Also, check out pubs with patio views, homegrown coffee shops, and ethnic eateries on the North Shore.
Notable dining districts include the villages of Ambleside, Dundarave, Edgemont, and Deep Cove, as well as Lonsdale Avenue and Marine Drive. The Lonsdale Quay Market, right across Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver, is packed with specialty food stalls and several good restaurants.
Some of the North Shore's finest locally inspired cuisine is dished up with impressive views of downtown Vancouver and orange-pink sunsets.
The Beach House at Dundarave Pier (150-25th St) is a West Vancouver institution, built in 1912 and looking out over English Bay. Indulge in a dungeness crab and shrimp tower, or devour the Hecate Strait halibut with asparagus.
Dine on Grouse Mountain
Try the hillside-perched Salmon House (2229 Folkstone Wy) in West Vancouver for alder-grilled salmon and BC wines. Dinners at The Observatory high atop Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Wy) feature the likes of ahi tuna tartare and Vancouver Island lamb loin.
Local Seafood
Lunching on the rooftop patio at Saltaire (235 15th St) is a chance to nosh on crispy yam fries and Salt Spring Island mussels while gazing across the water at forested Stanley Park. For a more casual experience, grab some savoury crab cakes and check out the live crabs at the Dollarton Crab Shop (2464 Dollarton Hwy), which proudly displays an autographed photo of singer Michael Bublé.
Pubs on Vancouver's North Shore
Taylor's Crossing
The North Shore is justifiably well-known for its pubs. Taylor's Crossing (1035 Marine Dr) has a giant glass-encased brewhouse, and beer lovers quaff such on-site creations as Red Truck Lager and Two Lions Pale Ale amid dark wood furnishings and stained-glass windows.
Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub
The Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub (1177 Lynn Valley Rd) is a popular stop after a day of hiking or mountain biking, and offers a tasty selection of pasta dishes and 20-plus beers on tap. Sailor Hagar's Brew Pub (86 Semisch Ave), located near the Lonsdale Quay Market, is a good bet for watching European soccer, playing darts, or chowing down on halibut and chips.
Coffee Shops
Brand-name coffee chains are easy to find on the North Shore, but this area also boasts some homegrown coffee success stories. Bean Around the World imports fair-trade coffees from various countries. Delany's offers tasty lattes, mochas, comfy seating and also stages community fundraisers and concerts. Both companies have multiple North Shore locations.
Chocolate Fix
Chocolate lovers can grab an espresso to go with handmade chocolates or pastries at the award-winning shop of Thomas Haas (998 Harbourside Dr).
Ethnic Dining
Reflecting the diverse population of Vancouver's North Shore, diners can enjoy French cuisine at Chez Michel (1373 Marine Dr) or down-home Italian cooking at Carmelos (1448 Marine Dr). Other available ethnic flavours include Chinese, Greek, Indian, and Vietnamese. Persian restaurants abound due to the North Shore's significant Iranian population.
Family-Style Eateries
Familiar burger, pizza, and middle-of-the-road restaurants can easily be found along Marine Drive and at major shopping plazas like Park Royal Shopping Centre. Hungry for more information? Contact the Visitor Centre (#102-124 West 1st St).
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