Think Burnaby’s just… Burnaby? Think again.
This city’s food scene is seriously stepping up, giving Vancouver a run for its money.
We’re talking killer Japanese spots, legit Thai street food, cozy Italian gems, and hot pot that’ll make you wanna dive right in.
Forget decision paralysis – we’ve done the hard work (tough job, we know).
Quick recommendations: don’t miss the delectable bites at Stem Japanese Eatery and the exquisite tastes at Siam Le Bien.
Here are 18 spots you absolutely have to check out. Get ready to eat.
1. Stem Japanese Eatery
Okay, Stem Japanese Eatery near Metrotown? It’s legit.
They’re all about seasonal Japanese eats done right, focusing on traditional Kappa style.
Not sure where to start? The Obanzai Plate is like a surprise party for your tastebuds – different small bites every day.
If you’re feeling fancy (or just love oysters), grab some fresh BC Oysters. Pro tip: add Uni if you know what’s good.
And yeah, they do a 6-course MINI Omakase if you wanna trust the chef and just eat amazing food without thinking.
What to order: Fresh BC Oyster on Shell, Obanzai plate, MINI Omakase
Address: 5205 Rumble Street Burnaby, BC V5J 2B7
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2. Siam Le Bien Thai Cuisine
Craving Thai that actually tastes like Thailand? Hit up Siam Le Bien in the Heights.
It’s busy, loud (in a good way!), and bursting with flavour, kinda like a Bangkok market.
Their Tom Ka Kai (chicken coconut soup) is creamy, fragrant, and just hits.
Feeling adventurous? The Som Tum Pu (papaya salad with salted crab) is a wild ride of crunchy, spicy, tangy, sweet goodness.
Don’t forget the Thai Iced Tea – it’s basically mandatory.
What to order: Tom Ka Kai “Chicken Coconut Milk”, Som Tum Pu “Green papaya salad with salted crab”, Thai Iced Tea
Address: 4217 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC, V5C 2J5
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3. Kimbap Cheonguk (temp closed)
When it’s open, Kimbab Cheonguk on North Road (aka K-town central) is the spot for cheap and cheerful Korean eats.
Their Crab Meat Kimbap is creamy goodness, while the Regular Kimbap is just packed with flavour.
If you like it spicy, the Kimchi Kimbap is calling your name.
People also rave about the Chicken with Cheese Ddock Bok Ki – think chewy rice cakes, tender chicken, and that perfect spicy-cheesy combo.
What to order: Regular Kim Bab, Crab Meat Kim Bab, Kimchi Kim Bab, Chicken with Cheese Ddock Bok Ki
Address: 341 North Road A Coquitlam, BC V3K 3V8
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4. The Dolar Shop
Hot pot time! The Dolar Shop near Metrotown is kinda bougie, but in a fun way – everyone gets their own personal pot!
The Black Truffle soup base? Earthy, buttery, unique. Need some heat? Go for the Spicy Broth.
You gotta get the Premier Cru Beef slices – they melt in your mouth. Add a Seafood Platter for good measure.
Oh, and start with the Wagyu Pancake. Crispy, beefy, addictive.
What to order: Wagyu Pancakes, Black Truffle Mushroom Broth, Spicy Broth & Chef’s Creamy Pork Broth, Premier Cru Beef Thin Slices, Seafood Platter, Seaweed Knots
Address: 6078 Silver Dr. Burnaby, BC
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5. Sooda Korean BBQ
Big portions and killer Korean BBQ? That’s Sooda in Brentwood.
The Special Bulgogi is a showstopper – marinated beef grilled tableside with cheese, corn, and rice. Yes, please.
Their Original Sooda Box looks insane (in a good way) – it’s like sushi topped with torched steak tartar.
Cheese pull fanatics, the Cheese Sooda Box is for you.
Wash it down with some Strawberry Rice Wine if you’re feeling adventurous.
What to order: Special Bulgogi, Cheese Sooda Box, Original Sooda Box, Strawberry Rice Wine
Address: 4567 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby, BC V5C 3Z6
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Big Way Hot Pot
Can’t decide what you want in your hot pot? Big Way is your playground.
They’ve got like, over 100 ingredients and 10 broths. Seriously.
Go classic spicy with the Signature Ma La Tang or try the Collagen Bone Broth if you’re feeling healthy-ish.
Get weird with it! Try the Grilled Cheese Fish Balls or Purple Yam noodles.
They even have spiked boba tea like the Sparking Lychee Tea. Genius.
Pro Tip: Use their digital waitlist to skip some of the line madness.
What to order: Signature Ma La Tang Broth, Tomato Mala Dry Mix Broth, Fish Ball with Cheese, Cuttlefish, Big Way Special Chicken, Matcha Milk Green Tea, Sparkling Lychee Tea
Address:
-7-4300 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC
-5-4250 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC
7. Sopra Sotto Pizzeria
Family-run Italian in the Heights? Sopra Sotto nails that cozy-but-cool vibe.
Their Gnocchi In Sunday Sugo (braised beef short rib sauce!) is pure comfort food heaven.
Pizza time? The Diavola brings the heat with spicy salami, or get smoky with the Salsiccia.
Balance it out with the zingy Toscana Salad. You need greens, right?
Perfect for date night or when you need good carbs.
What to order: Diavola, Salsiccia, Toscana Salad, Gnocchi In Sunday Sugo, Sparking Wine
Address: 4022 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H9
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8. Bun Rieu Phuong Nam
When you need a hug in a bowl, head to Bun Rieu Phuong Nam in Edmonds.
Their signature Bun Rieu Cua Phuong Nam (crab soup) is legendary – loaded with tofu, shrimp, pork ham, and crab meat. So much flavour.
Want something lighter? The Bun Cha Ca (fish cake soup) is clean and delicious.
End with the Che Bon Mau, that classic colourful Vietnamese bean dessert.
Heads Up: Cash & Debit only! Don’t get caught out.
What to order: Bun Rieu Cua Phuong Nam, Bun Cha Ca, Hu Tieu Dac Biet, Che Bon Mau
Address: 7405 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B1
9. Shanghai Dimsum House
Food court gem alert! Tucked inside Crystal Mall, this place pumps out amazing dumplings.
The Shanghai Pan-fried Pork Buns are a MUST. Crispy bottom, fluffy top, soupy inside. Be careful – that soup is HOT. Poke a hole first!
Need a kick? The Wontons in Chili Sauce are swimming in a tangy, garlicky, spicy sauce. So good.
Perfect for a quick, cheap, and satisfying bite while shopping.
What to order: Shanghai Pan-fried Pork Buns, Shanghai Steamed Mini Pork Buns, Wonton in Chili Sauce
Address: 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2B1 (at the corner of crystal mall food court)
10. L’Artista Italian Restaurant
Another Heights gem, L’Artista feels like you’re eating at your cool Italian nonna’s house. Super cozy and family-run.
Start with some bubbly Prosecco and the fresh Insalata Mista.
The Gamberoni Al Quazzetto (prawns in a garlicky tomato cream sauce) is a killer appy.
For mains, you can’t go wrong with their Handmade Gnocchi (pesto or meat sauce!).
And obviously, you gotta finish with the classic Tiramisu. Duh.
What to order: Prosecco, Insalata Mista salad, Gamberoni Al Quazzetto, Handmade Gnocchi, Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, Tiramisu
Address: 3891 East Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 2H7
11. Na-Re Korean Kitchen
Na-Re takes traditional Korean and gives it a cool, modern spin. Expect unique flavours here.
Feeling brave? Try the Ganjang Gejang – raw crab marinated in soy sauce. It’s salty, rich, and amazing with hot rice. Seriously unforgettable.
Okay, let’s talk fried chicken. We think Na-Re might have the BEST Korean Fried Chicken in the area.
Bold claim, we know. Try the Half & Half.
Wash it down with some Yogurt Soju for the full experience.
What to order: Ramen Cheese Tteokboki, Ganjang Gejang, Beef Tartare, Half & Half Fried Chicken, Yogurt Soju
Address: 7413 Edmonds Street Burnaby, BC V3N 1B
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12. Sushi Bar Kilala
Hidden gem alert! Kilala in the Heights serves up seriously high-quality sushi without destroying your wallet.
The Deluxe Chirashi Sushi is gorgeous – beautifully sliced sashimi over perfectly seasoned rice. Insta-worthy AND delicious.
Love salmon? The Spicy Salmon Don brings the heat without overpowering the buttery fish.
Don’t sleep on the Unagi Battera (pressed eel sushi) – it’s lightly torched and chef’s kiss.
What to order: Deluxe Chirashi Sushi, Spicy Salmon Don, Unagi Battera
Address: 4749 Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 2K8
13. Gokudo Shabu Shabu Hot Pot-Burnaby
More hot pot! Gokudo near Metrotown offers soup bases from Japan, China, Thailand, and Korea. Spoiled for choice.
Their Signature Spicy Malatang is famous for a reason – it’s got punch. Miso is a great milder option.
Meat lovers, get the rib-eye, short rib, or splurge on Wagyu. Combine with the seafood mix for a feast.
Unlimited milk tea refills? Dangerous. Deliciously dangerous.
What to order: Signature Spicy Soup Base, Miso Soup Base, Seafood Mix, Triple Mix, Japanese Fish Cake, Squid Dumplings, Guava Juice
Address: 4501 Kingsway #103, Burnaby, BC
14. The Gray Olive Cafeteria
Brunch goals right here in the Heights. Gray Olive knows what’s up.
The G.O Classic Platter is hearty AF – crispy pork belly, perfect eggs, all the good stuff.
Chicken & Waffles? Yes please.
Fluffy waffles, crispy boneless fried chicken… pure joy. Add the spicy Korean ketchup if you like a challenge.
Their Spanish Latte is smooth, creamy, and the perfect caffeine fix.
What to order: G.O Classic Platter, Veggie Benny, Chicken & Waffle, Spanish Latte
Address: 4190 Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 2J4
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15. Chad Thai Restaurant
Authentic, affordable Thai street food vibes? Chad Thai delivers.
The Khao Gang (green curry chicken) is creamy, spicy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Tom Yum Goong fan? Theirs explodes with lemongrass and cilantro flavour.
For a simple but super satisfying lunch, get the Khao Gra Pao Kai Dao (stir-fried ground pork with rice and a fried egg).
Hits the spot every time.
What to order: Chicken Satay, Tom Yum Goong, Khao Gra Pao Kai Dao, The Khao Gang, Thai Ice Tea
Address: 4010 E Hastings Street Burnaby, BC V5C 2H9
16. Fraser Park Restaurant
Okay, this spot’s a bit hidden in an industrial park, but trust us, it’s worth finding for the German breakfast goodness.
The German Breakfast is legendary: scrambled eggs, amazing hash browns, bacon, sausage, ham, AND a potato pancake. Bring your appetite.
Love sausages? The Sausage Sampler is your jam, served with killer horseradish mayo.
Al’s Breakfast gives you pancakes, eggs, and bacon – classic comfort.
It’s hearty, no-frills, and seriously satisfying.
What to order: German Breakfast, Al’s Breakfast, Sausage Sampler
Address: 4663 Byrne Road Suite 103 Burnaby, BC V5J 3H6
Website | Instagram | Facebook
17. Tenen Restaurant
Get a taste of Serbia right in Royal Oak at Tenen. It’s traditional, homey, and packed with flavour.
The Karadjordjeva Schnitzel is a must-try – rolled pork loin stuffed with creamy kaymak cheese, then breaded and fried. It’s as amazing as it sounds. Comes with a great vinegary slaw to cut the richness.
Start with the Balkan Style Bruschetta (topped with ajvar, bacon, and cheese).
Save room for the Krempita dessert – light, creamy, perfect ending.
What to order: Karadjordjeva Schnitzel, Beef Tripe, Balkan Style Bruschetta, Krempita
Address: 7569 Royal Oak Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 4J8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
18. Colour See See
Right across from Metrotown, this tiny spot is a haven for Shanghainese dumpling lovers.
Don’t let the small size fool you, the flavours are BIG.
Their Wonton Soup (pork and prawn) is divine. Comfort in a bowl.
The Crab & Pork Panfried Buns? Crispy bottom, savoury filling – yes please. Also, try the Rice Siu Mai!
Wash it down with some Hot Soy Milk for that cozy feeling.
What to order: Wonton Soup, Shrimp & Pork Steamed Bun, Crab & Pork Panfried Bun, Rice Siu Mai, Hot Soy Milk
Address: 4689 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2B3
So there you have it – 18 solid reasons to eat your way through Burnaby.
Seriously, stop sleeping on this city’s food scene! It’s diverse, delicious, and waiting for you.
Did your fave make the list? Got another hidden gem we totally missed? Let us know in the comments!
Now go forth and eat well.
Before you leave, drop by one of Burnaby’s gorgeous bakeries and grab something to satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings.
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.