Best spots to eat and drink at Vancouver’s YVR airport

We take our food seriously in Vancouver, so it’s no surprise that our international airport offers several options for discerning gourmands. Restaurants at YVR reflect our multicultural city with a focus on Asian cuisine and B.C.’s bounty: think seafood and wines! Whether you’re departing after visiting, or leaving for a holiday, here’s where to fill your belly on your way to and at YVR. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ aimintang]

Best spots to eat and drink at Vancouver’s YVR airport
Megan Lau By

Vino Volo

1
3697C-3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4

You can find Vino Volo locations in airports across North America, but the YVR menus are distinctly West Coast. California and B.C. wines feature prominently, and knowledgeable staff can suggest a pre-flight tasting flight, or the perfect glass to pair with either a full meal or small plates. The ambience is casual, but elevated, making it an ideal pit stop for an oenophilic fix before taking off.

Vera's Burger Shack

2
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 1M8

The concept behind Vera’s Burger Shack is simple: classic hamburgers made with fresh, quality ingredients. The humble burger joint began as a concession stand in West Vancouver and has since grown to become a Vancouver dining institution and a staple for local patty fans. The Vera’s outpost at YVR is a great spot for hungry travellers to chow down on a burger, shake and fries for a good price.

Monk's Grill

3
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4

Monk McQueen’s was a beloved neighbourhood spot by Granville Island that served B.C. cuisine and fresh seafood accompanied by a great view. After 26 years, the restaurant closed, but you can still dream of that False Creek view at Monk’s Grill at YVR. Located inside the domestic terminal, this casual restaurant offers a taste of quintessential Vancouver (think crowd-pleasing seafood dishes like fish tacos and crab cakes) as well as hamburgers, chicken wings and other classic pub fare.

GLOBE @ YVR RESTAURANT

4
Vancouver International Airport, Richmond, BC V7B 0A6

It’s easy to forget you’re at the airport while dining at Globe@YVR. The swank restaurant is located within the Fairmont Hotel within the airport, which is synonymous with travelling in style. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Globe@YVR is a place to indulge in an elegant chef-prepared meal before your departure. The dining room offers great views of the mountains, a unique breakfast buffet during the week, and a pastry shop where you can pick up tasty baked goods to bring on board your flight.

Jetside Bar

5
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A6

The sister lounge to Globe@YVR, Jetside Bar is a sophisticated spot to sip cocktails, sample local wines, or savour a B.C. craft beer. This airport bar ups the ante with live music seven nights a week and a small-but-mighty food menu of tapas-style small plates that showcase Ocean Wise B.C. seafood. With televisions, WiFi, and views of the take-off and landing action on the nearby runways, this hotel lets you comfortably recharge and unwind before (or after) a long journey.

Canucks Bar & Grill

6
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4

Are you a diehard Canuck’s fan? Don’t wanna miss a game while waiting on standby? Canucks Bar & Grill is a 4,000-square-foot outpost for local hockey fans who find themselves stuck at YVR. The menu offers typical pub grub in a setting that celebrates the team’s history and some of its most illustrious players. If you’re killing time before a flight, it’s the perfect place to hang out with fellow fans, watch the game, and pick up some Canucks merchandise, too.

No 9 Restaurant

7
812-5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 2X9

It’s a tradition among Vancouver locals to stop at No. 9 Restaurant to or from the airport. Located in nearby the Landsdowne Centre mall, this greasy spoon Chinese joint is open 24 hours a day. The expansive menu has something for everyone, no matter what time of day; and it’s cheap and cheerful. Fill up on noodles, congee and BBQ meats without breaking the bank – you’ll still have plenty of cash leftover for vacation spending.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Neptune Wonton Noodle

8
67A-7899 Templeton Station Rd, Richmond, BC V7B 0B7

Shopaholics making a stop at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets just outside YVR will appreciate the comfort food on offer at Neptune Wonton Noodle. Aside from its namesake meal, Neptune also offers an assortment of fresh dim sum and other Hong Kong favourites, including congee. Vancouver is known to have some of the best Chinese food outside of Asia, and Neptune doesn’t disappoint.

More from Megan Lau Megan Lau
Megan Lau is the Digital and Content Strategist for YWCA Metro Vancouver. She always has 20 tabs open, searching for a great read, an inspiring idea, or compelling cause. Wherever Megan is in the world, you’ll find her on the hunt for a transcendent bite of food, a perfectly mixed cocktail, or a unique space to share a night with friends. At home, she is an enthusiastic cook and baker.
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