Alison Cairns

In Vancouver’s ever-evolving food trend wars, from cupcakes to croissants to doughnuts, we now seem to be in the era of the waffle. Giving these other sweet pastries a run for their money, waffles nicely bridge the sweet-savoury divide, as is clear in many of these Belgian offerings. [Image courtesy of Cafe Medina]

For those with a sweet tooth, breakfast is your first chance of the day to indulge. And nothing satisfies that craving quite like a couple of pieces of golden brown, grilled-to-perfection French toast. These breakfast joints are putting their unique twists on this brunch staple, all to glorious, delicious effect.

In food-obsessed Vancouver, it’s easy to forget our humble culinary roots. But a few greasy spoons across town are reminding us that a down-home meal and a bottomless coffee, served with a smile (or the occasional sneer) still go a long way to making us feel nostalgic for simpler times.

The Southern states have known for generations that anything topped with fried chicken is going to taste better. But the chicken and waffles craze has only recently caught on in Vancouver. Many restaurants are now featuring this decadent dish on their brunch menus and, topped with syrup and gravy, we couldn’t be happier to indulge. [Photo credit: iStock.com/zkruger]

Whether you’ve run the Sun Run, the Vancouver Marathon or the Scotiabank Half, you’ve just completed an impressive feat. Months of training and good diet have paid off. Now you need refueling, fast. With the finish lines of these races all right downtown, you’ll want something close by that will quell those hunger pains and provide a little celebratory atmosphere. Try any of these.

Ever since Greenpeace and the hippy revolution, Vancouver has been a haven for those practicing a vegetarian lifestyle. But no longer content with dusty lentils and dense nut loaf, plant-focused foodies are demanding sophistication and fine-dining. These restaurants have heeded their call.

Whether you’re looking for a pre-opera fine-dining experience or a cold one to quench your thirst after a day of sailing, your summertime eating and drinking is best done outside. Let this list guide you to some of the best (and often lesser-known) patios in the city.

One of the more popular appetizers on any given menu, calamari may have originated in Greece, but it’s found fans across the globe. Innovative Vancouver chefs are serving octopus and squid — whether fried, grilled or seared — with unique flavours, garnishes and sauces. Take a global culinary tour with some of these standout calamari dishes.

There was a time not too long ago when those who suffered from gluten intolerance or Celiac disease didn’t have much choice when it came to eating out. Now, though, with a gluten-free diet that’s gone mainstream and many people opting out of eating wheat, the playing field has greatly expanded. Here are some exceptional options.

Culinary-minded Vancouverites are no longer content with a reheated slice of ‘za. The plethora of authentic Italian pizzerias dotting the city’s neighbourhoods means that your favourite take-out meal is now a splurge-worthy event. Roman-style or Neapolitan, thick crust or thin, this is still casual eating but now served with an unprecedented pizza passion. [Pizzeria Farina photo credit: Tracey Ayton]

While Main Street south of 1st Avenue is essentially a six-lane thoroughfare, the traffic-heavy area hasn’t deterred residents or restaurateurs from transforming commercial spaces into desirable eating and drinking spots, many with outdoor spaces for the locals to enjoy amid the bustle of the neighbourhood. Check out these seven places with great patios.

One of the best ways to enjoy Vancouver’s Gastown is to stroll its cobblestone streets, popping into its gorgeous boutiques and picking up a little treat for you or someone you love. Extend the fresh-air visit with some restorative food and drink en plein air. Here are eight patios to get you started.