Kelly RainierThe Drive is the place where you can just taste almost everything. From locally brewed coffee to international cuisines, there are restaurants that truly offer some seriously good eats.
With so much to choose from, you’ll end up wasting your time picking where to grab your breakfast or dinner. But don’t worry, we’re here to make things easier for you.
Our Best in Vancouver team rounded up some great Commercial Drive restaurants you absolutely need to try. Get ready to explore this place one bite at a time!
Sula Indian Restaurant
– Media credit: sulaindianrestaurant
Address: 1128
Contact Details: +16042657493
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re craving for some dahi puri or tandoori roti in the middle of Vancouver, Sula Indian Restaurant is the place to go.
This place is famous for its authentic curries, pakora, and chicken biryani. Their paneer tikka masala is perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving cheese. It has perfectly grilled cubes of paneer and a very smoky and creamy sauce.
Their halal-sourced chickens are also tender and expertly cooked in traditional Indian marinades. You’ll taste it with their tandoori and butter chicken dishes.
Vibes? It’s more like an indoor garden restaurant with earthy tones and cosy ambience.
Pro Tip:
- Try their ragda samosa chaat – it’s always freshly made, making it the perfect starter or snack to share, especially when you’re with friends.
Absinthe Bistro
– Media credit: absinthebistro
Address: 952
Contact Details: +16045669053
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Absinthe Bistro is a casual restaurant with cocktails and modern French dishes. It’s famous among locals for its main courses and its chocolate lava cake.
Their sablefish and duck breast are just some of their best-sellers here. The sablefish is flaky and tender, paired with a delicate sauce. Meanwhile, the duck breast stands out for its juicy meat with seasonal sides.
You can pair any of these dishes with one of their cocktails or a French wine. By doing so, you’ll get a comforting and refined meal that’s perfect for a date night.
Pro Tip:
- Taste their fixed price menu starting at $58, as it’s cheaper than ordering dishes separately.
La Grotta del Formaggio
– Media credit: lagrottadelformaggio
Address: 1791
Contact Details: +16042553911
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
La Grotta del Formaggio is one of the best restaurants on Commercial Drive for those who enjoy sandwiches and panini.
They’re just so crazy about sandwiches, having everything from build-your-own panini to meatball sandwiches.
Their Parmigiana sandwich features crispy and carefully layered breaded chicken with melted mozzarella. Oh, and that marinara sauce is perfectly flavoured, which pairs well with the toasted bun.
Don’t forget to try their Italian soda and Chinotto too! They’re both really refreshing.
Pro Tip:
- Go early if you’re craving sandwiches, since lunch rush really gets wild here and their sandwiches sell out fast.
The Lunch Lady
– Media credit: thelunchladytoronto
Address: 1046
Contact Details: +16045595938
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Monday: 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
You say Vietnamese food? The Lunch Lady got you. From carpaccio to garlic noodles and beef luc lac, they have it here!
Among their menu, their wagyu pho is one of the highlights. They have massive portions and it has rich flavours. Flavours that come from slow-simmered broth paired with silky noodles.
For their dessert, their warm mochi with ice cream is fantastic. It has that perfect contrast: chewy, warm mochi wrapped around cold, creamy ice cream.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re coming as a group, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure a table.
Sing Sing
– Media credit: singsing.fc
Address: 1191
Contact Details: +16042656865
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Sing Sing has a great selection of draft beer and house-made cocktails. Go here if you’re hoping to unwind – they have a small patio where you can enjoy their food and drinks.
Their menu features a mix of Western and Asian dishes. For instance, they have the kimchi grilled cheese, which you’ll love if you’re into spicy, fermented flavours.
They also have the crispy tofu avocado bowl that’s perfect for sharing.
Pro Tip:
- Come here after 10 PM for happy hour so you can enjoy their cocktails and a more laid-back vibe.
The Burrow
– Media credit: theburrowrestaurant
Address: 2781
Contact Details: +16045688224
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Burrow is a Mexican restaurant in Commercial Drive. You can find different variations of tacos here and some of the best vegan desserts in the neighbourhood.
Their baked burrito is just warm and super satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that surprises you with how good plant-based food can be. Perfectly seasoned veggies and the creamy, guilt-free sauce bring everything together.
Their hibiscus lemonade is also another crowd favourite. It’s lightly tangy and refreshing, an ideal drink to balance the Mexican flavours.
The place can get really busy, especially for dinner, so plan accordingly.
Pro Tip:
- Their happy hour (4 PM – 6 PM and 9 PM to 10 PM) offers cheaper drinks, so you might as well time your visit.
