Some of our best kitchen inspiration comes from getting out of the kitchen. Like when we travel and get to eat in someone else’s. Exposing ourselves to new flavor combinations, plating examples and drink pairings can open up creative doors that if unexperienced, we’d never have thought to create on our own.
But knowing where and what to eat in particular locales can be a bit tricky if you aren’t familiar with a place. And since it’s our adventures away from home that help build the recipes in our homes, we thought we’d share where and what to eat in our favorite cities.
Here’s what to eat in Vancouver.
1. Local, organic & in season.
If anything says West coast, it’s the eating habits of an entire city. We all know local food is the “in” thing right now, but in Vancouver, it’s a way of life. From yoga to farmer’s markets to growing your own vegetables or raising your own chickens, eating locally, organically and in season in Vancouver isn’t exactly difficult. In fact, it’s hard NOT to!
Most restaurants in Vancouver have not only embraced the “eat local” movement, but have taken it to heart and run away with it. If you want to taste the city like a true local, get inspired by what’s currently in season (due to the mild climate, there’s something year round), or simply want to hob nob with the community residents, this is where to start.
Three places to find great local, organic & in season food when you want to eat in Vancouver:
2. Seafood.
This one seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? You’re on the ocean! And Vancouver restaurants make a point of featuring local seafood like Qualicum Beach Diver Scallops, Salt Spring Island Mussels, Whaletown oysters, B.C. Salmon, or in May/June, the incredible and much-sought-after local spot prawns.
Watch out on menus for the “Ocean Wise” symbol – a round icon featuring a fish head and 
waves. Ocean Wise is a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program created to educate and empower consumers about the issues surrounding sustainable seafood.
Three places to find great seafood when you want to eat in Vancouver:
3. Charcuterie.
With such an emphasis on locally raised food, it’s no surprise that Vancouver crafts some of the best cured meats available. Whether produced in house by the restaurant chef or procured from artisan butchers around the city, the ability to graze, chat and imbibe over shared meat and cheese plates means you’re in for one heck of an experience. We’ll be honest – it’s fairly easy in Vancouver to find incredibly flavorful, distinctly unique, meat friendly places to get inspired. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
Three places to find great charcuterie when you want to eat in Vancouver:
Keep Eating! Keep Innovating!
Where do you eat in Vancouver? Do you have a particular city you visit to get culinary inspired? What’s your most excellent restaurant experience? Ever re-create a dish you had somewhere else first? Tell us about it below in the comments section, or visit our Facebook page to join in the conversation there!
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