Kelly RainierMain Street Vancouver is where my love for dining went from “Let’s grab a bite” to “Let’s plan an entire evening around food.” One Friday night, I told myself I’d just grab a quick dinner—one course, tops.
Fast forward two hours, and I was three restaurants deep, juggling a taco in one hand and a bao bun in the other, wondering why I’d never done this before. Spoiler alert: I still dream about that night.
If you’re ready to embark on your own culinary journey (without the awkward food juggling), check out the best spots Main Street has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you!
1. Meet on Main
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Website
Address: 4288 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-696-1010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11am to 9pm
- Thursday: 11am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 11pm
- Sunday: 11am to 10pm
If you’re craving comfort food without the meat, this spot is a fantastic choice for a meet-up.
The menu is packed with delicious options, from burgers and mac ’n’ cheese to flavorful noodle bowls. Plus, there’s an array of starters and sharing plates that are perfect for groups.
To wash it all down, you’ll find refreshing house-made iced teas, sodas, and even some tempting cocktails.
The poutine is a standout—rich, salty, and bursting with flavor. The mac ’n’ cheeze is always a table favorite, while the beet salad is a bright, hearty option. As for the burger, it’s solid—nothing groundbreaking, but it hits the spot.
Pro tip:
The salads are generously dressed. If you prefer a lighter touch, be sure to ask for the dressing on the side.
2. Chickpea
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Website
Address: 4298 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-620-0602
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
- Friday to Sunday: 9am to 11pm
Chickpea is our go-to spot whenever we’re hosting vegan or vegetarian guests—it’s the kind of place where everyone leaves happy and full.
The cozy atmosphere, ample seating, and vibrant decor make it feel welcoming, whether you’re dining with a group or flying solo.
When it comes to the food, prepare to be wowed. The oyster mushroom burger is a must-try, as are the chickpea fries, eggplant platter, schnitzel hummus platter, and wrap—all packed with bold flavors and wholesome goodness.
If you’re not fussed about fine dining or fancy ambience, you’ll find the ridiculously delicious food more than makes up for it. Honestly, we’ve tried chickpea dishes all over, and this place easily takes the crown.
If you’re not sure what to order, start with a platter to get a little bit of everything. The falafel, cauliflower of life, and chickpea fries are all standouts.
Pro tip:
Make a reservation—it fills up fast, and you don’t want to miss out!
3. Zarak
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Website
Address: 2102 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-318-3456
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 5pm to 10:30pm
- Saturday: 10am to 10:30pm
- Sunday: 10am to 9:30pm
Zarak is more than just a restaurant—it’s a full sensory experience. With its inventive menu blending North American favorites with bold Afghan flavors, every bite feels like a discovery.
The food is nothing short of spectacular, the service is warm and attentive, and the ambiance ties it all together. From the carefully chosen utensils to the artful plating, every detail is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
This is the perfect spot for a date night, a gathering with friends, or a special occasion. Sharing plates is the way to go here, so bring a group and dive into the menu.
Highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank, butter cauliflower and potatoes, spiced cabbage dumplings, the flavorful fish curry, and the irresistible eggplant dip.
Also, don’t miss the cocktails—each one is a masterpiece. The negroni served under a smoke dome is as fun as it is delicious.
Pro tip:
For brunch, their refillable drip coffee is a must-try. Enhanced with cacao, it’s smooth, rich, and absolutely indulgent.
4. Ignite Pizzeria
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Website
Address: 2588 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-564-2588
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 11pm
- Sunday: 11am to 10pm
Ignite Pizza on Main Street is where they’ve truly nailed the art of the ‘Goldilocks’ crust—not too crunchy, not too doughy, but perfectly just right.
The menu is packed with options for everyone, whether you’re into vegetarian, vegan, or meat-lovers’ pizzas.
Standouts include the Montreal Smoked Meat and Meat Lovers pizzas, both served fresh, steaming hot, and topped generously. Each slice boasts a crust that’s just the right thickness—not too thin, not too thick.
We also loved the little touches, like sprinkling on chili flakes to customize our spice level. These pizzas lean into authentic Italian vibes with thin crusts, a focus on fewer, premium ingredients, and a tomato sauce that tastes freshly homemade.
It’s become our go-to spot for a casual dinner, whether we’re catching up with friends or just can’t decide what to eat.
Pro tip:
We advise going here with a group of people so you can sample the freshly made pizzas and savor the flavors of your choice.
5. Bodega on Main
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Website
Address: 1014 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-565-8815
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 12am
If you’re a fan of Spanish tapas and authentic paella, this spot in Vancouver is a must-visit. Our advice? Order one paella for every four people (trust us, two just won’t cut it) and load up on the tapas—they’re too good to miss.
The restaurant’s interior is elegant yet cozy, with a friendly vibe that makes it perfect for casual dining. Plus, there are comfy sofa seats if you want to relax and enjoy your meal.
We got a chance to try a wide range of dishes, and the standout items were the fried calamari (hands down the best), steak skewers, blistered peppers, garlic prawns, and of course, the mixed paella and refreshing sangrias. Everything we tried was fantastic, honestly.
If you’re in the area and craving something delicious that won’t break the bank, definitely give this place a try!
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to order the paella early—it takes a little while to prepare, but it’s totally worth the wait.
6. Grano Pizzeria
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Website
Address: 3240 Main Street
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 4pm to 9:30pm
- Friday: 4pm to 10:30pm
Grano Pizzeria is a hidden gem in Vancouver, especially for anyone lactose-intolerant or vegan. Their entire menu is vegan, but don’t be fooled—these pizzas are so delicious, they’ll win over even the most dedicated cheese lovers.
The dough is perfectly crafted, and the toppings are bold, flavorful, and diverse, making it a treat for everyone, whether vegan or not.
The pepperonata pizza is a delightful surprise—a unique combo that you wouldn’t expect to work, but somehow it’s a perfect match.
It quickly became our favorite out of the two we tried. The boscailo pizza, featuring arugula and vegan Italian sausage, is also a winner. The vegan sausage tastes just like the real thing—so good, you won’t believe it’s plant-based.
If you’re plant-based or simply can’t have dairy, this place is a dream come true. You won’t have to compromise on flavor or quality, and you can enjoy a nice, satisfying meal.
Pro tip:
Double-check their hours as they might be inaccurate on Google Maps or HappyCow. It’s worth calling ahead to confirm!
7. East Is East
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Website
Address: 4433 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-565-4401
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10:30pm
East is East truly stands out as one of Vancouver’s best culinary experiences, offering a vibrant journey through South Asian flavors with a unique twist. Their menu blends Indian, Middle Eastern, and Turkish cuisines into a one-of-a-kind dining concept.
For a fixed price of $47, you get a starter, soup, another starter, and up to three mains. But here’s the best part: you can try as many dishes as you like, in tapas portions, without any extra charges. Talk about a food lover’s dream!
The variety is incredible, and even if you’re vegetarian, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. The dishes are packed with bold, flavorful profiles that are satisfying and delicious.
Pro tip:
When you walk in, you’ll be told about a $5 cover charge for entertainment, but don’t worry—you can have that fee removed from your final bill.
8. Shameful Tiki Room
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Website
Address: 4362 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-336-1395
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 12am
- Friday and Saturday: 5pm to 1am
The Shameful Tiki Room is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a fun night out. Open until 1AM, this vibrant tiki bar is perfect for small groups, whether you’re after a unique drink experience or want to share a group bowl with some theatrical flair.
The atmosphere here is unlike any other—immersive sound effects, mood lighting, and even a fog/humidifier machine that mimics the island breeze. It all adds to the tropical vibe, making every moment feel like an escape to paradise.
Our top pick? The Sand and Sea drink—it’s a total standout. If you’re in the mood to share, the Mystery Bowl is perfect for a group. For $138, you get four individual drinks, one shared drink, and a tasty food platter.
Pro tip:
Make a reservation to ensure you have a spot, but if you’re in a smaller group, they do accept walk-ins. Either way, you’re in for a good time!
9. Main Street Honey Shoppe
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Website
Address: 4125 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-879-6052
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 6pm
Main Street Honey Shoppe is a true gem for honey lovers. This delightful shop offers a wide variety of honey, beeswax candles, and everything you need to make your own candles.
The best part is that there’s absolutely no pressure to buy—just wander and explore to your heart’s content.
We especially love the little sampling station near the counter. With spaghetti sticks and toothpicks available for dipping, it’s the perfect way to try different honey varieties and discover your favorites.
In the back, there’s a cozy coffee and tea bar serving up baked goods, which pairs perfectly with their delicious honey.
Our personal favorite is the orange blossom honey—it’s incredibly high-quality and can be used in everything from tea and toast to cooking and even medicine for our pets’ bandages.
Pro tip:
The samples at the counter are a great touch, allowing you to taste the different honey flavors before making a purchase.
10. Rocky Mountain Flatbread
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Website
Address: 4186 Main Street
Contact details: +1 604-566-9779
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 9pm
- Friday: 12pm to 10pm
- Saturday: 11am to 10pm
- Sunday: 11am to 9pm
Rocky Mountain Flatbread is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious pizza and pasta. This award-winning restaurant stands out for its commitment to local, organic produce, making every bite feel wholesome and flavorful.
Our top recommendations are the waffles, coffee, and chorizo hash. The waffles come loaded with cream and jam, making them a sweet, indulgent treat. The chorizo hash is a hearty dish, packed with potatoes, chorizo, bell peppers, a savory sauce, and eggs—definitely a satisfying choice.
For pizza lovers, their flatbreads and sangria are absolute winners, and the specials are always impressive. The open, spacious vibe makes it perfect for groups and families, so it’s a great spot for a fun outing.
There’s paid street parking right by the restaurant, with a few free spots a short walk away.
Pro tip:
Sundays tend to be more family-oriented, so expect plenty of kids if you’re planning to wrap up your weekend here.
