Commercial Drive has been Vancouver's culinary heartbeat for over a century. What started as Little Italy in the 1950s has evolved into one of Canada's most culturally diverse food scenes—spanning Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and contemporary fusion cuisine.

With 60+ independently-owned restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bars, The Drive offers everything from third-generation family trattorias to Michelin-recognized modern eateries—all within a few walkable blocks.

Italian Heritage: As Vancouver's historic Little Italy, Commercial Drive remains home to legendary institutions like Caffè Calabria (serving espresso since 1956), Fratelli Bakery, Pepino's Spaghetti House, and Nonna's Cucina. Modern Italian spots like Livia Sourdough Bakery, Sopra Sotto, and Bar Corso carry on the tradition with contemporary twists.

Asian Cuisine: From Michelin-recognized The Lunch Lady (Vietnamese) to Sula Indian Restaurant, Pho 37, Kojima Sushi, and Indo-Chinese Street Wok, Commercial Drive's Asian food scene reflects decades of immigration and authenticity over fusion trends.

Latin American: Experience Mexico City-style tacos at La Mezcaleria, Salvadorian pupusas, and South American flavors that make The Drive feel more like a neighbourhood in Mexico City than suburban Vancouver.

Coffee Culture: Coffee isn't just a drink on The Drive—it's a way of life. From Continental Coffee's six generations of roasting expertise to Caffè Calabria's standing-room espresso bar, The Drive pioneered Vancouver's specialty coffee scene decades before the third-wave movement existed.

Bars & Nightlife: Whether you're after craft cocktails at The Charlatan, Greek wine at Loula's Taverna, or dive bar authenticity at Junior's Pub, The Drive's nightlife is unpretentious, independently owned, and refreshingly free of corporate franchises.

What makes Commercial Drive different from Yaletown or Kitsilano? Every restaurant is independently owned. Every menu reflects an owner's vision, not a corporate test kitchen. Chefs are often in the kitchen, owners are usually at the host stand, and regulars are treated like family.

• Not dominated by chains: you are eating a restaurants that are proudly independent
• Authentic cuisine: Recipes passed down through generations, not designed by consultants
• Affordable: Great food without Gastown prices or Yaletown markups
• Walkable variety: Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and more—all on one street
• Community-focused: Restaurants that've fed the neighbourhood for 20, 30, 50+ years
• Patio culture: Some of Vancouver's best outdoor dining when the sun's out

Browse by cuisine type below, or use the search to find exactly what you're craving.