Excellent farm-to-table restaurants in Vancouver
The locavore movement burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s and was quickly followed by an increased interest in knowing where our food is coming from. It’s a food philosophy bandied about by many, but only truly practiced by a few. Here are some local standouts. [Photo courtesy of Edible Canada]
Vancouver Dental By Benson Fung
6964 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3Y8When Edible Canada expanded from a stall selling local artisanal products on Granville Island to the full-service restaurant, patio and shop kitty-corner from the market, locals knew good things were coming. With a focus on seasonality and first dibs on the amazing produce across the road, their menu highlights the best of Canadian cuisine. All seafood is Oceanwise, meats are from local farms and mushrooms are foraged. Buy products used in their dishes from their adjoining store. Live music weekly.
Grapes & Soda Pantry
1535 6th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R1Quickly gaining a reputation for having to make reservations three months out, The Farmer’s Apprentice near South Granville is relaxed, straightforward and coveted for good reason. Don’t let their simply composed menu fool you; they’re using fresh, local ingredients in inventive and delicious ways. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, they hold a few spots for walk-ins, so if you’re feeling spontaneous, stop in for a potentially life-changing meal — or wait the three months for a reservation. It’ll be worth it.
Burdock & Co Restaurant
2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8Each bite of every perfectly composed dish at Andrea Carlson’s Main Street establishment is an ode to the bounty — and beauty — at hand in this province. Hitting all the right notes, her vegetable-forward dishes are inventive, changing and best when shared. They arrive at your table in the order in which they’re prepared, so peruse the interesting wine selections, settle into the young, lively crowd and linger over the deliciousness into the night. Dine late to fully experience the dynamic atmosphere.
Fable Kitchens Ltd
1944 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5Hatched from the brain of Top Chef Canada competitor Trevor Bird during one of the challenges, Fable epitomizes the farm-to-table ethos in everything from its reclaimed wood décor to its relaxed, friendly vibe to, of course, its food. With ingredients arriving daily to the Kitsilano restaurant’s door, creativity and working with what’s on hand are the tenets that drive the food philosophy here. The commitment to simple but excellent West Coast fare is obvious.
Tuc Craft Kitchen
60 Cordova St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9While full most nights, Tuc Craft Kitchen should still be receiving more attention. Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients is evident in their suppliers list noting local dairy, meat and produce farmers and in their meat-heavy menu. Embracing the comfort-food philosophy at play, many dishes come in hot-from-the-oven cast iron skillets and are great for sharing. The décor, too, screams rustic, homey and vintage, perfect for its location in Gastown. Underground word-of-mouth seems to be all they need for publicity.
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