Where to eat during the Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival returns to the city from September 7 to 17 and Granville Island is the main spot for this year’s event. The festival box office and most of the main stage venues are all located on the Island. With numerous restaurants, a Public Market and nightly food trucks, there are plenty of spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat before, after or in between shows. [Photo courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]
Edible Canada at the Market
1596 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2Edible Canada is a renowned Vancouver eatery that truly lives up to its name. Open for lunch and dinner throughout the week and brunch on weekends, the ever-changing seasonal menus are designed to showcase the very best in West Coast cuisine. Dishes are carefully prepared with locally sourced fruits and vegetables, Ocean Wise seafood, and meats and cheeses sourced from nearby farms. The drink list stays true to the restaurant’s Locavore ethos with plenty of craft beers on tap and Okanagan wines available by the glass or bottle.
Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe
1511 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R5At Tony’s, it’s not uncommon to see line-ups winding out the door and all the way down Anderson Street. The iconic seafood spot has a casual, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and only about 20 seats inside – hence the crowds waiting outside. Known for its fish ’n chips, the classic seaside favourite features your choice of lightly battered Pacific cod, wild sockeye salmon or premium Alaskan halibut served with Kennebec fries, creamy coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce. The menu also features soups, stews, salads and other seafood-focused mains such as fish burgers, cioppino and pan-seared scallops.
Siegel's Bagels Ltd
22-1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Looking for a quick and easy handheld meal to enjoy on the go? Make your way through the crowds at Granville Island’s Public Market towards the infamous Siegel's Bagels stand. This local institution has been serving up Montreal-style bagels for 25 years. Chewy boiled bagels are baked throughout the day (to guarantee freshness) and are available in a range of sweet and savoury flavours. Order yours with a simple cream cheese schmear or go sandwich-style with generous meaty toppings. Our fave: the rosemary rock salt bagel topped with wild sockeye salmon, house-made cream cheese, red onion and capers.
Dockside Restaurant
1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Enjoy lunch or dinner with a view at this celebrated fine dining restaurant and lounge. The sprawling spot features a few distinct areas: the relaxed patio is a chic spot to enjoy a glass of wine while the elegant indoor dining room is more formal with floor-to-ceiling windows and a unique 50-foot aquarium. As with many Vancouver restaurants, the focus here is on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. The menu features a number of spectacular seafood dishes such as seafood carbonara, cedar and soy glazed salmon, and a citrus and dill sablefish. Visit on Sunday mornings to enjoy the live jazz brunch.
Gourmet Wok Co Ltd
106-1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9From sesame chicken to chop suey, you’ll find all your Chinese food faves at this fast-and-fresh stand in the Granville Island Public Market. Grab your chow mein and spring rolls in a convenient container to take home or enjoy your meal picnic style outside the market while taking in a performance from the talented local buskers. In inclement weather, there are tables and chairs inside the market – although you’ll have to compete with other hungry visitors for a seat.
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
1499 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R5Come for the happy hour drink specials and stay for the tried-and-true steak dishes. The Keg might not be the most unique dining option on the Island, but the inviting atmosphere and consistently delicious menu make it a standout spot for lunch or dinner. Highlights include the tender bacon-wrapped filet mignon and the flavourful peppercorn-crusted NY strip loin, but there’s more than red meat on offer at this classic steakhouse. Fish, chicken, salads and seafood starters like scallops, calamari and tuna tartare will please the not-so-carnivorous members of your party.
Pizza Pzazz
1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Sometimes the best cure for those midday hunger pains is a hot-and-fresh slice of ’za. Tucked inside the bustling Granville Island Public Market, this Italian inspired takeout pizzeria serves up pizza by the slice adorned with toppings that’ll please vegetarians and meat eaters alike. We suggest the signature Granville Island slice, a veggie-packed option with artichoke, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and garlic. Be sure to save room for dessert; Pizza Pzazz also offers creamy gelato in more than a dozen sweet flavours.
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
1535 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9The cedar plank salmon at The Sandbar is a must-try for seafood lovers, whether you’re a Vancouver native or simply in town for the weekend. The signature dish sees B.C. salmon prepared with brown sugar and soy sauce and served with fragrant rice and seasonal vegetables. In addition to flavourful seafood dishes, this Granville Island eatery offers friendly, attentive service and an energetic atmosphere with live music seven nights a week. Furthermore, the indoor-outdoor upstairs dining room offers incredible views of Vancouver’s scenic waterways and mountains from underneath the Granville Bridge. Dine during sunset for a truly remarkable backdrop.
Afghan Horsemen Restaurant
202-1833 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 4E5Sick of seafood and craving something a little different? Make your way to Afghan Horsemen to enjoy authentic Afghani cuisine in a unique atmosphere. Located a bit off the beaten path, you’ll find this exotic dining room tucked away behind a Starbucks just before the entrance to Granville Island. Seek out this hidden spot and you’ll be rewarded with mouth-watering specialties such as lamb shoulder, grilled shish kebabs, lentil stew and baked eggplant. If you’re not sure where to start, order a sharing platter for the table and sample an array of South Asian flavours.
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