14 of the oldest restaurants in Vancouver you can still visit
It can sometimes seem like restaurants open and close in the same space on a yearly basis, so it’s nice to hear that there are some Vancouver spots that have lasted for decades.
Some of these spots have been around for half a century or more, and we hope they continue to operate and serve up their special cuisines.
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Here are 14 old Vancouver restaurants that have stood the test of time.
The Naam
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For heaps of quality vegetarian food that’s actually filling, The Naam is a solid place to head. This Kitsilano eatery has been in operation since 1968.
Address: 2724 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-738-7151
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Northern Café & Grill
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You’ll find this gem at Northern Building Supply Ltd, where the kitchen will be whipping up mom and pop diner classics as it’s been doing since 1955.
Address: 1640 East Kent Avenue, Vancouver
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House
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For more than 30 years Joe Fortes has been serving up some seriously drool-worthy surf and turf. The restaurant is an institution in the dining scene in Vancouver, and its rooftop patio is one of the best in the city.
Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-1940
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Simpatico Restaurant
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Roast Lamb Sandwich for lunch today
Posted by Simpatico Restaurant on Monday, March 14, 2016
Simpatico opened on January 1, 1969, on West 4th Street in Kitsilano. Close to 50 years later it’s still cooking up delicious Greek eats.
Address: 2222 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-733-6824
Argo Cafe
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Downtown food at an East Van price, this diner has been around since 1954.
Address: 1836 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-876-3620
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Helen’s Grill
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This Main Street gem has been around for over 60 years. Head here for an authentic ’60s diner experience, complete with old-fashioned burgers and milkshakes.
Address: 4102 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-874-4413
Ovaltine Cafe
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The Ovaltine Cafe has been open for business since 1942, making it one of Vancouver’s oldest restaurants. You can still head here for classic and contemporary diner food, priced right.
Address: 251 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-685-7021
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
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2021 marks 53 years of operation for this Alberni Street restaurant. Known as a special occasion spot for all things hibachi and surf ‘n’ turf, this Japanese eatery will surely be around for years to come.
Address: 1042 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-684-2451
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Martini’s
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This neighbourhood eatery, known for its homemade whole wheat pizza, first opened in 1970.
Address: 151 W Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-873-0021
Afghan Horsemen Restaurant
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This family-managed restaurant has been serving gourmet Afghan cuisine made from the freshest ingredients since 1974.
Address: 1833 Anderson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-873-5923
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
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This posh spot has been serving Vancouver’s financial district the best steaks, seafood, and cocktails for over six decades. This premier spot has been operating across Canada since 1955.
Address: 637 Horby Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-683-7671
Old Spaghetti Factory
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In 1970, the Old Spaghetti Factory opened in the beautiful brick building Vancouverites still love in Gastown. Since then, this family-friendly Italian eatery has replicated this look — decorated with antique furnishings and artifacts — across Canada.
Address: 53 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-684-1288
The Lamplighter
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This Donnelly bar, in the heart of Gastown, is one of the oldest pubs in the city. It was one of the first Vancouver establishments to receive licence to serve alcohol. It opened in 1925 and is now a favourite spot for sports fans, trivia fans, and beer fans.
Address: 92 Water Street
Phone: 604-687-4424
White Spot
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The very first White Spot was opened in Vancouver in 1928, and now the diner has over 60 locations in Western Canada. Serving comfort food, like mouth-watering burgers and endless hash browns at breakfast, has made this diner a BC institution. It’s also our favourite part of a trip on a BC Ferry!
Address: Multiple locations
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