Vancouver, British Columbia It is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Locals refer to it as “living in paradise” as there is so much natural beauty in and around the area.
With cultures and an abundance of culinary talent, Vancouver is a culinary paradise where the West Coast meets the world.
In this black food guide, you’ll find some of the city’s best black-owned businesses alongside international cuisine, combining bold flavors with fresh ingredients. Here are some must-visit restaurants that help give Vancouver its reputation as one of the best places to eat in the world.
Jam Cafe – Many places
This cozy all-day breakfast and lunch cafe is a local favorite in Vancouver. There is always a long queue in front of this restaurant and for good reason; The menu is inspired by Southern comfort food but with a distinct Canadian twist. They’ve got the best brunch and lunch, including a variety of eggs benedict and pancake options.
Customers can expect great food with generous portions that will leave you feeling pleasantly full. Vintage, rustic decor and cheerful staff give this restaurant the perfect atmosphere to complement its decadent cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something new, try the Chicken and French Toast for a special take on a brunch classic!
Juk fried chicken – 182 Kiefer St.
Juk’s is a trendy and lively black-owned joint in Chinatown serving traditional Southern comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors. They offer classic dishes like sticky pork ribs, cornbread, and chicken and waffles, but fried chicken is the menu’s crown jewel.
Chicken at Juke is always fresh, always crisp and always gluten-free, so thanks to consistent quality across the board, it’s a restaurant that’s likely to become your favorite. Each order comes with a choice of different sauces and sides so you can always enjoy your meal in different ways. Whether you order a chicken sandwich, chicken and waffles, or a straight drum roll, Juke’s has you covered.
Visitors can pair their fried chicken with a killer cocktail by visiting the Chickadee Room, the über-cool cocktail bar attached to the main restaurant.
Lunch lady – 1048 Commercial Dr.
Eating Asian food is a must when visiting Vancouver, and Lunch Lady is a great place to start. Named after a famous Vietnamese street food vendor featured on the late Anthony Bourdain’s hit show No reservations, The restaurant has a great feel inspired by the street scenes of Ho Chi Minh City. The staff are very friendly and take the time to explain each dish in detail, so this is a great place to try something new, especially with friends.
This Vancity gem is an average beef carpaccio and superior. FoBut their unique desserts steal the show. No matter how full you are, make room for an irresistible gelato with a selection of Asian-inspired ingredients. Pandansticky rice and red beans.
BeetBox – 1074 Davie St.
Vancouver is a vegan-friendly city, so expect the plant-based options to be as innovative as they are innovative. Enter BeetBox, a cute little cafe that’s been feeding Vancouverites the best in vegan cuisine.
As Juke’s sister restaurant, BeetBox offers what its team describes as “conscientious comfort food” – guilt-free and creative dishes. Their Nashville Grilled Chick-Un sandwich will win over even the pickiest of meat eaters, and customers rave about knock-off sides like onion rings and chili fries. Spicy Cabbage is another favorite – it’s spicy, crunchy and oh so good! Before you go, choose a bottle of kombucha or one of the many uniquely flavored slushies to complete your meal.
Calabash Bistro – 428 Carroll St.
Calabash Bistro has been bringing the best of music, art and food to Vancouverites for the past ten years. The restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean cuisine that draws inspiration from the islands so you don’t just find one country’s cuisine on the menu. It’s the place to be for the best tasting beef, curries cooked to perfection and a wide selection of cocktails.
The amazing food draws you in, but it’s the vibe that keeps you going. This black-owned restaurant is known for its energetic DJ sets and live performances on weekends, so guests often head downstairs after their meal to dance the night away or enjoy the restaurant’s gallery space. It’s a perfect place for a date night or hanging out with friends.
Vancouver’s laid-back lifestyle and burgeoning restaurant scene is the perfect setting for an amazing dining experience. There is so much to discover here; From East Asian street food and delicious fried chicken to creative vegan cuisine. No matter how long you stay, you’ll fall in love with the culinary diversity that makes this city a foodie’s playground.
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Photos provided by Jodian Beckford
