The 22 Must-Try Restaurants in Richmond, BC

Though Lamajoun is tucked away in a chilly industrial park, its ovens and friendly staff bring plenty of warmth. Beyond its pizza-like namesake dish, highlights include baked pide — a boat-shaped flatbread filled with house-cured beef or sausage and a soft egg — as well as barbecued meats served with lavash flatbread and khinkali, which are soupy Georgian dumplings similar to xiao long bao found in the area’s numerous Shanghainese restaurants. [$ - $$]

On summer weekend evenings, food enthusiasts flock to the Richmond Night Market. While the market features various entertainment and shopping options, it’s the food stalls that truly captivate visitors, offering street food from across Asia and beyond: spicy squid, skewered lamb, and fermented tofu. Diners and their phones compete to capture delights like rainbow cheese toast, strawberry-filled mochi, and deep-fried watermelon. [$ - $$]

Beef noodle soup is Taiwan's beloved national dish, and this restaurant boasts a three-time champion of the country's beef noodle soup competition. Chef Hung serves a rich beef broth with a selection of meat cuts, noodle styles (go for the wide noodles!), and your preferred spice level. Don't miss the award-winning beef shank in spicy soup, featuring generous pieces of beef shank and a slice of beef bacon. [$$]

At all hours, locals flock to the Hong Kong-style cafe Lido, with lines forming as early as 7:15 a.m. for their famous pineapple buns. The savvy patrons know to skip the visible ones and opt for the freshly baked ones from the back. Best enjoyed with a generous slice of butter (or even 'double butter'), the cool creaminess complements the warm, buttery bun perfectly. They’re delightful on their own, paired with either Western or HK-style coffee, which comes with milk. Or, indulge in other menu offerings like noodle soup with squid balls, a corned beef and egg sandwich, or oatmeal with turnip cake. [$ - $$]

Kam Do Bakery is a staple in Richmond, boasting two locations along the vibrant No. 3 Road. Their egg tarts, available in four varieties, are a top seller, followed closely by pastries filled with dates, winter melon, and even lotus seeds paired with century egg—a unique treat that offers a blend of sweet, savory, and slightly sulfuric flavors. For something different, opt for the pineapple-coconut buns instead of the traditional ones. [$]

As you enter this shopping mall through the No. 3 Road entrance, you’ll be greeted by the sights, aromas, and the rhythmic sounds of cleavers at Parker Place Meat & BBQ, captivating crowds long before they reach the bustling food court. Lunchtime here is lively, with a diverse array of cuisines available, including Singaporean beef and pork jerky, bubble waffles, and fresh fruit juices from popular vendors such as Tak Fook Noodle & Congee Shop, Macau Cafe, and Szechuan Cuisine. [$ - $$]

In recent years, Chef Tony has become one of Richmond's most talked-about restaurants. Its modern dim sum offerings feature shrimp dumplings with matsutake mushrooms, black truffle siu mai (combining pork and shrimp), and a delightful deep-fried taro and abalone pastry, alongside an extensive selection of congee. For dinner, indulge in upscale dishes like lamb belly, squab, and unique sea cucumber creations. Don't miss the steamed-egg sponge cake and salted egg-yolk lava buns for dessert. [$$$ - $$$$]

HK BBQ Master excels at barbecued meats, and you’ll want to try a bit of everything if possible. The barbecue duck is exquisite but often sells out quickly; the barbecue pork is delightfully sweet; and the soy sauce chicken is wonderfully juicy. However, the roast pork steals the show, featuring three enticing layers: tender meat, a rich layer of fat, and a crunchy skin that crackles with every bite. There’s seating available, but most prefer to take their orders to go. [$$]

Known as 'Eat Street' (Wai Sek Kai), Alexandra Road boasts an array of dining options, and The Fish Man, one of the latest additions, has quickly gained popularity. The highlight here is the Sichuan roasted fish, featuring ma la (numbing and spicy) sauce, with various fish options (catfish is a favorite for its firm texture) and toppings like tofu skin, lotus root, and wood ear mushrooms. Don’t miss the tasty side dishes, including stir-fried spicy clams, assorted meat skewers, and mantou dumplings perfect for soaking up the delicious sauces. [$$$ - $$$$]

G-Men stands out in a competitive ramen scene, serving some of the finest bowls around. Their Tokyo-style shoyu ramen is a rare gem, boasting a rich broth infused with chicken and soy sauce, accompanied by tender slices of fatty pork and a beautifully cooked yellow-orange egg. In the evenings, indulge in the porky tonkotsu ramen or opt for the spicy red chile miso variant. A standalone G-Men location is also available down the road in the historic Steveston area. [$$ - $$$]

In the midst of Richmond’s myriad hot pot Mytouries lies the unique Too Two Chinese Sauerkraut Fish. Upon entering, guests are greeted by large clay jars filled with pickled mustard greens, fermenting for a full 30 days. These greens serve as the 'sauerkraut' in the popular suan cai yu, where diners enjoy large bowls of hot-and-sour broth, brimming with fish chunks, chile peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. Patrons can choose their fish portion size—from small to 'the feaster'—and add various ingredients to their broth. [$$$ - $$$$]

This French cafe transforms into a refined dining spot by night, offering weekend afternoon tea in a harmonious East-meets-West setting. Guests can enjoy French wines, pu-erh tea, or exclusive coffee blends while dining in a tranquil atmosphere. The dinner menu features dishes like escargots, foie gras, and delectable French-inspired desserts, alongside an affordable tasting menu. Don’t miss the on-site contemporary Asian art gallery. [$$$$]

Amid the surge of hot pot spots in Richmond, Dolar Shop stands out as a premier choice. Unlike many establishments with communal pots, Dolar provides each diner with their own individual hot pot, featuring the option of a split bowl for two distinct broths. The broth selection is exceptional, offering choices like pork leg bone, mushroom, spicy Szechuan, or a blend of tomato and oxtail. The add-ins are top-notch, and diners can look forward to a complimentary ice cream cone to finish their meal. [$$$ - $$$$]

In Richmond, you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a bubble tea shop, and the current favorite is brown sugar flavor. Originating from Taiwan, Xing Fu Tang has taken residence at T&T Supermarket in Lansdowne Centre, and the lines have been steady since it opened. Their signature brown sugar pearl milk tea features tapioca bubbles roasted right before your eyes, finished off with a sprinkle of caramelized brown sugar. [$]

This popular dim sum spot is known for its delectable dumplings and delightful desserts. Start with the steamed scallop and egg-white dumplings, then try the wu gok (filled with duck meat) and sweet baked barbecue pork buns. For dessert, indulge in the rich baked tapioca pudding, best enjoyed warm. If Empire gets too crowded, head over to their sibling, Parklane Chinese Restaurant, located in the same plaza. [$$$ - $$$$]

A beloved staple in Richmond, Shanghai River is renowned for its consistently outstanding Shanghainese cuisine. Most guests cannot resist ordering a basket (or two) of xiao long bao, which can be observed being expertly prepared through a large kitchen window overlooking the dining area. The menu features an array of Shanghai classics, including succulent sheng jian bao, rice cakes topped with pickled veggies, spicy braised eggplant, and sweet, sticky black vinegar ribs that are absolutely delightful. [$$$ - $$$$]

Though the building shows its age, the Richmond Public Market—now celebrating 25 years—remains a reliable spot for delicious, budget-friendly meals. Downstairs, you’ll discover vendors offering fresh produce, packaged noodles and dumplings, and roasted meats. Upstairs, a bustling food court showcases a variety of Chinese cuisines, featuring Nanjing dishes at Bian Fu Chang, biang-biang noodles from Xi’an Cuisine, and Richmond’s oldest, and perhaps most affordable, bubble tea at Peanut’s Bubble Tea. [$ - $$]

Less frequented than other dim sum spots in Richmond, Golden Paramount serves outstanding dishes, notably their exquisite crab dumplings (described on the menu as “steamed dumpling with crab meat and pork”). The pork siu mai adorned with fish roe is another fantastic option, alongside their flavorful stir-fried sticky rice. Dinner is perfect for enjoying a family-style Cantonese feast, featuring pan-fried oysters, salt-baked chicken, and an unexpectedly delicious sweet and sour pork that often gets overlooked. [$$$ - $$$$]

This quirky brewery embraces its motto of “Keeping Beer Weird,” situated in an unexpected spot within a quiet industrial park, away from Richmond's hustle. Sample various brews with their flights, including the Kiwami plum sour, Last Mango (a wit beer), and Gettin’ Fizzy With It (a brut IPA). Their limited food options feature a steak and onion pie made with their Bean Me Up espresso stout, and a food truck is often parked outside. [$]

Originally a modest Persian food stall nestled within a Chinese food court, Anar has now found a home in a charming historical house in Steveston. The menu features bold and vibrant flavors, utilizing herbs, nuts, and fruits such as pomegranates, plums, and prunes. Delight in small plates like mirza ghasemi (smoky eggplant with tomato and garlic) or larger dishes like baghali polo ba goosht (lamb shank served with dill rice and broad beans). [$$ - $$$]

Situated in the same industrial area as Fuggles & Warlock, Wild Sweets offers an extensive range of chocolates for generous sampling, including truffles, bark, and particularly great single-origin bars at discounted prices. On weekends, chocolatiers create unique confections to enjoy on-site or take away, often featuring delightful mixes of cake, ice cream, compote, crème brûlée, and crunchy elements. [$]

Along the waterfront in Steveston, a historic fishing village within Richmond, several fish and chip spots compete for attention, and many locals claim Pajo’s as the finest. Diners can choose from cod, salmon, or halibut, all perfectly battered and fried, served in generous paper cones that fit into convenient slots on outdoor tables. Savor your fresh fish, encased in a light, crispy tempura-like coating, while taking in the scenic water views. [$$]