May 1, 2018 Neighbourhood Guide — Gastown
Oh, Gastown — our home sweet home. Filled with the best of the best, from coffee shops to wine bars, to pop-ups and curated boutiques, these eclectic streets are our favourite in the city. Should you be stopping by Vancouver for a weekend getaway with your besties, or simply in the area to shop our Flagship boutique, here are our top recommendations. 
The Birds & The Beets — photo by Colleen Xie
Eats
The Birds and the Beets — Our top pick. Always great coffee, sandwiches, salads and don't get us started on the chocolate chip cookies. Everything is made in-house. And bonus, our fave florists The Wild Bunch stocks this cute Gastown cafe with arrangements to take home.
Kissa Tanto — Kissa Tanto is the more elegant older sister of another one of our favourites, Bao Bei. And yes, Italian Japanese fusion is as good as it sounds. Don’t think, just go.
Ask For Luigi — Aperol Spritz on tap and homemade pasta — what more do we need to say? Ask for Luigi is classic Italian in a modern, home-y setting. Open for lunch and dinner, we recommend stopping in for a late lunch to avoid the first come, first served dinner lineup.
Nelson the Seagull — The most Instagrammed cafe in Gastown, Nelson is big, uncomplicated, and beautiful. Our pick for a leisurely lunch with mum and grandma.
Tacofino — Tacofino is always a solid choice. Grab a burrito to go and walk around the seawall or eat in their bright, modern dining room.
Bao Bei — A stylish restaurant with modern Chinese food and the best cocktails. Open for dinner and totally worth any wait. A perfect spot for a dressed-up dinner out with your besties.
Union Bridal — photographed by Lauren Kurc
Bridal
Truvelle Flagship — There's nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion, right? Our Flagship boutique is only place to shop the entire Truvelle collection, and find unique accessories hand-picked to pair perfectly with Truvelle designs.
Union Bridal — Liked what you saw but need to try another boutique? Try the ladies at Union. They have a wonderful team specializing in sleek designs.
Rituals of Love — Our upstairs neighbours, these ladies specialize in boho designs. Fun fact: boutique owner, Samantha, used to sell our gowns in San Francisco.
Nemesis Coffee — photography by Alexey Skaschkov
Drinks
The Juice Truck — Our fave juice in this juiced-out city! You can find the Juice Truck mon-fri hanging out at the corner of Cordova and Cambie between 11-4. Alix’s tip: order “The Red” with added ginger.
The Diamond — On the second floor overlooking the most iconic intersection in Gastown (aka where you want to do happy hour).
Revolver — We might be bias, but this is probably the best coffee in Vancouver and it happens to be just down the street.
The Alibi Room — Craft beer heaven. The Alibi Room brings the best of Vancouver’s (huge) craft beers into one modern room. Our #1 choice for celebrating post-bridal appointment with a big group of buds. And yes, they have snacks!
Nemesis Coffee — Without a doubt the coolest cup of coffee you will find in this city. Nemesis takes brewing seriously and is committed to bringing in interesting and delicious beans from around the world. Bonus — the food is awesome.
One of a Few — photographer unknown
Shop
One of a Few —Our favourite place to shop — hands down. The most perfectly curated women’s boutique, One of a Few is the place to go for special pieces, cool indie designers, and handmade gems.
Eastside Flea — Held every 2nd weekend, the Eastside Flea is a bit of a Vancouver institution. Packed with everything from vintage t-shirt vendors to locally made candles, and mid-century glassware, you’re bound to go home with a treasure or two.
Neighbour/Women — A sleek and modern shop with quality wardrobe-building pieces and fun design items.
Community Thrift & Vintage — Located next to Nelson the Seagull, Community is ripe with fresh vintage finds. From designer dresses to classic Levis, there is something for everyone here!
