Local Gems

I go back and forth on if I want everyone to know about these places so they're a big success, or if I want to keep them my little secret. 

Don Taco

One of the most common questions I get from Arizona and California transplants is, where do you go to get Mexican food. Many people will swear, there is no good Mexican food in Vancouver, and I said it myself easily for 6 months when I first moved here. I hesitate to recommend Mexican food because there are so many varying opinions on what's good... Do you want the place that has sizzling fajitas and sings Happy Birthday in Spanish? Or do you want soups loaded with weird animal parts and a badass salsa bar and street tacos? If the latter is your preference, the answer is Don Taco. It's on Fourth Plain with 500 other Mexican food restaurants but save yourself the research and just go here. 

Pho Star

Speaking of soups with weird animal parts... maybe there's a theme to this post... but I think I believe this is the best Vietnamese food in Vancouver. My partner, an ex chef out of LA agrees, if that gives any weight to my opinion. I actually don't get the pho myself, but he does (with extra tendon, woof), but I swear by the vermicelli with honey lemongrass pork and shrimp skewers... it is one of those energizing, feel good meals, no matter the season. A perfect char on the meat makes your car smell so good on the way home. 

Devs Coffee Bar

We've got no shortage of coffee carts in parking lots in Vancouver, but there are many I wouldn't waste my time on. Devs, has one of the best breakfast sandwiches around... served on a bagel, with a hashbrown in it. They're super quick, with someone taking orders from cars in line during the peak hours, and it's served perfectly hot with your choice of meat. I'm putting this one here instead of on the coffee post because I simply love them for their sandwiches.  

Petra House

With a middle-eastern heritage, kafta and falafel are my food love languages. And Petra House is a VIBE. With all kinds of imported tchotchkes and floor-seating in private nooks, you certainly don't feel like you're in a strip mall in Vancouver. They start you out with a beautiful tableside rose water hand washing, and then offer a delicious array of Jordanian dishes. The lamb stew is going to be an essential this winter, I already know it. The pita is fluffy, salads are fresh, and everything we tried was wonderfully seasoned. I waited far too long to go here.

Szechuan Brothers

Honestly our asian food game in Vancouver is pretty great, but this is a hidden gem that not as many people name, and if authentic Chinese is what you're looking for, it's delicious. We like to go here with a larger group, 4-6 people, so we can all eat family-style and get a few bites of everything. Comparing it to a more American-inspired Chinese restaurant like Peking Garden (which I also like!) is apples to oranges. They don't mess around with spice levels here, so if you like it hot, just say so. And they have something for everyone, whether you're into chicken feet or more basic b flavors.