Kitsilano is shaped by the people who spend their days in it. We met up with gravitypope's Natalie Tersigni and TV Dinner owner Jon Coleman to share a selection of their favourite local spots, from long-time staples to newer discoveries. Together, they explore the places that make Kits what it is, highlighting the businesses, streets, and everyday rituals that keep them connected to the neighbourhood.
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gravitypope Tailored Goods
For a limited time, make a purchase in-store at gravitypope Kitsilano and enjoy a complimentary coffee at TV Dinner. Also, make a purchase at TV Dinner and receive a coupon for 15% off your next purchase at gravitypope.
Introduce yourselves! Who are you, and how do you know each other?
Jon: I'm Jon, and I'm a partner in TV Dinner. Nat and I became fast friends when she moved to Vancouver from Toronto around 2006.
Nat: I'm the Retail Experience Manager at gravitypope, although I've worn just about every hat over the years—including Store Manager at gravitypope Tailored Goods. Jon and I have been friends since around 2007 or 2008. At this point, it's been so long we're basically family.
Tell us about TV Dinner. How did the idea come to life?
J: TV Dinner is a small grocery and café concept. The idea was born in 2020, when a lot of restaurants and small food producers started focusing on creating products for retail. I dreamed of a frozen food aisle that you were excited to walk down rather than ashamed of! We quickly realized there was so much great quality being produced right in our own backyard. We also wanted to take a no BS approach to coffee: focus on great quality products and friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome.
N: I remember talking with Jon over a beer at 33 Acres years ago when he shared this idea of opening a shop that sold a modern take on TV dinners. Fast forward to today and it's amazing to see that dream become a reality. I wasn't there for every step of the journey, but watching a longtime friend turn an idea into a thriving neighbourhood business has been incredibly rewarding and made me really proud of him and his team's hard work. TV Dinner is exactly the kind of place every community needs—a welcoming space with great coffee, amazing sandwiches, thoughtfully curated local products, and genuinely great people. It's become a true community hub where you're just as likely to run into a friend as you are to discover your new favourite lunch or pick up dinner for later. Don't forget to admire their light fixture designed by And Light, another Vancouver business and close friends.
A beloved French bistro known for classic cuisine, thoughtful wines, and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere.
Why did you choose to feature these local businesses?
Au Comptoir
J: Nat is really classy, and I appreciate that about her. I'm just along for the ride.
N: Max and Julien absolutely nailed the neighbourhood French bistro. Great gin martinis, incredible steak frites, and I would never say no to their beef tartare.
Magnolia Market
J: It's one of those long-standing Kitsilano staples. It's a go-to for floral arrangements and has that classic corner store charm on a block that's always bustling.
N: Beautiful flowers just steps from the beach. What's not to love? I'd probably visit even more often if it wasn't at the bottom of such a steep hill!
August Brewing
J: A cold beer is a nice way to cap off a workday! August has the friendliest team and makes a great beer. It feels like a lot of passion goes into both the product and the service. Oh, and throw in Between 2 Buns burgers...
N: Great beer, great people, and one of the best burgers in the city thanks to Between 2 Buns.
A long-standing Kitsilano favourite, known for its colourful selection of fresh flowers and thoughtfully arranged bouquets.
What makes Kitsilano such a special neighborhood to you?
J: It's got everything on offer. From food and fashion to everyday essentials, there's something for every budget. You've got the beach, a short trip to Granville Island, and a great mix of new and old residential charm.
N: Kits has been my work neighbourhood since I moved to Vancouver from Toronto in 2006. I've watched it evolve over the years while still seeing many of the same locals and clients. There are only a handful of original businesses that have survived changing trends and rising rents—places like Zulu Records, Connie's Cook House, Arbutus Coffee, and of course, gravitypope. That sense of history makes Kits feel like home but it is exciting to see the long list of new and upcoming retailers and restaurants joining the street.
Aside from TV Dinner, where's your go-to spot for coffee?
J: There are so many options! Viva, Oide, Cowdog... but I'm a sucker for a drip coffee, and ours is pretty hard to beat.
N: West Beach just got a sexy La Marzocco machine, making it the perfect spot for a 3 p.m. espresso. Go see my girl Tina.
What are your other must-visit spots in Kitsilano?
J: I like getting lost in The Kitchen Corner. The community garden along the Arbutus Greenway also has a lot of nice spots to take a seat and enjoy a sunny day.
N: Beyond the eclectic mix of independent shops and restaurants, take some time to wander the neighbourhood. Kits is full of beautiful heritage homes, tree-lined streets, and the gardens along the Arbutus Greenway, which are worth exploring in every season.Sadly, my longtime mechanic, Continental Repairs, just closed after many years, so if anyone has a good recommendation, I'm all ears!
A neighbourhood brewery bringing people together over thoughtfully crafted beer, seasonal releases, and a laid-back Kitsilano atmosphere.
If you had to spend a day showing someone around Kits, what would your perfect itinerary look like?
J: I'd probably start with a little food tour and some shopping along 4th, then spend some time at Jericho Beach before capping it all off with a visit to the Legion.
If you couldn't be based in Kitsilano, what other Vancouver neighborhood would you choose, and why?
J: Mount Pleasant. It's got a similar mix of great food, independent businesses, and a strong sense of community.
N: Hastings-Sunrise or Burnaby Heights. My dream is to be able to walk (or bike ride within reason) to work.
What's one thing people might not know about Kitsilano?
J: There are so many little pockets of community tucked away from the main streets. You can be surrounded by busy shops and restaurants one minute and find yourself in a quiet garden or residential street the next.
How has supporting other local businesses helped shape your own business?
J: It's really been central to our business. We focus heavily on small, local brands for our grocery selection and are always looking for opportunities to partner with neighbouring businesses. I think it's brought a real sense of community to TV Dinner.
N: Independent businesses succeed when we support each other. Collaborating with local shops, cafés and restaurants creates a stronger community, introduces us to each other's clients, and reminds people that shopping locally has a real impact. We all do better together.
What does "community" mean to each of you?
J: I think it comes down to inclusion, opportunity, acceptance, and support. It's about everyone finding their own way to enjoy what's on offer and helping others do the same.
N: Community means showing up for each other. Whether it's grabbing a coffee, attending an event, collaborating on a project, or simply recommending a neighbouring business, those small actions create lasting relationships and make a neighbourhood feel connected.
What's your favorite memory of working together or collaborating over the years?
J: Nat and I have always found a way to get a good laugh together. Bartending the Gravity Pope events back in the day was always fun!
N: Jon used to bartend our gravitypope client appreciation parties many moons ago. After the events wrapped up, we'd usually help finish off whatever was left behind. Those were some pretty fun nights.
What's next for TV Dinner and gravitypope? Anything exciting coming up that you're looking forward to?
J: We've collaborated with some of our favourite brands and creators on some fun TV Dinner products that are coming out very soon. We're really excited to share them!
N: Fall fashion season is almost here, and as much as I love the beach and summer, nothing beats layering wool, leather, denim and boots. I'm also looking forward to more community collaborations like this one and travelling to visit our gravitypope stores in Edmonton, Calgary and, of course, my hometown of Toronto.
For a limited time, make a purchase at gravitypope Kitsilano and enjoy a complimentary coffee at TV Dinner. Also, make a purchase at TV Dinner and receive a coupon for 15% off your next purchase at gravitypope.