocktail bar in the city that is not part of one of my tours. Also their restruant June is great.

Where can I get great pasta in Vancouver?

Oca Pastificio on Commercial Drive. Show up early. No resos and get the tasting menu. Yes, a pasta tasting menu!

Best pizza in Vancouver?

A couple worth leaving downtown for: Just Pizza on Kingsway, and Belli on Commercial Drive.

Where to get late night food in Vancouver?

Straight Outta Brooklyn. NY-style pizza by the slice, exactly what you want at the end of a night out. Lots of locations.

Best seafood in Vancouver?

Odd Fish. My favourite that’s not part of the regular tourist spots

Where to find Best gluten-free cookies?

Epicurean Salted Oat. I don’t care they are gluten-free. They are amazing; top 3 (and you can buy the dough frozen)

Best ice cream in Vancouver (off my tour)?

Rain or Shine. The chocolate honeycomb is my favourite. Kristy likes soft serve, so Plain Jane is here. My tour ice cream is still my top pick, but this is where we go when we are close to them.

Best Chinese food and my favourite dinner spot?

Bao Bei Chinatown. Bao Bei is my go-to recommendation and one of my favourite dinners in the city.

Best steak in Vancouver?

Gotham for a splurge. Lots of people love Elisa, but it’s lost on me. If you are not from Canada, you can also try the always-reliable Canadian Classic The Keg. Make sure you tell them it’s your bday (even if it’s not).

Best sushi in Vancouver?

Sushi Hil. It is also a stop on my Michelin Mile tour, and for good reason. Reso required.

Best ramen in Vancouver?

Jinya; I love the spicy Vegan, even though I am obviously not a vegan. I love Danbo as well, but it’s not worth the long lines.

Best Vietnamese and pho in Vancouver?

I love the satay pho. Pho Mien Tay is a hole-in-the-wall spot but genuinely great. Anh and & Chi are always fabulous, and Bonjour Vietnam for a proper dining experience