Last year, Future Mr. Trip Side and I went to Vancouver during USA’s Independence Day. We vowed to return every year after because we’re both not fireworks fans. That said, with Seattle hosting FIFA this year(!) and Vancouver being the closest international professional city, hotels are insane for both. So, we decided to go early this year instead. Though we didn’t stay in downtown proper this year (post coming soon on New Westminster!), we did travel in for a day and made a point to stop at our favorite restaurants and shops. These are them!

Table of Contents

Restaurants

Medina Cafe

A number of years ago I was introduced to Medina Cafe and now every time I am in Vancouver, I do my best to go. I later found out that this little spot in the heart of downtown was awarded a Michelin star in 2025. I would like to state to the jury that I’d been going before then, so I’m just saying – maybe I have good taste. Regardless of my brilliance, the food is Middle Eastern inspired with absolutely wonderful waffles inspired by Liège, Belgium. Though they really aren’t the same, friends, they are very close.

The mix of Middle Eastern cuisine merged with the French tone of Belgium and a plethora of vegan and veggie options would normally give you whiplash but Medina Cafe makes it work. I keep coming back time and time again.

One con, I will say – this place is exceptionally busy. They have a great reservation system that lets you book for $10 a person and that goes directly to their charity of choice for the month. I absolutely love this concept and find it a breath of fresh air that this woman-owned cafe gives so much back to their community. That said, it can get exceptionally loud. If you have ADHD or sensory sensitivities, I recommend getting a reservation or popping in first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. This last time was so loud we couldn’t hear each other speak, so next year we’ll be going first thing in the morning.

Favorite items on the menu:

Saumon Fumé
Avocado Toast
Wolves Breakfast
Vegetarian Tagine
4 Waffles with White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater, Salt Caramel, and Fig Marmalade (seasonal).
Earl Grey Cream Tea
Milk Chocolate Lavender Mocha ☕️

ZAATAR W ZEIT

I think Shawarma is Ad’s favorite food on the planet and I am never going to complain when it’s spiced well. We stumbled into this local spot and fell in love immediately. It’s a darling little takeaway spot that you can also dine in, but it was clearly meant as a lunchtime spot for those working in the city.

This place is a surprise and delight. This was my first time having Chicken Shawarma and it’s still the only place we’ve been that wraps it the traditional way – with french fries in the center. SAY LESS, friends!

For those looking for something less dense, they have fresh options along with lightly fried falafel, and their hummus was great. This is a Lebanese spot so their coffee is traditional and authentic.

Favorite Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Sweet Potato Fries
Classic Hummus

Seaside Doner Kebab – Lonsdale Quay

Okay, this place is a cute little takeaway shop right on the pier. The idea is you get your food to go and then grab a table with a view of the water and downtown Vancouver and eat like royalty. This place was SO good that I was bummed we didn’t have another night just to order everything. It was perfectly seasoned. We got the Chicken and Lamb Platter and it was so much food that we were both full.

Little Tokyo Sushi

The Lonsdale Quay area (pronounced “key”) is a great place to stay. Everything is close by and there are so many takeaway spots because it’s right next to the ferry. Honestly, there isn’t a single restaurant with a bad rep over there. This sushi spot was a quick pick-me-up after a long walk. Every roll is good, especially the Mango California Roll and the Red Dragon Roll!

Shops We Love

Roots

I know this will sound super cliche and ultra uncool and touristy, or whatever, but hear me out – Roots. It’s 100% Canadian and the story is adorable, but what I love about this brand is that they still have real, quality genuine leather. Ad has been eyeing a gorgeous leather duffle bag and I’m a huge fan of their winter cabin socks. Plus, this store is always fun to pop into to see what’s new.

DAVIDs TEA

This tea shop is another Canadian brand that doesn’t have a footprint in the US, so we always try to support local when we’re in town. This was the first tea shop where I discovered Valerian Root, which helps with my insomnia. Their Mother’s Little Helper Tea is a great blend for those who need help sleeping. Also a fan of their Caribbean Crush Tea – but iced.

Again, this ons is tough to order outside of Canada due to tariffs and shipping. As a US alternative, I love The Tea Spot.

Northern Bars

Not only a Canadian brand but very specifically a BC local chocolaterie! These are definitely a treat, to say the least. They are tucked away in the wonderful and fun-to-explore Granville Island. I very much recommend a trip to this market – you’ll find everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed!

I love that each truffle is named after something local to British Columbia. It makes it all the more personal and unique. Also a great gift for anyone who needs to bring something home for friends and family.

This was such a short guide today but don’t worry, I’ll get a more extensive one up eventually. Thanks, as always, for reading – and let me know what your favorite restaurants and shops in Vancouver are!

xoxo