Establishment neighborhood
The Farmer's Apprentice
1535 W. 6th Ave., Fairview
As the name suggests, this is a laid-back, relaxed spot for a casual farm-fresh meal. Committed to serving only organic produce, The Farmer's Apprentice has three set menus to choose from for dinner based on whether you're an herbivore, an omnivore, or going with the chef's menu, which features a mix of both. Plates could be winter greens with quince and pear, or crab, salsify, and leek. For a little more selection try their excellent weekend brunch. The fish cakes with salsa verde and perfectly poached eggs or the za'atar dusted rice bowl with eggs and cauliflower are flavorful and filling. Get the buttermilk biscuits on the side to keep you going all day.
Tojo's
1133 W. Broadway, Fairview
Tojo is one of the longest standing restaurants in this sushi-happy city. Chef Tojo himself is approaching seventy, but still mans the sushi bar almost nightly, experimenting with new flavors like his ode to Canada: smoky eulachon fish and vegetables wrapped in quinoa. The menu is primarily omakase-based and represents the OG gold standard in a city with a sushi bar on every corner.
Lee's Donuts
1689 Johnston St., Fairview
For a city that's generally fixated on health and the outdoors, Vancouverites also love the occasional indulgence, and Lee's Donuts does not disappoint. A mainstay of the public market on Granville Island for over forty years, the donuts are fried fresh on-site daily—with no trans fats—using the finest ingredients. Expect the perfect combo of sweet and salty with Lee's signature maple-bacon donut or go fruity with tart raspberry jam nestled in the lightest dough. For those who can't commit, order a bag-full of donut holes in assorted flavors for a full sampling.
2960 Granville St., Fairview
While "Misch" was owner Lara Osen's childhood nickname, her store is one filled with grown-up clothing and accessories for women to wear in their everyday life. You'll see racks brimming with easy Isabel Marant dresses, chunky Nili Lotan knits, elevated sneakers from Common Projects, and beautifully delicate gold jewelry from Satomi Kawakita—essentially, everything you need to feel good about getting dressed. The store is small and intimate, with spacious dressing rooms and chic details like Moroccan rugs and ceramic vases to add personality, a feel-good space to spend an afternoon and near-impossible to leave empty-handed.