When you think of good food and the west coast, culinary powerhouses like Portland and Seattle jump to mind. There are enough downtown Portland restaurants alone to keep you busy for weeks. But there’s a quieter scene happening just north across the Columbia River that’s producing some noteworthy dishes.
Welcome to Vancouver, the fast-growing city just above the Rose City. For years, it was more of an afterthought, known more for its parks and suburbs than bartenders and chefs. But there’s been an awakening as of late and the city is turning out some real quality, not to mention offering some cool cuisines ranging from Georgian to Mediterranean.
Read on for some of the best places to eat in Vancouver, Washington.
Pal’s
It would be very easy to become a usual at Pal’s one of relatively few waterfront eateries in the Portland and Vancouver metro area. This one is a gem, despite having just opened last summer. The place is technically on Hayden Island, floating on the Columbia River right in between the neighboring cities. But it offers something truly unique in the nautical feel and outstanding Pacific Northwest-inspired, seafood-forward menu. This is an ideal spot when it’s dry as there’s a vast outdoor area with fire pits and plenty of seating. It’s also great to get cozy inside and enjoy a wonderful drink from the cocktail program or a fresh-made coffee.
If you’re hungry, go with some fresh oysters or the chilled calamari salad tostada. The house chowder is great (although the portion is comically small) and there are tremendous entrees like the celery sourdough panzanella with black rice. Get comfortable and enjoy the countless boats out the window. And if you’re looking for some to-go grub, there are some quality sandwiches along with a fridge full of everything from bone dry white wines to house-made spreads.
Dediko
If you haven’t tried Georgian food, it’s high time. Dediko is a great option, featuring dishes like borscht, kharcho, eggplant wraps, and satsivi, or chicken cooked in walnut sauce with Georgian spices and walnut oil. Mains include the lobio pot, a bean stew that simmers in clay, and tvezi salmon. Wines feature prominently, as they should, as the culture started there some 8,000 years ago.
Little Conejo
Established in 2017, Little Conejo has gone on to capture quite the taco-loving following. There, you’ll find some 100 different mezcals and an energetic setting right in the heart of downtown. Look out for taco favorites like the carnitas, choriqueso, and norteno deluxe along with deftly-made tortas. Brunch fans are encouraged to show up for a lively Sunday scene.
Elements
Rustic cuisine is the name of the game at Elements, the work of a talented Mexican-born chef in Miguel Sosa. Brunch and dinner is served, with standouts like winter squash salad, Mexican bouillabaisse, and coriander crusted hanger steak. The menu is eclectic and changes often, the wine list is more than respectable, and there are great house cocktails like the Beetlet (gin, elderflower liqueur, beet cordial, lime, simple syrup) and the Golden Hour (mezcal, aperol, lime, apricot, simple syrup).
The Hammond
The Hammond is set on the eastern edge of town, known for its northwest fare with 30 beer taps and a strong cocktail program. We like the crab cakes and mushroom toast, along with the wood-grilled caesar salad. Try some elevated pub grub like buttermilk fried chicken or halibut fish and chips. They do brick oven pizza, there’s a great happy hour, and the beer list really covers all the major styles, not to mention some standout producers in Oregon and Washington.
Crust Collective
It’s hard to argue with beer and pizza, especially when the former is the work of one of the best west coast breweries and the latter is Detroit-style. Crust Collective inhabits a spot on the shiny new waterfront district, which has received a nice facelift over the last few years. Grab a seat and watch the barges go by as you nibble on a Miami Slice pie (housemade kalua pulled pork, shaved sweetheart ham, pickle chips, lime pickled cabbage, mozzarella, and caramelized pineapple mustard) and sip a deftly-made hazy IPA.
Petra House
Petra House is a little out of the way but worth the roughly ten-minute drive from central Vancouver. It doesn’t seem like much beyond a strip mall from the exterior but inside you’ll find exceptional ambience and classic Mediterranean cuisine. Start with a hot honey and tea and mezza plate before trying some traditional Jordanian like Ouzi. Just be sure to get some of the delicious house pita bread and if you feel like something sweet, stick around for Katayef, or think pancakes filled with cinnamon, coconut, and nuts. The place opened in 2013 and specializes in family recipes passed down from generation to generation.
We love to eat. And we bet you do too. Check out some of our related guides, like our feature on the outstanding Denver food scene.
