Commercial Drive: A Culturally Rich and Authentic Neighbourhood

With its proud Italian heritage and diverse community, Commercial Drive (or The Drive, as it’s affectionally called), is one of the most welcoming—and food-forward—neighbourhoods in the city. Spanning 22 blocks in East Vancouver, The Drive features a wide array of eateries, specialty food shops, and bars, ranging from charming cafes for sipping cappuccinos to award-winning restaurants that specialize in freshly made pasta.

In 2016, the City of Vancouver designated the eight blocks north and south of East 1st Avenue as Historic Little Italy in honour of its rich past. However, Commercial Drive was not always a hub for Italian culture and cuisine. Originally a source of timber for the nearby Hastings Sawmill at Burrard Inlet, the area now known as Commercial Drive became a residential neighbourhood with the arrival of the interurban railway in 1891. Park Drive, which later became Commercial Drive in 1911, emerged as its main thoroughfare as businesses opened to serve the nascent community.

The World Wars were pivotal in changing the demographics of the neighbourhood. First, following the First World War, a wave of diverse immigrants, such as Eastern Europeans, Italians, and Chinese individuals, added to the vibrancy of the area. Then, in the 1950s and 1960s, immigrants who were previously living around Union Street migrated to Commercial Drive, as well as Italian immigrants leaving Europe after World War II. Collectively, both old and new Italian residents created Little Italy, where bakeries, cafes, and traditional eateries thrived. Further immigration from places such as India, Portugal, and the Caribbean broadened the cultural mix.

By the 1970s, Commercial Drive was characterized by its counter-culture leanings, alongside its embrace of organic, eco-friendly food. In the last decade, the neighbourhood has undergone another exciting revitalization with the launching of new restaurants that not only elevate the Drive’s culinary offerings, but also lovingly honour the contributions of early Italian restaurants.

What Makes Commercial Drive Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination

Commercial Drive has earned its reputation as Little Italy for good reason, with the highest concentration of Italian owned and operated food establishments in the city. Many of them have been serving delicious pasta and pizza to loyal diners for decades. In addition to beloved restaurants such as Arriva Ristorante Italiano and Marcello’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, there are numerous cafes and bakeries, such as Café Calabria and Fratelli’s Bakery, for finding authentic Italian drinks and treats. Many of them have become community gathering spots where you’ll find patrons chatting about the latest soccer match or reminiscing with friendly owners.

The Drive’s continues to be a destination for Italian food with newer places that have launched in recent years. Many of them, such as LIVIA, Sopra Sotto, and Oca Pastificio, have introduced more contemporary techniques and local ingredients to their cooking, all without compromising Italian tradition.

When iconic Nick’s Spaghetti House closed in 2017 after 62 years in business, many were saddened. However, Pepino’s—a modern take on a classic red sauce establishment—opened in its place, building on what former owner Nick Felicella started. “Nick’s Spaghetti House was a big part of the community on Commercial Drive and in Vancouver. When we took it over, we paid homage to Nick and his legacy and vision,” says Paul Grunberg, co-owner of Pepino’s. Grunberg says that a big part of Little Italy’s culture involves community, comfort food, and hospitality—three traits that continue to be prioritized at Pepino’s, as well as its sister establishment next door, Caffè La Tana.

Many other long running establishments, like Sweet Cherubim and Eternal Abundance, reflect the Drive’s commitment to organic and natural food. The neighbourhood includes many eateries that specialize in vegetarian and vegan fare, ranging from vegan pho to vegetarian burritos and tacos.

Both favourite restaurants as well as new spots showcase the diversity of Commercial Drive’s dining landscape. Options include Cuban, Indian, Japanese, Ethiopian, French, Lebanese, and Thai cuisines, many of which are very affordable while still being top notch in quality. “I think that what makes Commercial Drive special as a dining destination is the vast selection you can get on the street,” says Connor Gyori, general manager at The Drive Canteen, a local snack bar, owned by the same team behind the popular Downlow Chicken Shack.

Gyori raves about the independent spirit of The Drive’s food establishments. “Everything is unique and one of a kind,” Gyori says. He’s seen the most changes over the last few years with exciting openings. “It’s given Commercial [Drive] a fresh breath of air with new places to come and eat. People are driving from all over the city just to visit these awesome restaurants on The Drive,” he says. Hot spots like Loula’s Taverna and Bar, and Hanai offer stellar food alongside great drink programs.

Mike Gill, shucker at Harbour Oyster and Bar, thinks that The Drive’s community vibe makes it special. “It’s like showing up to a house party three hours in, but it’s incredibly inviting at the same time,” he says, adding, “You go to the Drive, and by the end of the night, you’ve made ten new friends.” There are many places, like Harbour Oyster and Bar, Community Taps and Pizza, and Social, where you can go for cocktails and craft beer, enjoy great food, and socialize with a fun crowd. Increasingly, Commercial Drive is becoming the neighbourhood for happy hour and for a lively Friday or Saturday night.

Gill sees the neighbourhood becoming even more exciting for dining and drinking while it retains its appealing authenticity. Generations of restaurateurs have made The Drive the dynamic and culturally diverse place it is today.

Events in Commercial Drive to Put on Your Calendar

Commercial Drive celebrates its roots with Italian Day, a one-day festival that takes place in the summer, traditionally during Italian heritage month in June. This celebration of Italian culture and heritage takes over the streets of the Drive, with food trucks, artisan vendors, activities for the whole family, drinking options, and live performances. The whole community comes out, with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. There are also numerous food tours of Little Italy, such as one run by Taste Vancouver Tours, for an insider’s overview of the Drive’s culinary scene.

Given its eco-conscious ethos, it’s no surprise that the Drive is the original home for Car Free Day, an annual outdoor party where pedestrians take over the streets. Usually held in the summer, Car Free Day involves live performances by local artists, food trucks, beer gardens, and plenty of vendors and vendors selling crafted goods. Like with Italian Day, restaurants and bars in the area get involved, offering food and drink specials.

With the neighbourhood’s high concentration of artists, the Drive is a hub for many creative events. Artists, especially those located around Commercial Drive and Venables Street take part in the Eastside Cultural Crawl. Cafes and bars in the area regularly host live entertainment, including poetry readings, drag shows, jazz performances, and stand-up comedy.

There are numerous seasonal events that happen on the Drive, such as Parade of Lost Souls, which happens in the lead up to All Hallows’ Eve. People dress up in ghoulish costumes along a designated parade route, and there’s usually an after party with live music, dancing, and other performances. The Commercial Drive Business Society holds Christmas on the Drive in November to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Santa makes an appearance, there are horse-drawn carriage rides, and the kids can get involved in fun crafts and activities. And, of course, a meal at a restaurant on Commercial Drive is always a good idea after all the holiday festivities.

No matter the event or occasion, The Drive always brings its infectious community spirit.

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