Vancouver is a city with a ton of incredible neighbourhoods that shine like gems and has their own flare. The West End in downtown Vancouver is one such neighbourhood, and perfect for a visit and adventure!
This neighbourhood is predominantly residential, has a relaxed and easy-going vibe, hosts a range of chic fashion stores, versatile dining, and sits proudly as the gateway to the famed Stanley Park.
Quick Recommendations: Tom Sushi & Nook
If you’re looking to grab a bite in this neighbourhood, make sure you visit one of these stellar spots. Below you’ll find the list of the best West End restaurants to eat at and what to order!
1. Tom Sushi
Vancouver has some incredible sushi spots, and one favourite that is also 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 flavours 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.
If you like nigiri, my top picks are: Tobiko 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— don’t miss the chance and go for the Bluefin or Salmon Donburi.
What to order: Tobiko w/ Quail Egg Nigiri, Shima-aji Nigiri, Hotate Nigiri, Toro Nigiri, Bluefin Donburi, Salmon Amaebi Zuke Donburi
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
Order Online: Website | Uber Eats
2. 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: 780 Bidwell St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2J6
Order Online: Website
Instagram | Facebook | Website
3. Kingyo
Kingyo, a celebrated Izakaya in downtown Vancouver, dazzles with its creative decor and authentic Japanese dishes. Their Stone-Grilled Kobe Beef offers a unique DIY experience, allowing you to cook exquisite beef on a hot stone at your table.
The Tan-Tan Noodle is another star dish, featuring a rich pork bone and shrimp broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and a blend of spicy, umami flavours that encapsulate the essence of Japanese culinary artistry.
What to order: Tan-Tan Noodles, Stone-Grilled Kobe Beef
Address: 871 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC
Instagram | Facebook | Website
4. Sura
Craving Korean food? Head to Sura in Vancouver’s West End or their Richmond spot in Aberdeen Centre for an authentic experience. Their famous Galbi, steaming Kimchi Jjigae, and Japchae are must-tries.
Complement your meal with a Korean Rice Wine or a soju cocktail in a modern setting.
Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowd!
What to order: Galbi, Kimchi Jjigae, Japchae, Korean Rice Wine, soju cocktail
Address: 1518 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C3
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. 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:1333 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6E 1C6
6. Nook
Good pizza, pasta, and antipasto with good wine in a fun atmosphere. What more could one ask for in a restaurant?
Nook is a bustling spot known for its pizza, pasta, antipasto, and wine. It’s ideal for family outings, friends, or date nights.
Begin with a Nook Caesar salad, followed by meatballs and olives. The house-made Orecchiette, blending Italian sausage, rapini, and fennel seeds, is a highlight. Their pizzas are exceptional, and don’t miss the panna cotta and tiramisu for dessert.
What to order: Nook Caesar salad, Antipasto, meatballs, olives, house-made pasta, Orecchiette, pizzas, panna cotta, tiramisu
Address: 867 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. Davie Dosa Company
Get your desi on, and get some Dosa at Davie Dosa Company. This easy-going and friendly spot offers up classic Indian cuisine, and a full service bar to pair off those flavourful dishes.
Start with the tangy Rasam soup. Try their mixed vegetable or Cheesy Garlic Dosa, and explore beef, fish, prawn, and lamb options. For indulgence, there’s also Butter Chicken.
What to order: Rasam, mixed vegetable Dosa, Cheesy Garlic Dosa, beef, fish, prawn, lamb, Butter Chicken
Address: 1235 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Saku
For the real deal in tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet,) Saku is where you go! This spot cannot be missed, and is well worth a visit for experience, great taste, and friendly service.
A perfect place to hit up for an evening out with friends.
Each katsu set is accompanied by unlimited rice, tonjiru and shredded cabbage, so get ready to chow down!
Our absolute fav and recommendation is to go for the cheese katsu.
You’ll be singing in joy when you take a bite when it is piping hot.
What to order: cheese katsu
Address: 1588 Robson St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1C9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Olympia Pizza & Pasta Restaurant
Steeped in history, Olympia Pizza & Pasta is one of those charming old-school neighbourhood spots offering up an array of hearty baked pastas and Greek cuisine. A great place to stop for a bite of lunch with friends and family.
Their extensive menu includes deep-fried Fantail Shrimp and an Appetizer Plate with the best appis. For mains, try the Greek-style ribs, BBQ Chicken & Ribs, or Moussaka.
What to order: Fantail Shrimp, Appetizer Plate, Greek-style ribs, BBQ Chicken & Ribs, Moussaka
Address: 998 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2M1
10. Kintaro Ramen
No fuss, no frills. Just ramen! Kintaro is that well-known, old-school spot that everyone loves if they want to be transported to Japan. They made it to our Best Ramen List, and for good reason. Their portions are generous, their ingredients are fresh, and slurping satisfaction is the name of the game.
Dive straight into a hearty bowl of their signature Miso Ramen, and you will not be sorry. The Shoyu is another hit, steeped in a delicious pork-bone broth that is divine! Get a side of barbecue pork, gyoza, or kimchi to round off your meal, and soak up each flavorful item.
What to order: Miso Ramen, Shoyu, barbecue pork, gyoza, kimchi
Address: 788 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9
11. Tetsu Sushi Bar
Aside from being an age-old artisan cuisine, sushi is also a big favourite among foodies everywhere. Great taste quality go hand in hand for the perfect sushi meal, and Tetsu Sushi Bar offers that up in spades! Drop by for a great meal, and just dive into delicious goodness.
Go for the pan-seared King Salmon Teriyaki Don, or some yummy Unagi. The Aburi is fantastic, and their rolls are super fresh and delicious. We recommend the Spicy Tuna, Real Crab, and definitely the Bluefin Negitoro.
What to order: King Salmon Teriyaki Don, Unagi, Aburi, Spicy Tuna, Real Crab, Bluefin Negitoro
Address: 775 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6
12. Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
Set in the heart of West End, Papi’s is a seafood-focused casual restaurant that offers a great atmosphere, beautiful patio views overlooking English Bay beach, fantastic service, and amazing food.
Don’t miss their oysters, Rockfish Croquettes, and calamari. For mains, try the Thai-style Seafood Curry, Fish & Chips, Mussels & Chips, or their tacos.
What to order: oysters, Rockfish Croquettes, calamari, Thai-style Seafood Curry, Fish & Chips, Mussels & Chips, Tacos
Address: 1193 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2N1
Website | Instagram | Facebook
13. Ukrainian Village
Step back in time at the Ukranian Cultural Village in the West End. This lively and happening spot is more than just an eatery. There is an open-air museum steeped in cultural history, and worth spending some time exploring.
Try the lamb shank, Meatloaf, Kiev Cutlet, Cabbage Rolls, or the Ukrainian Dinner platter. For dessert, enjoy brownies with ice cream.
What to order: lamb shank, Meatloaf, Kiev Cutlet, Cabbage Rolls, Ukranian Dinner, brownies with ice-cream
Address: 815 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L7
14. Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna
Excellent prices, generous portions, and amazing service. Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna pulls out all the stops to give you a dining experience you soon won’t forget.
Start with steamed clams and mussels or Saganaki. Main dishes include roast lamb, Mousaka, or Youvetsi. Finish with Baklava.
What to order: steamed clams and mussels, Saganaki, roast lamb, Mousaka, Youvetsi, Baklava
Address: 1124 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC
15. Nero Belgian Waffle Bar
They focus on one thing and do it darn right. Yes, you won’t find anything else besides amazing waffles at Nero, but you can be assured that they do all they can to make you the best waffles in the city.
Their waffles feature BC raspberry glaze and Belgian chocolate, with all custards and fillings made in-house. The dough is hand-rolled, slowly fermented, and baked fresh.
What to order: mini waffles
Address: 1703 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
16. The Three Brits Public House
For more than a 100 years, The English bay has paid host to a delightful beachfront hangout called the Three Brits. With great comfort food, beer on can and tap, an amazing view of the harbour at sunset, and the warmest staff, the Three Brits is a must visit for everyone.
Must-tries include Fish and Chips, dirty fries, chicken bites, and mozzarella sticks. They also feature a reasonably priced wine list.
Tip: If it’s your first visit, try and go just before sunset to get a truly breathtaking vision as the sun dances on the waterfront.
What to order: Fish and Chips, dirty fries, chicken bites, mozzarella sticks
Address: 1780 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
17. Craft Beer Market English Bay
Overlooking the English Bay and offering breathtaking views, the Craft Beer Market is probably one of the best spots to enjoy a relaxing drink. Whether you pop by for Happy Hour, some pre-dinner cocktails, or to spend a while over good drinks and good food, you won’t regret your decision.
Try the Blackberry Mojito or Passion Fruit Paloma, fried pickles, sliders, Cheddar Bacon Burger, or Baja Fish Taco.
What to order: Blackberry Mojito, Passion Fruit Paloma, Cheddar Bacon Burger, Baja Fish Taco
Address: 1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6G 1Y9
There you have it – the best West End restaurants to grab a bite at and energize you for your next adventure. If you’re looking for more great food options, peek our list of the absolute best restaurants in Vancouver!
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.