The Best Vancouver Food You Have To Try in 2024
If you’re on the hunt for some local Vancouver food, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the extreme diversity within the city’s culture and food itself. This means there are more food options than your average city, and more fun and exciting restaurants in Vancouver worth checking out. Food in Vancouver has a massive range in flavours, textures and cooking styles, making it one of the best cities to find just about any kind of food you can think of.
Not only is the food in Vancouver something worth exploring, but the culture from all around the world in one place is an experience like no other. So while you’re exploring for your next meal, be sure to take in all your surroundings and enjoy everything Vancouver has to offer. From fresh seafood and sushi to barbecue and Canadian comfort food, you’ll find everything and more with these Vancouver, BC foods.
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Get a Taste of Iconic Vancouver Foods
With such a diverse availability of flavours, textures and cuisine in Vancouver, it can be hard to try it all, even if you’re a local or regular visitor to the area. Discover all that this city has to offer by taking a few food tours in Vancouver. A locally guided tour is the best way to experience new and exciting Vancouver foods from different districts and areas you might not have seen before.
If you’re seeking to learn and adapt some of these fun Vancouver foods into your own home and cooking, you can even try your hand at cooking classes in Vancouver. Taught by a professional chef, you will learn the basics of many great Canadian and Vancouver foods that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
21 Best Foods in Vancouver, BC
1. The Original Sando at Downlow Chicken Shack
The Downlow Chicken Shack is famous in Vancouver for being one of the best chicken spots around. All their chicken is fresh, never frozen and ingredients are all-natural, meaning the chicken sandwiches you’re getting are something of quality.
The Vibe
This Vancouver food spot has a relaxed chicken shop vibe that's ideal for grab-and-go or counter dining.
Why It’s Good
The Original Sando is a classic favourite made with all-fresh Nashville-style chicken fried to perfection. The Sando is topped with pickles, sweet-and-sour slaw, pickled reds and their famous DL sauce for a mouthwatering surprise of flavours.
Downlow Chicken Shack | Multiple Locations | $
2. Pasta at Ask For Luigi Restaurant
If you’re looking for the best food in Vancouver, you don’t have to search very hard, especially if it’s pasta you’re after. Ask For Luigi is an authentic Italian diner cooking up some of the best pasta dishes around.
The Vibe
Based on fine Italian dining, going to this classic restaurant is the perfect date idea in Vancouver that is sure to impress anyone. With a small and intimate vibe, you’ll feel welcome and cozy while you dine in peace.
Why It’s Good
The pasta is made fresh in-house with some of the most delectable sauces imaginable. Classic dishes like rigatoni alla Bolognese and spaghetti cacio e pepe are popular favourites here.
Ask For Luigi Restaurant | 305 Alexander St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4 | $$$
3. Tacos at Sal y Limón
This authentic Mexican restaurant prides itself on offering its customers a real taste of Mexico. At Sal y Limón, guests can enjoy all their favourite flavours of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas and more.
The Vibe
This warm and welcoming environment is a great place to bring kids and get the whole family together for some delicious Mexican food in Vancouver in a vibrant atmosphere.
Why It’s Good
The tacos are a fan favourite Vancouver food among customers, and with many choices, you can keep coming back to try them all. Signature recipes include chicken, vegetarian, shrimp and fish.
Sal y Limón | Multiple Locations | $
4. Wonton Soup and House Special Chow Mein at Twins Chinese Kitchen
Twins Chinese Kitchen serves up some of the best Chinese food in Vancouver, including all the most famous and familiar dishes. With this classic Chinese cuisine, you know you’re getting some of the best Vancouver foods around.
The Vibe
With a warm and welcoming vibe, Twins Chinese Kitchen is the perfect place to get the family together for some authentic Chinese food.
Why It’s Good
When it comes to Chinese food, it’s hard to settle on just one dish, so we’ve chosen two of the top choices. Both the wonton soup and the house special chow mein are made fresh with all the best ingredients.
Twins Chinese Kitchen | 917 Davie St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9 | $$
5. Montreal Poutine at Roxy Burger
You’re not truly trying all the best Vancouver foods if you’re not having a classic Canadian poutine. Roxy Burger is the perfect place for all sorts of Canadian comfort foods that are sure to fill you up and leave you satisfied.
The Vibe
This lively and friendly restaurant allows you to watch the game while enjoying deliciously classic Vancouver foods.
Why It’s Good
There are not a lot of meals that come close to how perfectly delicious the Montreal Poutine is. The freshly made fries smothered in a thick gravy sauce and topped with Montreal cheese curds is the best Vancouver food you’ll try all day.
Roxy Burger | 910 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2 | $$
6. Fish and Chips at Hook Restaurant
This waterfront restaurant is known for providing guests with fresh and sustainable seafood in an elevated environment. Hook Restaurant (also known as Hook Seabar) serves up quality Vancouver foods that are sure to appeal to all taste buds.
The Vibe
This high-class restaurant offers beautiful views of the ocean while providing its guests with an unforgettable dining experience.
Why It’s Good
Fish and chips may sound like a cheap meal compared to some of the other seafood dishes offered here, but the freshness of the fish is absolutely worth trying. Fried Pacific cod comes with fries and tartar sauce, plus a side of slaw to complete this mouthwatering meal.
Hook Restaurant | 1210 Denman St., Vancouver, BC V6G 2N2 | $$$
7. The Greek at Vera’s Burger Shack
With several locations across the city, Vera’s Burger Shack is home to some seriously quality Vancouver foods with a focus on burgers. These burgers are made with only the finest ingredients like fresh Canadian beef.
The Vibe
This comfort food burger shack features a cozy and laid-back gastro-pub vibe complete with cow print seating!
Why It’s Good
While classic cheeseburgers and chicken burgers are a common favourite, The Greek is not to be overlooked. This single patty lamb burger is cooked fresh with tomato, lettuce, feta and Vera’s special sauce.
Vera’s Burger Shack | Multiple Locations | $$
8. Kimchi Fries at Good Dogs Plant Foods
Good Dogs Plant Foods serves up some of the freshest Vancouver food around! As one of the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver, you can enjoy a spin on classic hot dogs and loaded fries, with all dishes made with quality, plant-based ingredients.
The Vibe
The namesake of this place doesn’t just refer to the extensive plant-based hot dog menu; you’re also allowed to bring your dogs here, meaning nobody gets left out of this dining experience. Good Dogs Plant Food is the perfect place to get together with friends on a stopover at your favourite dog park.
Why It’s Good
The kimchi fries are a favourite among vegans and non-vegans alike, and if you’re at all a fan of kimchi, you have to try these. Made with house kimchi slaw, crisped wasabi peas and gochujang aioli, these fries are perfect for sharing, or a filling snack for one. You could also have them as a side to any of the unique hot dogs on the menu.
Good Dogs Plant Foods | 1331 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6 | $$
9. Fried Calamari at Fish Café
Some of the most popular Vancouver foods include seafood, so it’s no wonder that you can find so many seafood restaurants within the city. Fish Café is an exclusive seafood restaurant offering the best in seaside-inspired Vancouver foods.
The Vibe
Fish Café is a rustic spot that's all about choices for its customers. From a large assortment of seafood to the many cooking method options, guests can choose exactly how they want their seafood and enjoy it with others.
Why It’s Good
The calamari is always a favourite for guests and you have the option to choose between grilled or deep-fried calamari. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try both and decide for yourself which is the best.
Fish Café | 2053 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC V6M 1Y7 | $$
10. Pulled Pork Plate at Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House
If you’re looking for some classic barbecue in the Vancouver food scene, you’ll find it at Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House. This is the perfect place to grab a good meal and have a night out with friends.
The Vibe
This fun and stylish smokehouse features live music, craft beer and good times on top of some of the best smoked meat and barbecue dishes. The food and vibes have a Southern flair that makes many feel right at home.
Why It’s Good
You can’t go wrong with any of the smoked meats or barbecue plates. All are offered in generous portions, meaning you won’t leave hungry. The pulled pork plate is the most popular choice and comes smothered in a Texas whiskey barbecue sauce and served with two sides of your choice.
Devil’s Elbow Ale and Smoke House | 562 Beatty St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3 | $$
11. Kurobuta Terimayo at Japadog
This Vancouver food is a staple among locals and many swear by the Kurobuta Terimayo at Japadog. The Japanese-inspired hot dog spot is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for grab-and-go food and has been serving the Vancouver food scene since 2005.
The Vibe
This iconic Vancouver food is well known for authenticity and fun. Japadog is by no means a fancy restaurant, so feel free to drop by and grab a unique hot dog whenever you’re in the area.
Why It’s Good
If it’s your first time trying Japadog, try the Kurobuta Terimayo first. Kurobuta pork is placed on a fresh bun with fried onions and seaweed and is topped with teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayo for a deliciously saucy Japadog.
Japadog | Multiple Locations | $
12. Butter Chicken at RV’s Butter Kitchen
If you’re searching for the best Indian food in Vancouver, BC, heading to RV’s Butter Kitchen to try the butter chicken is a must. Known for its range of spices and warm flavours, butter chicken and naan bread is a Vancouver food staple among locals and visitors.
The Vibe
This classic Indian restaurant provides guests with a comfortable dining experience in a bright and fun environment that’s perfect for the whole family. Flavours are a fusion of authentic Indian and American food that appeals to the palate of many.
Why It’s Good
The butter chicken is a classic house special that is sure to have you coming back for more. Cubed chicken is cooked in rich butter and creamy tomato gravy combined with aromatic spices for a taste of India within local Vancouver foods.
RV’s Butter Kitchen | 1355 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W7 | $$
13. Chicken Wings at District Bar Restaurant
If you’re heading out to the pub or bar and looking for some shareable Vancouver food, the District Bar Restaurant has you covered with their delicious chicken wings that are perfect for sharing.
The Vibe
Inspired by the New York food scene, this Vancouver food spot is clean and comfortable with an upscale vibe.
Why It’s Good
Chicken wings are arguably the best bar food that’s easily shareable among friends. Enjoy the classic salt and pepper wings or the District hot sauce wings with a side of blue cheese sauce.
District Bar Restaurant | 121 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6B 6P5 | $$
14. Guinness Pie at Six Acres
While there are so many bars and pubs within the city cooking up their own versions of Vancouver foods, Six Acres near Gastown gives its customers more than just a meal in this historic restaurant.
The Vibe
This quaint neighbourhood place lives within a historical building that has a warm and welcoming vibe. This is exactly the spot to go with some friends for great Vancouver food and craft beer or cocktails.
Why It’s Good
Guinness pie is a pub classic, and you don’t want to skip out on this when ordering. Slow-cooked in a decadent Guinness broth, the beef and potato stew is served in a homemade pie crust that just melts in your mouth.
Six Acres | 203 Carrall St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2 | $$
15. Sushi at Miku Vancouver
This sophisticated restaurant specializes in the freshest and finest sushi and seafood around. With reservations almost always required, you know you’re dining in style at Miku Vancouver.
The Vibe
Located on the waterfront, Miku offers up beautiful views while you sit and enjoy some of the best sushi in Vancouver.
Why It’s Good
If you’re an avid lover of sushi, you already know you can’t just choose one kind and be satisfied. This Vancouver food spot has a large assortment of sushi, nigiri, oshi and other amazing rolls.
Miku Vancouver | 200 Granville St., Ste. 70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4 | $$$
16. Cheese Steak Pizza at Captain’s Oven Pizza
When it comes to Vancouver food, there are so many different flavours and fun things to try, and that doesn’t stop at Captain’s Oven Pizza. The cheese steak pizza is a new and exciting Vancouver food worth checking out.
The Vibe
This Neapolitan-style restaurant is known for its Italian vibes and comfortable dining experience.
Why It’s Good
While this Vancouver food spot specializes in brick oven pizza, the new cheese steak pizza is bound to turn heads. This decadent pie features ingredients like alfredo sauce, mozzarella, shaved steak and roasted red peppers, along with caramelized onions and more fine flavours.
Captain’s Oven Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
17. Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes at Heirloom Restaurant
If you’re looking for an assortment of vegan and vegetarian Vancouver food, Heirloom Restaurant has all that and more. Offering dine-in and take-out options, you can enjoy this Vancouver food anytime, anywhere.
The Vibe
Heirloom is a bright and modern Vancouver food spot that allows you to unwind while enjoying elevated vegan and vegetarian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Why It’s Good
Pancakes always hit the spot, and the buttermilk pancakes at Heirloom Restaurant are so soft and fluffy you won’t want to skip out. These delicious pancakes are made with toasted macadamia nuts, cashew cream, coconut butter, mango compote and passionfruit gastrique, topped with fresh maple syrup.
Heirloom Restaurant | 1509 W. 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 2E2 | $$
18. Beef Shawarma at Paramount Fine Foods
If you’re looking for the perfect Vancouver food spot for lunch or dinner, consider picking up a warm beef shawarma at Paramount Fine Foods.
The Vibe
This classic Middle Eastern restaurant features a cozy vibe with brick walls and a warm environment to sit and enjoy your shawarma. This is the perfect place for some quality Middle Eastern Vancouver food, whether you want to eat in or take out.
Why It’s Good
The beef shawarma is flavourful and inviting, made with authentically seasoned meat, fresh parsley and onions, ripened tomatoes, sour pickles and topped with a special tahini sauce.
Paramount Fine Foods | 560 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7 | $$
19. Whiskey Creek Oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House
While it’s evident that a lot of Vancouver food is centered around seafood, one of the local favourite dishes is the Whiskey Creek oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House.
The Vibe
This lively restaurant is a casual Vancouver food spot for perfectly cooked and fresh seafood of all sorts. With an assortment of beverages and an excellent happy hour, it’s the perfect place to dine with friends for some quality Vancouver food and drinks
Why It’s Good
The Whiskey Creek oysters are fresh straight from Vancouver Island and about as local as you can get. The flavour profile is unique and specific to the rivers and creeks they were found in and that lends to the sweet and briny finish of these oysters.
Rodney’s Oyster House | 1228 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC V6B 6L2 | $$
20. Candied Salmon at Salmon n’ Bannock
Traditional Canadian cuisine and Vancouver food are nothing without featuring some classic Native Canadian dishes. A common favourite and delectable snack is the candied salmon at Salmon n’ Bannock.
The Vibe
This fine Native Canadian restaurant has a close and intimate vibe that feels welcoming and inviting from the moment you walk in the door.
Why It’s Good
The candied salmon is a Vancouver food staple here that you must try. The smoked chum and candied salmon is nicely peppered on the outside and topped with a maple drizzle for a deliciously smoky and sweet taste in every bite.
Salmon n’ Bannock | 1128 W. Broadway, Ste. 7, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5 | $$
21. Pastries and Nanaimo Bars at Purebread
You’re not truly trying Vancouver cuisine until you’ve had some freshly baked pastries and Nanaimo bars from Purebread.
The Vibe
Purebread is a warm and friendly place to get some of the best fresh baked goods around. You can sit and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee with your favourite pastry and just take in the ambiance around you.
Why It’s Good
There is such a large selection of pastries here that you won’t be able to choose just one. Pair your favourite pastries with a Vancouver food staple Nanaimo bar for a delicious snack in between hunting down the next best place to eat.
Purebread | Multiple Locations | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Vancouver is home to such an assortment of different foods that you could spend a lifetime exploring all the unique cuisine this city has to offer. Delicious Vancouver foods are sought after by locals, tourists and anyone looking to fill their stomachs and discover new experiences. With flavours from all over the world, you can experience something new when it comes to exploring Vancouver, BC foods.
While this list only touches on some popular dishes and meals when it comes to Vancouver food, it’s evident that a lot of favourite cuisine takes advantage of the beautiful ocean next door. Seafood dishes and sushi have been long-time favourites of locals in this city.
If seafood isn’t your thing, no problem! Some of the more popular Vancouver foods include comforting Italian, French and Canadian cuisine. Having looked through this list, you should be able to confidently answer the question: “What food is Vancouver known for?” Now all you need to do is try some of these delicious dishes!
For even more ways to explore Vancouver and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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