Mount Pleasant and Commercial Drive have long fought over who gets the title of East Van’s coolest neighbourhood—on the one hand, breweries; on the other, breweries and old Italian men—but a new contender has quietly entered the ring. The Hastings- Sunrise main drag is jam-packed with fun stuff and great eats… and locals who are happy and easygoing thanks to semi-reasonable rents in the area. To the east!
1. Yama Cafe Homestyle Japanese food; the breakfast set is the best. 2007 E Hastings St., yamacafe.ca
2. Innocent Ice Cream The ice cream sandwiches here are unreal (and somehow gluten-free?). 2103 E Hastings St., innocenticecream.com
3. The Red Wagon Cafe The perennial breakfast go-to does dinner now. 2128 E Hastings St., redwagoncafe.ca
4. Dachi Natural wines by the glass and creative small plates; a bumpin’ summer patio. 2297 E Hastings St., dachivancouver.com
5. It’s Okay A neighbourhood watering hole (curly fries!) you wish was in your ’hood. 2481 E Hastings St., itsokay.ca
6. Laksa King Hearty Malaysian soups, lots of neon lights. 2546 E Hastings St., laksaking.ca
7. Selene Agean Bistro The nouveau Greek hot spot is destination dining. 360 Penticton St., seleneagn.com
8. Tamam This Palestinian restaurant is always a finalist for Best Middle Eastern. 2616 E Hastings St., tamam.ca
