Vancouver Guest Guide: Davie Village’s Essential Stops

Part of Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood, Davie Village is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and active neighbourhoods. Davie Village is internationally known for its thriving gay and lesbian community, with its iconic rainbow crosswalk along with its active nightlife scene and various local businesses. This guest guide highlights some of the best cafes, restaurants, and attractions to visit when staying in Vancouver’s Davie Village. 

Attractions and Sights to See in Davie Village

Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium
1238 Davie Street

Gay and lesbian bookstore with ongoing legal battles with Canada Customs/Canada Border Services Agency over the importation of “obscene materials” that have received extensive national media coverage. Materials dealing with male-male and female-female sexuality were routinely seized at the border when mainstream booksellers often received the same materials without delay or question. Originally opened in 1983 by Jim Deva, a well-known advocate for free speech and gay rights, Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium sells books, art, and various other toys and materials related to gay and lesbian culture.

Jim Deva Plaza
1200 Bute Street

This plaza was Vancouver’s first pavement-to-plaza project, redesigning the block into a single continuous smooth surface that invites people to sit and relax in the middle of Davie Village’s busy urban centre. At the plaza you’ll find the iconic large “megaphone” soap box, which commemorates Jim Deva’s extensive advocacy work for free speech and gay rights, along with various local events, public art, and fun activities to participate in. You can find a full schedule of upcoming events being hosted in the plaza here.

Top Restaurants in Davie Village

España
1118 Denman Street

While Spanish cuisine isn’t easy to find in Vancouver, visitors to España will discover an intimate and authentic Spanish cuisine, from their fresh paella to their deliciously crunchy churros. Whether you’re looking to sit down for a full meal, or to simply enjoy a few glasses of wine along with some tapas, España is a must-visit location if you’re staying in Davie Village. Be aware that España does not take reservations and is only open in the evenings from 4pm to 11pm on Mondays to Thursdays, while staying open later until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Legendary Noodle House
1074 Denman Street

The Legendary Noodle House on Denman Street has earned its name due to its fresh hand-pulled noodles and dim-sum that are made in-house. Considered by many locals as the best noodle house in the city, The Legendary Noodle House has been operating for more than 20 years since opening in 1997. Known for their noodles and dumplings along with their delicious broth, the Legendary Noodle House’s large portions and affordable prices don’t sacrifice flavour. The restaurant has a cosy and intimate ambience inside, where hungry visitors are able to experience an authentic Chinese meal while they watch chefs make fresh noodles by hand. 

The Boathouse Restaurant
1795 Beach 

Cooking up local Pacific Northwest cuisine, The Boathouse Restaurant is one of the city’s top restaurants for fresh seafood and other Canadian delicacies. While this restaurant is closer to Kitsilano than Davie Village, it’s not far and can be found right by the beach near Arbutus Street after crossing the Burrard Street bridge. From maple-glazed cedar plank wild salmon to black pepper sea scallops with wasabi mashed potatoes, The Boathouse has won various awards for both its cuisine and gorgeous view of English Bay from its outdoor patio. 

Best Cafe’s and Bakeries in Davie Village

La Baguette et Compagnie
1102 Davie Street

La Baguette et Compagnie has been serving Vancouver deliciously baked goods from their Kitsilano location since 2009, before opening up their second location in Davie Village. Following traditional French baking recipes, La Baguette & Co prepare fresh bread, pastries, and croissants every day. A perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a pastry on Davie Street, be sure to pick up one of their signature baguettes while you’re there for a true taste of French baking. 

Grocery Stores in Davie Village

Your Independent Grocer
1255 Davie Street

Your Independent Grocer is a Canadian-owned grocery store chain which stocks a full selection of produce, baked goods, and fresh meat and seafood. Their hot deli department offers a varied choice of carefully prepared hot meals to eat there or bring home for a bite after shopping. Open late until 3am every day of the week, Your Independent Grocer is a great location to pick up some groceries at almost any time when you’re in Davie Village.

Kin’s Farm Market
1160 Davie Street

Kin’s Farm Market is a locally owned specialty produce retailer with locations across the province of British Columbia. Specialising in delivering fresh produce, the Kin family business started with an 8-foot long produce table at Granville Island’s market. Since then, Kin’s Farm Market has grown to be one of Vancouver and BC’s top produce vendors, serving only the freshest produce at their store locations. 

Late Night Snacks in Davie Village

Megabite Pizza
1112 Davie Street

Megabite Pizza is a staple of downtown Vancouver’s nightlife and late-night cuisine. When looking for something filling after a late night out on the town, Megabite Pizza is always there to make sure you’ve got a bite of hot food available. With various kinds of meat, chicken, and vegetarian pizzas, Megabite also has a wide selection of side dishes like rolls, chicken wings, and garlic cheese sticks. Open until 1am on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Megabite Pizza on Davie Street has extended hours on Tuesday (open until 3am) and on Friday and Saturday (open until 4am).

7-Eleven
904 Davie Street

7-Eleven on Davie Street is a perfect place to pick up any kind of snacks you’re looking for at any time of day or night. Open 24/7, this location serves hot food like taquitos, pizza slices, and wings, along with cold drinks and other various food items. You’ll also find coffee and other hot beverages, along with 7-Eleven’s iconic slurpee in various flavours. With great service and plenty of comfortable seating in-store, this 7-Eleven is a great place to sit back with a snack.