Vancouver restaurants gear up for World Cup crowds
From Moroccan kebab platters to Australian meat pies, the city's food scene readies for 350,000 spectators.
As Vancouver prepares to host World Cup matches at B.C. Place between June 13 and July 7, restaurants across the city are racing to stock shelves, hire staff, and reshape their spaces to capture the wave of international fans arriving hungry and far from home.
Moltaqa Moroccan Café in Yaletown—a Michelin-recommended spot just steps from the stadium—is mounting televisions throughout its space and installing a projector spanning the front wall. Owner Mimo Bucko expects surges from fans across the Middle East and North Africa during matches, especially when Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey play. The restaurant has already hosted large crowds during Africa Cup of Nations matches earlier this year; for the World Cup, it's rolling out reservable group packages with kebab platters, mint tea, lamb dishes, and traditional baghrir (sponge cake).
"Football is their country's sport—like hockey is for Canada," Bucko said. "For many of our regulars, it's deeply personal."
Peaked Pies, an Australian bakery with three Metro Vancouver locations including one in the West End and another in Burnaby Heights, is bracing for Australian visitors craving familiarity. Founder Kerri Jones is rolling out FIFA-themed Lamington sponge cakes—sponge dipped in chocolate and coconut—decorated with both Australian and Canadian flags. The cafés, already open until 9 p.m. for evening kickoffs, have staff on standby.
Supper Club YVR, a Vancouver catering company, is launching take-home fondue dinners timed for the Canada vs. Switzerland match on June 24, pairing the classic Swiss dish with Canadian touches like maple chocolate strawberries. Chef Shahni Arshad designed the offering to showcase local strawberries while capturing World Cup viewers' attention.
The ANZA Club in Mount Pleasant—originally founded by Australian and New Zealand expats—expects increased foot traffic despite being off the main stadium district. While businesses cannot use official FIFA branding (that's reserved for paying sponsors), they can promote games using country names and general sports language.
According to Restaurants Canada, downtown will see the heaviest impact, with about 350,000 spectators expected. The provincial government recently changed liquor distribution rules, allowing restaurants to buy directly from private liquor stores during a three-year pilot—a move that helps operators restock quickly when demand spikes unexpectedly.