Wondering where to eat with the family in Metro Vancouver? These transit-friendly options will keep you dining car-free.
Enjoying a meal together as a family is an indispensable bonding experience—add exploring Metro Vancouver and you’re bound to keep your family engaged and entertained as well as create lasting memories.
Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to gather your crew and hop on the transit for a fun-filled family excursion chowing down across Metro Vancouver.
For parents or activity organizers in the family, finding just the right crowd-pleasers for a mixed group of adventurous diners and picky eaters across ages can seem like a tricky challenge, but luckily there are lots of transit-accessible options serving up delicious family-friendly fare, from exciting international flavours to traditional comfort food favourites. Check out Dine the Line’s Bring the Family Itinerary to explore family dining using the Canada Line and RapidBus, from Vancouver through Richmond.
Vancouver
The Praguery
Everyone knows you can’t go wrong with ice cream. Parked a couple of minutes away from Waterfront Station is a sweet treat for all ages. The Praguery food truck’s Eastern European desserts are a one-of-a-kind experience, with fresh baked chimney cakes and delicious plant-based ice cream!
1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd
Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown
Less than a ten-minute walk from Waterfront Station, you’ll find a restaurant to please big appetites and fussy eaters alike at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Gastown. This Italian-American staple restaurant dishes up enormous plates of pasta. Gluten-free options and affordable group packages make this option easy on your stomach and wallet.
53 Water St
Yaletown Brewery
On the same block as the Yaletown Roundhouse Station across the street is a restaurant and brewpub that specializes in casual, classic comfort food. The wide selection of beers and happy hours is ideal for adult family groups, and if you’re catching the game they have big screen TVs and are just a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well as patio seating and wheelchair access.
1111 Mainland St
The Flying Pig
Hop off the Canada Line at Olympic Village to stroll by the water’s edge, and end your day with an upscale lunch or dinner at The Flying Pig. Their menu features West Coast comfort classics like Truffle Mac n’ Cheese, Seafood Paella and Mushroom Pasta–perfect for cozy winter days and nights out celebrating with the family. Located ten minutes on foot from Olympic Station.
127 W 2nd Ave
Banana Leaf Broadway
Get adventurous with your family and dive into the delectable flavours of Malaysia at Banana Leaf on Broadway. Just over a five-minute walk from Broadway-City Hall SkyTrain Station, Banana Leaf’s comfy booths and extensive menu make it an ideal location for banquet-style dining with the family. Shareable appetizers like eggplant fries, satay skewers and spring rolls are a great way to try new flavours together. Their menu includes vegetarian items, lunch and happy hour food specials and specialty seasonal dishes.
820 W Broadway, Vancouver
Bufala Kerrisdale
From the Oakridge and 41st Station Canada Line, transfer to the R4 41st Avenue RapidBus and ride to the 41st Avenue East Boulevard stop. Across the street is a Neapolitan-style pizza neighbourhood gem the whole family will love. Bufala’s lively atmosphere, friendly staff and out-of-this-world pizzas make this place a favourite for Kerrisdale locals and a destination for pizza lovers.
5395 West Blvd
Richmond
The Buffet at River Rock
Make your way to the River Rock Casino Resort Buffet to enjoy a wide array of fresh, seasonal dishes with the family. Family-friendly and a favourite for celebrations and large family gatherings, the buffet is located above the casino floor, overlooking the Fraser River. You’ll enjoy the waterfront view as you tuck into roast carvings, pasta, salads and handcrafted desserts. Just a few steps away from the Canada Line Bridgeport Station in Richmond.
8811 River Rd
Gram Cafe & Pancakes
If you have a sweet tooth, Gram Cafe and Pancakes is just the place to start the day. There are a lot of hidden gems near Aberdeen Station, and Gram Cafe and Pancakes, just a 6-minute walk from the Canada Line, is one of them. Offering savoury and sweet fluffy pancakes, french toast and traditional breakfast and lunch items, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone.
4151 Hazelbridge Way Unit 1360
The Dolar Shop
Stepping off the Canada Line at Lansdowne Station, for those in-the-know Dolar Shop in Lansdowne Centre is the first place you’ll see (and your destination). This bustling hot pot restaurant has large tables with individual hot pot burners designed to accommodate family gatherings and large groups. With a selection of tasty broths (including vegetarian) and a variety of meats, seafood and vegetable platters to share with the table, you can dine banquet-style while also customizing your meal.
5300 No. 3 Rd
Richmond Public Market
One of the most beloved public markets in Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Public Market is a quick five-minute walk from the Richmond-Brighouse Canada Line. Inside you’ll find cool stores and stalls selling just about everything you can imagine, as well as a truly unique food court featuring many Asian delicacies. At these prices, it’s easy to fill bellies on a dime while also taking your family on an adventure. Remember to hit the ATM before you arrive, as much of the market is cash-only.
8260 Westminster Hwy
On a different track
If you’re up for an adventure with the family to other areas of Metro Vancouver, you’ll find more options for family-friendly dining. Here are a couple of suggestions.
New Westminster
Cockney Kings Fish & Chips
Fish and Chips is a classic British family-friendly favourite. Serving up fresh seafood and crispy fries, Cockney Kings Fish & Chips’ warm ambience and traditional fare are ideal for a no-fuss family meal. Stroll down Carnarvon from the Columbia SkyTrain Station (Millenium Line) and this beloved neighbourhood fish & chip shop is just a few minutes away.
Unit 130 – 66 10th Street
Burnaby
Yan’s Garden
A culinary gem for dim sum and dinner, Yan’s Garden is under a five-minute walk from Lougheed Town Centre Station. Their large tables and the selection of freshly-made dim sum, delicious entrées and set dinners are designed to fit your budget and families of all sizes. For lunchtime diners, they offer traditional Push Cart Dim Sum service, where carts are loaded with different dim sums going around tables for you to select.
9938-9948 Lougheed Hwy
There are many ways to get to each of these spots in downtown Vancouver by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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