Thinking about tabbouleh? Need to get a falafel fix? Vancouver is expanding its Middle Eastern food scene these days, and locals are loving learning about Lebanese food at a few key spots around town.
With a straight-from-Lebanon import about to join the ranks--Canada's first outpost of Zataar W Zeit will open at 531 Granville Street soon--and some of our local Lebanese spots enjoying expansion, there are a few top spots when you're looking to explore the bold flavours and welcoming style of Lebanese cuisine in Vancouver.
Here are five great places in Metro Vancouver where you can try Lebanese food.
Paramount Fine Foods
Paramount Fine Foods in Vancouver (Photo: Lindsay William-Ross)
Paramount hails from Toronto, where they are a beloved by the Lebanese community for their family-friendly atmosphere and food. Sure, you can get wraps with a side of fries, or you can take a deeper dive into their authentic and harder to find eats--look for a special fruity drink made with pistachio, almond, ashta (Lebanese clotted cream), and honey, for example. Their baklava has a following of its own. Save room for dessert!
Address: 560 Robson Street, Vancouver
Jamjar
Calling themselves a "folk" Lebanese restaurant, Jamjar takes a from-scratch approach to their fare at both their original Commercial Drive location and their follow-up spot in South Granville (in the old Vij's Rangoli spot)--and their forthcoming outpost at Central on the UBC campus. Their homestyle eats include hummus and other dips, hot and cold mezze plates, and wraps.
Address: 2280 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Address: 1488 W 11th Avenue, Vancouver
Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme in New Westminster (Photo: Lindsay William-Ross)
Wild Thyme is a family-run local favourite that's definitely worth the drive to New Westminster (lucky you if this is in your part of town). Their hospitality shines through as they fill your table with your order of vibrant and flavourful traditional dishes from zingy flatbreads coated in za'atar to bright green salads and soulful bowls of chick peas. Bring friends and a big, big appetite.
Address: 705 12th Street, New Westminster
Nuba
Nuba is definitely the go-to champ in Vancouver for Lebanese-style eats. Known for their addicting platters and dishes like their crispy, salty, lemony cauliflower called "Najib's Special." Although they do serve meat, Nuba is a great place to find vegetarian and vegan food, too.
Address: Locations in Gastown, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Yaletown. Check website for details.
Saj & Co.
Davie Street's Saj & Co. focuses on fresh, healthy fare for animal eaters and animal lovers alike. Their colourful offerings include fresh salads, dips, and an array of "sandwiches" served on traditional bread (saj).
Address: 813 Davie Street, Vancouver
