Where to Eat in Vancouver: Edible Canada

I’ve walked past the rather grown-up looking Edible Canada countless times during my many trips to Granville Island. For some reason I’ve always favoured delving into the melee of the public market with its alluring array of lunch options that satisfy even the pickiest eater. Plus, there’s enough noise there to engulf a grade A toddler outburst. However, I’ve always been intrigued by what Edible Canada had to offer so we took the plunge. Would it fit the bill for where to eat in Vancouver with kids?

On arrival we were warmly welcomed and shown to our table, how civilized, no circling around like vultures waiting to swoop down in the first available seat here.

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Service

Let’s not forget this is a restaurant in the middle of Vancouver’s tourist hub so don’t go expecting a little quirky hidden gem. Still, the dining area is spacious and pleasant and the service slick and friendly.

My misgivings that it wouldn’t be a kid-friendly Vancouver eatery were totally unfounded. The standard box of crayons was quickly plonked on our table and as we were offered a selection of high chairs and booster seats our stroller was whisked away to be stored until we needed it. The kids menu was well-priced – $7 for anything. While not extensive, it included tasty and fresh food in incredibly generous sized portions, which defeated even my hungry boys. When they’d had their fill of crispy fish and chips they also enjoyed watching the theatre of the open kitchen.

100% Canadian

The dinner menu features pretty much what would you expect on a Canadian food menu – duo of elk, bison and bacon meatballs and west coast clam chowder (plus of course plenty of local beers and wines). The great quality and presentation however stops the food becoming purely a gimmick for the tourists. Of course, they also have close relationships with their suppliers and focus on good quality local and sustainable produce.

They were only serving the more limited brunch menu when we visited but we certainly weren’t disappointed. We ordered the fresh ground Angus beef burger and the Canadian classic – duck poutine (well we had to really didn’t we?). The burger was great, juicy and herby and served with crispy duck fat fries. The poutine however was the star of the show, made with slow braised duck, duck gravy and cheese curds and topped with two fresh eggs. It was delicious warming comfort food. None of our choices were exactly healthy options. We could have gone for the Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad, but where would have been the fun in that?

Where to Eat in Vancouver … and Take the Food Home

Easter Activities and Events in Metro Vancouver

There is also a well stocked store at the back filled with 100% Canadian gourmet food items. They have interesting goodies that go beyond just the standard maple syrup and smoked salmon, such as flavoured sea salts or black olive jam. With store partnerships in Tofino and Oliver too it’s a great place to shop for gifts as the holiday season approaches.

While the restaurant during the day is perfectly kid-friendly they also hold a selection of evening tours and dinners that makes Edible Canada an interesting option for a grown-up evening out. Events include Guest Chef Market Dinners – featuring top chefs from across BC preparing seasonal dinners, Whiskey Dinners, a Chinatown Tour and even Gourmet Kayaking Weekends – camping on a beach and kayaking through the Gulf Islands amongst river otters and bald eagles – you can’t get much more Canadian than that. Details of the events are available on their website.