Vancouver’s North Shore is often credited with a laid back lifestyle, and while some outdoor adventure junkies would disagree with the term, there is something to be said here for taking a break from it all and enjoying the finer things in life. North Shore restaurants know this too and there is no shortage of comfort food to warm your belly as well as your soul.
Burgoo has made comfort food their entire business model. Built on the belief that “everyone needs a little comfort,” Burgoo’s essence harkens back to a simpler time, with a countryside ambience that’s reflected in their menu full of homemade favourites from your grandma’s kitchen, from hearty soups to stacked burgers.
Cozy up to: The After School Special, loaded grilled cheese and tomato soup
A beloved fish and chips restaurant in the heart of Horseshoe Bay, Troll’s has been serving up the comfort since 1946. It’s been in the Troll family ever since. Besides some of the lower mainland’s best fish and chips, you can also settle into a great all-day breakfast, burgers, and more seafood-inspired comfort like Joe’s Fish Stew and Fish Pie. And you’ll always have that view.
Cozy up to: Troll’s Halibut and Chips, with homemade tartar sauce and lemon
Not much says comfort quite like a rich, steaming bowl of ramen. Ramen Danbo brings the traditional taste of Fukuoka Tonkotsu Ramen crafted in the Kyushu Hakata (thin noodle) style from their original shop in the town of Chikushino, Japan to Lower Lonsdale. Pick from delicious toppings to create your own unique bowl.
Cozy up to: Classic Ramen, with their signature Tonkotsu Pork Broth
If comfort to you means a relaxing sojourn into the alpine villages of Europe then the Jägerhof is the place for you. This humble, unpretentious and cozy room is built from a deep love of German, Austrian and Swiss cuisine and culture, and it shows in their menu of classics, from Schnitzel and Beef Rouladen to housemade Spätzle and Bratwurst.
Cozy up to: The Jägerhof Platter, with pork chop, brats and schnitzel.
This family-run eatery has invented a lively menu where each dish is made from scratch and sources its ingredients primarily from farms and producers on Vancouver’s North Shore and the rest of BC. Expect intriguing twists on classic comfort food, as in the Ling Cod and Chickpea Ragu. Eat well knowing you’re supporting local business too.
Cozy up to: Steak Frites, Wagyu ribeye with porcini-salted fries
Comfort could easily be defined by delicious ingredients stuffed between two slices of bread. And for that unique type of satisfaction, head to La Gelleria for their feature sandwiches. Pair that then with a selection from their extensive soup menu and you’ve got yourself a cozy afternoon.
Cozy up to: Roast Beef Sandwich and Carrot Soup
Whether you have a proper “Nonna” or not, there’s no denying the comfort of good old fashioned Italian food. And that’s exactly what Bufala has dialed in at their pizzeria in Edgemont Village. Besides scratch-made classic Neapolitan style pizzas from their stone oven, gather friends and family around the table for Italian favourites such as Burrata, Meatballs and Rigatoni Bolognese.
Cozy up to: Lasagna, with bolognese and béchamel
Whatever level of spice you’re “comfortable” with, Fryingpan Express has got the fried chicken to make you happy. From wings to strips to delectable chicken sandwiches, all customizable from their 5-tiers of heat: Zero to Fire!
Cozy up to: Waffles & Chicken Bites, with honey vanilla butter
Low and slow is the tempo at Smoke and Bones BBQ, where they put the time and patience into their BBQ so you can take the time out from your busy schedule and just get back to basics: really good food. The chefs here have been mentored by some of the top BBC masters in North America, and been the winners of multiple competitions at home and away.
Cozy up to: The Duke’s Rib Mac N Cheese, with fried garlic butter crumbs
Start your day off with a warm slice of comfort at Lynn Valley’s favourite brunch spot. Tommy’s Cafe has been serving hungry mountain bikers fresh from the nearby Mount Fromme trails since 1998. All your favourite sandwiches are here, as well as poutines and pasta and rice bowls. But the star of the show might be their handmade pierogies, fried to crispy, fluffy perfection.
Cozy up to: Vintage Gourmet Pierogies, with caramelized onions and sour cream
Craving the full comfort-food experience? Turn your North Shore feast into a cozy getaway with a Dine & Stay Package. You’ll score a $50 gift card to a participating restaurant, plus a charming welcome gift to start your stay off right. Gift cards are limited, so book your escape and make your comfort-food tour an overnight affair!
