Kitsilano is a true staple of a Vancouverite’s spring and summer. Adorned with beautiful wide stretching beaches, and luscious greenspaces that overlook the mountains, "Kits"—as the locals call it—can often feel like a crown jewel of the rainy city in the sunshine.
Its appeal stretched far beyond its parks and beaches too. Displaying some of the most creative and comforting offerings in the city, the neighbourhood that brought you Lululemon has a lot to say when it comes to good food.
Here are 8 great places to eat and drink in Kitsilano.
Delara
Delara’s calming creme interior is in stark contrast to its striking dishes. Highlighting the pillars of Persian cooking with ingredients like bright yellow turmeric and fresh green parsley, chef Bardia Illbeiggi's creations evoke heartwarming nostalgia for those who grew up with these modernised staples, and exciting new flavours for those that didn’t.
The Fesenjoon, a braised chicken leg with a stew of walnut and pomegranate molasses, served with a side of crispy saffron rice, is an absolute must try.
Delara is located at 2272 West 4th Avenue and is open from noon to 9 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
Oddfish
Located a short walk from the beach, Kitsilano’s Oddfish showcases veggies and seafood in a delightful and exciting way. It’s an energetic space, reflective of the street corner it sits on, that’s a fun spot to sip and share with friends.
Their lineup masters the beauty in simplicity with stunningly fresh ingredients, skillful execution, and a menu that changes daily. The daily fish menu offering is always a standout surprise
Afterall, what is more west coast than fresh seafood?
Oddfish is located at 1889 West 1st Avenue and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
True to its name, one will often find a lineup outside of this popular ice cream shop in, well, rain or shine. It’s for good reason too, their ice cream is hand crafted from scratch using natural and sustainable ingredients with the dairy coming direct from Abbotsford, just a short drive away.
Their menu is a fabulous mix of classic go-to ice cream flavours, and exciting creative seasonal choices. In a cup or a cone, the malted milk chocolate and peanut butter never fail to please.
It goes without saying that this place is a real treat!
Rain or Shine's Kits location is at 1926 West 4th Avenue and is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
Maenam
Hot, sour, salty, and sweet; there’s a little bit of all of it in the dishes that are brought to life at Maenam. Chef Angus An’s fresh rotation of emboldened Thai street food is perfectly balanced and beautifully showcased at this popular celeb hang out.
The cool trendy interior sets the perfect mood to share some of the best that Thai cuisine has to offer with family and friends. Stand-out starter’s include their tom kha soup, and fragrant steamed B.C. mussels, but you’ll have to ask Kate Winslet what she recommends for a main.
Maenam is located at 1938 West 4th Avenue and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner service and Sundays and Tuesdays for dinner service only.
Au Comptoir
Leaning into the traditions of classic French cuisine in a contemporary way, Au Comptoir feels like a trip to Montmartre for a lot less money than a plane ticket.
This bustling hot spot for French culture in Vancouver boasts one of the most popular brunch menus on the west side. Everything that the cuisine is renowned for—pastries, duck, fine cheeses—can be found here.
Their Gaufre Madame is a clever waffle version of a Croque Madame. It pairs perfectly with their signature mimosa which is made with freshly squeezed carrot, orange and lemon juice.
C’est magnifique!
Au Comptoir is located at 2278 West 4th Avenue and is open from 11:30 a.m. onward Wednesdays to Fridays for lunch and dinner service and from 10 a.m. onward on the weekends.
Jackson’s Resto Butcher
Jackson’s is a true institution of Kitsilano. They have been consistently serving top quality meats to the community since opening their doors in 1911.
In 2020, Jackson’s revamped their space to become a “resto-butcher”, offering beers and bbq in the front with a butchery in the back.
Their menu takes advantage of their fresh in-house meats serving up items like flank steak, beef brisket, lamb shanks, and burgers. Pair that with a selection from their BC craft beer and cider list, and you’ll see why Jackson’s is a cut above the rest.
Jackson's Resto Butcher is located at 2214 West 4th Avenue and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Their There
From the same team who brought you the Michelin-Starred AnnaLena, comes the revamped Their There, a now all day brunch and lunch spot.
The brand-new eclectic menu features beloved breakfast favourites, like chicken and waffles enhanced with bacon butter and spicy maple syrup, alongside exciting and beautiful must-tries like their freshly baked mochi doughnuts.
The restaurant's bright and inviting space is already a popular mid-point stop for shoppers to rest and revive with delicious and refined offerings before finishing their route on 4th.
Their There is located at 2042 West 4th Avenue and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays.
Raisu
Behind the mysterious curtain next to the Apple Farm Market you’ll find one of Vancouver’s trendiest Izakayas.
The glowing bar invites you in to sample their elegant Japanese drink offerings ranging from fruity yuzu cocktails, to smokey whiskeys. Their menu also reflects its cool atmosphere, and for a truly instagrammable moment, order one of their decadent and delicious bowls.
With a great selection of vegan options too, Raisu has something for everyone.
Raisu is located at 2340 West 4th Avenue and is open Mondays to Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
