Dine during the Vancouver International Film Festival
The Vancouver International Film Festival returns to the city from September 28th to October 13th. If you plan on catching a few internationally acclaimed films during the festival, be sure to satiate yourself properly beforehand. Here are a few of our favourite spots to eat around Vancity Theatre. Lights, camera, action!
West Oak Restaurant
1035 Mainland St, Vancouver BC V6B 5P9This chic Yaletown dining room is a place to see and be seen, and it’s just a seven-minute walk from Vancity Theatre. Service is attentive and professional and the menu offers farm-to-table West Coast cuisine. Think locally sourced fresh produce, Ocean Wise seafood, free-range chicken and grass-fed beef. Try to score a spot at the bar overlooking the open kitchen (the best seat in the house) and enjoy an impressive live cooking show before you take in a film nearby.
Nuba Restaurant Group Inc
508 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6B 2G4Looking to grab a quick and healthy bite to eat before you devour a foreign film? Keep things light and easy at this Lebanese café located just steps away from Vancity Theatre. Open for lunch and dinner, Nuba’s Yaletown location offers its signature Lebanese fare in a casual setting. Colourful mezze plates and platters are packed with grilled meats, creamy hummus, pickled cabbage, olives and pita bread. There’s limited seating, so if you can’t find a table, ask for your order to go and enjoy a picnic in Emery Barnes Park before heading over to the theatre.
Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 5T4East meets West at this award-winning Japanese inspired seafood restaurant in Yaletown. Fine china and white tablecloths give the space an elegant feel, but the exposed brick walls and wooden beams give it an industrial edge. The kitchen serves up fresh seafood and sushi complemented by a spectacular wine list, which features more than 1,000 handpicked labels from local B.C. vineyards and celebrated wineries from around the world. If it’s warm enough, ask for a seat on the picturesque patio that’s decked out with leafy planter boxes and twinkling lights.
The Greek by Anatoli
1043 Mainland St, Vancouver BC V6B 5P9Alexi and Iani Makris, the brothers behind North Van’s acclaimed Anatolia Souvlaki, partnered with Daniel Bergman to bring their authentic Mediterranean cooking to downtown diners. Situated in a prime locale along the cobblestoned streets of Yaletown, The Greek is a cozy spot that feels cool without being pretentious. Be prepared to share as the mezze dishes here are designed to be enjoyed tapas style. Sample contemporary takes on Old World classics like moussaka, souvlaki and saganaki. Pair plates with a glass of sangria and you just might be tempted to skip the film festival and spend the whole night here.
Basil Pasta Bar
A-636 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6B 2G5If you’re looking to carb-load before a VIFF movie marathon, you won’t find better value for your money than this Davie Street hot spot where it’ll cost you just less than $10 to load up on a hearty plate of made-to-order pasta. The restaurant itself is no-frills and has limited seating, but the affordable prices and large portions are the biggest draw. Order one of the signature pasta dishes or choose your own noodles, sauce and as many vegetables, meats, cheeses and other garnishes as you want (there are more than 40 to choose from) all for one seriously low price.
The Parlour
1011 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 5T4Five-O, Zeus and Goldmember might sound like noteworthy VIFF flicks, but they’re actually just a few of the signature pizzas on offer at this Hamilton Street restaurant. Not your typical pizza parlour, this Yaletown hot spot attracts a hip clientele with its party-like atmosphere (especially on weekends), modern comfort food menu and well-priced drink specials. Open late throughout the week, The Parlour is a trendy place to stop in for a cocktail and a bite to eat.
Famous Warehouse
989 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1L3Expect loud music, cheap eats and a young crowd at this Granville Street pub. You can fill up here on standard bar fare (burgers, chicken fingers, poutine, wings, onion rings and sandwiches) for just $4.95 a plate. Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you finish your meal before your movie.
Cactus Club Cafe
357 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6B 1R2Did someone say happy hour? The daily drink specials and prime location (just three blocks away from Vancity Theatre) make this West Coast chain an ideal spot to visit for pre-show drinks and nibbles. You can’t go wrong with a $4 Bellini – the sweet frozen cocktail is made with peach schnapps, champagne, white rum and sangria. Just make sure you don’t imbibe too much and forget about your movie tickets.
The Fish Shack
1026 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1L5It might not be on the water, but the crispy calamari, steaming pots of mussels and classic battered fish and chips keep seafood lovers coming back to this Granville Street eatery. The Fish Shack’s menu is well priced and the fresh oyster selection is top-notch. Stop in during happy hour to enjoy cheap sips and eats – including buck-a-shuck oysters.
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