Photo credits: Zarak

10 Best Olympic Village Restaurants: What to Order in 2024

Searching for a standout dining experience in Olympic Village? Look no further!

From the exceptional Mexican flavours at Ophelia to the traditional Afghan delights at Zarak, these top 10 Olympic Village restaurants offer not just mouth-watering dishes but also memorable ambiance and service.

Get ready to be wowed by both the food and the overall experience at these must-visit spots!

1. Ophelia 

Photo credits: missvancouverfoodie

In Olympic Village, Ophelia combines traditional Mexican cuisine with an innovative twist. The restaurant is adorned with colourful Alebrijes sculptures, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Must-tries include the Pulpo En Mole Blanco, a unique take on fried octopus, and the Tacos De Arracherra Y Bone Marrow, blending grilled skirt steak with flavourful bone marrow.

The Molcajete De Arrachera Y Camaron is another standout dish, offering a mix of marinated steak and prawns.

Their happy hour menu is available from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM from Saturday to Sunday, and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

What to order: Pulpo En Mole Blanco, Tacos De Arracherra Y Bone Marrow, Molcajete De Arrachera Y Camaron

Address: 165 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram | Facebook 

2. Nook 

mushroom pizza on wooden table with fork beside
Photo Credit: hungry_new_york

Nook in Olympic Village is a bustling spot for enjoying Italian dishes. Their Rigatoni Boscaiola stands out with its rich mushroom sauce, while the Mushroom Pizza impresses with its light dough and creamy porcini flavour.

For spice enthusiasts, the Housemade Sausage Pizza, with its trio of chilies, is a hot pick.

Balance your meal with a tangy Arugula Salad, adding a fresh touch to the dining experience.

What to order: Rigatoni Boscaiola, Housemade Sausage Pizza, Arugula Salad, Whipped Ricotta Crostini.

Address: 195 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC,

Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. CRAFT Beer Market False Creek

Photo credits: CRAFT Beer Market

Located in the Salt Building, CRAFT Beer Market offers a vast selection of local beers in a rustic-modern setting. Their Six Pack Sampler is perfect for beer explorers, and the Moody Ales & Co. Lavender Sour is a notable choice.

The Nacho Barrel, ideal for group sharing, complements the beer selection with its cheesy goodness, making for a fulfilling pub experience.

What to order: Local Love, World Tour, Ales & Co. Lavender Sour, Red Sangria, Nacho Barrel.

Address: 85 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram 

4. Gusto A Taste of Italy

Photo credits: Gusto

Gusto presents a cozy café ambiance, serving authentic Italian pastries and fresh pizzas.

The Pistachio Cannoli, with its crispy shell and nutty filling, is a highlight. For gelato lovers, the Nocciola offers a deep, nutty flavour.

Their Meatball Panino, featuring provolone cheese on a homemade bun, is a satisfying meal option for those seeking something heartier.

What to order: Pistachio Cannoli, Nocciola Gelato, Meatball Panino.

Address: 1610 Salt St, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Flying Pig

Photo Credits: The Flying Pig

Flying Pig creates a warm, stylish atmosphere, focusing on dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Their Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib is a favorite, known for its tender, succulent meat. Complement this dish with Crispy Brussel Sprouts for a bit of crunch, and enjoy the TFP Amber Ale for a smooth, harmonious finish to your meal.

What to order: Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib, TFP Amber Ale.

Address: 127 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram | Facebook

6. Tractor

Photo credits: Tractor Foods

Tractor emphasizes healthy eating in a modern, cafeteria-style restaurant. The Classic Kale Caesar, enhanced with a unique cashew dressing, is a standout salad.

The Grilled Avocado adds richness to your meal, and the Everyday Bowl, combining brown rice with nutritious toppings, offers a fulfilling and health-conscious dining option.

What to order: Classic Kale Caesar, Grilled Avocado, Everyday Bowl

Address: 1751 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V5T 1B4

Website | Instagram | Facebook

7. Brewhall

Photo credits: amandavgates

Brewhall in False Creek is a vibrant social hub with arcade games and a variety of beers. Their Triple Neon Pale Ale is popular among beer enthusiasts for its tropical fruit flavours.

Complement your drink with a Cheese Soft Pretzel, featuring a tasty balance of cheesiness and jalapeño spice, perfect for a casual evening out.

What to order: Triple Neon Pale Ale, Jalapeño + Cheese Soft Pretzel.

Address: 97 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram | Facebook

8. Manna Sushi 

Photo credits: juliezheng

Manna Sushi on Ontario Street is renowned for its light, fresh Japanese cuisine. The California Rolls, combining real crab and avocado, are a classic choice. The Spicy Tuna Combo offers a flavourful, mildly spicy experience, and the Black Cod “Saikyo-yaki”, marinated in homemade miso, delivers a rich, buttery taste.

What to order: California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Combo.

Address: 6 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC

Website | Facebook

9. Zarak by Afghan Kitchen

Photo credits: Zarak

Zarak By Afghan Kitchen brings traditional Afghan flavors with modern twists. The Tomato Braised Lamb Shank is known for its succulence, and the Bolani complements it well with its pan-fried flatbread texture. End your meal with their visually appealing Turkish Coffee, offering a strong, bittersweet taste. Weekend brunch and weekday dinner timings vary.

What To Order: Tomato Braised Lamb Shank, Bolani, Turkish Coffee.

Address: 2102 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

10. Tap & Barrel

Photo credits: Tap & Barrel

Near Science World, Tap & Barrel provides a relaxing setting on the False Creek Seawall. Try their PB&J Burger, a unique combination of beef and chipotle peanut butter. Their Famous Fried Pickles, crunchy and served with a tasty dill dip, make for a perfect snack alongside their diverse beer selection.

What to order: PB&J Burger, Famous Fried Pickles.

Address: 75 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC

Website | Instagram | Facebook

That’s about it for the top 10 best restaurants in Olympic Village, make sure to keep this list bookmarked as this list will be your best friend when you’re looking for a good time with some good food!

Don’t worry whether you’re here or there, we have the perfect list for your needs. If you’re in Vancouver, head on to our 20 best downtown restaurants in Vancouver list to make your foodie life easier! 

How We Create Our “Best” Lists

All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.

Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.