Vancouver International Airport is getting a face lift in their food and beverage program with 20 new eatery options this year. For the last 10 years, YVR has been voted the Best Airport in North America by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, which surveys of more than 13.5 million passengers from more than 100 countries. As Canada’s second busiest airport with 26.4 million passengers passing thorough last year, this means there are a lot of hungry guests to feed.
We’ve taken a lot of flights in and out of YVR and I generally tend to gravitate towards the same few eateries before boarding my flights. I’m really excited for this year as they are revamping the airport to incorporate more food and beverage choices. There is a lot of construction going on at YVR to make way for 20 new eateries opening up.
We were invited to check out 5 of the best eats around the airport – Sal Y Limon, Lift Bar and Grill, Joe and the Juice, Stanley Park Brewing, and Fairmont’s Globe@YVR.
Sal Y Limon
Sal Y Limon is a local favourite in Vancouver for their authentic Mexican cuisine. Their Kingsway and Fraser location is always packed with people hanging out with friends and family over tacos and horchata.
If you’re looking for tacos and a margarita at YVR, they have both! What I love about this space is that it doesn’t just serve food. There is a beautiful bar where you can have a nice drink before your flight. They have USB ports and outlets under the bar, so you can take out your phone and laptop to so some browsing. It’s pretty relaxing and we noticed a few people doing that.
Sal Y Limon is located past security of the Transborder Terminal (US).
Sal Y Limon Bar
Sal Y Limon Menu
Lift Bar and Grill
Lift Bar and Grill has their first location in Downtown Vancouver overlooking the beautiful waters of Coal Harbour. They are known for their local West Coast inspiration, artisanal cocktails and local brews that pair with the items on the menu.
Lift Bar and Grill at YVR is hiding behind the exquisite 114,000-litre aquarium at the International Terminal, which house a rich collection of marine life native to British Columbia in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium. If you can’t get out of the terminal to sea the beautiful ocean, the sea will have to come to you.
There are lots of seats in here to just unwind before the flight. I really enjoyed the caesar with the plump prawn on top. If you’re looking for something light, sushi is a great option.
They also have more bar-style food like calamari and short ribs if you want something more heavy.
Joe and the Juice
Joe and the Juice is a well known International brand for smoothies and sandwiches that can be found all over North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Joe and the Juice actually originated from Denmark in 2002 and since then, over 300 locations have opened up. I remember seeing it at a bunch of locations in New York City and now it’s right at YVR in the domestic terminal. There will be another Joe and the Juice location later in the year at the US terminal.
This is the first Canadian location for Joe and the Juice. While you’re waiting at your gate and want something light, they have a wide variety of sandwich, juices, and smoothies.
Joe and the Juice Menu
Joe and the Juice Menu
Joe and the Juice Menu
Stanley Park Taphouse
Stanley Park Brewing has some exceptional beers like their Sunsetter Peach Wheat Ale, Windstorm West Coast Pale Ale, and 1897 Amber Ale. They have their Restaurant and Brewpub along the Beach Avenue entrance of Stanley Park featuring their beers and West Coast-inspired menu.
Inside YVR’s domestic terminal is the Stanley Park Taphouse that will give you a taste of what they have to offer without getting out of the airport. The space is bright, comfortable, and features a few comfort food options.
Whether you want a few nibbles are large dishes, they have a good amount to choose from. We really enjoyed their grilled cheese and tomato soup a lot. It was simple but just done very well. For something lighter, their poké bowls are really good as well.
If you want to try a bunch of their beers and can’t have a few pints to yourself, their flights are an excellent option where you can try 4 beers of your choice.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
A lot of the new eateries are opening up after security, so if you actually don’t have a flight, you have less options. One of the best restaurants to dine at YVR before security is Globe@YVR inside the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.
If you’re just looking for a drink to relax a bit, their Jetsetter Lounge has daily live music and a great cocktail program.
Their menu boasts Pacific Northwest cuisine with thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring the best of locally sourced and sustainably grown ingredients. They are open for afternoon tea, brunch, as well as lunch and dinner service.
Don’t forget to get a taste of their Signature Beer Bread. It is made with local BC honey and baked fresh from the oven. It’s a treat and we really love it.
A few crowd pleasing favourites are their Herbed Rack of Lamb and seared scallops. Can’t go wrong with that either.
Also, if you spend a minimum of $30 at Globe@YVR, you get 3 hours of free parking at YVR. How fantastic is that? Parking at the airport isn’t cheap, so that is just perfect to get free parking.
Pacific Farms Market
More to come
We just got a small peek of what has opened recently at YVR, but there is a lot more to come. Of course there is the famous Wahl Burgers coming to the US departures area in June, but there are a ton of local eats and drinks too that I’m excited for.
A few of my favourite local favourites opening up include – JapaDog, Hawksworth, Red Truck Beer, Whistler Brewing, Pacific Farms Market, Heritage Asian Eatery, and The Dirty Apron.
Heritage Asian Eatery
Dirty Apron
Final Thoughts
Seeing the first phases of changes at Vancouver International Airport for their food and beverage program was really exciting. It’s an excellent blend of local and international brands across all terminals. I absolutely love the balance and can’t wait for the other eateries to opening throughout 2020 and 2021.
When you’re at Vancouver International Airport, definitely check the website or directory to see what new has opened up.
Website:
http://www.yvr.ca/tasteyvr
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Vancouver International Airport. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Vancouver International Airport.
