Kitsilano: beautiful old houses, tree-lined streets, and an abundance of local restaurants, cafés and bars

Unique features: beach living; diverse casual dining; Greek cuisine; healthy plant-based eating
Cultures & influences: Greek; West Coast; multicultural
Ambiance: Laid-back; active lifestyles; youthful and vibrant; family-friendly

Kitsilano, known for its laid-back lifestyle and stunning beach, has a dining and drinking scene that is diverse and welcoming. The area, which runs eastward from Alma Street to Burrard Street and northward from West 16th Avenue to the water, was originally the site of Sen̓áḵw, a vibrant village that the Coast Salish people called home. In 1871, a reserve named after a prominent Squamish chief, Khatsahlano, was established in the area, which eventually became Kitsilano in 1905.

The Canadian Pacific Railway, streetcar lines, and the Burrard Bridge connected the westside neighbourhood with the rest of the city and made West Broadway and 4th Avenue its main thoroughfares. People from across the city flocked to camp at beautiful Greer’s Beach, named after Sam Greer, one of the area’s initial settlers. The waterfront area was renamed Kitsilano Beach in 1901.

The 1960s were the nostalgic heydays of Kitsilano due to an influx of young people attracted by housing and the neighbourhood’s flourishing hippie culture. The centre of this counter culture movement was the Russian Hall, a community-centre turned psychedelic concert venue on West 4th Avenue. “The Russian Hall was a great spot for bands to come through the city. People wouldn’t go downtown to party. They would go to West 4th,” says Jane McFadden, Executive Director of the West 4th Business Improvement Association (BIA).

Meanwhile, after World War II and during political turmoil in Greece, immigrants from Greece congregated on West Broadway (or Ουέστ Μπροντουέι as they called it). Greek stores, restaurants, and community spaces emerged, transforming the area into the city’s well-loved Greektown.

Presently, Kits—as its affectionally referred to—continues to be one of the most popular areas in the city where people take advantage of its beach, its chic boutique shopping, and its fabulous dining and drinking establishments.

What Makes Kitsilano Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination

Kitsilano’s roots in hippie culture are present in its relaxed as well as highly diverse dining options. “That laid-back casual atmosphere still lives here,” says McFadden. The range of establishments include numerous sushi spots, Indian restaurants, taquerias, as well as pizzerias. On West Broadway especially, Kits’ Greek heritage shines in establishments such as Parthenon Market and Olympia Pizza. Most of these are family-owned businesses, with the next generation continuing what their parents started. New Greek restaurants have also opened, evidencing the continued vitality of Kits’ Greek community.

Other long-running restaurants, such as Sophie’s Cosmic Café, known for its generous breakfasts, have a devoted following. Las Margaritas has been in the area since 1981, serving up Southern Californian and Baja-inspired Mexican dishes. Dan Rodriguez, who took over the restaurant in 1993, loves the Kits dining scene because it contains mostly independent restaurants with unique identities. “I think it’s so eclectic. There is such a variety,” he says. Rodriguez attributes part of Las Margaritas’ continued success to the youthful energy of Kits. Students from the nearby University of British Columbia frequent the area, and residents lead an active lifestyle. “We get a lot of people off the beach or on the way to the beach,” he says.

The neighbourhood’s focus on a healthy way of life lends itself to a variety of plant-based establishments, which offer smoothies packed with superfoods, as well as wraps and bowls chockfull of vegetables and grains. Even restaurants that are non-vegan tend to have plant-based options. And the many cafes and coffee shops in the neighbourhood prioritize healthy fresh ingredients, as well as feature plant-based grab-and-go meals.

More recently, Kitsilano has seen the emergence of restaurants that meld local ingredients with expert technique. Fable Kitchen, which opened in 2012, was one of the first locavore restaurants in Kitsilano. Owner Ron MacGillivray sees Kitsilano as a wonderful community of people who value food. He says that diners have sophisticated global palates, ensuring that restaurants stay up-to-date with culinary trends and source quality ingredients. He too feels that proximity to the beach makes Kitsilano unbeatable: “Where else can you end up on a beach with a sunset and view of mountains and a downtown skyline and really be able to do it year-round?” he says.

Delara

A romantic walk on the beach would be the ideal end to a dinner at one of Kits’ more upscale establishments, which include Maenam for Thai cuisine, Delara for modern Persian specialties, Au Comptoir for French bistro fare, and AnnaLena for exquisite west coast tasting menus. These restaurants offer exemplary cooking and service, all while keeping the atmosphere inviting.

For drinking, Kitsilano has numerous neighbourhood bars and pubs, which are great for enjoying craft beer and bites and socializing with regular clientele. McFadden loves going out for a fabulous meal and seeing what bartenders can dream up as pairings. “I’ve had some amazing cocktails,” she says. Kitsilano has evolved considerably since its hippy days but its focus on community and unforgettable experiences continues.

Kitsilano Events to Put on Your Calendar

Two big annual street parties dominate the Kitsilano calendar. Greek Day on Broadway occurs in June and celebrates Hellenic food, art, and culture. The festivities, which are located along West Broadway from MacDonald to Blenheim, feature performances, artisan vendors, and an abundance of delicious Greek food. Items like souvlaki and loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts) can be purchased, while restaurants on West Broadway also serve their specialties street-side.

In July, the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival takes over West 4th Avenue from Macdonald Street to Burrard Street. In addition to a line-up of indie music performers, Khatsahlano involves street stalls, activities for the whole family, and a wide variety of food trucks. Establishments all along West 4th offer tasty promotions as part of the celebrations.

Other lively events include Kitspatch, a mini pumpkin patch for little ones; Kitsmas, which features holiday events and giveaways; and various arts and culture pop-up activities that happen throughout the year. As one of the most beloved Vancouver neighbourhoods, Kitsilano is proud to welcome everyone to enjoy their diverse restaurants and lively events.