Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Vancouver

North America

Canada

# Babylon Café – Authentic Middle Eastern Restaurant in Vancouver
Babylon Café, located at 770 Nelson Street, Vancouver, is a beloved Middle Eastern restaurant known for its vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Established with a vision to bring authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of the city, Babylon Café has become a local favorite for its diverse menu and friendly service. The café offers a range of dishes, including shawarma, falafel, and fresh salads, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Over the years, it has garnered positive reviews for its generous portions and reasonable prices, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a satisfying meal in a casual setting.

## History
### The story of Babylon Café
Babylon Café was founded with the intent to create a space where people could enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy environment. The founders aimed to share their love for traditional dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This vision has resonated with the community, allowing the café to thrive amidst Vancouver's diverse culinary landscape.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Babylon Café opened its doors to the public, quickly gaining a loyal customer base.
- **Menu Expansion**: Over the years, the café expanded its menu to include a variety of Middle Eastern specialties, catering to a wider audience.
- **Community Engagement**: The café became known for its involvement in local events, further solidifying its place in the community.
- **Recognition**: Babylon Café has received numerous positive reviews and accolades, highlighting its commitment to quality and service.

### Cultural and local influence
Babylon Café has played a significant role in promoting Middle Eastern culture within Vancouver. By offering authentic dishes and engaging with the community, the café has become a cultural hub for those interested in exploring diverse culinary traditions. Its presence has also encouraged other Middle Eastern establishments to flourish in the area, contributing to the city’s rich tapestry of flavors.

### Continuing the tradition
The café continues to honor its founding vision by maintaining high standards in food preparation and customer service. Regular updates to the menu ensure that both new and returning customers can enjoy a variety of dishes, while the café's commitment to quality remains unwavering. The staff, often described as friendly and attentive, play a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back.

## Community
### Community involvement
Babylon Café is deeply rooted in the Vancouver community, participating in local events and supporting various initiatives. The café often collaborates with nearby businesses and organizations to host events that celebrate cultural diversity and culinary arts. This involvement has helped foster a sense of community among patrons, making the café a popular gathering spot.

### Community notion about the place
Locals regard Babylon Café as a hidden gem, often praising its authentic flavors and generous portions. Many customers appreciate the café's casual ambiance, which allows for a relaxed dining experience. The friendly staff and welcoming environment contribute to a positive perception, making it a favored choice for quick lunches or casual dinners.

### Events and gatherings
Throughout the year, Babylon Café hosts various events that highlight Middle Eastern culture, including food festivals and cooking classes. These gatherings not only promote the café's offerings but also encourage community engagement and cultural exchange. Regular customers often look forward to these events, which create a vibrant atmosphere and foster connections among attendees.

## Offerings
### What Babylon Café offers
Babylon Café is renowned for its extensive menu featuring a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. From savory shawarmas to fresh salads, the café caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods ensures that each dish is flavorful and satisfying.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Babylon Café is characterized by a casual and friendly atmosphere. Customers can enjoy their meals in a cozy setting, with options for both dine-in and takeout. The café’s commitment to freshness is evident in every dish, with many patrons noting the quality of the ingredients used. Signature dishes like the chicken salad and vegetarian plates are particularly popular, showcasing the café's ability to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

### Events and packages
Babylon Café offers catering services for events, providing a selection of dishes that can accommodate various group sizes. This service is ideal for parties, corporate events, and gatherings, allowing customers to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a convenient format. The café also runs special promotions and meal packages, making it accessible for families and individuals looking for value.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy dining area
- Takeout service
- Catering options
- Friendly staff
- Variety of vegetarian and vegan options

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Babylon Café reflect a mix of experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Many customers appreciate the generous portions and reasonable prices, while others express concerns about fluctuating portion sizes and pricing.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently compliment the café on its flavorful dishes, particularly the shawarma and falafel. The friendly service and clean environment are also commonly praised, contributing to a positive dining experience. The café's ability to cater to diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian options, is another notable strength.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some customers have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes and pricing. A few reviews mention that the quality of certain dishes has varied over time, leading to mixed feelings about the overall value. However, the café's commitment to customer service often mitigates these concerns, as staff are responsive to feedback.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Babylon Café is well-regarded for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. While there are occasional critiques regarding portion sizes and pricing, the café's strengths in flavor, service, and community involvement make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Babylon Café is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, specifically at 770 Nelson Street. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to various attractions, including Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Visitors can easily explore the neighborhood, making it a perfect stop for a delicious meal after a day of sightseeing. The café's location also makes it accessible for those working in the nearby law courts, adding to its appeal as a lunch destination.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Babylon Café offer** Babylon Café specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, including shawarma, falafel, and salads.

**Is there vegetarian food available** Yes, Babylon Café offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options on its menu.

**Does Babylon Café offer takeout** Yes, customers can order takeout from Babylon Café for convenience.

**Are there catering services available** Yes, Babylon Café provides catering services for events and gatherings.

**What are the opening hours** The café typically operates during lunch and dinner hours, but it's best to check their website for specific times.

## Visit Babylon Café Today
Experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine at Babylon Café, located in the heart of Vancouver. With its rich history, community involvement, and commitment to quality, this café is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious food in a welcoming environment. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty shawarma or a fresh salad, Babylon Café promises a satisfying dining experience that reflects the warmth of its community. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy a meal that captures the essence of authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

15c5ce8b-7d5b-4532-9e05-81a6bad9d24c

I'm actually looking forward to going back and trying some of their other items, and that's because the chicken salad was quite tasty....and that was just a salad. The place itself and service was also a great experience. The place was clean and well ventilated and the couple were super sweet and professional. Just gave off a great vibe, and I actually needed that 'cuz I had a rough morning. Well....that's a first....changing my mood with a chicken salad to go. I love lamb. So, that's next time.

89ce3b59-f28d-4d37-aa29-85445ff30ebe

Seems like a typical hole-in-the-wall shawarma place. I've passed by so many times but just tried it for the first time. I had the Vegetarian Plate. For the most part, the items in the dish were just of average quality (except the tzatziki, which was amazing), but all the different items that the dish included really made this for me. I don't think I've ever seen dolmathes, spinach pie, and falafel (in addition to the usual platter fixings) all offered as part of the same dish before, and I love to try a little of everything, so this was a dream. Good sauces too. I wouldn't recommend this place to get the best falafel or whatever in the city or anything like that, but it's a very good value for the money. I do wish they had a different kind of plate used for dine-in, since the plastic takeout container that the dish was served in had lots of grooves that made it hard to get all the little pieces of rice and salad. The man working was also super nice and asked lots of questions to make sure all the dressings were to my liking, and let me get tzatziki instead of hummus in the plate. Although I've heard they get busy at lunch time, whenever I walk by around dinner time, it's pretty quiet, and this time when I visited was no exception.

5f46cded-f815-4bea-b55f-a371f870d0c7

This is literally dog food in a wrap. It's not even cheap meat because it doesn't have gristle or fat.

9b2bdf1c-6938-4d0d-bf65-1c881e2fb07f

We stopped in after arriving in Vancouver on a long flight. This place was great - delicious food, good prices, and very helpful and friendly staff. My 5 year old was not really in the mood for sitting down and eating but the gentleman who helped us knew exactly what to get for her and she loved it as much as we did.

ac208c4d-35cb-4589-86f0-28dbcc5a9df9

I can't believe it's taken me this long to try Babylon cafe even though I work only a couple blocks away. I finally came here after following my nose over to a coworker's desk. She was having the chicken salad (shawarama-style chicken on a bed of greek salad) and highly recommended it, so I decided to try the same dish. The chicken salad is huge and flavorful and had all the components that I loved - crispy roasted chicken, spicy sauces on top, fresh salad. Pretty much a shawarma but without the wrap. They give you a lot of food, and for that it's a great price. I can see why this place is busy. While waiting for my salad, I watched them prepare a falafel and chicken plate. They really pile on the ingredients, and their falafels look fresh and big. Up until now, I've only been going to Nuba for falafels, but I will definitely be back at Babylon to try theirs!

d1a0c116-a942-4d4e-b7c5-497a1209740d

This used to be the Best place, but prices have gone way up (increased several times in one year) and portions have gone down, smaller portions served at higher prices. Since around 6-8 months something changed and between higher cost and smaller portions, I no longer go there after having been a daily customer almost every other day. Time to find a new place where we can still get value. Tried it again yesterday and portions were so small and price had yet again increased.

949c61f1-66f0-4ee8-850c-a37e989e410d

Pretty great shawarma offerings! The joint is TINY in that it's usually full during weekdays after seating maybe...10 people or so? That said, the beauty of this little hole in the wall is that it's located so close to the law courts that you can just bring your eats to Robson Square to chow down on! I got the chicken shawarma plate and it was a pretty fair sized portion! Definitely love the crispiness of the chicken bits and the lentils in the brown rice, yum!

d4e58df3-f1ff-46de-81a6-456a9d8f8710

Came here for the first time about a week and a half ago. Can't believe I've never came here before. It's sort of your typical hole in the wall style donair/shawarma place. I had the lamb shawarma plate. It comes with pita bread, salad, hummus, and a potato. It's a great value for what you get, and tastes great too. Only downside is that it gets pretty busy during the lunch rush and you have to wait in line in between all the sit down tables. A little awake add. Nevertheless, still recommended!

73915219-f07f-41ed-ab7a-8d8b1cc26f07

I don't know if this is run by the same people who used to run the Babylon Café on Robson (right about where Old Navy is now, if I remember correctly), but as my sweetie and I were walking past it and reminiscing about the old place, one of the cooks saw us looking in, smiled, and opened up the shield on one of the rotisseries so we could admire the shawarma. As it happens, we had already eaten, but with an attitude like that, we just had to go back the next day. In order to keep to my low-carb diet, I had to pass up so many wonderful things (pita, rice, potatoes, and -- sob -- hummus), but the Greek salad topped with chicken shawarma reminded me (as if I could ever forget) why I love this cuisine so much. It didn't take any convincing to get my sweetie in there, either. She'd had the food at the old Babylon Café, and knew what to expect. Neither one of us was disappointed. The food is great, and the service is friendly. I don't imagine that the location encourages much foot traffic, but clearly, word of mouth has overcome that, because they seem to be doing well.

a3e6fe46-9e27-4147-b558-939df1614dc5

This is gonna be a simple review! After picking up some super terrible for you Poutine we decided a salad would go best with it. We stumbled upon Bablyon Cafe near our hotel. There was only one of young man in line but he was basically on his way out as we were entering. The space itself it nothing fancy - it's like a deli basically! We ordered a large greek salad to go. The young man made the salad but also asked us if we wanted onions, tomatoes, and cheese (it only came with lettuce otherwise) so of course we said YES! He made the salad with olive oil and maybe some oregano - nothing special. We paid what I thought was pretty crazy prices for the size of even the large salad and left. The salad was okay! I mean not even really good per se but just okay. My one huge complaints was that there was Romaine lettuce core pieces in the salad which to me is just pure laziness. Overall, whatever it was a salad!

Discover Babylon Café in Vancouver for a unique dining experience. Savor delicious cuisine in a cozy setting. Visit us today and indulge your senses.

Babylon Café Vancouver - Unique Dining Experience in the City

Babylon Café

British Columbia

Explore the full menu at Babylon Café in Vancouver. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 770 Nelson Street.

Babylon Café Menu – Food & Drinks in Vancouver

Learn about Babylon Café, a popular Vancouver restaurant located at 770 Nelson Street. Experience our unique ambiance and diverse menu. Visit us today!

About Babylon Café in Vancouver

Opening hours for Babylon Café, Vancouver. Find opening hours for Babylon Café, Vancouver on 770 Nelson Street.

Babylon Café Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Babylon Café

Rollzzy

Melville Cafe

Fork Lift Kitchen and Bar