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‘Yaletown’s the scene’: Vancouver’s urban village began the 20th century as one of the roughest parts of the city, and ended it as one of the bougiest<\/p>\n
Published Apr 22, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 7 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Article content Exploring the restaurants that bring Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods to life.<\/p>\n Cosmopolitan, chic, cool, uncool, fun, picturesque. Expensive. A mix of old and new. A place of radical, rapid reinvention. Tiny dogs wearing puffy vests seated at patio tables.<\/p>\n Many of the most common descriptors and stereotypes for Vancouver apply especially aptly to Yaletown, the urban village on the downtown peninsula\u2019s southern tip.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Yaletown is also a great place to eat. And drink.<\/p>\n FP West: Energy Insider<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Yaletown began the 20th century as one of the roughest parts of Vancouver, and ended it as one of the bougiest. This spot on False Creek\u2019s north shore grew from being a rough-and-tumble area of rail yards and railworkers in the late 19th century to a warehouse district for most of the 20th century.<\/p>\n Many of those warehouse buildings are still there, a century later, but their wares have changed. The clientele, too, has changed \u2014 and is more dressed up.<\/p>\n By the 1980s, many of those old brick buildings were derelict. But by the end of that decade, software companies and creative professionals started locating offices in the neighbourhood. Then in 1994, Vancouver\u2019s first brew pub, Yaletown Brewing<\/a>, opened among the warehouses. The brew pub is still there, but it has a lot more company now.<\/p>\n In the mid-1990s, when local businessman John Evans was looking to create Vancouver\u2019s first boutique hotel, he acquired a property at Davie and Hamilton and, he recalls, \u201cpeople thought I was crazy. \u2026 There was nothing there, just warehouses.\u201d<\/p>\n But \u201chip people\u201d didn\u2019t want to stay among the shiny towers of the central business district, Evans figured. \u201cThey wanted to go somewhere edgy.\u201d<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n His bet paid off. When the Opus Hotel<\/a> opened in 2002, its Parisian-style brasserie Elixir had \u201ca lineup down the street to get into the place for two years,\u201d Evans said.<\/p>\n The hotel\u2019s restaurant is now an Italian joint called Capo & the Spritz.<\/p>\n The neighbourhood was still pretty rough around the edges when Brix & Mortar opened on Homer Street in 1999, owner David Hannay recalls, sitting in the glass-covered courtyard of the 114-year-old brick former Heinz warehouse that has become one of Vancouver\u2019s most photogenic wedding venues.<\/p>\n \u201cThen Yaletown just exploded.\u201d<\/p>\n Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, Yaletown became one of Western Canada\u2019s top areas for buzzy restaurant openings.<\/p>\n Many of those establishments are now gone, but a few, such as Brix, are still going strong. Blue Water Cafe is still renowned for its seafood and refined atmosphere, and Rodney\u2019s Oyster House, another seafood place, is long-beloved for its decidedly less-refined atmosphere.<\/p>\n The Yaletown vibe is \u201cmore refined than Gastown, and more urban and energetic than Kitsilano,\u201d said Sarah Vallely, who was the Opus Hotel\u2019s longtime general manager before taking over last year as executive-director of the Yaletown Business Improvement Association.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Vancouver\u2019s SoHo,\u201d she said, referring to the industrial-turned-upscale neighbourhood in Manhattan.<\/p>\n \u201cAt its core, Yaletown is really a \u2018going out\u2019 neighbourhood. \u2026 People are there to have a good time,\u201d Vallely says. \u201cPeople don\u2019t just come to one restaurant, they come to spend an entire evening going from place to place.\u201d<\/p>\n With more than 80 food-service businesses -\u2014 many with happy hours and late-night liquor licenses \u2014 packed into a small urban area, Yaletown is conducive to hopping around multiple locations in a single day or night. Banter Room<\/a> co-owner Teddy Wilkie calls it \u201cthe Yaletown shuffle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYaletown\u2019s the scene,\u201d Wilkie said. \u201cPeople want to see and be seen in Yaletown. It\u2019s where the hockey players go, it\u2019s where the actors go.\u201d<\/p>\n His partner, Justin Mensah-Coker, chimes in: \u201cYaletown\u2019s got that buzz, it has that energy.\u201d<\/p>\n It may not be for everyone, Wilkie admits.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Yaletown\u2019s the best place in Vancouver, but it has a stigma about it.\u201d<\/p>\n People who don\u2019t live or work in Yaletown sometimes think it\u2019s \u201cstuck-up,\u201d Wilkie says.<\/p>\n Wilkie didn\u2019t exactly shy away from this stigma when his restaurant installed a vending machine that dispenses 200ml bottles of Mo\u00ebt & Chandon champagne.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n But, Wilkie says, \u201cthat stigma goes out the window pretty quick when you spend some time in our restaurant and the other restaurants in Yaletown. \u2026 The camaraderie of Yaletown is still there.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s true. Like a small town inside a big city, business owners here know each other and their regular customers.<\/p>\n Unlike many of Metro Vancouver\u2019s best dining districts, Yaletown\u2019s food scene is not associated with a particular ethnocultural background. Instead, it\u2019s defined by bringing together a bit of everything from around the world.<\/p>\n You can enjoy a Moroccan-style rack of lamb flamb\u00e9ed tableside at Moltaqa<\/a>, a $335-per-person \u201ctheatrical omakase experience\u201d at Okeya Kyujiro<\/a>\u2018s sushi bar, savoury Korean pancakes with squid and scallops at Mapo<\/a>, a mortadella-and-burrata panino at Valoroso Foods<\/a> deli, braised lamb shoulder with saganaki cheese at The Greek<\/a>, and tamales from Sombrero<\/a>\u2018s Mexican grocer.<\/p>\n Many Yaletown restaurants include cuisines from different continents on the same menu.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve tried to take popular items from around the globe and source local ingredients, and put our spin on it,\u201d says Banter Room executive chef Mike Rose, seated at his restaurant while the pair at the next table lunches on aburi sushi, tacos, and a fried chicken sandwich.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The Banter Room guys are part of a newer generation of Yaletown restaurateurs who opened new places over the last decade as local 20- and 30-somethings. Many of them are not only competitors but good friends. Some have known each other since high school.<\/p>\n Another newer joint, Dovetail<\/a>, proves Wilkie\u2019s comment about Yaletown being \u201cwhere the hockey players go.\u201d The restaurant has hosted rookie parties for three different NHL teams this season, co-owner Colin Denton says.<\/p>\n Before Dovetail opened in 2023, Denton and his team considered a few possible locations before settling on Yaletown.<\/p>\n But after 2\u00bd years of brisk business there, he says, \u201cour only choice when we were looking for our second location was to stay in Yaletown.\u201d<\/p>\n That second location, just a few doors down from Dovetail, is set to open this summer at 1165 Mainland.<\/p>\n While Dovetail draws inspiration from California, its sister restaurant, to be named Bevel, will be its New York-style counterpart, with pizzas, steaks, and high-end hamburgers.<\/p>\n For many Vancouverites, the idea of \u201cYaletown dining\u201d suggests boozy meals at upscale white-tablecloth eateries testing the limits of corporate expense accounts. But there are also some well-loved, if lower-profile, options frequented by the people who live and work in the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n You can still get a good lunch for around $10 or less in Yaletown, including a chorizo burrito at Salsa y Agave<\/a>, grab-and-go Korean kimbap rolls at HNS Hannam Supermarket<\/a>, inari sushi pouches at Red Wasabi<\/a>, a pork belly sub at Van Banh Mi<\/a>.<\/p>\n For a sit-down meal, Zab Zaab<\/a> offers a great $16 lunch special with rice, a spring roll, and your choice of curry.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a tough time in the hospitality industry, said El Guapo Mexican restaurant<\/a> owner Jay Zayadi, but there is a measure of optimism now in Yaletown, with the World Cup bringing crowds to nearby B.C. Place<\/a> this summer and some well-established operators opening new restaurants soon in the area.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a crazy buzz,\u201d Zayadi said. \u201cI think Yaletown is definitely on the upswing.\u201d<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Number of restaurants and food options: More than 80.<\/p>\n What are the options for parking? Paid parking is available along most of Yaletown\u2019s streets, but it\u2019s limited. There\u2019s a large public parkade at 909 Mainland on Yaletown\u2019s northern edge.<\/p>\n Yaletown is easily accessible by SkyTrain, bus, or Aquabus and False Creek Ferries.<\/p>\n What are Metro Vancouver\u2019s Eat Streets?<\/p>\n This article is part one of a series highlighting Metro Vancouver\u2019s must-visit Eat Streets<\/a>. With the goal of celebrating \u2014 and maybe even introducing you to \u2014 stretches of community around the region that have a notable concentration of local food businesses. Know of a great Eat Street in your community? Let us know where. Email us at artslife@vancouversun.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Read about more of Metro Vancouver\u2019s Eat Streets:<\/p>\n \u2022 Eat Streets: A United Nations of cuisine on Vancouver\u2019s Victoria Drive<\/a> Bookmark THIS PAGE<\/a> to read the latest instalment every Wednesday.<\/p>\n Then and now: Vancouver\u2019s Yaletown dfumano@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n x.com\/fumano<\/a><\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n![\"Eat](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776868513_983_vs-eatStreets-long-WEB.jpg\")
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David Hannay of Brix & Mortar in Vancouver Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNG<\/p>\n![\"Mike](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0327nyaletown-06_302310154-1.jpg\")
Mike Rose, Justin Mensa-Coker and Teddy Wilkie during lunchtime service at the Banter Room. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO \/PNG<\/p>\n![\"Lunchtime](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0327nyaletown-03_302310146.jpg\")
Lunchtime service at the Banter Room at 1039 Mainland St. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO \/PNG<\/p>\n![\"Colin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0325-yaletown-eats_302290758.jpg\")
Colin Denton, co-owner, Dovetail Restaurant. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNG<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0325-yaletown-eats_302291034.jpg\")
A sunny day in Vancouver\u2019s Yaletown neighbourhood. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNGEat Streets: What to know about Yaletown<\/p>\n
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\u2022 Eat Streets: North Vancouver\u2019s Lower Lonsdale reinvented as a foodie destination<\/a>
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\u2022 Eat Streets: New Westminster gets fresh life on Columbia Street (and in a SkyTrain station)<\/a><\/p>\n![\"1893:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/578589f1-c8a1-490d-8106-40b8cfcb2d57-a25912_302649363.jpg\")
1893: View of Yaletown from Fairview. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives![\"1910s:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a0ae822e-5b24-4afd-b10c-a637122975b0-a12764_302649407.jpg\")
1910s: Warehouses in Yaletown. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives![\"1923:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8d5b3564-11d9-4620-a061-7d73a48afa09-a00068_302420931.jpg\")
1923: Victory Flour Mills Ltd. on 806 Beach Ave. Photo by Stuart Thomson\/CVA 99-1403![\"1966:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9c6d12ff-4db0-42ab-8da3-31f82751cd40-a59837_302420925.jpg\")
1966: Rear view of houses along Hamilton Street between Smithe Street and Robson Street. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives![\"1974:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/m-yaletown_93344898.jpg\")
1974: Looking north to 1000 block Hamilton St. Photo by George Diack \/PNG![\"1974:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/m-sun1204-yaletown_92462050.jpg\")
1974: Mainland Street in Yaletown. Photo by George Diack \/Vancouver Sun![\"1970s:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b37d5ee3-0790-421f-9e4a-9fe2ee6b3dfe-a59836_302649417.jpg\")
1970s: Building at 1100 Hamilton Street in Yaletown. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives![\"1970s:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4db69792-edf4-4735-a0c6-38f291a9cedd-a59833_302649385.jpg\")
1970s: Mainland Street in Yaletown. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives![\"1981:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yaletown_95900107.jpg\")
1981: Hamilton Street in Yaletown. Photo by John Denniston \/The Province![\"1981:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yaletown3_95900162.jpg\")
1981: Hamilton Street in Yaletown. Photo by John Denniston \/The Province![\"1986:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yaletown2_95900113.jpg\")
1986: View of Yaletown from a rooftop. The Province![\"1999:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/m-sun0526-oysters_92487803.jpg\")
1999: Jamie Gallant (left) and Stafford Lumley of Rodney\u2019s Oyster House. Photo by Ian Smith \/Vancouver Sun![\"2002:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/m-prv092502-elixer_92742390.jpg\")
2002: Customers at the Elixir Bar and Restaurant on Davie Street. Photo by Jason Payne \/PNG![\"2008:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sun0513e-bluew1_94024369.jpg\")
2008: Chef Frank Pabst with giant octopus at Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar. Photo by Mark van Manen \/PNG![\"2009:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sun1407_94521945.jpg\")
2009: The Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by Simpson Public Relations \/PNG![\"2010:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0422-brew-3_94880259.jpg\")
2010: Brewmaster Ian Hill with a glass of craft-brewed I.P.A. at the Yaletown Pub. Photo by GLENN BAGLO \/PNG![\"2012:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-province0801-yaletown_95845365.jpg\")
2012: Yaletown grew from a cluster of warehouses transformed into a place to live, work, and play. Photo by Jenelle Schneider \/PNG![\"2019:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png1210n-elisa-steakhouse_97142605.jpg\")
2019: Executive chef Andrew Richardson inside kitchen of Elisa Steakhouse. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNG![\"2026:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/png0325-yaletown-eats_302291026.jpg\")
2026: A sunny day in Vancouver\u2019s Yaletown neighbourhood. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNG<\/p>\n