The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Vancouver

One of the city’s most dedicated chefs, Angus An, operates five other establishments throughout Vancouver, including Fat Mao, known for its heavenly noodles in Chinatown and Downtown, as well as Longtail Kitchen and Sen Pad Thai. However, if you can only visit one of his restaurants, make it Maenam, where you can savor An’s skillful harmony of sweet, aromatic, citrusy, spicy, and hot flavors in exceptional Thai dishes with a B.C. twist. Walk-ins are welcome in the lounge for à la carte dining, but don’t miss the chef’s menu, a fantastic value at $88 ($65 USD) per person for 11 family-style dishes. The four-course lunch sets are also a great deal.

Returning to the list for another summer, Rain or Shine heralds delightful moments and crispy waffle cones at English Bay. This Philadelphia-style ice cream (egg-free) is crafted with milk from Birchwood Farm in Abbotsford, along with other local ingredients like oil from the Vancouver Olive Oil Company, raw honey from the North Okanagan, and lavender from nearby Maple Ridge. There are no soy, corn syrup, modified milk ingredients, or artificial flavors or extracts. Take a moment to ponder which flavor to choose (with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available), then savor your treat while sitting on a beach log as the waves gently lap the shore.

While the aisles may be bustling with eager Instagrammers at this sought-after tourist spot, there are hidden gems to discover for crafting the perfect picnic to enjoy while watching boats and paddleboarders on False Creek. Sample delicious offerings like pickled headcheese, tender mortadella, and zesty salami from Oyama Sausage Co, then swing by Terra Bread for some focaccia or baguettes, before stocking up on local cheeses from Salt Spring Island at Benton Brothers and indulging in fresh doughnuts from Lee’s.

Catch a quick 20-minute ride on the Skytrain from downtown to Richmond, a neighboring city that Dinogo’s former critic, Bill Addison, praised as “one of the cultural marvels of North America” due to its exceptional Asian cuisine. This award-winning spot features handmade dim sum crafted by chef-owner May Chau, specializing in Hong Kong favorites like steamed pork and crab dumplings, pan-fried pork buns, and crispy deep-fried wontons — all are essential orders.

Don’t fret: The lines at this West End ramen hotspot move quickly, and the wait is always worth it — particularly for noodle enthusiasts. This cozy ramen shop produces 500 4.4-ounce noodle balls each day, allowing them to rest for 24 hours before cooking and serving. Originating from Japan, Maruhachi specializes in a silky chicken broth rather than the heavier pork-based tonkotsu. Get ready to be delighted — and make sure to try the egg, widely regarded as the best in the city.

Offering a fantastic selection of daily brunch, happy hour, and dinner options, Maxine’s has quickly become a favorite among locals since its 2021 debut. As the sister establishment to Homer Street and Tableau, it has firmly secured its place in the Westender dining scene, evident from the weekend lines. Patrons flock for the generously sized smoked salmon rosti, a delightfully messy smash burger, and a well-curated cocktail and wine menu. Relax on the sun-soaked patio while watching the bustle of Burrard Street, or sink into a cozy booth and enjoy a leisurely meal from morning to night.

Established in 2020 and located at the base of Hornby Street, Sashimiya is a laid-back, completely sustainable sushi and sashimi shop. This marks the first solo venture for sushi master chef Taka Omi after his tenure at the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s RawBar. Customers can request sashimi freshly sliced from the chillers, and a variety of Japanese grocery items are also available. With no seating on-site, patrons are encouraged to take their beautifully crafted party trays, platters, and bentos to the waterfront for a picnic, or opt for delivery.

In a city known for its stunning vistas, rooftop bars are surprisingly few. However, the Parker Rooftop, perched atop the Parker Hotel, is here to elevate the experience. After taking the elevator, you’ll enter a spacious, living room-style restaurant with three inviting patios, including a chic Cabo-inspired beach bar. Swing by for happy hour or Discount Wine Wednesdays, when select bottles are half off. Start with sliders or charming fish and chip cones, then indulge in a delicious steak as the sun sets. Conclude your evening with timeless desserts like baked Alaska for two.

Since the legalization of food trucks in Vancouver a decade ago, their journey has seen many trends rise and fall. While numerous favorites have vanished, a few beloved trucks remain; Japadog is one such survivor. It's worth visiting any of its six food truck locations (including one at the airport) or one of the four stores, particularly the original at Burrard and Smithe Streets. Don’t miss the famous all-beef Terimayo dog, drizzled with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and topped with seaweed. This iconic treat has stood the test of time, and as Anthony Bourdain said on his No Reservations Vancouver episode, “If life has taught us anything, it’s to eat meat in tube form.”

With sparkling chandeliers and stunning city views from its first-floor location on West Broadway, Dynasty offers some of the finest modern Chinese cuisine in the area, thanks to chef Sam Leung. Open daily from 10 a.m. for dim sum, must-tries include the rich barbecue pork cha siu bao with a baked lemon twist and delicate, paper-thin dumplings filled with fresh shrimp, scallops, and black truffles. For dinner, enjoy a special menu available with 24 hours’ notice featuring Cantonese specialties like mushroom-braised duck. While service tends to be more efficient than warm, the exceptional food makes up for it.

A true gem in the city, the cocktail hour at Hawksworth (daily from 4 to 6 p.m.) offers an opportunity to savor the high-end experience at significantly reduced prices. The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to snag a spot beneath Damien Hirst’s “Big Love with Diamond Dust.” Classic cocktails like Negronis, martinis, and Aperol spritzes are just $7, while a half dozen oysters or the famed KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) are only $11. The best deal? The B&B: the renowned Hawksworth burger, considered one of Vancouver's finest, served with either a beer or an Old Fashioned.

Fortunately, the outdoor patio from the Covid era remains at this beloved Yaletown rotisserie cafe and bar, allowing you to soak up the sun while enjoying a selection of fine European wines, some of the city’s best roast chicken, and delectable sides. Inside, you can observe the impressive red Rotisol Grande Flamme Olympia rotisserie cooking perfectly free-range chickens and other meats. You might find yourself contemplating the Full Monty — a filling set menu featuring Homer Street’s most popular dishes. Don’t hesitate; it’s a must-try!

Bacaro is easy to overlook, nestled on the ground floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel behind Giovane Caffè. Venture to the back, and you'll discover an exciting menu of delightfully affordable aperitivo snacks. Inspired by Venice’s bacari and cicchetti bars, the restaurant offers dishes starting at just $4, like anchovy and chive butter crostini or whipped salt cod with grilled polenta. During aperitivo hour (3 - 6 p.m.), every drink includes a complimentary cicchetti. Bacaro also features excellent pastas (the flower-like sbocciare is both photogenic and a must-try), house-made and imported salumi, seafood, and an extensive vermouth selection, along with a cocktail list rich in spritzes. Conveniently located near the city’s top attractions and the waterfront, Bacaro welcomes guests daily from 11:30 a.m.

As a spinoff from the popular Toronto Mytoury Haifa Room, this delightful spot brings together long-time friends with deep roots in both Jewish and Palestinian culinary traditions. Nestled in the Deloitte Summit tower, the restaurant offers a bright, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of an office canteen, yet elevated by exceptional cocktails (don't miss the rosewater paloma), attentive service, and a carefully curated wine selection. Be sure to indulge in the perfectly crispy Nazareth hot chicken served on a vibrant bed of sumac yogurt, deep-fried creamy Jerusalem artichoke puffs, and the irresistible house labneh garnished with black olive crumble and fresh tomato chermoula. Bar Haifa serves both lunch and dinner.

Chef Vikram Vij is a culinary celebrity, known for his role as an investor on the reality show Dragon’s Den and for his line of gourmet frozen curries. Alongside chef Meeru Dhalwala, he has established an exquisite Indian dining experience where you can savor heavenly curries made with local ingredients and freshly ground spices, complemented by B.C. wines and creative cocktails. While the pre-pandemic waitlist may have included famous names like ex-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Harrison Ford, you can now secure a reservation to skip the line. Be sure to try the lamb popsicles.

The Permanent stands out as one of Vancouver’s most breathtaking event venues, featuring a beautifully restored 1907 bank building with a stained glass atrium, ornate crown moldings, and radiant brass chandeliers. Within the historic vault, you’ll discover Pretend Wine Bar, which presents an exciting array of natural and low-intervention wines by the glass from around the globe, curated by manager Louisa Cohen and bar manager Drew MacDonald, who share a love for fine grapes and good company. Complement your drinks with unpretentious snacks like loaded tuna melts or boquerones toast topped with roasted red pepper ricotta, and explore the well-stocked bottle shop for any wines that capture your heart.

Don’t let the dramatic entrance with its dripping wax candelabras intimidate you. Ophelia is a warm and inviting modern Mexican restaurant offering exceptional service in the often-overlooked Olympic Village area. Join for their impressive margarita selection (especially for Margarita Monday specials) and inventive cocktails in a lively space adorned with folk art. Indulge in the outstanding skirt steak tacos accompanied by roasted bone marrow and a delightfully complex burnt salsa, or enjoy their popular weekend brunch featuring vibrant chilaquiles. Make sure to try the tres leches topped with pistachio crumble and lime-infused whipped cream.

Nestled in the whimsically named Blood Alley in Gastown, between Carrall and Abbott Streets, Is That French serves some of the finest low-intervention and natural wines in the city. These are beautifully complemented by fresh-shucked oysters, a lively raw bar, and innovative small plates inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine, utilizing local ingredients and global techniques. The restaurant features a weekly jazz night on Thursdays and frequently hosts winemaker dinners and various events in its lower level. Note: While Gastown grapples with safety concerns related to its significant houseless population, establishments like ITF continue to foster safe and welcoming environments.

Pidgin masterfully combines the treasures of the Pacific Northwest with French techniques and Asian flavors. While the venue is ideal for bar snacks—don't miss the gochujang chicken wings, hailed as the best in the city—and inventive cocktails featuring unique ingredients like toasted rice rum and gunpowder tea gomme, the prix fixe menu is the real star, delivering exceptional value with seven creative mini courses for 89 Canadian dollars (approximately $66) per person. Whisky and sake enthusiasts will appreciate the robust selection, and the wine list is filled with global treasures.

Wine enthusiasts flock to this urban winery in Mount Pleasant to revel in the magic of natty wines crafted with naturally occurring yeasts. La Fabrique St-George sources grapes from various B.C. regions, fermenting them in elegant clay qvevri. With wines that are unfined, unfiltered, and free from additives, it offers a truly organic experience. Gather at the tasting bar for a glass or unwind in the spacious lounge, stocked with tempting cheese and charcuterie options along with all you need for a DIY picnic. The venue also features a lively lineup of DJs, live music, and even the occasional opera performance.

If you're on the hunt for an indulgent, ooey-gooey smash burger alongside some fantastic beers, look no further than the stellar Kapow Burger, nestled within the vibrant Electric Bicycle Brewing in Mount Pleasant's quirky ex-warehouse district. Choose from six hearty burgers, including a chicken option and a vegetarian sweet potato variant, all topped with delights like pickled jalapeños and crispy bacon. The Kapow, laden with fried onions and cheese, is gloriously messy, perfectly complemented by cheesy tater tots and the signature Kapow sauce reminiscent of a Big Mac. At the brewery, enjoy a selection of regular on-tap brews (the Atomic Jam Raspberry Sour is a local favorite) along with seasonal fruity specials.

After the beloved Juice Bar closed its doors in October, longtime server Lindsay Otto stepped in to transform the space into Bar Tartare. Nestled within the popular Birds and the Beets café, this bar features a selection of unfined, unfiltered, natural, and low-intervention wines from British Columbia and beyond. Expect friendly servers to enthusiastically suggest, “You’ve got to try this!” as they pop corks (or unscrew caps). Given the bar’s name, don’t miss the tartare (the bison version is exceptional, bursting with flavor and crunchy textures), and be sure to check out the nightly specials from a rotating lineup of guest chefs.

Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson and his team are an unstoppable force, collecting accolades like a Michelin star in the city’s first awards and securing the top position in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in 2022. Reservations open 60 days in advance and often sell out in hours, so plan ahead or aim for a 5 p.m. visit to experience the magic happening at Published. At $165 ($123 USD) plus tax and tip, the exquisite tasting menu ranks among the city’s priciest. For those on a budget, the playful experimental dishes are available a la carte or as snacks at the bar, but be cautious—menu items change frequently, so try not to get too attached.

Suyo brings together the culinary expertise of former Ancora chef Ricardo Valverde, award-winning bartender Max Curzon-Price from the Botanist, and seasoned front-of-house professional James Reynolds. The menu at this Main Street hotspot reflects the talents of its exceptional team, featuring high-quality ingredients that create an extraordinary dining experience. Since its opening in summer 2022, Suyo has drawn immense attention, presenting a modern twist on Peruvian cuisine that looks, tastes, and smells unlike anything else in the city. Main courses are priced around $50-60, so indulge if possible, or visit the small bar for creative cocktails inspired by Peru’s diverse cultures, paired with exquisite charred octopus and refreshingly vibrant ceviche.

Tannis Ling, a former Chambar chef, teamed up with Joël Watanabe, who infuses his Corsican-Japanese roots into this trendy Chinatown Mytoury. While it may have the aesthetic of a hipster Chinese brasserie, the sounds of woks clanging in the kitchen reveal its dedication to traditional methods. Dishes are perfectly portioned for sharing, and the cocktails are artfully crafted. True to Vancouver's ethos, all meat served is locally sourced, ethically raised, and free from hormones and chemicals. Be sure to try local favorite Helen's exquisite handmade potstickers and dumplings—she produces hundreds of these perfect morsels each day—along with the aptly named Kick Ass House-Fried Rice.

Andrea Carlson’s impressive career includes stints at many of the restaurants that have defined Vancouver’s emphasis on fresh, local, and sustainable cuisine: C, Raincity Grill, Sooke Harbour House, and Bishop’s are just a few. At her Michelin-starred establishment, Burdock & Co, you’ll experience casual fine dining that highlights British Columbia’s bounty through a tasting menu filled with ultra-seasonal dishes that harmonize with a carefully curated natural wine selection. The five-course menu regularly updates, but don’t miss the beloved buttermilk fried chicken with dill pickle powder, or indulge in the luxurious Northern Divine sturgeon caviar served with tater tots and a shot of aquavit.

This softly illuminated vegetarian and vegan haven showcases local produce and grooves to hipster tunes in the vibrant Main Street district. The menu frequently changes to highlight the seasonal harvest, with the standout halloumi in a delicate beer batter remaining a constant. The wine list features a selection of lesser-known biodynamic options, while non-alcoholic beverages receive just as much attention as the inventive cocktails. If you can’t snag a dinner reservation, try the weekend brunch, which includes eggs and granola, as well as more intricate dishes like bok choy with Espelette pepper, nam jim, plum hoisin, and puffed wild rice.

For years, dining at this trendy Vietnamese spot on Main required a wait in line. However, during the pandemic, Anh and Chi began accepting reservations for a $10 charity donation. Each dish on the menu is packed with fresh flavors and expertly balanced spices. The generous portions encourage ordering a variety for the table. Must-try items include the rich bánh khot prawn cakes wrapped in crispy rice and the engaging DIY platter of khay bánh hỏi lụi nướng. Consider takeout, which allows access to the impressive wine list at half price.

This highly anticipated neighborhood tapas bar opened in late 2018 to enthusiastic reviews, clinching the No. 2 spot on Air Canada enRoute’s Best New Restaurant of the Year list in 2019, along with numerous local accolades. Cómo offers a delightful experience featuring on-tap vermouth and bone-dry fino sherry, complimentary tapas at the bar during happy hour with any drink purchase (4-5 p.m.), excellent hard cheeses, and crispy patatas bravas topped with mayo and spicy tomato sauce. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, complemented by prompt, cheerful service. While you can reserve for the main dining area, the patio operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a taste of Spain at the stylish bar before returning to Vancouver.

This laid-back wine bar, a sister to the acclaimed Published on Main, began as a pop-up and has since become a beloved destination in the city, complete with a sunny patio on East 6th. The beautiful space showcases chef de cuisine Justin Golangco’s eclectic menu, which spans from pan-European to pan-Asian influences, featuring ingredients like aonori, caperberries, and bruschetta. Complementing the food is a rotating selection of low-intervention wines, amari, cocktails, and vermouth, all carefully curated by wine lead Stephanie Alishan, formerly with London’s Super 8 Restaurant group.

This quirky spot in Chinatown, filled with vintage video games, marries Japanese and Mexican flavors. The chashu-style carnitas take center stage in delightfully messy tacos, featuring tender, flavorful pork paired with zesty pineapple relish. Don’t miss the kimchi-nacho fries topped with birria and a fried egg, and be sure to add instant ramen to your birria-dilla consomé. Plus, there’s a daily happy hour with reasonably priced cocktails, tacos, and a unique pairing of shrimp crackers with guacamole.

This narrow Mytoury on the outskirts of Chinatown boasts some of the most intriguing by-the-glass wine selections in the city, featuring low-intervention and terroir-focused wines from both local and international sources. Whether you choose an amber wine from Georgia or a crisp pinot noir from a Vancouver Island vineyard, Peter Van de Reep, the 2020 Best Sommelier of BC, will assist you in pairing the perfect wine with their affordably priced prix fixe three-course menu. Don’t miss the creamy deviled eggs enhanced with Kewpie mayo, topped with deliciously salty anchovies, if they’re available.

Having earned a Michelin star in Vancouver’s first-ever awards, Kissa Tanto is where Japanese and Italian cuisines meet in a vibrant second-floor setting in Chinatown, just a stone’s throw from its popular sister restaurant, Bao Bei. The menu is compact yet tempting, featuring house-made pasta, a stunning whole fish that arrives puffed and crisp from the fryer accompanied by a daikon-soy dipping sauce, and a seemingly simple salad that artfully blends kombu dashi with pecorino. Reservations are a must.

This beloved Vietnamese and Cambodian gem in Chinatown has long had a line out the door, but after earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand, demand has surged even further. The extensive menu can be daunting, so to simplify your decision, don’t miss the crispy deep-fried chicken wings paired with a fantastic dipping sauce, the photogenic thit bò butter beef platter, and the beef lúc lắc served with rice and egg. And yes, you might want to add the garlic squid too. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the wait.

This enticing wine bar, café, and grocery on Commercial Drive serves some of the city’s finest pasta, benefiting from a revitalized neighborhood and a thriving patio scene born during the pandemic. With three menus available, you can enjoy brunch, aperitivo hour, and dinner. Be sure to order the stuffed muffuletta sandwich and the exquisite agnolotti filled with chicken and pork, bathed in rich, buttery roasting juices and topped with crispy sage. The drink selection features Italian wines, spritzes, and amari (don’t miss trying a flight). The grocery section offers house-made sauces, breads, pastas, imported olive oils, bottled cocktails, amarena cherries, and more tempting items for home cooking.

Distilling is a relatively new craft in B.C., thanks to outdated post-prohibition laws that were updated in 2013. Odd Society was part of the initial wave of new distilleries and has become a staple for quality craft spirits, including gin, vodka, vermouth, and whisky. Visit their charming cocktail lounge in East Van, located in a transformed motorbike garage, to sample a selection of their spirits before you venture out to explore the many nearby breweries of “Yeast Van.”

On a crisp fall afternoon, Havana’s expansive patio on the Drive is ideal for people-watching. This beloved local spot offers an extensive selection of rum, mezcal, and tequila cocktails, along with some of the city’s finest nonalcoholic drinks (don’t miss the salted cucumber “margarita”) to pair with crispy fried plantain chips and chunky guacamole. The lively twice-daily happy hours, bustling brunch (with free pancakes for kids under 8 until 11 a.m.), and reasonably priced menu of Latin American favorites—from tacos to Cubano sandwiches—have kept this venue a popular destination for nearly 30 years.

Hop in a cab to Hastings-Sunrise for a delightful experience at Dachi, where joyful hospitality meets an exciting selection of low-intervention wines and sake. The seasonal small plates feature everything from fresh kale buds to decadent tonkatsu-fried pork cutlets. In the summer, the vibrant patio on East Hastings Street comes alive, while fall and winter bring guests indoors. A true neighborhood gem, locals frequently stop by for items from the ever-evolving bottle shop. Next door, Dachi also runs Mucker Next Door, a charming store offering unique homewares, artistic wine magazines, aromatic beef fat from sister-restaurant Elephant, and stylish rose gold cake servers.