Originating as the first city in Western Canada, New Westminster has grown and evolved to be an upcoming area for food, shopping, and enjoyment in Metro Vancouver.
If you need answers right away, I highly recommend trying Artusi Restaurant or Wind Thyme. Either of these two options will give you the city’s best flavours!
Because of its growing popularity, many new restaurants have opened in this city. So we’ve compiled the 12 best New Westminster restaurants that you gotta try out!
So let’s get started!
1. Artusi Restaurant
Artusi Restaurant in New Westminster is like a hidden gem offering tasty Italian dishes that you might not have tried before. Here, the chefs use just a few ingredients to create flavorful meals from scratch!
The place is cozy, with only 40 seats, giving you that warm and calm Italian vibe. And guess what? You’ll be welcomed by the delicious smell of freshly baked focaccia and pasta as soon as you step in.
For starters, you can have one of the most sought-after dishes, Carpaccio Di Manzo, which is to die for! The tender beef paired with Gnocchi is game-changing enough to make you a regular in this place.
If you’re a seafood lover, their Capesante Al Rosso is the way to go! This dish features finely cooked scallops served with Njuda and Saffron sauce.
Don’t forget to pair your food with a drink of your choice, and you’re all set!
What to order: Carpaccio Di Manzo, Capesante Al Rosso
Address: 412 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3B2, Canada
2. Wild Thyme
Head to Wild Thyme whenever you’re in the mood for some Lebanese food, and I assure you that you’ll fall in love with this place as soon as you enter.
With a cozy patio sitting and insides which has the lingering aroma of food, Wild Thyme is a hole in the wall that shouldn’t be missed out on!
Order the Lahmajoun, which is typically a fresh bread filled with beef stuffing. You can tell the chef has done outstanding work at striking the right balance of the flavours and the richness level.
After that, I suggest you try getting the Kafta with Rice. This one was insanely delicious in my experience.
The beef kafta meat patties are a delight, expertly prepared in-house and seasoned to perfection.
Served alongside yellow basmati rice, the dish is elevated with the addition of onions and tomatoes, all topped off with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce and sumac.
What to order: Lahmajoun, Kafta with Rice
Address: 705 12th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J7, Canada
3. Piva Modern Italian
Piva is a contemporary restaurant offering modern Italian dishes with the finest ingredients sourced locally.
The interior is white with shades of brown—a timeless and classy look. So bring your family and experience the tradition and the flavours of Italy right on the streets of Westminster here at Piva!
Start with the Arancini; these are like crispy balls filled with yummy risotto, mushrooms, mozzarella, and more.
The Wild Boar is another must-try starter with meatballs, mushrooms, creamy goodness, and some tasty focaccia on the side.
For the mains, try out their Lamb, which is served with pleasant fig demi-glace and crispy Brussels sprouts. It’s like a flavour party with juicy lamb, rich red wine sauce, Brussels sprouts, and gnocchi that’s got chorizo and herbs!
Save some room for the desserts because the Chef’s Creation will surprise you. Just ask your server for the details and prepare to be surprised!
What to order: Arancini, Wild Boar, Lamb, Chef’s Creation
Address: 787 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Canada
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4. Longtail Kitchen
Tucked away in the River Market, Longtail Kitchen is where you head to if you’re craving some Asian street food. The best part is that they have given a modern twist to the dishes while maintaining the traditional flavour.
The interior is very aesthetic and will most likely find a place on your Instagram. They even have a small patio, which will make your dining experience memorable.
You can’t go wrong with their Chicken Wings—super crispy and seasoned just right. Seriously you can’t skip on them, they’re literally the crowd’s favorite!
Another dish locals are obsessed with is the Gai Lan & Pork Belly, which has nice pork chunks with caramel flavour. If you like your pork sweet, this is the dish to get!
You can also have the Pad Thai Prawns for the mains, which are medium spicy and give the dish the perfect kick. Spicy lovers, you know what to get.
What to order: Chicken Wings, Gai Lan & Pork Belly, Pad Thai Prawns
Address: 116 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9, Canada
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5. Patsara Thai
Looking for the authentic Thai food in New Westminster? Patsara Thai is your best bet.
This place looks like a cute purple box from the outside, but on the inside, it has an upscale interior with gold undertones and even a pretty wall waterfall.
You can have the standard Pad Thai for your mains, which is not just YUM but is overloaded with veggies, making it one of the best dishes on their menu.
This dish comes in two variants. I highly recommend the chicken variant, but you can get shrimp if you like seafood!
If not Pad Thai, the Massamun Curry Lamb is excellent with the perfect amount of sweetness. Featuring succulent braised lamb in a flavorful massamun curry, the dish achieves a delightful balance of savoury and sweet notes.
Or you could just have their Drunken Noodles (Kuay Tiew Kee Mao), which offers a satisfying combination of thick rice noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein.
What to order: Pad Thai, Massamun Curry Lamb, Drunken Noodles (Kuay Tiew Kee Mao)
Address: 528 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3L 1C4, Canada
6. Co Chau Restaurant
With a tagline that says that they love their customers, Co Chau is actually showcasing their love towards their customers by serving some lip-smacking Vietnamese food.
The inside is very spacious and well-decorated, making it a pleasant spot to dine. Co Chau’s aesthetics are more contemporary when contrasted with the minimalist style commonly found in Vietnamese restaurants
Now, let’s talk about food. In no case should you be missing out on their Cha Gio Chay Spring Rolls, which we like to refer to as a bite of heaven.
The flavours and the crunchiness of the rolls are so mouth-watering, that you’ll be tempted to order more.
For the mains, you could opt for their hearty Pho Co Chau, which is like a warm embrace to your soul. The broth alone will surely leave you craving for more!
What to order: Cha Gio Chay Spring Rolls, Pho Co Chau
Address: 522 6th Ave, New Westminster, BC V3L 1V3, Canada
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7. Cockney Kings Fish & Chips
Fish and chips are one of those dishes that are good all year round (in my opinion). So, when you’re in New Westminster, try out the Cockney Kings Fish and Chips, which has been awarded as the best fish and chips restaurant in New Westminster.
Here you’ll find patio sitting, friendly staff, and quick service, you are bound to have a great time.
I’d recommend the Oyster Dinner, featuring fresh seafood and umami heaven. The oysters are plump and super juicy, just the way we like it.
If it’s your first time here, try out the COD Dinner, one of their frequently ordered entrees. The pieces are fresh, the portion size is good, and the batter isn’t super thick but super crispy!
Extra hungry? You can also try their All You Can Eat which consists of a combo of Pollock and chips and is pretty famous amongst their regular customers.
No fuss and frills, just some delicious fish and chips!
What to order: Oyster Dinner, COD Dinner, All You Can Eat
Address: 66 10th Street Unit 130 Columbia Square Plaza, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A6, Canada
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8. El Santo
To all the Mexican food lovers out there, El Santo is going to be your spot for stunning Mexican dishes.
The interior has a bright colour scheme, and the live music elevates your dining experience. The staff members will go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable.
For starters, go for the Barbacoa, which is overloaded with stuffing and is just too good to miss out on.
This tasty dish features super tender beef cheeks, spicy chilis, and flavorful salsa roja. It’s a mix of juicy and spicy that hits all the right spots!
For your mains, I suggest getting the Carne Ahumada. You’ll be surprised by the even distribution of the smoked flavour and the steak’s juiciness!
Round up your meal with some Churros, which are sweet, crispy sticks covered in cinnamon and sugar. They’re so good, especially with the caramel-like dulce de leche on the side!
What to order: Barbacoa, Carne Ahumada, Churros
Address: 680 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9, Canada
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9. Banh Mi Bar
Vietnamese food is something we can have every single day, and that’s the exact reason why we love Banh Mi! This place is entirely dedicated to serving you various authentic and yummy Banh Mi sandwiches.
The place is cozy with a great vibe and exceptional services. After all, great food places don’t have to be fancy spots!
The prices are reasonable, which makes everyone love this place even more.
They have various menu options, but the House Special Sandwich stands out in every way! The sub is loaded with meat and veggies, filling your stomach with delicious goodness.
In my experience, there was not a single bite that was just bread. Pair it up with sriracha sauce for that extra oomph!
Oh, and to go with it, order their Iced Vietnamese Coffee which is on the stronger side and will instantly make you feel energized.
What to order: House Special Sandwich, Iced Vietnamese Coffee
Address: 722 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 6V4, Canada
10. Re Up BBQ
Re Up is your chance to try out some mouth-watering southern barbeque dishes. Located on the quayside, it offers a great view of the water.
The services are excellent, and the staff makes sure that you have a comfortable dining experience here.
The menu has something for everyone but I highly recommend their Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. This dish is a hit over here!
Combining crispy fried chicken with bacon, cheese, jalapenos, slaw, spicy mayo, and BBQ sauce, you can’t have enough of this fantastic sandwich!
Their Beef Brisket is splendid! Not only is it tender, but the serving is generous.
You can also try out the standard Southern Style Chicken Wings, the taste of which is so good that you’ll most likely come again repeatedly just for them.
What to order: SpicyFried Chicken Sandwich, Beef Brisket, Southern Style Chicken Wings
Address: 810 Quayside Dr, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9, Canada
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. IT Char Burger
If you’re someone who is into juicy, saucy, and absolutely amazing burgers, try out IT Char Burger. This unassuming burger place is truly a hidden gem in New Westminister.
And you know what the best part is? The prices! Although it is located inside a business mall, don’t let it fool you with its location. The owners are lovely and make the burger from scratch, which takes a little time, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
After all, you don’t win the title of Best Burger Joint in Westminister easily, do you?
The burgers over here are simply amazing. Try the crowd’s favourite, IT Char Burger, which is oozing with sauce. To your surprise, this burger has two patties, and the sauce will leave you in a daze.
Although this place is about burgers, the Garlic Fries with Parmesan cheese are the star dish on their menu. Crispy, cheesy, and delicious—what more can you ask for?
What to order: IT Char Burger, Garlic fries
Address: 800 McBride Blvd #29, New Westminster, BC V3L 2B8, Canada
12. AKD KITCHEN Soup + Goods
Looking for a place that serves comfort food in a comfortable setup? Try AKD! This restaurant serves comfort food such as ramen, dumplings, and soups that will make you feel happy instantly.
The place is perfectly lit, giving it a calming vibe. The addition of trinkets and books along the walls creates a homey atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of ramen, you’ll be so glad this place exists. The Cheese Ramen over here is great! It’s super tasty, and the smell will make you hungry.
Oh, and the Ramen egg makes it even better! Try adding the egg when you take a sip of your ramen and your soul will feel the contentment.
Aside from those, the Deep Fried Gyoza over here is a must-try. It’s crunchy on the outside, and the inside tastes absolutely delicious.
Don’t forget to have a look at the “Curry Of The Week” as they come up with new toppings every week!
What to order: Cheese Ramen, Ajitama Ramen Red Flavour, Deep Fried Gyoza
Address: 120-888 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 0C6, Canada
So that was our take on the best New Westminister restaurants, and we hope that you will try them out soon.
Next you can check out the restaurants in Burnaby, which will surely leave you feeling delighted!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.