Looking for something new and exciting to check out in Vancouver’s always-growing food and drink scene? We’ve got a look at some spots that are getting a lot of buzz lately that can help you plan your month ahead.
May is for celebrating moms (and anyone mom-like in your life), soaking up those much-needed rays of sunshine, spot prawns, and all the flavours of spring in full force. Hit up the night markets, roam your favourite farmers market, or pop into a hot new restaurant.
Here are 15 things to eat and drink in Vancouver this May.
1. Burgers and sides at Monarch Burger
Legendary Vancouver chef Robert Belcham has just launched Monarch Burger, serving up your choice of a hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, veggie burger, and grilled cheese, with sides of fries, poutine, and a kale Caesar. Burger lovers will find Monarch at The American, which is the revamped pub space on Main Street in the former Electric Owl spot that boasts 150-seats, communal tables, and plenty of beers.
Address: 926 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @monarchburger
2. Spot Prawns
‘Tis the season for spot prawns, glorious spot prawns. You’ll start to see them on menus around town–keep an eye out for them prepared with care at the city’s top seafood spots, or just celebrate them in the most epic of ways at the BC Spot Prawn Festival on May 13.
3. Killer Italian food at La Pentola
Smoked Mackerel (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Located inside the Opus Hotel at 350 Davie Street, La Pentola offers Vancouverites sustainably farmed meats and locally grown vegetables for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. (Oh, and they have a very Instagram-friendly mural outside.) It’s hard to resist Italian food normally, but once you’ve seen a perfectly-plated creation from Chef Travis McCord pass by your table, your food envy will be taken to whole other level.
Address: 350 Davie Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @lapentola
4. Ramen at JINYA‘s new Vancouver flagship
JINYA Ramen has moved into its latest Vancouver chapter: A brand spanking new location in the TELUS Garden, right at the corner of Robson and Richards. Head here to feast on an expanded menu of Japanese-style share plates, cocktails, and to slurp, slurp, slurp from big bowls of ramen.
Address: 541 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @jinyaramenbar
5. Burritos at La Taqueria
Carnitas Burrito (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Vancouver’s La Taqueria has been killing the taco game for a few years now, so why not bring on burritos, right? And, boy did they. The popular local taco chain launched a line-up of seven fully-loaded burritos. Pack your appetite: These big guys will fill you up.
Address: 3 locations in Metro Vancouver and 1 in Victoria; check website for details
Instagram: @lataqueria
6. Samosas and cocktails at Vij’s Rangoli
Vikram Vij’s Rangoli has a new address (in the old Vij’s on 11th) and is ready to rock your tastebuds day and night with its menu of approachable modern Indian classics, and keep your tummy happy well into the night with their new kick-ass late night happy hour. Samosa flights, inventive cocktails, and of course the soulful main dishes Vij and his crew are known from.
Address: 1480 West 11th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @eatdrinkvijs
7. Eclairs at L’Éclair de Génie
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
It’s here!!! Paris’L’Éclair de Génie is now open, and they’ve got a selection of 10 tantalizing eclairs for you to fall in love with. There’s even one that lets you declare your love for Vancouver. Other treats available from L’Éclair de Génie include assorted chocolate bonbons for $1.75 each and goodies like croissant rolls and caramelized almonds, dark chocolate-coated dry fruits, and dark chocolate caramels in a jar.
Address: 1210 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @leclairdegenieca
8. Noodles from Sen Pad Thai
Chef Angus An (Maenam, Fat Mao, Longtail Kitchen, Freebird Chicken Shack) is headed to Granville Island, where he’s set to open a Thai noodle shop called Sen Pad Thai. On the menu will be variations on traditional Thai “dry” noodle dishes, taking their cue from food stands in Chanthaburi, Thailand. They’re opening at the start of May, so go get your noodle fix.
Address: #70–1666 Johnston Street, Vancouver (Granville Island)
Instagram: @senpadthai
See also
- 2017 guide to Metro Vancouver farmers' markets
- 8 Burnaby restaurants you need to eat at this spring
- Sip your way down New Westminster's revitalized Front Street
- 10 brunches with great Caesars
9. Global goodies at New Westminster’s River Market
Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive
If you don’t catch An’s new noodle joint, you can get a taste of his fare in two spots at the River Market in New Westminster. Take yourself on an omnivore or vegan foodie crawl through this fun space south of the city and discover eats from Mexico, Thailand, Italy, and more.
Address: 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
Instagram: @rivermrkt
10. All the pie from The Pie Hole
The Pie Hole is newly opened on Fraser Street but they definitely not new to the pie game–in fact, owner Jenell Parsons has been cooking up these babies for years. There are a ton of fruit pies, savoury pies, and specialty pies (cream and nut pies) on the spread in all your favourite Pie Hole signature flavours like Maple French Toast & Bacon Pie, S’more Pie, and of course, the infamous Fat Elvis Pie.
Address: 3497 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @vancouverpiehole
11. Breakfast at The Dirty Apron – Delicatessen
The Ploughman (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)
You’ve probably heard of the kick ass cooking classes offered at Vancouver’s The Dirty Apron, but you may not know that they also have a cafe/deli space that serves up incredible eats, including killer breakfast options. Try a breakfast biscuit with a sunny side up egg, a smoothie bowl, tasty pastries, or their Plougman’s spread.
Address: 540 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @dirty_apron
12. Hand-held eats at the night markets
It’s getting warmer and that means it’s time for the Metro Vancouver night markets to set up shop and open their gates for all of us hungry, thirsty, and lively market-goers. There’s the Richmond Night Market, The Illumination Night Market, and the Shipyard’s Night Market, all opening in May, and all packed with delicious hand-held eats to feast on.
13. Creative new dishes at Royal Dinette
Mapo Pork Tagliatelle (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)
There’s a new chef behind the stoves at Royal Dinette. Promoted to Exec Chef from a sous chef gig, Alden Ong is kicking up the flavours at this downtown sustainability-driven restaurant. Look for fresh new takes on pastas, gorgeous locally-sourced mains, and plenty of seasonal veggies served up with panache.
Address: 905 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @royaldinette
14. Vegetarian Mexican food at Lucha Verde
The former Lolita’s on Davie is being transformed into a meat-free Mexican street food-inspired bar-restaurant, Lucha Verde, where the owner promises you’ll find “vegetables straight up in all their mother fucking glory.” Keep an eye out, they’re hoping to launch in May.
Address: 1326 Davie Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @luchaverde
15. Japanese bites at YUI Japanese Bistro
Flame-seared (aburi) sushi and other plates of bites abound at YUI Japanese Bistro, a new spot boasting Japanese fusion fare in the heart of downtown.
Address: 1185 West Georgia Street, #102, Vancouver
Instagram: @eatatyui