27 Best Restaurants in Vancouver for 2024
If you’re a foodie who finds yourself in British Columbia, you owe it to yourself to check out some of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city in the Pacific Northwest with fantastic food culture, often combining French Canadian cooking with cultural cuisine from throughout the Pacific.
So, which top restaurants in Vancouver are worth visiting? Whether you’re a tourist with limited time or a local trying to expand your horizons, picking the best restaurants in Vancouver is a tasty but formidable task. This list of Vancouver's best eateries can help you get started planning your next dining adventure.
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Find the Best Restaurants in Vancouver
It’s a big city, so finding the best restaurants in Vancouver can take a lot of time and effort. One easy way to learn more about the best restaurants in Vancouver is to sign up for a food tour. Food tours in Vancouver give you the chance to have an expert guide you through the greatest culinary experiences the city has to offer.
However, if you’re eager to begin exploring dining options on your own, the following spots are the best restaurants in Vancouver when it comes to food and ambiance.
27 of the Best Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Salmon n’ Bannock
Salmon n’ Bannock is the only indigenous-owned restaurant in Vancouver. Owned by Vancouver local Inez Cook, this restaurant celebrates ingredients and recipes from the First Nations and belongs at the top of any list of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
The Vibe
Salmon n’ Bannock is a cozy restaurant with a casual feel. This spot is the best restaurant in Vancouver to go on a date or to entertain friends from out of town. Remember that the space is on the smaller side, so you may want to make a reservation in advance.
What to Order
Naturally, there are two menu items you should prioritize: the salmon and the bannock. Bannock is a traditional bread made by First Nations groups in Canada. You can order it with jam and butter, or, if you crave something more savory, get bannock crackers with salmon mousse.
Salmon n’ Bannock | 7-1128 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5 | $$
2. Guu With Garlic
Guu opened the first izakaya in Vancouver, a traditional Japanese social restaurant, and the company now owns some of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Guu With Garlic serves delicious Japanese dishes alongside expertly made cocktails.
The Vibe
Guu with Garlic looks exactly like an old-school Japanese izakaya, creating a classy bar environment. Although this restaurant is casual, it isn’t fast-casual — Guu with Garlic is the best restaurant in Vancouver for a slow, mindful dining experience.
What to Order
If you like fried seafood, takoyaki (fried octopus) is a must-have. We also recommend the beef tongue, which is served with garlic butter soy sauce.
Guu with Garlic | 1698 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6G 1C7 | $$
3. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
If you’re looking for the best restaurants Downtown Vancouver has available, head to the Sutton Place Hotel and grab a bite at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. This swanky best restaurant in Vancouver provides the classy seafood experience you crave when visiting a coastal city.
The Vibe
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar has the old-school décor you would expect from a hotel eatery that’s considered one of the best restaurants in Vancouver, including dark wood paneling and trendy wall art.
What to Order
When at the oyster bar, don’t skip the oysters. You can get the raw oysters with cocktail sauces or the baked oyster appetizer. This best restaurant in Vancouver also has a reputation for decadent, original desserts — we strongly endorse the salted sesame praline bar with chocolate mousse.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar | 845 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K7 | $$$
4. St. Lawrence Restaurant
St. Lawrence Restaurant is the place to go if you want to experience the best restaurants in Vancouver with French Canadian cuisine. Chef Jean-Christophe Poirier celebrates his Quebec upbringing with mouthwatering French dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
The Vibe
St. Lawrence Restaurant may not be located in the flashiest Vancouver neighbourhood, but the inside of the restaurant is gorgeous and the food refined. The décor is a creative take on the French country aesthetic, with warm tile floors and vintage French posters.
What to Order
The menu changes each month, but there are a few tasty dishes you can look out for at one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. For instance, if the lamb confit is available, definitely order it.
St. Lawrence Restaurant | 269 Powell St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3 | $$$
5. Sashimiya
Sashimiya is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver if you’re craving sushi. This restaurant offers premium sushi and also serves as a small Japanese grocery store.
The Vibe
The setup at Sashimiya is simple. This best restaurant in Vancouver doesn’t have dine-in services, so you order your sushi or sashimi to go. Most diners like to take their food down to the nearby waterfront area and have an adorable sushi picnic.
What to Order
If you want a classic sushi roll, the spicy tuna roll at Sashimiya is sublime. More adventurous folks will get a big kick out of the gokujo roll.
Sashimiya | 1348 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W5 | $$
6. Miku
Miku is a wonderful place to try if you’re in the mood for upscale Japanese cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Miku specializes in aburi sushi, a sushi preparation method that involves lightly searing the sushi before serving it.
The Vibe
The Miku brand has several restaurant locations in Vancouver, but if you can only choose one to be included in the best restaurants in Vancouver, it has to be Miku Waterfront. At the waterfront location, you can admire the view of Coal Harbour while sitting in an airy restaurant with attractive contemporary décor and plenty of natural light.
What to Order
If you aren’t sure what to get, you can’t go wrong with the signature selection sushi plate, which gives you samples of Miku’s best sushi rolls. For a fancy treat, you can order the surf and turf roll with lobster and steak.
Miku | Multiple locations | $$$
7. AnnaLena
AnnaLena is a modern and friendly restaurant in the quaint Vancouver neighbourhood of Kitsilano. AnnaLena is the best restaurant in Vancouver for a relaxed but sophisticated experience.
The Vibe
Many of the best restaurants in Vancouver have a mature and understated style, but Annalena has an eclectic aesthetic with retro collectible toys sprinkled throughout the space. Dark leather booths contrast with the bright-coloured toys, creating a chill and intimate environment perfect for a parents’ night out.
What to Order
The rotating menu always has delightful surprises, such as poached mussels with blue cheese white wine broth or beef bavette with aerated Béarnaise sauce.
AnnaLena | 1809 W. First Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 5B8 | $$$$
8. Le Crocodile
In terms of the best restaurants in Vancouver for fine dining, you can’t go wrong with Le Crocodile. Le Crocodile is an upscale, award-winning Vancouver French restaurant with a long legacy of expert chefs crafting the menu.
The Vibe
Le Crocodile is the epitome of sophistication, with simple white tablecloths, golden yellow walls and excellent service. This is the best restaurant in Vancouver to celebrate graduations, anniversaries and other important life milestones.
What to Order
Steak enthusiasts absolutely have to order the beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce. It is a great example of a simple, perfect French dish.
Le Crocodile | 909 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2 | $$$$
9. Bao Bei
If you want to find the best restaurant in Vancouver’s Chinatown, stop in at Bao Bei. Bao Bei is the ultimate contemporary Chinese brasserie experience. Head Chef Joël Watanabe takes traditional Chinese cuisine and incorporates his Japanese background to develop fresh, original dishes.
The Vibe
The interior of Bao Bei is gorgeous. The floral accent wallpaper pairs beautifully with dark wooden furniture and warm lighting. This best restaurant in Vancouver is an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion or impress a significant other on a date.
What to Order
The mantou buns at Bao Bei are always an excellent option if you’re craving braised pork inside savory bread. In addition, vegetarians will love the bean curd skin appetizer.
Bao Bei | 163 Keefer St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3 | $$$
10. Kingyo
Kingyo is another izakaya that ranks as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Kingyo combines the coziness of a pub with the classiness of fine cuisine.
The Vibe
Kingyo features an ample amount of Japanese art and décor and truly sets the scene of an authentic Japanese bar. This place is popular, so the noise level can be high on the weekends, but the friendly service and good food make for an enriching evening.
What to Order
This best restaurant in Vancouver serves small-plate Japanese food, so you’ll want to order several dishes for the whole table. Be sure to include the grilled beef tongue, which you get to heat at the table with a hot stone platform.
Kingyo | 871 Denman St., Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9 | $$
11. Blue Water Café
When people discuss the best restaurants in Vancouver, the Blue Water Café always gets mentioned. There are fantastic seafood restaurants in Vancouver, and Blue Water Café is arguably the best restaurant in Vancouver for seafood.
The Vibe
Blue Water Café invites you into a friendly, upscale atmosphere. The wood beams and paneling, as well as the sconces, evoke the interior of an old sailboat. This restaurant is a nice option for a date or a night out with friends.
What to Order
For a decadent entrée, try the yellowfin tuna. Other popular dishes include the beef tenderloin and shrimp cocktail. And remember to save room for dessert — they have a wonderful selection of sweet treats.
Blue Water Café | 1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4 | $$$$
12. Northern Café and Grill
Northern Café and Grill is a prime spot for casual comfort food that is yummy enough to be included in the best restaurants in Vancouver. Discreetly tucked away near a lumberyard, this local favourite guarantees a homey environment and fresh, quality food.
The Vibe
Northern Café and Grill is a family-run diner, complete with red booths and a black-and-white tile floor. The same couple has owned the establishment for almost 60 years, and the service is always welcoming and attentive.
What to Order
If you prefer breakfast food, you’ll adore the breakfast club sandwich. Otherwise, we suggest you indulge in a Northern Deluxe Burger.
Northern Café and Grill | 1640 E. Kent Ave., Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7 | $$
13. Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse is the best restaurant in Vancouver for surf and turf, although several other best restaurants in Vancouver come close. This beloved spot uses sustainable ingredients to make iconic dishes like their seafood tower.
The Vibe
The inside of Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse is stunning. This vintage-style seafood and steakhouse has gorgeous chandeliers, wrought iron railings and wood paneling. When the weather is nice, try sitting out on the glamorous rooftop patio.
What to Order
Joe Fortes has a delicious brunch menu, especially the crab cakes and the lobster eggs Benedict. Folks who come for dinner may be tempted to treat themselves to the surf and turf platter.
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse | 777 Thurlow St., Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5 | $$$
14. Ramen Danbo
Vancouver has a fantastic selection of ramen restaurants, so if you’re interested in the best restaurants in Vancouver, you have to eat a meal at Ramen Danbo. Ramen Danbo boasts an authentic Japanese menu with tonkotsu ramen, a popular Japanese ramen variation that isn’t frequently found in Canadian restaurants.
The Vibe
Ramen Danbo has a minimalist, comfortable style. Since this ramen place is extremely popular, you usually have to wait in a long line. However, once you get inside, the service is efficient and the staff is friendly and helpful.
What to Order
The signature pork broth with classic ramen is some of the best ramen in Vancouver. Vegans will be happy to hear that Ramen Danbo also offers a vegan version of their entire menu.
Ramen Danbo | 1333 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6E 2B1 | $$
15. Hawksworth Restaurant
Fresh, sustainable food is a key characteristic of the Vancouver food scene, which is why Hawksworth Restaurant is a natural choice for one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. They boast a menu of modern Western food with Asian fusion influences.
The Vibe
Be sure to dress up when you go to Hawksworth Restaurant — the place is filled with high-end art and dazzling details that will transport you to a world of glamour.
What to Order
We suggest that vegetarians try the burgundy truffle pappardelle, which elevates a classic pasta dish with hazelnut. Meat eaters will adore the duck breast seasoned with lavender.
Hawksworth Restaurant | 801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7 | $$$$
16. OEB Breakfast Co.
Anyone in search of the best restaurants in Vancouver for brunch needs to head over to OEB Breakfast Co. Situated in the fashionable neighbourhood of Yaletown, OEB Breakfast Co. offers European-inspired breakfast items.
The Vibe
The aesthetic of OEB Breakfast Co. is light, modern and trendy. You can spot an egg motif throughout the restaurant, including eggshell lamps and an abstract egg statue. Since this is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for brunch, it can get crowded, but the vibe is always entertaining and never overwhelming.
What to Order
Go full Canadian and try one of their amazing breakfast poutines. For instance, Soul in a Bowl comes with poached eggs and brown butter hollandaise.
OEB Breakfast Co. | 1137 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3 | $$
17. Vij’s Restaurant
Vij’s Restaurant is a fabulous Indian restaurant that consistently ranks as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Chef Vikram Vij — who you might know from his line of prepackaged curries — founded Vij’s Restaurant to give Vancouver a sophisticated Indian restaurant with fresh ingredients and a local wine list.
The Vibe
Vij’s is a dark and relaxing restaurant with friendly service. That friendly service may even include a greeting from Vikram Vij himself, who frequently checks in on diners.
What to Order
The coconut curried chicken is divine in this best restaurant in Vancouver. You also don’t want to miss out on the flatbread with garlic curried paneer.
Vij’s Restaurant | 3106 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2 | $$$
18. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill
The best restaurants in Vancouver also include some Italian and Mediterranean spots, such as Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill has received extensive praise and awards throughout the years, including the Order of the Star of Italy, an award for excellence in sharing Italian culture abroad.
The Vibe
This best restaurant in Vancouver has the feel of a traditional Italian place, with white tablecloths and soft, moody lighting. The dining area is lively but still quiet enough to work well for intimate date ideas in Vancouver.
What to Order
Many diners enjoy the spaghetti alla vongole, a classic Italian pasta with clams. The Tuscan-style ribeye steak is also definitely worth trying. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill | 1133 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6 | $$$$
19. Published On Main
Published On Main frequently gets named as the number one best restaurant in Vancouver. This well-appointed small-plates restaurant has innovative dishes made with the diner’s experience in mind.
The Vibe
When you step into Published On Main, it’s clear that the owners put a lot of thought into the aesthetic. The space is modeled after an 18th-century English coffee house, with a light, natural dining area in the front and a dark-toned rear room for intimate dining.
What to Order
Published On Main is well-known for its Bee Pollen Milk Buns, a Japanese dish that will get any meal off to a good start. Since it’s a small plates restaurant, you can sample as many of the dishes as you want, but be sure to save room for the duck confit.
Published On Main | 3593 Main St., Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4 | $$$
20. So Hyang
The city has several great Korean restaurants, but So Hyang earns its spot on the list of the best restaurants in Vancouver. The food is authentic Korean cuisine, and the environment is downright charming.
The Vibe
Similar to some of the other best restaurants in Vancouver, So Hyang is a small, narrow space with a cozy atmosphere. So Hyang stands out from other popular Vancouver restaurants by always having efficient service despite the small space and large crowd.
What to Order
Embrace Vancouver’s coastal identity and order the squid bulgogi. This dish has all the traits of beloved Korean bulgogi with a fun seafood flair.
So Hyang | 6345 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC V5W 3A3 | $$
21. Sushi Jin
If you’re curious about the best restaurants Downtown Vancouver locals go to for sushi, you’ll want to add Sushi Jin to your dining plans. Sushi Jin is omakase, which is a Japanese restaurant where the chef surprises you with a multi-course meal of their own choosing.
The Vibe
Sushi Jin is an extremely intimate and high-class experience. Chef Jin serves you personally, and the restaurant will only take a maximum of six customers at a time.
What to Order
You don’t necessarily order food at Sushi Jin, since the courses are chosen by the chef, but you can look forward to eighteen courses of sushi and other upscale Japanese dishes.
Sushi Jin | 750 Nelson St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A8 | $$$$
22. Osteria Savio Volpe
Osteria Savio Volpe is another Italian eatery that belongs on the list of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Savio Volpe serves expertly-made rustic Italian cuisine in a beautiful dining space that welcomes the whole family.
The Vibe
Designed by Vancouver designer Craig Stanghetta, Osteria Savio Volpe has an iconic style, with tall ceilings and gorgeous warm wood detailing. Savio Volpe also deserves recognition for being an upscale eatery that is inclusive of guests of all ages. You can feel free to take your kids here for a family celebration.
What to Order
For pasta, try the pappardelle with pork ragu. This is a classic country Tuscan dish that Savio Volpe executes perfectly. If you’re craving a heftier meal, you’ll want to order one of their wood-fired sirloin steaks.
Osteria Savio Volpe | 615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5 | $$$
23. Botanist
The best restaurants in Vancouver often show off the city’s passion for sustainability and quality ingredients, and Botanist brings that passion to the forefront. Chef Hector Laguna designs menus based on local agriculture in the Pacific Northwest and only uses meat and produce from independent and ethical suppliers.
The Vibe
The restaurant’s interior utilizes glass, greenery, light woods and floral prints to evoke the energy of outdoor spaces. Botanist is a busy and lively atmosphere that speaks to the institution’s long-lasting popularity.
What to Order
For dinner, order the pan-seared sirloin with cabbage roulade or the black pepper-crusted salmon with caramelized eggplant. Folks who come for brunch will adore the crab and avocado eggs Benedict.
Botanist | 1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9 | $$$
24. Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar
Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar has been considered one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for decades. Opened in the mid-1950s, Hy’s Steakhouse is committed to providing an old-school steakhouse dining experience.
The Vibe
Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar transports you back in time to an era of big leather chairs and luxurious décor. The service is warm and attentive, and you are sure to leave feeling relaxed and satisfied.
What to Order
Start your meal with the cheese toast appetizer, a classic menu item that the Hy’s Steakhouse brand has been offering since 1955.
Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar | 637 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3 | $$$$
25. Kissa Tanto
Several of the best restaurants in Vancouver involve fusion food, and for good reason — Vancouver has had a thriving immigrant community for many generations. Kissa Tanto makes a name for itself by offering Italian and Japanese fusion cuisine.
The Vibe
Kissa Tanto is designed as a 1960s jazz bar with Japanese influences. You can savour your food and cocktails while nestled in a round red dining booth.
What to Order
The menu at Kissa Tanto is incredibly unique, drawing from Chef Joël Watanabe’s Japanese and Italian heritage. Dandelion pappardelle and the lamb with fennel and chili are both notable highlights.
Kissa Tanto | 263 E. Pender St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8 | $$$
26. Au Comptoir
Au Comptoir is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for French Canadian cooking. This stylish restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus with entirely French cuisine.
The Vibe
Au Comptoir’s location in the Kitsilano neighbourhood is reflected in the restaurant’s laid-back and relaxing vibe. The staff is mostly French, which adds a nice touch of authenticity to the dining experience.
What to Order
Diners coming for brunch should order the buttered brioche with vanilla custard and chocolate chips. For dinner, check out the honey-glazed duck breast.
Au Comptoir | 2278 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8 | $$
27. Maxine’s Café and Bar
Maxine’s Café and Bar opened in 2021 but has quickly risen in the ranks as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Maxine’s is a stylish modern bistro that is equally well-suited for brunch, happy hour and dinner.
The Vibe
Maxine’s Café and Bar is a charming space with warm neutral tones and cute décor details. Try sitting at one of the marble tables outside on the patio for the ultimate Parisian aesthetic.
What to Order
Regulars at Maxine’s often praise the eggs Benedict with salmon on the brunch menu, as well as the meatball gnocchi on the dinner menu. Go for the frozen crème brûlée for dessert.
Maxine’s Café and Bar | 1325 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B7 | $$
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Vancouver has some amazing dining options, with the best restaurants in Vancouver ranging from fresh, decadent sushi to delightful French dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, steak or vegetarian pasta, Vancouver is the place to be.
For even more fun ways to explore Vancouver and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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