Shopping for groceries on Commercial Drive isn't just about grabbing milk and eggs—it's a cultural experience.

The neighbourhood's grocery stores and specialty markets reflect decades of immigration and evolving food culture, offering everything from organic BC produce to authentic Mediterranean imports to hard-to-find Asian ingredients.

Whether you're cooking Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian, or just want the freshest vegetables in Vancouver, The Drive's independent grocers have been feeding the neighbourhood for generations.

Organic & Natural Foods: Health-conscious East Van shoppers have relied on Choices Markets and City Avenue Market (formerly Donald's Market) for decades.

These independently-focused grocers prioritize BC-grown organic produce, natural foods, and local suppliers over mass-market brands—long before "farm-to-table" became a marketing buzzword.

Specialty & International: The legendary Triple A Market has been Commercial Drive's go-to for Mediterranean and Asian staples, offering olive oils, spices, grains, and imported goods you won't find at chain supermarkets.

Mediterranean Specialty Foods brings authentic Middle Eastern ingredients—tahini, za'atar, fresh pita, halal meats—while Santa Barbara Market specializes in European deli meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.

24-Hour Convenience: The 24-hour FreshMart at Il Mercato (formerly Super Valu) ensures you can grab essentials at any hour—a rarity in Vancouver's increasingly corporate grocery landscape where chains close early and prioritize suburbs over urban neighbourhoods.

Butchers, Bakeries & Delis: Beyond full-service grocers, Commercial Drive is home to specialized shops. Italian bakeries selling fresh bread daily, family-run butchers cutting meat to order, cheese shops with hundreds of varieties, and produce stands that change with the seasons—not corporate shipping schedules.

Chain supermarkets are convenient, but they're also soulless. Every Safeway looks identical (not throwing shade...), every Whole Foods stocks the same products, and every Save-On-Foods follows the same corporate playbook.

Commercial Drive's grocers are different:

• Independent ownership: Family-run markets, not corporate franchises
• Specialty ingredients: Authentic imports you can't find at Superstore
• Knowledgeable staff: Owners who actually know their products and can recommend substitutions
• Local suppliers: BC farmers, regional producers, neighbourhood relationships
• Better prices on specialty items: Mediterranean imports cost less at a Mediterranean market than a chain "international aisle"
• Support local economy: Money stays in East Van instead of corporate headquarters
• Cultural authenticity: Middle Eastern grocers run by Middle Eastern families, Italian delis run by Italian families

Browse the Groceries, Markets and Specialty food shops by category below, or search for specific ingredients and products.