There is no doubt that Vancouver is a food haven. Recognized as one of the best food cities in the world, Vancouver is packed with multiple award-winning restaurants as well as humble local spots to enjoy.
Just take a walk across the city and you will notice amazing aromas wafting in the streets. The passion for food among local foodies and chefs and restaurant owners is well-balanced, and it can be felt in every bite you take in Vancouver.
If you have plans to visit this foodie city, there is a long list of the best Vancouver restaurants you should try:
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37. Brix & Mortar
One of the best spots for any downtown visitor is this restaurant that proudly occupies a 1917 heritage building. Walk inside and you’ll feel like you’re entering a castle.
When you’re in the mood for a hearty meat dish, try their Thunder Creek pork ribs. For something lighter, have some of their Wild Salmon for dinner. Brix and Mortar also has an extensive wine list, as well as cocktails that are sure to grab your attention.
This is a great place for a small gathering – be it dinner with friends, an intimate cocktail hour, or catch up on their stunning patio.
What to order: Thunder Creek pork ribs, Wild Salmon, wines, cocktails
Address: 1269 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3
36. Sura Korean Cuisine
An award-winning Korean restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Sura gives diners a glimpse into the true culinary craft of Korean Royal Cuisine. The combination of Korean traditions and modern design aesthetics makes Sura a sophisticated dining space and the most preferred Korean dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
The most enjoyed dish here is perhaps the Sliced Pork Belly (Bossam). Simmered in herbs, the pork belly emanates the flavors beautifully, and the fact that the pork slices have a good bite to them without being too fatty makes the dish more appetizing.
From their Barbecue menu, the Galbi, or Grilled Beef Short-Ribs, will make you want to go for seconds. Marinated in traditional Korean barbecue sauce, the ribs are cooked to be tender yet still retain a bite.
What to order: Daeji Galbi, Kimchi Jjigae, Japchae, Bossam, Kimchi Fried Rice
Address:
-1518 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C3
-4151 Hazelbridge Way, Aberdeen Centre, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7
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35. Hoi An Cafe
Another Vietnamese treasure that has managed to make food lovers out of even the pickiest of eaters is Hoi An Cafe. Serving affordable, quality, and tasty food, this little cafe has proudly made it to our Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Vancouver list. And we weren’t kidding when we mentioned that these restaurants have a cult following!
One of the more popular dishes here is Mi Quang. It is a yellow noodle dish with pork and shrimp, and a side of greens. What makes this simple noodle dish so delightful and enjoyable is the texture and crunch from the sesame rice cracker and the combined flavor of all the ingredients.
Banh Bot Loc La Chuoi is a steamed dumpling dish with pork and shrimp filling, and wrapped in banana leaf. The chewy texture of the dumplings along with the flavor of the banana leaf and that of the meaty filling will make you want to order a separate portion to go.
What to order: Mi Quang, Banh Bot Loc La Chuoi, Cao Lau Dac Biet
Address: 5002 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T8
34. Water Street Cafe
Located in the heart of historic Gastown, Water Street Cafe can be rated among the most popular dining spots in the neighbourhood. The place serves classic Italian cuisine with West Coast influence, offers an award-winning wine & beverage list, and is a great place to enjoy live music with a scrumptious meal.
If you have a big morning appetite, Water St. Cafe’s Mont Blanc French Toast will be more than enough to keep you full until your next meal. The crème brûlée brioche French toast comes with a rich, fluffy exterior, and the sour cherry jam cuts the sweetness from the other elements, making your plate enjoyable.
How can you not have a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant?! Their Rigatoni with Italian Sausage is a slightly spicy pasta dish. The pasta comes cooked al dente and the red sauce and house-made sausage add deep flavors to the dish.
For dessert, we are torn between Tiramisu and Flourless Chocolate Cake! You choose!
What to order: Mont Blanc French Toast, Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Tiramisu, Flourless Chocolate Cake
Address: 300 Water Street, Vancouver, BC
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33. Northern Cafe and Grill
A hole in the wall at a location you don’t expect!
Past the train tracks, the metal chain fence, and piles of wooden beams is a non-discreet staircase…that will lead you to this local gem that looks like an old school diner.
Owned and operated by the Mah family since 2008, you’ll find hearty brunch items (those hashbrown shreds were 👌), Chinese food, and good vibes here (they are so nice!).
P.S. expect a wait on weekends!
What to order: Wonton Soup, Northern Deluxe Burger, Ham Eggs Benny
Address: 1640 E. Kent Avenue South, Vancouver, BC
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32. OEB Breakfast Co
OEB Breakfast Co touts itself as THE michelin breakfast joint and its popularity in the city is evident as one of the premiere weekend Yaletown brunch destination.
People come in early to be able to get their hands on the limited quantity Canadian Lobster & Shrimp Crêpe. You can feel the shreds of butter poached lobster and shrimp inside the thin crepe in every bite. The brown butter hollandaise is phenomenal, and the crepe comes topped with truffle pearls. With the option to also add caviar to your plate, this is one exquisite breakfast/brunch dish you can have in Vancouver.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, OEB has some exclusive sweet breakfast options on their menu, of which the French Toast Trifle is a surefire winner. The brioche French toast is soft, and there is lemon curd instead of the usual maple syrup. The berries on the plate are fresh, and along with other elements, the dish has just the right amount of sweetness.
P.S. make sure to join the Yelp waitlist to check the wait
What to order: Hog & Scallop Poutine, Canadian Lobster & Shrimp Crepe, Pierogies & Duck, French Toast Trifle
Address:
-Yaletown – 1137 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC
-4525 Lougheed Hwy. Unit 2306, Burnaby, BC V5C 3Z6
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31. Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Western Lake is an award-winning Chinese seafood restaurant that specializes in Dim Sum. Their award-winning dim sum is prepared fresh daily, using the freshest of ingredients, which can be enjoyed in a warm and elegant environment.
Without a doubt, you should try their unbelievable dim sums. Their Steamed Prawn Dumplings and Steamed Pork & Shrimp Dumplings are most loved among diners.
Now, if you’re used to seeing golf-sized dumplings at other restaurants, brace yourself, Western Lake’s dumplings are the size of baseballs. So, it would be wise to visit the place as a group, so you can order and share different menu items.
Apart from dim sums, Western Lake is also popular for its Beijing Duck. Also widely known as Peking Duck, the duck comes to your table exactly how you want it – crispy skin, non-greasy, and pink flesh.
What to order: Steamed Prawn Dumplings, Steamed Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, Beijing Duck, BBQ Pork Buns
Address: 4989 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T7
30. Provence Marinaside
Located in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood, Provence Marinaside is a French seafood restaurant and bar, serving gourmet dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner. While the dining room is elegantly designed and aesthetically pleasing, the sunny patio, on the other hand, provides breathtaking waterfront views of the marina. Oh, they remain open to cater to your late-night cravings as well!
It’s time to please your palate with their delicious Crab Cake Benedict that has got a bed of eggs over the shrimps with a bit of sweetness and garnished with roasted tomatoes and wedges which makes the flavour pop.
Their Bouillabaisse is one of the most comforting dishes you can have. This West Coast style Bouillabaisse contains the freshest of seafood swimming in an incomparably flavorful broth. You can make your plate meatier by adding additional portions of seafood and also chicken.
What to order: Crab Cake Benedict, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Bouillabaisse
Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3
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29. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
Serving authentic Thai cuisine since 1986, Sawasdee Thai Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that has a reputation for introducing authentic Thai taste to the residents of Vancouver.
The chef’s recommendation (ours too!) is the Crying Tiger Beef. You get a plate full of sliced marinated beef, grilled to perfection, and delightfully tender. The herb vinaigrette serves as the ideal dipping sauce for the beef. If you’d like to add a bit of spice, order their Hot Sauce to go with your beef.
What’s the point in having Thai food if you don’t order Pad Thai!? Choose between tamarind sauce and tomato sauce to go with the tofu, prawns, and egg, and watch well-balanced layers of flavors uncover in your mouth.
Do try their Chicken or Prawn Cashew Nuts stir fry too. We loved it and so will you!
What to order: Crying Tiger Beef, Pad Thai, Chicken/Prawn Cashew Nuts
Address: 4250 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9
28. Dosanko
Ah it’s just another Japanese restaurant in Vancouver, right? Wrong! The food served at Dosanko tastes like your Japanese grandmother (the one you never had!) made it – authentically Japanese, comforting, and delicious. More than that, what makes it a lot more special is that it is accessible for West Coast palates.
Share the Beef Belly Katsu Sandwich as an appy with a friend and you will both love it. The panko crusted beef belly is first sous vide cooked, which makes it juicy and tender, and you definitely get big, satisfying chunks. The house-made milk bread is nice and soft, and the tonkatsu sauce and koji mayo add layers of flavor to the sandwich.
Omu-Rice is one simple-looking but a technically difficult dish that not many restaurants can execute well. Dosanko brings to the table a perfectly executed plate of Omu-Rice that makes people visit again for more.
It is a Japanese-style omelet, with fried rice, and tomato sauce as other layers. The eggs are fluffy and luscious, and the rice is buttery. You can also add pork curry sauce or beef Hayashi sauce to your Omu-Rice for an extra cost.
What to order: Beef Belly Katsu Sandwich, Omu-Rice, Matcha Milcrepe
Address: 566 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC
Order Online: Uber Eats
27. Kook Korean BBQ
When it comes to Korean food, everyone knows KBBQ is one of its most tempting features that has hordes of Vancouverites scrambling for a taste. There’s really nothing quite like it, especially when it’s done well, and the folks over at Kook on First Avenue do Korean BBQ so well, the place is always buzzing.
Of course, when you’re at Kook, experiencing their table BBQ is a must. Our vote goes to the Beef Bulgogi, which comes marinated, so you can cook on the Shinpo System (the Rolls-Royce of smokeless grills) at your table. The grill adds an amazing charcoal flavour to the marinated beef, which you can enjoy with 15 different banchan (side dishes), and rice.
What to order: Beef Bulgogi BBQ, Soondubu Jjigae – Spicy Tofu Stew, Spicy Pork
Address: 2800 E 1st Avenue, #211A, Vancouver, BC V5M 4N8
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26. Downlow Chicken Shack
Downlow Chicken Shack undoubtedly serves the best fried chicken in Vancouver. With two locations in the city, the place is always bustling and its otherworldly fried chicken keeps everyone drooling and wanting more.
We suggest that you try their fried chicken before you go for their famous sandwich. Their boneless and juicy thighs are what fried chicken dreams are made of! Even their chicken breasts come out juicy – Downlow Chicken Shack do have their frying game perfected! Everything, from the chicken to the sides, is fresh and yummilicious.
The Original Sando (sandwich) has Nashville dusted chicken, which is not only well-seasoned and super juicy but also has a lovely spice kick in every bite. Dip your sandwich in their DL sauce, and you will already be on your way to order another Original sandwich.
What to order: Boneless and juicy chicken thigh, The Original Sando, Fries
Address:
-905 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
-6065 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 0C5
25. L’Abattoir
Located in the heart of Gastown, L’Abattoir serves French-influenced West Coast fare paired with an award-winning wine program focused on providing diners with an unforgettable experience. The setting is comfortable yet refined, and the menu is equally sophisticated.
The Baked Pacific Oysters is an extraordinary preparation that will take your breath away with its deliciousness. With creamy whipped garlic butter and specks of truffle on top, the dish is a fine example of how three simple ingredients can work together to become something impressive.
Their Steak Diane for main will make your taste buds scream with delight, thanks to the tender steak that can be cut with a butter knife and charred just enough to give it a light crunch. The bone marrow sauce simply makes the gratification multifold.
What to order: Bread Basket, Baked Pacific Oysters, Steak Diane
Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
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24. Mr. Red Cafe
When a restaurant’s menu contains dishes made by following recipes that are inherited from generations before, you can be sure that there is nothing as authentic. Mr. Red Cafe takes pride in acting as a bridge between Vietnamese cuisine and the people of Vancouver, bringing the city’s foodies as close to Vietnam as possible.
Start with the Nem Cua Bê – their most popular deep fried pork and crab meat spring rolls. Served with light fish sauce, the outer shells are perfectly crispy and the filling tastes absolutely awesome. You can have your filling replaced with pork and prawn instead of crab meat.
Mr. Red Cafe’s Bún Bò Lá Lốt is more than enough to give you an impression of literally being in Vietnam. The grilled beef is meaty, tender, and full of flavour, and all the elements on the plate are to be eaten together to enjoy the unique taste.
What to order: Nem Cua Bê, Bún Bò Lá Lốt
Address:
-2131 East Hastings St., Vancouver
-2680 West Broadway, Vancouver
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23. Savio Volpe
Rustic interiors, fresh ingredients, handmade pasta, and food prepared over a wood-fired grill and rotisserie – this is Savio Volpe, the Italian restaurant that you’d want to boast about to all your out-of-town friends.
The Rocana Pork Chop comes soaked in all the smokiness from the wood fire grill, and for the money you pay, every bite you take of the pork chop makes every penny worth it.
The Meatballs from their From the Skillet & Stewing Pot menu make you want to keep digging in to savor some of the best meatballs you’ve ever had in your life!
The best way to end your night at Savio Volpe is with the house-made Gelato. Ask for the day’s special and experience the rich and unique taste of the mouth-wateringly delicious dessert.
What to order: Rocana Pork Chop, Meatballs, Flat iron steak, Cappelletti, Gelato
Address: 615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5
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22. Kingyo
With multiple accolades from well-known magazines and diners, Kingyo is known to be one of the more popular izakayas in Downtown Vancouver. With authentic decor, historic photographs, wood carved art pieces, and bamboo panels on each table, Kingyo is all-in when it comes to providing an authentic and genuine Izakaya dining experience.
Order the Stone-Grilled Kobe Beef and you can have fun cooking the most exclusive beef yourself on the hot stone. What elevates the experience is the melt-in-the-mouth tender beef, which goes well with the Kingyo original sauces but also tastes incredible on its own.
When their menu says “Our Famous Invincible & Undefeated Tan-Tan Noodle”, how can you go without trying the dish?! The pork bone and shrimp broth is the mesmerizing element of this dish – rich, spicy, and so flavorful that it is reminiscent of Japan. The noodles are perfectly chewy, and one bowl of the Tan-Tan Noodle will make you full.
What to order: Stone-Grilled Kobe Beef, Tan-Tan Noodle
Address: 871 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9
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21. Cioppino’s
Whether you’re celebrating something/someone or planning a casual dinner with friends, Cioppino’s is exactly the type of restaurant that will make you and your group happy.
The place is widely acknowledged to deliver the best interpretation of Mediterranean food in all of British Columbia. While their open kitchen provides an interesting and entertaining view, their large patio is also a preferred dining spot.
If you’re a meat lover, starting off your Mediterranean meal with Cioppino’s classic Carpaccio di Manzo will be ideal. Let’s just say that this will be the best beef carpaccio you can have in the city!
While every pasta dish here is perfect, we dare say that the Pappardelle “al guanciale di vitello e porcini” will make you experience foodgasm! In fact, many diners revisit the place just to devour this dish again and again.
What to order: Carpaccio di Manzo, Pappardelle “al guanciale di vitello e porcini”, Caprese and Scallops
Address: 1133 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
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20. Chambar
Chambar is a simple and casual fine dining restaurant serving deliciously innovative food in a warm and relaxed setting. Focused on making their diners’ every visit memorable, the restaurant also delivers fantastic service.
The star of the show at Chambar is Moules Frites, a popular Belgian dish with mussels and a side of French fries. At Chambar, you can get three variations of this dish – Congolaise, Vin Blanc, and Coquotte – and everything tastes exquisite.
Tajine d’Aziz à l’Agneau – so what if you cannot pronounce the name of the dish, just ask for their famous Braised Lamb Shank, and we guarantee that you will leave your table extremely happy and satisfied. First of all, the lamb shank is HUGE; it is so buttery and tender that you wouldn’t need a fork to cut through it.
What to order: Moules Frites, Braised Lamb Shank, La Saucisse
Address: 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3 Canada
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19. Pepino’s
You know there is always that one neighborhood Italian restaurant that remains a favorite among the locals? Pepino’s is that place for Vancouverites! This cozy, casual place is so popular that it has made it not just to our Best Italian Restaurants list but also to our Vancouver Food Bucket List.
Start your hearty Italian meal with either their Caprese Salad or Sausage Wrapped Olives (or both!). The Caprese Salad comes with equal parts of cheese and tomato; if you’re feeling fancy, you can sub the Fior di Latte with burrata.
What do I order for the main, you ask? Spaghetti & Meatballs for the win, all day every day! With a couple of huge meatballs – seasoned and cooked to perfection, soft yet firm, and house-made marinara sauce coating the spaghetti in just the right amount, this could be the best spaghetti & meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
P.S. Don’t forget the tiramisu. You’ll thank us.
What to order: Caprese Salad, Sausage Wrapped Olives, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Tiramisu
Address: 631 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3
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18. Miku
17. The Acorn
Known as one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the world, The Acorn serves the most creative meals prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This award-winning restaurant caters to vegans and gluten-free diners but also makes sure that even the most loyal meat eaters leave completely satisfied.
The Kale Salad at The Acorn is special! The kale has a nice bite to it even after being covered by the Caesar dressing. The croutons add a delicious crunch to the salad, and there is just enough cheese to tie everything together.
The Beer Battered Halloumi, which looks like fish & chips (without the chips!), steals the show no matter what you order. The cheese is rich, perfectly salty, crispy on the outside, and tastes divine.
What to order: Kale Salad, Beer Battered Halloumi
Address: 3995 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
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16. Ramen Danbo
With more than 20 locations in Japan, Ramen Danbo is one of the top ramen shops in Canada, serving traditional Fukuoka Tonkotsu Ramen, which is rare to find even in the most diverse Vancouver food scene. In addition, people can also customize their ramen and choose from a variety of delicious toppings to make their own unique ramen.
Whether it is your first or umpteenth visit to Ramen Danbo, you have to have their Signature Tonkotsu Ramen. Of course, what makes this ramen bowl as delicious as it is is the signature Tonkotsu pork broth.
For all the vegan foodies out there, Ramen Danbo offers some delicious vegan options. Their classic vegan broth packs in tons of flavor, and has a texture similar to their famous Tonkotsu Ramen. The vegan version has slices of mouth-watering thick-fried tofu – a yummy and healthy protein to complete your meal.
You can choose the level of spiciness in your ramen, the thickness, and firmness of the noodles, and also the thickness and richness of the broth.
What to order: Signature Tonkotsu Ramen, Classic Vegan Ramen, Miso Rekka Ramen
Address:
-Kitsilano – 1833 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 1M4
-Robson – 1333 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 1C6
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats
15. Como Taperia
Como Taperia, as the name implies, is a tapas bar and restaurant in Vancouver. They serve their tapas directly from the custom tapas cases imported from Barcelona, and their menu features playfully modern dishes, inspired by the classics, and everything’s made to order. Even for your drinks, you can enjoy everything Spanish here at Como Taperia.
You can start your tapas dinner with the Anchovy Stuffed Olives. Even if you are not a big fan of anchovies or olives, this dish, which rather looks simple, will make you want to have a second plate of the same.
Eggplant, Spiced Honey, Rosemary – if that doesn’t sound like an appetizing dish to you, you should try it before coming to conclusions. This is a fried eggplant dish with spiced honey and rosemary; trust us, this dish is addictive!
What to order: Anchovy Stuffed Olives, “Eggplant, Spiced Honey, Rosemary”
Address: 201 E 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B4
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14. Sushi Jin
Sushi Jin is a primarily known as a premium Omakase place in Downtown Vancouver, serving some of the most delicious and memorable Japanese dishes. Omakase is a concept where you trust the chef to serve you an exciting and unforgettable meal, and Sushi Jin’s chef delivers on point.
Since this is an Omakase restaurant, they only offer a Premium Omakase Course, which includes 18 dishes in different categories like Otzumami, Tamaki, Tamago, Nigiri Zushi, and Dessert.
If you love crab, you can go with the Premium Omakase with Snow Crab. While you get surprised by each delicacy served by the chef, you also get to enjoy your favorite crab in a new way.
What to Order: Premium Omakase, Premium Omakase with Snow Crab
Address: 750 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A8
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13. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
For all seafood lovers out there, one of the best establishments in Vancouver where you can find the best dishes made with the freshest of seafood is Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. The place is modern yet comfortable, with a variety of seating options, including a patio and private rooms.
When you are at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, you cannot go wrong with their Seafood Tower. Containing an excellent assortment of raw seafood, including local oysters, shrimp, albacore tuna tataki, every single element on the tower is fresh and delicious.
Boulevard’s signature Clam Chowder is a must-try. This traditional and hearty dish is taken to a whole nother level, with a hint of smokiness, and amazing flavour in every spoonful.
What to order: Seafood Tower, BLVD Clam Chowder, Crispy Chicken Wings
Address: 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
12. BRUNCH Vancouver
Known to be one of the go-to Mexican brunch spots in Vancouver, BRUNCH Vancouver serves some high-quality dishes, everything made from scratch, and with premium ingredients.
They have a super creative breakfast/brunch sandwich on their menu – the Monte Cristo Sandwich. Swiss cheese and delicious turkey come sandwiched between fluffy French toast and served with maple syrup. This makes for one yummy and fulfilling sandwich.
Their Chilaquiles are known to transport diners to Mexico – they are as authentic as they come. You can taste the freshness of the tortillas chips, and the salsa, cheese, and cream add a nice balance to the dish.
What to order: Monte Cristo Sandwich, Chilaquiles
Address: 1147 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
Order Online: SkipTheDishes
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11. Cafe Medina
Located in the Library District, Cafe Medina is a trendy and stylish spot serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is a popular weekend brunch destination in Vancouver, and they have some truly delicious offerings.
While they are very popular for their waffles, the highlight, however, is the one topping that has people drooling – White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater. This topping/dip is so light, fragrant, and delicious that people are willing to buy just a jar of the dip.
Yet another “to die for” dish at Cafe Medina is their Braised Short Ribs, or Fricassée. Your plate comes packed with beautifully cooked, extremely tender beef short ribs – simply delicious. The addition of arugula adds a nice crunch and bitterness to the dish, and all the other accompaniments bring everything together.
What to order: Liège Style Waffle with White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater, Wolves Breakfast, Fricassée (Braised Short Ribs), Lavender Latte
Address: 780 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C8
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10. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
No matter where you are from, when you visit Vancouver, leaving the city without dining at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House would be a crime.
This really is the place you want to choose if you have out-of-town guests and are looking to impress them. Don’t hesitate. Head down to Robson and just take them straight to Joe’s and enjoy their gratitude later.
The Chicken & Waffles and Lobster Roll cannot be missed here, so go ahead and order up a batch. But, if a seafood brunch is what you’re looking for, then opt for the delicious wild sockeye salmon cakes, with roasted potatoes, seasonal veggies, and tartar sauce. A side of Truffle Parmesan Fries is a must, and of course you don’t want to say no to a slice of soft, moist Coffee Cake.
What to order: Chicken & Waffles, Lobster Roll, sockeye salmon cakes, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Coffee Cake
Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9. So Hyang
Located on the charming Fraser Street, So Hyang is a warm and cozy restaurant that has all of people’s favorite Koren dishes on its menu. From a delectable menu to friendly and prompt service, this place will be a great option for a night out with your people.
If you thought Pork Bulgogi is the staple Korean favorite, you need to try So Hyang’s Squid Bulgogi. What you get is a unique and tasty plate with spicy, stir-fried squid packed with sense-lifting Korean flavors.
When you visit a Korean restaurant, you cannot miss their Khan Pung Gi. The deep fried battered chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce tastes out of this world.
Oh, you can adjust the spicy level of any dish you choose – from no spicy to extremely spicy.
What to order: Squid Bulgogi, Khan Pung Gi
Address: 6345 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W 3A3
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8. Sun Sui Wah
One of the best Chinese establishments in the city and one of the best dim sum places in Vancouver, Sun Sui Wah serves handcrafted dim sum, premium live seafood, and a lot more. Serving a lot of timeless classic dishes, this award-winning restaurant is Vancouver’s pride.
Try their Siu Mai and you would be amazed at how a simple-looking dish tastes so flavorful. The Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings are a crowd-pleaser as well; you get perfectly steamed dim sums, with the right balance in flavors, and chunky prawn pieces that give a satisfying bite.
Ask any Vancouverite foodie about Sun Sui Wah, and you will watch them getting weak at the knees talking about the restaurant’s Baked BBQ Pork Pastry. The puff pastry pillows come out buttery and flaky, and the house-made BBQ pork filling is every diner’s delight. Also, these yummy pillows (!) are made fresh daily.
What to order: Siu Mai, Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Baked BBQ Pork Pastry
Address: 3888 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N9
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7. Maruhachi Ra-men
Ever tasted ramen that virtually took you straight to the streets of Japan? Maruhachi Ra-men will give you that surreal experience! Specializing in simple yet flavourful ramen, this place makes everything fresh and from scratch every morning at 6AM, which contributes significantly to the taste.
Their Tamago Ramen is a crowd favorite. The chicken broth is light and creamy, and the pork cha-su is tender and delicious. The thin noodles come cooked to perfection and soaked in the flavourful broth, and all the elements create a flavour bomb in your mouth.
Pro-tip: When you receive your bowl of ramen, always add the garlic chips. You will never be the same again after trying it.
What to order: Tamago Ramen, Veggie Curry Ramen
Address:
-Vancouver Westend – 780 Bidwell Street, Vancouver
-Central Library – 270 Robson Street, Vancouver
-Marutama Gaiden – 2858 Main Street, Vancouver
-Burnaby – 5278 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2E9
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6. Tom Sushi
Vancouver has some incredible sushi spots, and the one place that has managed to reach the no. 1 spot on our Best Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver list is Tom Sushi. Having won the hearts of Vancouverites within a short period, this place is where traditional Japanese flavors meet local, west coast elements, leading to a unique dining experience.
Tom Sushi has quickly carved a name for itself as the sushi bar that carefully considers texture, nuance, and flair in fresh ingredients. And best of all – they offer it all without really breaking the bank.
We recommend for nirigi: tokiko w/quail egg, shima-aji, hotate, and toro. And if you’re one of the lucky people to get your hands on their daily limited donburis – go for the bluefin or uni ones.
What to order: tokiko w/quail egg, shima-aji, hotate, toro nirigi, bluefin, uni donburi
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
Order Online: Website | Uber Eats
5. Blue Water Cafe
Blue Water Cafe is one of the best seafood restaurants in Vancouver serving unique and memorable seafood dishes made from sustainably sourced seafood. This internationally renowned restaurant is any seafood lover’s ideal pick for a fancy and romantic night out.
To taste the fineness of everything Blue Water Cafe has to offer, go with the Seafood Tasting for Two. You get to sample some of the best dishes that leave their kitchen, including the Smoked Sockeye Salmon Terrine and Albacore Tuna Tartare.
If someone in your group doesn’t dig seafood, the Kobe Style Shortribs will make a great dish for their fancy dinner. The beef is melt-in-the-mouth incredible, and the coffee ancho chili demi glace has a beautiful deep and rich coffee flavor, without any bitterness.
What to order: Seafood Tasting for Two, Kobe Style Shortribs, Yellowfin Funa, Sablefish, Fresh Oysters
Address: 1095 Hamilton Street @ Helmcken, Yaletown, Vancouver BC
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4. St. Lawrence Restaurant
A hit since its opening, St. Lawrence serves classic French cuisine highlighting the culture of Les Québécois. Featuring a mosaic-tiled floor, antiques, textured walls, and an open kitchen, this Michelin-star restaurant is charming in every sense of the word.
The Foie Gras Éclair, or Éclair à la mousse de foie de canard, is a symbolic representation of how deserving St. Lawrence is of a Michelin star. The otherwise heavy and rich ingredient is skillfully prepared into something light, airy, and delicious, without compromising the rich flavour of the foie gras.
Easy to dismiss on the menu of a restaurant of this caliber, but the Fried Pork Rinds (Oreilles de crisse) here is beyond delicious. You get an overflowing plate of pork rinds, fried to crispy perfection yet light and not too oily, tossed in maple syrup and MTL spices, which is a combination that works.
Featuring local, line-caught fish from Organic Ocean, the Poached Cod main (Morue à la Dieppoise). The fish is poached to perfection and is light, silky, flaky, and tender. The shrimp mousseline adds a light and delicate texture to the plate, and the white wine cream sauce is ideal for this seafood feast.
Try the Mille-feuille aux chocolat & café for dessert, and you’d want to go back for just that!
What to order: Éclair à la mousse de foie de canard, Oreilles de crisse, Morue à la Dieppoise, Mille-feuille aux chocolat & café
Address: 269 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3
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3. Phnom Penh
Straight from our Ultimate Vancouver Food Bucket List, this award-winning restaurant serves Cambodian and Vietnamese foods that are greasy, soulful, flavorful, and extremely satisfyingly delicious!
Phnom Penh is most well known for its “Holy Trinity” items – the Butter Beef, Deep-Fried Chicken Wings, and Beef Luc Luc. You’ll find Instagram littered with photos of these 3 items and on each table when you’re there.
The Marinated Butter Beef is thinly sliced and carefully prepared rare, and comes packed with an amazing flavour, credit to the house special sauce.
The Deep-Fried Chicken Wings is not your regular deep-fried chicken wings, this dish is ADDICTIVE! These wings are LEGENDARY! Enough with all the hype – try it yourself and you will know it is worth all the buildup.
Their Filet Beef Luc Lac is another uniquely flavored dish, with tender beef pieces covered in a sweet brown sauce, served with rice, salad, and egg. While the beef is rich on its own, it tastes phenomenal with all the accompaniments.
What to order: Marinated Butter Beef, Deep-Fried Chicken Wings, Filet Beef Luc Lac
Address: 244 E Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
2. Published on Main
With a traditional 18th-century English coffee house inspiration, Published on Main is one of the city’s most-awarded restaurants. From being a Michelin one star to Canada’s best 100, to La Listle’s top 100 globally, this Main Street spot has become Vancouver’s shining beacon for culinary excellency.
One great thing is that Published on Main is both fancy but also casual dining spot for couples and groups. You won’t find a pompous dress code here. Their menu highlights locally sourced produce and therefore changes with the seasons.
When you visit Published, you have to start your meal with their Bee Pollen Milk Buns. These Japanese-style buns are so soft and fluffy that they literally melt in your mouth, and the whipped butter makes a perfect pairing.
If you see Duck on the menu here, you can order it blindfolded. While the pairings could change every now and then, the hero of the dish always comes cooked perfectly, succulent, and drool-worthy. If you were never a fan of creamed kale, prepare to be converted!
An unforgettable finish to your meal will be the Chocolate Panna Cotta. Served with a light and mildly sweet peanut butter semifreddo and refreshing banana sorbet, this dessert is legit delish!
What to order: Bee Pollen Milk Buns, Duck, Chocolate Panna Cotta
Address: 3593 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4
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1. Elisa Vancouver
Elisa is one of the go-to places for premium quality steaks in Vancouver. Featured on our Best Vancouver Steakhouses list, the restaurant serves premium fine cuts from around the world, along with sustainable seafood, and locally sourced produce. With a unique ambience and top-notch service, Elisa Vancouver is a steakhouse reimagined.
Dress up smart casual for a date night at Elisa Vancouver, and order the 12 oz. Holstein Rib-Eye cooked to your preference. This particular cut of steak has a uniqueness to it; the rib-eye is more tender and juicier than many other cuts. Grilled on a remarkable Grillworks Inferno, the steak comes cooked to perfection, with the right level of char, and excellent smoky taste.
If you are a tartare person, the ‘classic’ beef tartare is a must-try. The caramelized shallot aioli adds a slight sweetness to the tartare, whereas the crunchy onions add a contrasting crispy texture to the smooth beef tartare. Finish off your meal with the steakhouse classic Baked Alaska – the caramelized banana rum ice cream and all the other elements work well together, and the meringue is torched to perfection.
What to order: The ‘classic’ Beef Tartare, 12 oz. Holstein Rib-Eye, Baked Alaska, Angus Reserve
Address: 1109 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
With that amazing recommendation, our list of the top Vancouver restaurants comes to an end. We hope that you let the foodie in you explore the greatness that each of these restaurants has to offer while making unforgettable memories. We also have an exclusive list curated for the best restaurants in Richmond. Check it out!
Where do celebrities eat in Vancouver?
Celebrities have been spotted at Miku (Beyonce and Jay-Z), Gotham Steakhouse (George Clooney, Halle Berry, The Rock), Phnom Penh (Jimmy O Yang), Kissa Tanto, Keefer Bar, Cioppino’s (Jason Momoa), Lee’s Donuts (David Chang), and Bodega on Main (The Flash cast).
Is there Michelin star in Vancouver?
Yes. The Michelin Guide arrived in Vancouver in 2022. Annalena, Barbara, Burdock & Co, Kissa Tanto, Masayoshi, Published on Main, Iden & Quanjudge, and St. Lawrence were awarded one star.
Is Vancouver a foodie city?
Yes Vancouver is definitely a foodie city. Many people from around the world (especially Eastern Canada) come to Vancouver for the food. Vancouver is known for stellar Asian cuisine and vegan food.
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.