Locals and visitors to the West End will find a vibrant, community-minded population, which is well reflected in the grocery stores and markets. Whether they’re contributing to their community or offering exotic foodstuffs, these grocery stores will help you discover what the West End is all about.
A beloved neighbourhood grocer serving the community around Bute and Davie, West Valley Market stocks a good range of fruits and vegetables along with all the staples you need for snacks and meals. For more adventurous cooks, they also carry Asian imports, organic soups and a selection of deli items. You’ll also find that this local grocer often offers more affordable prices than some grocery store chains.
A unique shopping experience on Robson Street, Konbiniya is a one-stop shop for Japanese food needs. Most of the items are specially imported directly from Japan and include snack foods, instant ramen, Japanese sodas and a selection of frozen foods. They also boast one of the best selections of Pocky and Pretz anywhere in Vancouver, making this a fun stop for anyone visiting the West End.
This public market might not look like much from the outside, but once you’re inside you’ll see a collection of vendors selling some of the freshest products around. There are always plenty of local fruits and veggies, high quality meats and cheeses, and a wine vendor selling more than 50 locally-produced estate wines. The market also houses a number of food vendors, so there’s no need to shop when hungry.
Right at the end of Robson and next to a Safeway sits the Windsor Market. Serving nearby residents for years, this local grocer offers a simple and convenient alternative to their famous neighbour. They stock all of the basics along with a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. On the run to a dinner party? This market has a stash of affordable flower bouquets that make great last-minute gifts.
Like other stores in the chain, Kin’s is a community favourite thanks to their affordable prices. They carry fresh fruits and vegetables and try to include plenty of local produce all year round. Their selection of gluten-free and organic products is among the best in the neighbourhood and they stay inclusive and community-minded by contributing to local events and charities.
It’s a go-to favourite among residents along Davie Street. The European Delicatessen should be your first stop when looking for those hard-to-find European cheeses, crackers and some of the best hummus around. Of course, it’s a deli, so they offer a selection of meats sliced perfectly to your specifications, and they can make up a sandwich for a stellar lunch to go. It can get quite busy during the lunch rush so be prepared for a bit of a wait.
This is a great little shop just off Robson on Bidwell and one of the best European grocers in town. They have an outrageous selection of high quality deli meats and imported cheeses, and it’s a good resource if you’re looking for something just a little bit different. They also maintain an amazing array of olives from Kalamata’s to sun-dried — an olive lover’s dream.