Looking for the best Vancouver restaurants? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
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.
If you have plans to visit this foodie city, here is a long list of the best Vancouver restaurants you should try:
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24. 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 flavourful broth.
What to order: Crab Cake Benedict, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Bouillabaisse
Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3
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23. 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
22. 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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21. 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
20. L’Abattoir
Located in a beautifully restored brick-and-beam building, L’Abattoir is a French-inspired culinary haven in Vancouver’s Gastown. Led by Executive Chef and Owner Lee Cooper, the Michelin Recommended restaurant offers a sophisticated menu.
The Steak Diane is a standout, and the baked Pacific oysters with truffle purée and mushroom marmalade are a testament to the chef’s artistry.
Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list or a handcrafted cocktail. L’Abattoir provides an upscale dining experience that’s sure to impress.
What to order: Steak Diane, baked Pacific oysters, wines, cocktails
Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
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19. 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 savour 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.
What to order: Rocana Pork Chop, Meatballs, Flat iron steak, Cappelletti, Gelato
Address: 615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5
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18. Raisu
Nestled in Kitsilano, Raisu offers an impressive array of Japanese dishes and a vast sake selection. A standout dish is their Wagyu Beef Shabu Shabu Udon, where a rich broth meets thinly sliced wagyu, creating an interactive dining experience.
Another must-try is the Tonkatsu Teishoku, a traditional set meal reflecting the simplicity and depth of Japanese cuisine.
For those planning ahead, their daily limited Bento boxes, such as the Sho Ka Do, are a culinary treat worth reserving.
What to order: Tonkatsu Teishoku, Sho Ka Do, Wagyu Beef Shabu Shabu Udon
Address: 2340 W. 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
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17. Pepino’s
You know there is always that one neighbourhood 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.
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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16. Miku
When Vancouverites talk sushi, Miku’s on everyone’s lips. Why? Their waterfront spot gives you views as stunning as their sushi.
They’re the big guns who brought Aburi sushi to Canada, and man, have they set the bar high. Their Miku Signature Selection is a winning platter if you’re undecided.
Expect upscale vibes perfect for a fancy lunch or celebrating special moments.
Fun Fact: Beyonce and Jay Z ate here – if it’s good enough for Queen B, it’s good enough for us.
What to order: Salmon Oshi Sushi, Miku Signature Selection, Green Tea Opera, Hokkaido Scallops
15. 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 Mount Pleasant restaurant caters to vegans and gluten-free diners but also makes sure that even the most loyal meat eaters leave completely satisfied.
To start, we highly recommend you to try the Legume that comes with banh mi paté, sake kasu mayo, pickles, and herbs.
What a creamy texture and nutty flavor this dish has! 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.
Don’t hesitate to have a drink to accompany with you throughout the night. Goodbye Rouge is a charming one with Barcardi Rum, fresh strawberry purée, strawberry leather, lime, and mint oil.
What to order: Legume, Beer Battered Halloumi, Goodbye Rouge, Acorn Spritz
Address: 3995 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
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14. Okeya Kyujiro
In Yaletown, Okeya Kyujiro stands out as a MICHELIN-starred destination, offering a unique omakase experience. As you enter the dimly lit dining room, the atmosphere echoes a blend of Cirque du Soleil grandeur and traditional kabuki. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of art.
The experience unfolds over two hours with a 25-course journey through Japan’s diverse flavours, including sushi and sashimi like chutoro and otoro tuna.
Watch chefs skillfully prepare an array of seafood, from the slender orange trumpet fish to the Hokkaido hairy crab, making each course a story in itself.
13. Ramen Danbo
Ramen Danbo in downtown Vancouver stands out for its top-rated Fukuoka-style Tonkotsu ramen. Customize your ramen bowl, selecting noodle firmness, broth type, lard amount, thickness, and spiciness.
A top recommendation for first-timers is their traditional Shio ramen, complemented with a Soft-Boiled Egg.
Due to its popularity among locals and tourists, be prepared for lines during peak hours – but it’s worth the wait!
What to order: Shio ramen, Soft-Boiled Egg, Karashi Takana
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
12. 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.
What to order: Anchovy Stuffed Olives, “Eggplant, Spiced Honey, Rosemary”
Address: 201 E 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B4
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11. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
At Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, you’ll find a modern and comfortable ambiance perfect for enjoying some of Vancouver’s finest seafood.
Whether you choose to dine at their oyster bar, patio, or in a private room, the experience is sure to be memorable.
Their Seafood Tower is an absolute delight for seafood lovers, and the Albacore Tuna Tataki is a simple yet impactful dish.
Don’t miss the Hamachi Crudo and Foie Gras – each bite is a celebration of flavour. Boulevard’s exquisite menu makes it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
What to order: Seafood Tower, Albacore Tuna Tataki, Hamachi Crudo, Foie Gras
Address: 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
10. Cafe Medina
Cafe Medina is a charming bistro serving gourmet coffee and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, complete with Belgian waffles. Les Boulettes, spicy lamb meatballs in tomato stew, and Fricassée, with braised short ribs and roasted potatoes, are breakfast favourites.
The cafe’s high ceilings, local artwork, and great music add to its inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for a delightful brunch experience.
What to order: Belgian Waffles, Les Boulettes, Fricassee
Address: 780 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C8
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9. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes on Robson Street is a Vancouver landmark and seafood institution. Start with Joe’s Classic Caesar and Fresh Oysters, or try their Seafood Linguine with jumbo prawns and scallops. Classics like their famous Fish & Chips are always a hit.
Steeped in history, Joe Fortes promises fresh, flavourful seafood that’ll have you returning for more.
What to order: Joe’s Classic Caesar, Fresh Oysters, Seafood Linguine, Fish & Chips
Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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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 flavourful. The Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings are a crowd-pleaser as well; you get perfectly steamed dim sums, with the right balance in flavours, 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
Maruhachi Ra-men is a Tokyo-flavoured haven for noodle lovers. Specializing in light, chicken broth-based ramen, they prepare 1500 batches of noodles daily, often selling out. The Tamago Ramen, with cha siu and a perfectly cooked egg, is a crowd favourite.
For a true ramen experience, add garlic chips to elevate the flavour profile.
What to order: Tamago 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
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
Order Online: Website | Uber Eats
5. Blue Water Cafe
Blue Water Cafe is a seafood paradise, acclaimed for its fresh offerings from live tanks, a raw bar, and an impressive selection of seafood on ice.
As one of Vancouver’s most prestigious seafood restaurants, it offers an unparalleled dining experience with internationally renowned dishes. The Ahi Tuna Tataki from their raw bar is a highlight, ideal for sushi lovers.
The Yellowfin Tuna and Sablefish are fresh and packed with umami flavours, best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their extensive list or a cocktail from their bar.
What to order: Ahi Tuna Tataki, Yellowfin Tuna, Sablefish, Blue Water Cafe Tower
Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4
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4. St. Lawrence Restaurant
St. Lawrence Restaurant in Vancouver brings classic French cuisine with a Québécois twist. Its Michelin-starred menu includes standout dishes like the Foie Gras Éclair, a light yet rich delight.
Don’t overlook their Fried Pork Rinds, a crispy treat tossed in maple syrup and spices. Conclude your meal with their exceptional Gâteau au citrouille with pumpkin cake and buttermilk sherbet, making every visit memorable.
What to order: Éclair à la mousse de foie de canard, Oreilles de crisse, Gâteau au citrouille
Address: 269 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3
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3. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh in Chinatown is a must-visit for top-notch Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s so good, it’s on our ultimate Vancouver food bucket list! Famous for its “Holy Trinity” – Butter Beef, Deep-Fried Chicken Wings, and Beef Luc Lac – these dishes are a hit on social media and a staple on every table.
The Butter Beef offers a light, seasoned beef carpaccio experience. The chicken wings are seasoned to perfection, while the Beef Luc Lac is a saucy, irresistible treat.
These favourites are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for more.
What to order: Butter Beef, Deep-Fried Chicken Wings, 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.
Or you choose the Beef Crudo in a fermented currant and saba dressing with a malt cracker.
Don’t just stop here, keep your journey going with their famous Lightly Smoked Steelhead with douglas fir creme fraiche and barley malt.
Each bite tastes like heaven with a light kiss of smoke, a delicately garlicky, and herbaceous finish.
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, Beef Crudo, Lightly Smoked Steelhead, Chocolate Panna Cotta
Address: 3593 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4
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1. Elisa Vancouver
Elisa in Yaletown is the epitome of a fine dining experience, offering a blend of gourmet food and intimate ambiance. Start with their Tartare Tasting Trio and Tender Leaf & Fresh Herb Salad.
For the main course, the Black Angus or Bluedot Ribeye, paired with a selection from their impressive wine list, is a must-try. Elisa provides a perfect setting for a pampered night out.
What to order: Tartare Tasting Trio, Tender Leaf & Fresh Herb Salad, Black Angus, Bluedot Ribeye
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.