Robson Street: in the heart of the downtown core

Vancouver’s most iconic thoroughfare, Robson Street, has it all. Whether it’s shopping, lively people-watching, or diverse eating and drinking, you can find it on this dynamic downtown street. Primarily known for three blocks between Burrard and Jervis Streets, Robson Street runs all the way from BC Place Stadium to the edges of Stanley Park, making it ideal for a scenic stroll through the heart of the city.

Robson has long been the commercial centre of Vancouver. Named after John Robson, who was the Premier of British Columbia in the late 1800s, Robson was one of Vancouver’s first streets. Numerous homes were built, and small shops soon arrived with the installation of a streetcar line to Jervis Street—which was later extended to Denman Street.

By the 1940s, Robson Street had an open market called Blackburn’s at Robson and Seymour Street with Stong’s (now located in Dunbar neighbourhood) as its primary food retailer. The street further blossomed after World War II when German and other European immigrants took up shop on Robson, opening bakeries, delicatessens, and stores. Robsonstrasse, as it became known, attracted people from around the world who came to live in the area, as well as shop and eat. Tamires Gomes, Marketing and Social Media Manager for the Robson Street Business Association, says that there are a lot of fond memories of Robsonstrasse. “Times have changed but people don’t forget,” she says.

After a brief lull, Robson Street came to the international forefront during and after Expo 86. Some of the street’s most beloved restaurants, such as Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House, opened around this time. International flagship stores, restaurants, and cafes began to appear, as well as popular local establishments, transforming Robson into even more of a commercial hub. Today, Robson remains a vibrant choice for fashionable shopping, as well as casual and elegant eating and imbibing.

Joe Fortes

What Makes Robson Street Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination

Robson Street is both the liveliest shopping street in Vancouver and a prime location for enjoying the city’s culinary offerings. Pacific Centre shopping mall and luxury boutiques and stylish restaurants on Alberni Street—one block from Robson—add to the convenience of this central neighbourhood. “When people come to Robson to shop, they also have the option to dine, and there is a big variety of restaurants they can choose from,” says Gomes.

Alberto Lemmo, owner of Zefferelli’s, which opened on Robson Street in 1989, feels that the area is truly unique in its confluence of shopping and top-notch dining. He loves the dynamic. “It has the energy of being downtown, which you don’t get anywhere else,” he says.

People browsing Robson Street’s stores can grab a drink or a snack at one of its many cafes. At one point, there were even two Starbucks locations situated kitty-corner to one another at Robson and Thurlow, evidencing the city’s love of coffee culture. Owen Knowlton, Restaurant Director of CinCin Ristorante and Bar, says that Robson is affectionately referred to as “treat street” because of the many bakeries, such as Ladurée, PAUL, and Uncle Tetsu, that tempt with items such as croissants, macarons, and Japanese cheesecakes.

For those seeking more substantial fare, Robson Street has something for every palate. “There is a lot of diversity in a few square blocks,” says Lemmo. That abundance of choice extends to the northwest and southeast sections of Robson, as well as nearby streets. Popular chain restaurants are represented, including Earls and Cora Breakfast and Lunch.

Robson Street’s culinary landscape is becoming increasingly multicultural, not only with acclaimed international restaurants, such as Menya Itto from Tokyo, but also local restaurants that serve diverse cuisines. Lower Robson—the blocks closest to Stanley Park—features outstanding Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants, often bustling with international students yearning for an authentic taste of home. Taiwanese bubble tea, Japanese izakaya eats, Chongqing hot pot, and Korean barbecue can be found along Vancouver’s beloved Robson Street. Meanwhile, the Robson Public Market at Cardero Street features a butcher and wine shop, as well as vendors selling casual eats such as donair, sushi, and dumplings. And finally, diverse food trucks can be found near the Vancouver Art Gallery and Granville Street.

Menya Itto

Robson Street provides lovely escapes from the bustle with its upscale dining establishments. Joe Fortes consistently satisfies with a menu of fresh seafood and steakhouse classics. Its rooftop patio is a must. Other top restaurants in the area include Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar on Burrard Street for their award-winning West Coast cuisine, Forage for their sustainable farm-to-table plates, and CinCin for modern Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. “We’re a special occasion place, if you want to go somewhere for birthdays or anniversaries—or something a little more upscale where you can get a little dressed up and have something nice for the night,” says Owen Knowlton, Restaurant Director. He says that shopping on Robson Street can seamlessly segue into an exquisite meal: “You don’t have to hop in a taxi. It’s a whole afternoon, evening event.”

CinCin

Besides numerous options for coffee, bubble tea, and refreshing smoothies, Robson Street has many options for those interested in casual drinks near BC Place Stadium; a well-crafted cocktail paired with elegant food; or Asian spirits, such as sake or sojo, to go with tasty bites. Happy Hour at Joe Fortes is the place to be if you’re seeking freshly shucked oysters with a glass of bubbly.

Robson Street’s culinary scene is always revitalizing itself with exciting new food establishments while its favourite restaurants continue to excel, year after year.

Robson Street Events to Put on Your Calendar

Robson Street takes centre stage during some of the city’s biggest annual events. The Pride Parade starts on Robson Street before making its way down Denman Street. And during the Celebration of Light—the summer fireworks festival—crowds flock to Robson Street en route to English Bay. For both of these events, it’s become tradition to enjoy a meal on Robson Street before or after taking part in the festivities.

Many cultural festivals, events, and markets take place at Robson Square as well as in the plazas surrounding the Vancouver Art Gallery. Many of these events feature food vendors selling diverse snacks, desserts, and drinks, in addition to live entertainment, such as dancers and singers. Street Food City, a food truck celebration during the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, also takes place in front of the Art Gallery.

BC Place Stadium is home to the BC Lions and the Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as the largest concert venue in the city. Sports bars and casual eateries near the stadium are convenient stops before a big game or show.

Robson Street is seasonally decorated throughout the year for occasions such as Mother’s Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Father’s Day while restaurants in the area often have promotions to mark these days. Fleurs de Villes creates pop-up floral installations along Robson Street, making for perfect photo opportunities before you head into a nearby restaurant.

Weekly summer outdoor markets take place, with vendors selling unique artisan goods, including local food products. A permanent market, with a storefront launching in fall 2022, will provide a similar showcasing of local items. There is certainly no shortage of places to shop, eat, and drink on Robson Street.