Between 15th and 19th Avenues, Vancouver’s Cambie Village is host to a wide range of dining destinations that are sure to satisfy any taste. From flamenco bars to Belgian beer halls to vegetarian delights, check out some of the neighbourhood’s best culinary gems.
This narrow Italian eatery is almost always packed with diners who come for owner Angela Maida’s traditional food. The surroundings are refined and tasteful, styled in 1940’s vintage, which matches the old-meets-new style of Pronto’s menu. All comfort and satisfaction, the hardest part of your visit will be choosing a pasta – the freshly made dishes include spaghetti Bolognese, gnocchi with pesto and pancetta, tagliatelle aglio e olio, and rigatoni bosciola. Or, eat your way through the antipasto menu with delicacies such stuffed dates, meatballs, kale, tuna carpaccio, buratta, crostini, and smoked oysters. It’s a must try.
With three tables and a wrap-around high top against the window, Thai Away Home can only accommodate a few sit-in customers at a time, but their kitchens are furiously busy throughout the day cooking for the hundreds of Vancouverites who have sworn by their take-out for the past 15 years. Featuring fresh, natural ingredients, the menu includes Thai classics such as curries, satays, herb soups and noodles. Their satay with peanut sauce and crowd-pleasing pad Thai are not to be missed. The restaurant also offers “Meals in Minutes” curry sauces for those times when you want an easy home-cooked meal.
It’s hard not to feel immediately at home in a taverna that offers everything you could want from a Greek restaurant. Family run, the food is exceedingly fresh; come in on a quiet day and you can even see the chef-owner walk from his usual spot where he greets customers, into the kitchen to make you a flavourful souvlaki, spanakopita, salad, at your request. With plenty of vegetarian entrees available, and roast chicken that’s worth a commute from anywhere in the city, Alexis House Café will have both your heart and belly full with nourishment before the meal is finished.
When you require a quick pick-me-up, snack, or a comfy chair away from home, Trixi’s is a wise choice. This homey café features sink-into upholstered chairs, bright walls and friendly service. Choose from rich, savoury crepes filled with meats, cheeses and vegetables, or indulge your sweet tooth with the traditional lemon and syrup or Nutella crepes, all made fresh to order. On summer days, their gelato – or better yet, a milkshake made with gelato – provides a scrumptious respite from the heat.