Family-friendly restaurants on Granville Island
There’s wide consensus among all who visit that Granville Island is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. With the Market's incredible produce as well as a thriving artisan population, the unique location also plays host to the Vancouver Writers Festival and the International Children’s Festival. After a family day of sightseeing and entertainment, refuel at one of these nearby restaurants, all happy to feed a crowd.
Vancouver Dental By Benson Fung
6964 Victoria Drive, Vancouver BC V5P 3Y8While the interior or patio of this somewhat upscale farm-to-table restaurant at the heart of Granville Island may be a little much for a post-event, casual family dinner, the take-out window in operation every summer is a great bet for hungry kids and parents alike. Fish and chips, poutine and sides of crispy salty fries (including duck fat fries!) are all washed down some high-end, tasty sodas. Collect your order and head to the square behind you for some busking entertainment while you dine.
Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe
1511 Anderson St, Vancouver BC V6H 3R5Though the space is small, Tony’s is still a great place to refuel with the family after a day of exploring Granville Island. Priding itself on using only the freshest seafood, the café specializes (as is clear from the name) in fish and oysters, and its down-home vibe and jolly atmosphere make it an ideal spot to feed a hungry mob. There are loads of burgers to choose from — salmon, halibut, even an oyster burger — as well as buckets of clams and mussels, prawns and fish fillets. An appropriate menu for the seafaring feel of Granville Island.
Go Fish Ocean Emporium
1505 1st Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1E8If you can make it down to the False Creek docks before 6:30 pm, be sure to make a beeline for Go Fish. At this hour, just before closing, the line-up is bound to be more manageable than the epic queues that form around lunchtime. But even still, it’s worth the wait for fresh-from-the-sea fish and seafood from this famous food cart. Settle in with your shrimp Po’ Boy, fish tacos or the crowd favourite, fish and chips, at one of their patio tables or head to nearby Creekside Park for an evening picnic.
Beanstalk Bistro
8-1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver BC V6H 3Y5Keep the kids theme going strong by heading to the ever-entertaining Kids Market at the entrance to the Island. Up on the second floor is Beanstalks Bistro, a straightforward, counter-service diner serving up burgers, mac and cheese, hot dogs and other kid-friendly fare. If the kids require a pre-dinner workout, have them jump around in the next-door ball room before the food arrives.
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
1535 Johnston St, Vancouver BC V6H 3R9For a bit of a swankier affair, The Sandbar will please kids and adults alike. With three seating areas to choose from — the covered and heated outdoor patio, the casual lounge or the beautiful dining room — your crew will be welcomed with friendly service and a menu sure to satisfy all at your table. Share plates, appetizers and savoury flatbreads are great options as kid entrees and the adults among you can feast on the fresh catches of the day, steaks and whole crabs or lobster, on view in their tanks as you enter the restaurant.
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
1499 Anderson St, Vancouver BC V6H 3R5With a dedicated kids menu, The Keg is a sure thing for making little mouths happy. Chicken strips, veggie tacos, sliders and grilled chicken all come with fries, Caesar salad or a side of vegetables, and a veggie appetizer plate, a drink and even ice cream are all included in the very affordable price. Of course the more mature palates among you will enjoy their classic steaks and seafood, and perhaps some thirst-quenchers from the bar will be in order after such a kid-centric day. You deserve it.
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