25 Best Places To Eat In Vancouver—You Should Not Miss

Shakil Afeni
Shakil Afeni Food & Recipes
25 Min Read

Vancouver is a place that is home to all kinds of people. It is one of the most spectacularly diverse cities in the world, where living is as fun as it sounds. More than 40% of residents in the city were born outside the country.

Indians, Chinese, Filipino, several other Asians, and foodies from across the world have tried their hands on delivering delicious, mouth-watering food in the city.

The wonderful nightlife, incredible tourist attractions, and spectacular spa services are the well-known beauties of Vancouver. But, the variety in restaurants & food eateries stands above all. Visiting Vancouver can be fun if you get your hands on the right places.

Best Places To Eat In Vancouver

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1. Hawksworth

Hawksworth is one of the most sophisticated restaurants you will find in the city, led by Chef David Hawksworth. and the culinary team. Enjoy the scrumptious Canadian food with a touch of Asian delight.

The dishes are served in a fancy manner, that can add to your amazing experience. Hawksworth’s wine list is globally accepted and of world-class quality. Take a look at the menu, and allow the chef to assist you in discovering new supreme standard wine and food.

This place is open for lunch and dinner both, with a separate bar for drinks. Also, there is a special dining room with a view of an art gallery.

All in all, Hawksworth is blissful and one of the top places to eat. You are in for a fabulous family or friends dining experience.

2. Spicy 6 Fine Indian Cuisine

As the name suggests, Spicy 6 is an Indian restaurant in the heart of Vancouver. It is known for its authentic North Indian flavors. The restaurant takes pride in preparing all types of food for vegetarians, vegans, and non-vegetarians. With the sumptuous ambiance that it has, there are plenty of options for everyone to explore.

The restaurant is named after the six spices typically used in North India. The chef carefully chooses, roasts, and grinds the spices, and as a result, a traditional spice mix is prepared, which is the base of flavorsome curries.

In case of confusion in order, there is always a supporting hand from the guide. Enjoy the excellent taste of royal Indian food outside India at very reasonable prices. 

3. Black + Blue

Black + Blue is the most popular steakhouse amongst residents & tourists in Vancouver, British Columbia. The third floor of Black + Blue is said to be Vancouver’s most enormous dining place with platinum seating.

It is a friendly place for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This restaurant is amongst the top elite places to dine in, in the whole of Canada.

Redefining sophistication and luxury eating, Black + Blue is ever ready to serve you for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. The specialty is steakhouse, Canadian, and grill. Some interesting features of this place are advanced reservations, outdoor seating, private dining, valet parking, wheelchairs allowed, alcohol and bar, free WiFi, Table service, wine, and beer.

For steakhouse lovers, Black + Blue is surely one of the best places to eat. 

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4. La Taqueria Pinche Taco

This is a Mexican restaurant located in Downtown Vancouver. Lunch, happy hour, and dinner are available with special diets for vegetarians and vegans. La Taqueria Pinche Taco has multiple locations across Vancouver and is on the move to open at least two more.

Classic tacos, quesadillas, and burritos are the most traditional, yet lovely dishes. You might want to explore the newer ones too, including churros.

Make your family night out worthwhile and dine in with a fabulous atmosphere at La Taqueria Pinche Taco. Enjoy the Mexican taste, cocktails and just relax at this restaurant located in Downtown Vancouver.

5. Blue Water Cafe

The perfect spot for seafood lovers is here! This was formerly a warehouse, later converted into a food spot. A warm, spacious, and wonderful view place to sit around and enjoy.

The seafood tower is famous amongst tourists, business-account diners, and folks considering having the best seafood Downtown. Drinks after dinner or just drinks will bring joy to you, and if you are looking for drinks, a wine cellar is the best choice for you.

Wonderfully served dishes like sablefish with a miso sake glaze or meaty local Lingcod with chorizo, chickpeas, and smoked-paprika sauce definitely proves what an excellent cook can do with fine ingredients.

Blue Water café is worth the hype. A very high-spirited atmosphere and a beautiful location to dine at. It offers reservations. If you are looking for a fresh and artistic experience, Blue Water Cafe is certainly one of the amazing places to eat in.

6. Smoke and Bones BBQ

This restaurant is located at marine drive, north Vancouver. If you are looking for special barbecue food, this has to be your preferred spot.

Smoke and Bones BBQ is North Vancouver’s major award-winning BBQ company. The restaurant serves best—low and slow hardwood-smoked brisket, pork chicken, and ribs along with southwest options like burritos.

Some of the notable features include takeout, high-class seating, wheelchair accessible, serves supreme alcohol, full Bar, table Service, and television to keep you entertained while you enjoy amazing food.

In British Columbia, this is arguably the most family favorite place ever. Table reservation recommended.

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7. Downlow Chicken Shack

This is a fast-food restaurant. Folks looking out for fried chicken in the city should definitely try this restaurant. Downlow Chicken Shack promises 100% fresh chicken, handcrafted sandwiches, and the usage of natural local ingredients.

Known for its impressive fried chicken and fries, the owners of this restaurant vow to deliver the best quality food and an extraordinary experience.

They serve several deep-fried chicken dishes like the original and the rookie sandwiches. One must try crispy crust and thick juicy boneless chicken on a fresh soft bun with toppings. 

8. Papa Day’s Pizza and Indian Cuisine

Try something fresh from another Indian cuisine in Vancouver. Butter chicken pizza lovers must pay a visit to this restaurant. Along with that, palak paneer, garlic naan, and lamb delicacies are other top-rated foods at this place.

This restaurant promises the taste of India in its cuisine. Check out the chicken and vegetable dishes which are served hot. This is a good option if you need to pick up something delicious quickly. It is a reasonably priced and customer-friendly place. Undeniably, this is one of the best Indian restaurants in Vancouver.

9. Phnom Penh Restaurant

If you are looking for Vietnamese food, this restaurant will serve you the best Vietnamese, Asian, and Cambodian food in Vancouver, British Columbia. Humorously, the restaurant warns the public of getting addicted to Phnom Penh. It is located in Chinatown.

This place has quite a fascinating history. Nam Trieu Humpkik, a Chinese chef, who immigrated to Phnom Penh became a celebrity chef. His kitchen was filled with students trying to acquire the skills of cooking. It was only years later when he could taste eternal success.

Today, people after having experienced the taste of Phnom Penh cover a great distance to reach this place. Some of the top-rated food here is—Holy Trinity, Chicken wings, Butter Beef, Beef Luc Lac, Lemongrass Chicken, etc.

If you genuinely want a tremendous experience, Phnom Penh should be on your radar. And, not to forget, the chicken wings at this place are a MUST TRY. 

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10. Cafe Medina

This homey café is located in the Library District, St Vancouver BC. Cafe Medina proudly presents you the Mediterranean cuisine, connoisseur-savvy coffee, and the city’s most famous Belgian waffles along with milk chocolate lavender and white chocolate pistachio rosewater. On top of that, they even serve fine-quality alcohol in a bar.

Robbie Kane, the founder of this café aims at providing not just an incredible food experience but also brilliant hospitality. Also, there are special diets available for vegetarians and vegans along with gluten-free options.

Guests are in for an unexpectedly outstanding experience if they choose Cafe Medina someday. The results for this place on the internet do appear prominently as they have progressed into the list of best places to eat in Vancouver. 

11. Ask For Luigi

Ask For Luigi is undoubtedly one of the top places to eat, BC in terms of Italian Cuisine.  fresh pasta lovers are most likely to fall in love with the handmade pasta at this place. You can also find gluten-free options available here.

And if we talk about a wine bar, the restaurant promises a delightful Italian food + Wine experience. Other than that, Aperitvi, Coffee, and Grappa are good options.

The name of this restaurant has a deeper meaning. They want their guests to feel that they have been sent by a mutual friend. Just go to the tiny Italian joint by the corner of Alexander and Gore, and Ask For Luigi. Don’t forget to tell them—Paulie sent you.

12. Earnest Ice Cream

For dessert and ice cream lovers, here is your reliable spot. Rated as one of the best ice cream spots in North Vancouver, Earnest Ice Cream produces a range of mouth-watering and flavorful ice cream sandwiches, ice creams, and mini scoops that can make you go wow.

As heavenly as it gets, some of the best options for chocolate lovers are Milk Chocolate, Serious Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie, Dark Chocolate Peppermint.

In addition to these, you are advised to try Sour Cherry Goat Cheese, The Toasted Coconut and The Almond Bark, and so on. The owners keep rotating and delivering yummy ice cream to the customers as per the seasons. 

13. Mister Artisan Ice Cream

More excited about ice creams? Well, it just gets better as you wander around in St Vancouver, BC. This ice cream parlor pledges to provide the best after-dinner treat for you.

Dessert here is produced out of scratch using pure, natural, and local ingredients. The flavor mixture here is decided based on season and requirement. Producing creative ice cream flavors and exceptionally serving them is the ultimate goal of Mister Artisan Ice Cream.

Here, you are given a choice of flavors from Cream Brulee, Vegan Coffee, Pumpkin Spice, Vegan Chocolate and various other flavors like Uji Matcha dipped in chocolate and the S’more bar ice cream sandwich, covered in marshmallow, roasted with a blow torch. If you wish to have a mixed experience, try Creme Brulee with a chocolate coating. 

You can choose to have it in a cup or on a stick. You will also be allowed to watch how the ice cream is made for you. This offers a whole another level of satisfaction as the making of ice cream is an interesting concept.

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14. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio False Creek

The rich in taste Japanese, Peruvian, Seafood, Sushi, Canadian and Contemporary food, are all served in the finest quality here. This place offers a luxurious indoor and outdoor dining experience with a lovely view. Also friendly for vegetarians and vegans.

Most mentioned and loved dishes are Sashimi, Scallops, Peruvian Pork Belly Sandwich, Hamachi, Caviar, Soft Shell Crab Taco, Spicy Tuna Roll, Grilled Octopus, Albacore Tuna, and Sablefish Croquettes.

There is a guarantee is producing fresh seafood. If you are thinking of coming by, get ready for a rollercoaster ride. The ambiance, food, staff, and service will make you come by again and again. 

15. Jam Cafe

Located in St Vancouver BC, Jam Cafe is open seven days a week, operating from 8 AM till 3 PM. This café best serves Local cuisine, American, Café culture, Canadian, Vegetarian, and Vegan.

Available for breakfast and lunch, Jam Cafe is inspired by recipes from the south like cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, and fried chicken. The owners work hard in providing homely vibes by creating such an atmosphere.

If you are searching for eclectic deliciousness in cafe culture, I recommend you keep this as a priority. Folks also eat Cinnamon Bun Pancakes here. It guarantees you outstanding services merged with a great meal to kick off your day. 

16. Minami Yaletown

Wondering where to find good sushi? Minami Yaletown is one of the best places if you are a fan of Salmon Oshi Sushi. Minami Yaletown believes in bringing variations and creativity in terms of food to St Vancouver, BC.

The Asian restaurant specializes in fresh seafood for all meals. To provide a comfortable atmosphere, the owners welcome all sorts of gatherings for friends and family, professional meets, and even corporate events.

Here, Aburi Sushi is a corporate symbol that is loved by residents as well as tourists. Minami is a sister restaurant of Miku restaurant. Rated as a top-notch restaurant, Minami serves assorted sushi-like pieces of art, which reflects Japanese traditions.

For beverage, you are free to choose Signature Aburi cocktails or something from the curated sake and wine list. The restaurant will be glad to host you for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Additionally, Minami is a part of the Ocean Wise Program, which is operated by Vancouver Aquarium. They acknowledge restaurants that support sustainable seafood choices and fishing activities. Items in the menu approved by this program receive an Ocean Wise Logo.

17. Tom Sushi

We present you one more from the Japanese restaurants in St Vancouver BC. To enjoy the taste of delicious Sushi in Downtown Vancouver, Tom Sushi could be the right place for you. With traditional Japanese flavors, this restaurant creates a unique dining experience.

The atmosphere of this place is made stylish enough to provide the comfort of home to the guests. The food and services will make you visit the place again and again. 

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18. The Rise Eatery

And again, one of the top places to eat for contemporary Canadian cuisine who serves for lunch, dinner, brunch, drinks, and after-hours. The Rise Eatery is famous for re-creating professionalism and sophistication for the satisfaction of guests. Menu items here interchange with seasons which showcases the cultural and ethnic diversity of Vancouver.

People residing in Metro Vancouver appreciate and celebrate the taste of The Rise Eatery. In summer, they also provide a back patio for alfresco dining. With impeccable service and outstanding food quality, an out-of-the-world experience awaits you.

19. Linh Cafe

This cafe, located in Downtown Vancouver, is known for redefining the mixture of French and Vietnamese food. It is a medium-sized restaurant that promises fantastic French, Asian and Vietnamese food. The original location of this cafe is in Kitsilano.

Although they have opened a new branch in Downtown Vancouver. Tempting dishes like baked French Escargot, Steak Tartare, Chicken Liver, Duck Cassoulet, Foie Gras Parfait, and the signature Beef Noodle Pho with braised beef flank and fried rice noodles.

The food, hospitality, and ambiance will make sure you come by again at Linh Cafe.

20. Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar

This gem of a place is celebrated by tons of people daily in and around Metro Vancouver. With their specialization in Contemporary Canadian Cuisine and Seafood (including fresh oysters and fried fish), Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar promise an incredible standard of dining.

Being rated as one of the most perfect spots for a night out, this restaurant sets the bar high for great dining and hospitality.  They make no compromises when it comes to fresh seafood and West coast seafood fare. A private dining experience is aimed at bringing value to life in a classic setting which will make you go wow. 

21. Lee’s Donuts

Thinking about Donuts? Yes, I am definitely not going to leave Lee’s Donuts out.

If we talk about the best places to eat, Lee’s Donuts is very much there. Located in Granville Island Public Market, St Vancouver BC, this place provides handmade, supreme quality donuts to the Vancouverites.

The ultimate objective is to deliver a homely and respectful experience to the guests by producing the best quality donuts made from fresh and local ingredients. A delicious treat in Granville Island Public Market will be waiting for you. See the Donut menu here.

22. Chau Veggie Express

A vegan-friendly place located in the Granville Island Public Market brings you top Asian and Vietnamese food. Chau Veggie Express promises to be 100% plant-based. The featured items include Golden Temple Soup, Bai Sao Beach Chips, Namaste Fresh Rolls, and Frozen Non-La Crispy Rolls. It is a very stylish restaurant.

Chau Veggie Express has never failed to impress veggie lovers over the years. If you are looking for healthy, tasty, and quick vegetarian food, this is the apt location for you. Folks looking to avoid non-veg food might find this is one of the top places to eat. 

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23. The Lobby Lounge and RawBar

The Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers some of the best Japanese, Sushi, and Asian Cuisines. This is a luxurious place with utmost comfort and a happening atmosphere. A suitable destination for nightlife music along with handcrafted cocktails. The melodious music is heard throughout the space.

The Raw bar is designed to produce sustainable seafood choices as it has been named the city’s first 100% Ocean Wise Sushi destination. The team at this place recommends you to try ‘Omakase’ to surprise you with the presentation and quality of food. The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim is without a question one of the best place to eat. 

24. Twisted Fork

From a perfectly poached egg to Benny & French Toast, to Fries and the French Pressed Coffee, Twisted Fork has it all. With an incredibel tasting menu that even include street food taken to the next level. The comfort food you are looking for will be served at this place in a manner that will leave you impressed.

Spend happy family time and enjoy a beautiful brunch with the Twisted Fork team. 

25. La Casa Gelato

Visit La Casa Gelato for some traditional Italian ice cream experience. All the products are made from natural and local ingredients like whole milk, fresh fruits, and pure chocolate. The mouth-watering Gelato, Sorbetto, and Yogurt are available in half a liter and liter. Scoops are provided in a waffle crisp cookie.

With over 30 years in this business and multiple types of cakes, Italian pastries, handmade chocolates available in-store, La Casa Gelato is the holder of Guinness World Record for 238 flavors! The place is open to delight you for seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

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Closing Thoughts

These are some of the best places to eat in Vancouver, Canada. The more you explore, the more likely you are to end up finding new places for yourself to dine in. The ultimate goal of every restaurant is to provide you with a healthy experience and make sure you visit them again to check out the dinner menu.

Travel, eat well, have fun and create a truckload of memories at every place you go. Do not worry if you miss out on any place, there is always a scope for next time. Maintaining good health in these unprecedented times of COVID-19 should be a priority. Stay safe and eat healthily.

Whether you are looking for French Canadian cuisine, Chinese food, Japanese restaurant, west coast cuisine, fine dining option from pacific northwest, these are some of the best restaurants in Vancouver to check out.

 So, what are you waiting for? form simple half boiled egg cooked perfectly to high class dinner menus in fancy cozy restaurant and establishments complete with a juice bar. So, visit today.

Last Updated on by Narayani Bhardwaj

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