Archie MontroseIt’s bound to happen – you catch a show at the theater, and next thing you know, your stomach’s growling. That’s why we can’t even keep track of all the spots we’ve hit up for a post-show meal over at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
These restaurants, each with their own special vibe, serve up a smorgasbord of flavors to please every taste. We’ve got the whole spectrum covered, from laid-back eats to upscale dining, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
Best Dining Options near Queen Elizabeth Theatre
After enjoying a show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, we all want a nice place to indulge in a delicious meal. Not only that, you’d want a restaurant that’s close and easily accessible.
We’ve assessed these restaurants based on the criteria below to make sure they’re the best options for you.
1. Moxies
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
A minute’s walk from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is Moxies. This restaurant has an upscale vibe to it, accentuated with posh floor-to-ceiling windows, a modern color palette, lush greenery, and a bright and sleek interior design.
Moxies’ menu revolves around steaks, pastas, soups, and salads. But what really caught our attention was their wide variety of appetizers, which we thought were quite unique.
We’re used to typical appetizers like nachos or wings, but they offer creative options like smashed avocado dip and cashew chicken lettuce wraps.
There’s also plenty of items on the menu for vegetarian diners, such as the plant-based burger and the vegetarian power bowl.
We actually tried the vegetarian power bowl, and the seasoned tofu and shiitake mushrooms pair nicely with the abundant heap of local veggies and that zesty vegan mayo.
We’re also fairly impressed with their beverage selection, with options from beer bottles, cocktails, margaritas, champagne, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Other than that, there’s also plenty of seating inside, as they have two floors of dining space, allowing for a comfortable and spacious atmosphere.
Pros
- Creative appetizers
- Plenty of vegetarian options
Cons
- Some complaints about staff efficiency
Customer Reviews
Wonderful service
“This was our first time at Moxies, Vancouver and it was wonderful. Our server Ryan was amazing!! He was pleasant, courteous and so knowledgeable about the menu.”
-Kareen S.
Great menu variety
“Moxies is always a good restaurant to visit, and this location did not disappoint! They are newest addition to downtown Vancouver, located in the Sandman’s Hotel here…”
-Dejan R.
2. Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Since 1993, Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill has first opened on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a mix of pub meets sports bar, with a lively and energetic vibe.
There’s a teeth-rattling audio system and Hi-Def speakers, so you’ll find a sound system and high-definition speakers, making it likely that you’ll connect with a crowd of newfound friends while the game unfolds on numerous screens.
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill serves classic comfort foods such as burgers, wings, and nachos. It’s also a nice surprise that they’ve got a wide and tasty selection of chicken wings, which we loved (devoured).
But let us tell you, it’s all about the burgers here. We tried the classic, shark, and cajun chicken burgers, and we must admit that their handheld size adds to the sheer delight of savoring them.
We quench our thirst with a couple of rounds of draft beer, and it’s worth noting that their selection on tap is pretty extensive.
They’ve also got in-house concoctions, like the Fiji Fling, Shark Negroni, Shark Club Cooler, and Midnight in Oaxaca, all created uniquely by them.
All in all, we’re pretty confident in recommending Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill, as they’re one of the best restaurants near Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Pros
- Serves classic comfort foods
- In-house concoctions available
Cons
- Can get crowded during peak hours
Customer Reviews
Phenomenal service
“The service was phenomenal. The Manager Murray and the waitresses- Claudia went over and beyond to make our visit to Canada an experience…”
-Dinene J.
Orders are always on time
“Great food. Good pre concert DJ. Kayla was an amazing server always on time with the drink order and had great recommendations…”
-Stuart S.
3. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar is about as local as it gets when it comes to tide-to-table dining. You can find this eatery nestled on a peaceful street, just a short stroll away from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
As expected, the menu at this place resembles a true ocean bounty. There’s tons of live oyster options, mussels, clams, crab, and frozen seafood. Heck, they even got caviar—the local and Denmark Rainbow Trout one.
We decided to go for an oyster platter. First of all, the platter was beautifully presented, so we liked that. The taste itself was fresh and briny, but we added some whiskey-smoked flaked sea salt made exclusively from Vancouver Island in there.
As for drinks, it’s quite amusing to see how they incorporated classic drinks such as pop and iced tea with a seafood twist, like putting an oyster on top of a Bloody Mary or serving a shrimp cocktail with a margarita shot.
Although there’s not much room inside—we mean, there’s bar seating and a few small tables—it can get crowded quickly. However, we did like that there’s plenty of staff available to assist customers and ensure a smooth dining experience.
Ultimately, we think Fanny Bay Oyster Bar is a solid choice. It’s near the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, you’ve got tons of fresh seafood options, and it’s quite refreshing to dine in a cozy and intimate setting.
Pros
- Tide-to-table dining
- Tons of fresh seafood options
Cons
- Limited seating capacity
Customer Reviews
Impeccable service
“Absolutely impeccable service. I was welcomed immediately and straightforward to my seat at the bar. Then came the oyster education…”
-Anna K.
Best seafood
“After checking online for the best seafood we found the reviews of this place good. But when we reached there & had one of the BEST SEAFOOD we will definitely go there again….”
-Daffodil K.
4. Browns Socialhouse
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Browns Socialhouse is literally inside the plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, so we think it’s safe to say that if you don’t want to walk somewhere to get a bite to eat after a show, this is the place.
What we liked best about this restaurant was the variety of their menu. They don’t really have a specific theme; instead, they offer a diverse range of dishes that cater to different preferences.
They offer a variety of options, including soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, chicken dishes, steaks, pasta, and rice and veggie bowls. We were also surprised to see the social hour (3pm to 6pm, 9pm to closing) menu.
Housemade guacamole chips, sticky Thai chicken, and crispy cauliflower are only some of the few munchies we tried from the social hour menu. But if we’re being honest, what really hits the spot here is the tiki tuna poke bowl.
It had a sesame chili dressing that really brought out the taste of the avocado, sushi, and veggies. Plus, it was incredibly filling. We also had a refreshing glass of honey basil lemonade here.
Their beverage menu goes beyond just juices. You can complement your meals with a selection of beer, wine, off-tap ciders, sodas, and seltzers as well.
Pros
- Located inside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Diverse range of dishes
Cons
- Some complaints about food portions
Customer Reviews
Great variety of cocktails
“Stopped in for a drink and snack late afternoon. Happened to be happy hour. Cocktails were great with the couple of different Bellinis ordered…”
-Scott G.
Spacious restaurant
“Went on Saturday for lunch before a show. The place is big and was very busy, but we got seated by the bar fairly soon after arriving (15-20min).”
-Andrea O.
5. Chambar Restaurant
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
This Belgian-inspired restaurant is a two-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It’s where modern meets casual dining, so from there, you already know what to expect—Belgian flavors with a contemporary atmosphere.
The dishes here stand out in both their presentation and flavor. If you’re seeking something distinctive and innovative, this is the spot for you. It might sound cliché, but the blend of ingredients that awakened our taste buds was truly remarkable.
Take the “Rôti de Boeuf” (roast beef), for example. We expected to taste the savory and slightly sweet flavor of a traditional roast beef dish, but this one’s got smoked tomato dressing and chimichurri that give it a tangy and spicy kick.
Other food options here include barbecued bacon, paella, frittatas, and waffles. Which we know sounds random, but all these plates are actually made with a unique twist that sets them apart from the usual.
Wash your meals down with one (or ten) of their DIY mimosas. You’ll receive a bottle filled with enticing bubbles alongside a carafe of freshly squeezed orange juice.
On a whole, we think you’ll like it here at the Chambar Restaurant. Sure, it’s a bit upscale, and the prices are definitely not cheap, but the food is absolutely worth every penny.
Pros
- Classic dishes with unique twists
- DIY mimosas available for brunch
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Customer Reviews
Well-presented food
“Had a great table by the window and service was outstanding. Lots of attention to detail. All the appetizers were very tasty and well presented…”
-Seo L.
Highly recommended
“Loved the atmosphere and the food at Chambar! I would 10/10 recommend the cornbread to share for the table (or for yourself).”
-Rohini M.
6. Frankie’s Italian
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Another option worth considering is Frankie’s Italian. This joint is the go-to for all things Italian—pizza, pasta, and an unpretentious wine list from Italy and the Okanagan Valley.
In our opinion, the best time to dine here at Frankie’s Italian is brunch. Their menu is just scrumptious, so much so that we ended up ordering more than we could finish. But do we regret it? No.
But hey, there’s more to them than eggs Benedict and pancakes. The lunch menu is where you can sample delectable Italian dishes like rigatoni, margherita pizza, beef carpaccio, and ravioli.
Our ultimate favorite? The housemade meatballs! These meatballs are crafted from top-quality beef, veal, and pork, slow-cooked, and marinated in tomato sauce.
We accompanied this with one of their draft beers. Even though we considered going for a cider, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic beverage, we ultimately settled on a revitalizing IPA.
In addition, Frankie’s Italian has plenty of seating options. There’s a lot of inside and outside seating available, allowing customers to choose their preferred dining atmosphere.
If you’re up for some Italian food, we highly suggest you give Frankie’s Italian a try after the show. It’s quite comforting to munch on a delicious plate of pasta or pizza while enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant.
Pros
- Authentic Italian food
- Extensive wine list from Italy and the Okanagan Valley
Cons
- Some complaints about food quality
Customer Reviews
Lovely food and atmosphere
“Lovely food and atmosphere. Kerry was lovely as she served us and gave us tips on what to go and see in and around Vancouver which we really appreciated as international visitors…”
-Revital Y.
Can accommodate dietary restrictions
“Enjoyed a late night dinner here, could go without reservation, foods came fast and gluten-free pasta was available…”
-Jussi P.
7. White Spot
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Established in 1928, White Spot has firmly secured its position as a Canadian institution. They are, quite literally, all around. With more than 128 locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and even Asia.
Luckily, they have a branch a minute’s walk away from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. All you gotta do is head to Dunsmuir Street and walk straight past the VCC campus.
Now, White Spot is known for their burgers, and for good reason. Apart from the wide variety, these burgers stand out with distinctive flavors such as West Coast salmon, BC chicken, Louisiana fried chicken, and even avocado.
But the standout dish for us was from the hearty menu—chicken, broccoli, and cheese. This creamy casserole is rich with a buttery and curry-infused taste, and the blend of tender chicken slices, crunchy broccoli, and melted cheese is irresistible.
We absolutely loved their famous milkshakes. They have it in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate espresso, and salted caramel brownie, and it’s enough to make us feel nostalgic for when we used to enjoy milkshakes as kids.
There’s plenty of seating inside as well, so we think it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong by choosing to dine at White Spot.
Pros
- 94 years in business
- Affordable dining option
Cons
- Limited menu option
Customer Reviews
Clean and upscale restaurant
“Venue feels upscale and has clean and large bathroom on a separate lower floor. Overall, didn’t regret the visit…”
-Hyunseok C.
Perfect brunch place
“White Spot stands out as a perfect place for brunch. The warm, inviting atmosphere welcomes you in, but it’s the wonderful service, especially from Sally, that truly shines. Her friendliness and dedication elevated our experience.”
-Markus L.
8. Black Rice Izakaya
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Black Rice Izakaya is a contemporary, low-lit joint that serves sushi, Japanese noodles, and rice bowls. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the sushi is as fresh as it gets.
We were quite impressed with their menu, which showcased an extensive range of Japanese classics, including sashimi, nigiri, grilled beef, and wagyu, as well as various sushi platters.
It’s quite an experience grilling on traditional Japanese stone grills, which adds a unique touch to the dining experience. But we ended up ordering one of their teishoku platers, as we wanted to get a little bit of everything.
We especially loved the one with the spicy tuna sashimi and tuna roll. It had a perfect balance of flavors, and the freshness of the fish was exceptional. The miso soup was also a nice complement to the meal with its rich and savory taste.
Their signature sushi rolls are quite delicious as well. We opted for the beef garlic, unagi, and cod varieties, and although they were all unfamiliar to us, we’re pleased that we took a chance to savor something unique.
We’re a bit hesitant about their somewhat restricted beverage options. However, we do value their commitment to offering authentic Japanese desserts like matcha and yuzu custard.
Pros
- Serves authentic Japanese staples
- Wide variety of signature sushi rolls
Cons
- Limited beverage options
Customer Reviews
Wide selection of sake
“Rolls and sushi were okay but their sizzling rice and beef bowls were absolutely delicious!!!! Big Sake selection if that’s your thing..”
-Shalini S.
Welcoming service
“Went here with friends, the server and service are amazing and welcoming!…”
-Fan C.
9. Jam Cafe
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Less than a five-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the sunny spot along Beatty Street is Jam Cafe. This all-day breakfast cafe has ever-changing rustic and vintage decor, making it a quaint brunch spot.
We’re telling you right now that breakfasts here at Jam Cafe are nothing fancy, but they do hit the spot. You can enjoy the usual faves here, like eggs benny, chicken and waffles, pancakes, waffles, and hashbrowns.
But let’s stick to the classics. We absolutely loved the eggs benny, specifically the one with fried chicken. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, and it’s got a housemade hollandaise that’s rich and creamy.
If you’re arriving here with an empty stomach, the Old Town Breakfast is an excellent choice. It’s a hearty meal featuring eggs, hash browns, toast, sausage, ham, and chicken apple sausage.
They also have an extensive sweet menu, and let’s be honest, after a savory meal, a nice, hot plate of waffles is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Beverage-wise, you have both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options, but we went with a simple cup of coffee. It’s a bit disappointing not to find housemade drinks on the menu, but sometimes you just can’t go wrong with a classic cup of coffee.
Pros
- All-day breakfast cafe
- Non-alcoholic and alcoholic options available
Cons
- Long waiting time to be seated
Customer Reviews
Worth the wait
“Be prepare to stand in queue as this place is really busy but surely the wait worth in the end.”
-Kapil P.
Has vegetarian options
“Jam has plenty of options for vegetarians. Our favorite was the Veggie Bowl. The serving sizes here are also very generous and can easily feed two people.”
-Melina F.
10. Autostrada Osteria
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Proximity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Seating Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Autostrada Osteria is a European bistro that’s got a creative menu of seasonal-inspired dishes. It’s a short two-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, we think those who appreciate elegantly presented dishes will like it here.
It’s quite a bummer that their selection of dishes is somewhat limited. However, we do understand that their rotating menu changes daily, and that’s what distinguishes them.
If you’re going here, we highly recommend you order from the pasta menu. When we dined here, the selection included rigatoni, sausage, puttanesca, bolognese, and cacio e pepe.
We absolutely loved “Bucatini Cacio e Pepe”. The reason we opted for this dish is because we wanted to try something new, and boy were we not disappointed. The combination of the perfectly cooked pasta and the creamy, cheesy sauce was simply divine.
We paired our pasta dish with an aperol spritz drink and some cocktails because, of course, everybody knows pasta goes perfectly with a refreshing and flavorful beverage.
Overall, we’re happy with what we’ve seen here at Autostrada Osteria. The changing menu is definitely a great feature, as it allows for a variety of options and keeps the dining experience exciting.
Pros
- Rotating menu
- Modern and elegant ambiance
Cons
- Limited menu selection
Customer Reviews
Fresh food
“Amazing experience! The food was so fresh. They had a featured salad that was out of this world…”
-Omar S.
Top-notch service and food
“We had a fantastic dinner at Autostrada Downtown. Scottie welcomed us and gave us a superb service. Everything we ordered was top notch.”
-Sol D.
