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A festive guide to dining in Downtown Vancouver’s major shopping districts

With three neighbouring shopping districts boasting hundreds of boutiques, retail spaces and department stores, Downtown Vancouver is definitely the go-to place for gifts, stocking stuffers and holiday cheer.

With three neighbouring shopping districts boasting hundreds of boutiques, retail spaces and department stores, Downtown Vancouver is definitely the go-to place for gifts, stocking stuffers and holiday cheer.

Holiday shopping however, can really wear you out! To keep you festive and fuelled, we’ve partnered with Downtown Vancouver BIA to highlight the best eats in Downtown Vancouver’s favourite shopping districts. Hey, you might as well enjoy yourself, right?

If you’re looking to spoil someone on your list, Alberni St. is the place to do it! Home to Vancouver’s most luxurious retailers, including the semi-secret location of buzz-worthy fashion house Off-White, Alberni St is where Vancouver’s fashion obsessed go to play. While Alberni may be home to Prada, Rolex and Burberry, there are still some more affordable options nearby, making this one of the best shopping districts in the city. The same can be said for the food…

 Photo: Thierry ChocolatePhoto: Thierry Chocolate

Featuring innovative cakes, pastries, tarts and desserts by renowned artisan Chocolatier and Patissier Chef Thierry Busset, Thierry Chocolates (1059 Alberni St), merges remarkable flavour combinations with classic patisserie technique. A must for those who appreciate creative confectioneries or anyone that prefers the shopping breaks more than the actual shopping.  

If you happen to like pairing your luxury shopping with luxury eating, Black & Blue might be the place for you. Located at 1032 Alberni St, this bustling 3-level steakhouse serves rare cuts of beef. Complete with a custom meat locker for dry-aging and luxe-decor, this is a decadent way to end a day at Vancouver’s most decadent fashion retailers.

 Photo: Market by Jean-Georges FacebookPhoto: Market by Jean-Georges Facebook

Located in the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, Market by Jean-Georges (1115 Alberni St) is the first restaurant in Canada for three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. High-end offerings pull from West Coast flavours using uniquely Canadian ingredients cooked to perfection. No matter what time you’re shopping this year, Market by Jean-Georges is open 7-days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In addition to being the epicentre of Vancouver’s nightlife scene, Granville St. is known for its collection of one-of-kind thrift and vintage stores, alongside major fashion brands and even electronic stores. We’re talking vintage Japanese fashion and perfectly distressed leather jackets conveniently situated next to the likes of Best Buy and Old Navy. Granville St. is a great destination for getting your holiday list done quickly and affordably, giving you some extra time and budget to indulge in a treat (or two). Speaking of treats…

 Photo: Trees Organic Coffee FacebookPhoto: Trees Organic Coffee Facebook

Trees Organic Coffee (450 Granville St) makes fantastic specialty coffee and tea alongside some of the best cheesecake in the city! Seriously, more people need to be talking about these decadent slices of perfectly-dense-but-still-light heaven. Available in dozens of flavours, this is a go-to spot for a little mid-afternoon fuel up.

If you’re craving something a little more substantial, Twisted Fork Bistro serves creative French brunch fare in addition to local wine & beers from it’s super cozy/charming/rustic space at 1147 Granville St. From Croque Monsieur to Smoked Gouda Baked Eggs, this brunchtime bistro will have you full and ready to hit

 The Pawn Shop YVR FacebookThe Pawn Shop YVR Facebook

Should holiday shopping not go your way, The Pawn Shop is considered one of the best Tequila bars in town. Serving inventive tacos alongside a fantastic cocktail menu, this energetic Granville St. haunt (located at 1117 Granville St) is the best way to end your day or shopping and start your night off right!

Situated in Vancouver’s financial district, Hastings St. is home to a diverse array of shops, services and incredible restaurants. Home to the Sinclair Centre, an upscale shopping mall located between Granville and Howe, Hastings St. boasts some of Vancouver’s most luxurious offerings, Leone Luxury Fashions, as well as offbeat record stores, and independent fashion outlets.

 Photo: Meat & Bread FacebookPhoto: Meat & Bread Facebook

Located just off Hastings St at 1033 W Pender St., you’ll find Meat & Bread serving up some of the most delectable sandwiches in the city. Featuring freshly roasted meats and housemade bread, these sandwiches are simple, hearty and always a great lunch option. Meat & Bread is practically a local delicacy, so make sure to snatch one up before people start lining up around the block for their annual Turducken Holiday Sandwich.

Picture this, you’re out shopping for your family, the holiday lights are twinkling and you’re drinking a rich, infinitely satisfying HOT CHOCOLATE. C’mon, isn’t that what the holidays are all about!? Mink Chocolate Cafe (863 W Hastings St) is a local cocoa specialist that offers handmade chocolates plus tea, coffee, dessert & chocolate drinks. This is top tier hot chocolate people, don’t miss out!

 Photo: Nightingale FacebookPhoto: Nightingale Facebook

Finally, Chef David Hawksworth's informal restaurant and bar, Nightingale (1017 W Hastings St) might just be the perfect way to round off a long day on your feet. With elevated Canadian fare and classic cocktails in tow, this local favorite is a great place to slow down, enjoy some great food and simply reflect on what the holidays are all about.

To learn more about everything Downtown Vancouver has to offer, visit dtvan.ca