Vancouver’s Student-run Restaurants

The future stars of Vancouver’s cuisine scene are already here, and you can taste their creations on the cheap at these culinary institutes/restaurants

Vancouver is known for its stellar cuisine, and the city’s culinary institutes and training restaurants share similar reputations. Student-run, these establishments offer delectable dining options at a very affordable price. So catch these stars-on-the-rise before you have to pay 5-star dining prices.

Bistro 101

The Pacific Culinary Institute gives their students real world training through Bistro 101. From front-of-house service to culinary training, students work together to create a true fine dining experience for customers. And for incredibly reasonable three-course lunches ($20 per person) and dinners ($26 per person), you can’t go wrong. The menu changes every month and look for daily specials, created and prepared by the students. Also, every Wednesday they offer bottles of wine for half price. To ensure a table, make a reservation online or by phone. Bistro 101 serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Location: 101-105 West 2nd Avenue
Phone: 604-734-0101

The Second Floor Bistro – The Art Institute Formerly Known as Culinaria

The Art Institute of Vancouver showcases their senior students at Second Floor Bistro. They offer a seasonal menu and daily student-made creations. You can enjoy a delightful lunch on Thursdays and Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Make your reservations by phone or online, and be sure to keep updated with their calendar of events for special menus during holidays and to check in on their hours for lunches and dinners as those are subject to change frequently.

Location: 2665 Renfrew Street
Phone: 604-639-2055

JJ’s Restaurant

Vancouver Community College offers a fresh and tasty selection at its Downtown campus, JJ’s Restaurant. You can go in for lunch a la carte, or try their $24.00 three-course dinner menu. Run by instructors and students, JJ’s Restaurant does an amazing job of preparing their dishes. Make reservations by phone. JJ’s is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Location: VCC Downtown Campus, 250 West Pender Street
Phone: 604-443-8479

Bakery 101

The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts also has Bakery 101. With fresh bread, pastries, muffins and lunch specials all for under $7.00, they’re a must-try for lunches and snacks when you’re visiting Granville Island. They also take orders for cakes, which you can place by phone or via email. Bakery 101 is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Location: 101-1505 West 2nd Avenue
Phone: 604-734-4488

Seiffert Market

Craving more baked goodness? Seiffert Market also runs out of Vancouver Community College and is famous for its fresh, student-baked creations right from the oven. Open Monday through Friday, from 10:15 am to 5:15 pm.

Location: VCC Downtown Campus, 250 West Pender Street