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21 Restaurants That Define Vancouver Dining

A photo of Red logo
by Johanna Read
Updated April 04, 2022

Vancouver’s vibe may be relaxed and casual, but the city takes its food seriously. Sustainable seafood and local ingredients are on almost every Vancouver menu from restaurants focussing on international fare to those that serve the region’s iconic Pacific coastal cuisine.

Vancouver’s greatest restaurants include newcomers such as Fable Diner’s third location in Yaletown as well as namesake restaurants from some of Canada’s most famous chefs such as Hidekazu Tojo and Vikram Vij. These must-visit restaurants are in Vancouver’s favourite neighbourhoods and within the city’s best hotels, welcoming both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions.

These are the 21 Vancouver restaurants that symbolize the city’s impressive dining scene.

A photo of The Lunch Lady restaurant
4.7
4.7 (877)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Vietnamese
Commercial Drive
About the restaurant
When Anthony Bourdain tried Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh’s soups at her Saigon food stall for his No Reservations show, he dubbed her the “legendary lunch lady” and said “it’s like discovering new neighbourhoods every few mouthfuls.” Vancouver mother-son restaurateurs Victoria Tran and Michael Tran teamed up with Vancouver chef Ben Lim and Ho Chi Minh City’s Lunch Lady to offer her soups and more at the former location of Mrs. Tran’s Five Elements Café. Open since summer 2020, the building’s facade belies the sleek interior and sophisticated menu of Asian-inspired cocktails, bánh mì, phở, and signature dishes such as clams steamed with lemongrass and turmeric-spiced Icelandic cod served sizzling on a skillet. Lunch features a different soup special every day, just like at the original street cart. Lunch Lady merch supports orphanages across Vietnam.
Top review
Sabrina
Dined today
My daughter and I were here for our first time. We both had the wagyu pho bo. The beef was melt in your mouth delicious. The broth had deep flavor and the bone marrow and poached egg just kicked it up to heaven level. The noodles were perfectly soft without being gummy. $32 seems steep for soup, but I could not finish this bad boy and took half home for lunch the next day. The place is always packed and now I understand why. The service was friendly and not pushy. Everyone who works here is really attractive. Just an observation.
A photo of Miku Restaurant - Vancouver restaurant
4.8
4.8 (6324)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Japanese
Coal Harbour
About the restaurant
“Miku” in Japanese script symbolically means “beautiful sky,” and the views of the sails of Canada Place, the North Shore mountains, and the sky above are indeed beautiful from Miku’s downtown waterfront location. Inside, there’s even a ceiling fixture that looks like floating glass clouds. Owner Seigo Nakamura had eight restaurants in Miyazaki, Japan before first visiting Vancouver in 2007 and deciding that, given residents’ passion for multicultural cuisine and healthy living, it would be the ideal location for his first international restaurant. Nakamura brought aburi sushi to Canada, and Miku’s chefs have perfected balancing the textures and flavours of this flame-seared specialty. The guiding philosophy for service at Miku is of ningenmi, a Japanese term used for a person with outstanding sincerity, thoughtfulness, and passion.
Top review
Brian
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent staff and food. Had the seven course kaiseki and all was amazing. Best sushi I’ve ever had with crazy good flavours and freshness. The sake pairing was interesting too. Tried types I’ve never had before. Would go back for sure on an extra special occasion.
A photo of Osteria Savio Volpe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4198)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Mount Pleasant
About the restaurant
Serving unfussy rustic Italian plates using ingredients from the region’s ocean, lakes, rivers, farms, and fields, this warm and friendly osteria welcomes everyone, including kids (just like at nonna’s, “they are both adored and expected to behave”). You can choose to dine family-style or à la carte from the menu of antipasti, salads, vegetable dishes, handmade pastas, and from the skillet, stewing pot, and wood grill. Housemade gelato, Italian pastries, and proper Italian coffee round out your meal at this refined neighbourhood favourite.
Top review
SimonW
Dined on Aug 24, 2023
Make this a destination when in Vancouver. Travelling from the UK we were given the place as a must go to, by a Canadian friend and it didn’t disappoint. Great staff, wine list carefully created and the sommelier helped us find the perfect match for our food, and the food was perfect, two of our group had a pasta dish which they raved about, my friend and I had the pork belly special that was cooked perfectly. The ambience is buzzy but not overbearing, people waxing lyrical about the food no doubt. Will return if ever back in Vancouver !
A photo of L'Abattoir Restaurant restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3839)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary French
Gastown
About the restaurant
Regularly recognized on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, chef and owner Lee Cooper’s L’Abattoir is known for its sophisticated yet unpretentious French-influenced Pacific coastal dining, expertly paired wines, and work-of-art cocktails. The Gaoler’s Menu experience, named for the restaurant’s location in Gastown’s historic Gaoler’s Mews, has nine seasonal courses such as Pacific ling cod with sake and sturgeon caviar or Peace Country roast rack of lamb—with optional wine pairings. Partial proceeds from all Gaoler's Menus go to the BC Hospitality Foundation (an organization that supports those in the industry facing financial crises due to health conditions). Or, from the main menu, choose starters such as baked Pacific oysters with truffle and mains like tandoori-style sablefish and venison loin with a cocoa crust.
Top review
Gerardvip
Dined on Aug 8, 2024
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Gastown, so I looked forward to showing my SIL this place. As my SIL was still recovering from a bout of diverticulitis, I didn’t order a bottle of wine. I had two wines by the glass, and we shared a few dishes. We started with their fabulous bread service, then a Dungeness Crab salad, an Artichoke tart and their Terrine of Fois Gras. Our “main” was their Agnolotti. I had a glass of 2022 Garnier et Fils Chablis with the salads and a glass of 2016 Synchromesh Pinot Noir from Storm Haven Vineyard in Okanagan Falls, BC with foie gras and agnolotti. The Artichoke Tart was half salad, half egg custard tart with pieces of artichoke between the two. It was a light, refreshing dish. The Dungeness Crab Salad was a visual surprise … the crab was placed between thin slices of radish and decorated with green leaves. It was interesting; perhaps a little too subtle in flavor for me. The foie gras terrine came with two thick pieces of brioche. The square of terrine was decorated with squares of wine jelly, and cherry halves. The terrine was soft and silky and the brioche so buttery. The star of the evening was the Sweet Corn Agnolotti. Pillows of mascarpone pasta were covered with pieces of sweet corn and a generous helping of sliced black truffle. This dish was “to die for” and I wanted to order a second plate. I love the food at L’Abattoir and dine here every time I come to Vancouver.
A photo of Joe Fortes Vancouver restaurant
4.6
4.6 (8592)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Seafood
West End
About the restaurant
Specializing in American classics, this Vancouver dining institution is named for “Vancouver Citizen of the Century”Joseph Seraphim Fortes, who is credited with saving at least 29 lives as an English Bay lifeguard. The restaurant opened in 1985, 100 years after Mr. Fortes’ arrival in the city. Since then, the seafood tower—a special occasion favourite—has been a popular choice from the extensive menus, as are the fresh oysters and chops, with the beef aged a minimum of 28 days. Weekend brunch focusses on the savouries, such as lobster Benedict and fish and chips.
Top review
Gerry
Dined today
Service was top notch. Food was amazing. Great ambience.
A photo of Gotham Steakhouse and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3598)
CAN$51 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant
Multiple award-winning Gotham is a downtown favourite for steak lovers, both local and those visiting Hollywood North to film TV shows and movies. Inside one of Vancouver’s heritage buildings, Gotham features fine dining for lunch and dinner within its Art Deco-inspired interiors. Executive chef Jean Claude Douguet brings his French expertise to the steakhouse’s house-made sauces, attention to detail, and elegant presentations. In addition to the finest cuts of prime steak (including Japanese A5 wagyu), Gotham’s menu features lobster tail, oysters, and social hour treats such as ahi tuna and short rib sliders.
Top review
John
Dined 2 days ago
The atmosphere and decor were classic American Steakhouse, very well done and comfortable. The bone in ribeye was fantastic, great flavor and perfectly cooked. The impeccable service put the experience over the top. Our waiter, Jon, and his team were great. If you happen to be in Vancouver and enjoy fine dining, I highly recommend Gotham Steakhouse.
A photo of Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill restaurant
4.6
4.6 (569)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Yaletown
About the restaurant
Celebrity chef Giuseppe “Pino” Posteraro—he’s been on Iron Chef and was the first Canadian chef to be honoured with a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy—opened Cioppino’s in 1999. Ever since, Vancouverites and visiting celebrities have flocked to it. Award-givers honour it, too, as confirmed by the coveted three-forks rating from Italian food and wine magazine Gambero Rosso (Cioppino’s was the first restaurant in Canada to achieve it) and one of only two Canadian restaurants on 50 Top Italy’s 2022 international list. In addition to superbly done Italian classics, you’ll find dishes such as Alberta beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce, tagliolini with sustainable scallops and prawns, plus whatever the day’s local, seasonal ingredients inspire the star chef to create. The restaurant, still featuring an impressive open kitchen, was renovated and expanded during the spring 2020 pandemic closure, resulting in a wine cellar with about 45,000 bottles and a new bar with temperature-controlled space for 50 wines by the glass.
Top review
KimC
Dined on Aug 11, 2024
We loved the whole experience! The chef Pino himself came over to say hi! My child thought that was so cool. The food was delicious, our kids loved the yummy dessert. Our server Anastasia was attentive, all the servers there was really attentive we felt very well taken care of. Even though they seemed to have big parties happening the same time we never felt neglected. We went to celebrate a anniversary and their dessert chef was so amazing she even wrote us “Happy Anniversary “ We definitely try to go again!
A photo of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2486)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Seafood
Downtown
About the restaurant
Uncompromising excellence and innovation characterize this Pacific coastal, seafood-forward restaurant within the Sutton Place Hotel. Led by executive chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma, Boulevard’s long list of awards includes the Canadian Culinary Championships and an Iron Chef Canada win. Choose prix-fixe with optional wine pairings or go à la carte—you’ll find offerings such as Ocean Wise grilled sablefish with local bull kelp, albacore tuna, celery root risotto, lamb, and steaks. At breakfast, choose juices such as a blueberry, cranberry, and apple concoction to pair with your eggs Benedict or caramel-sauced Belgian waffle.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Classic glamour was the vibe. Muted quality decor. A nice bar to sit and wait for my table at. The food was delicious, really delicious. Tuna sashimi to start, Thai scallops and pork for main, chocolate and praline to finish. The seafood towers on the tables around me looked amazing. A lovely place to go for a treat. Thank you Boulevard
A photo of Botanist restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2701)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Unspecified
Coal Harbour
About the restaurant
Multi-award-winning Botanist—listed on Canada’s 100 Best and the World’s 50 Best—is known for impeccable service, sustainable and terroir-driven wines, culinary cocktails, and executive chef Hector Laguna’s inventive Pacific coastal cuisine. True to its name, Botanist draws on organic foraged ingredients and those from British Columbia’s farms; fish and seafood are sustainably caught and meats are heritage cuts. The menu features treats such as pan-seared scallops with sunchokes, lardo, and XO sauce and cocktails such as Council of Trees with scotch, cedar, oak moss, alder, cherrywood smoked tea, and birch sap.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jun 1, 2024
We celebrated our 10th anniversary here and it did not disappoint! We had the chefs menu and it was unbelievable. Probably the best meal I've ever had. The flavours were insane. I highly recommend if you are looking to splurge.
A photo of Homer Street Cafe & Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2877)
CAN$30 and under
Comfort Food
Yaletown
About the restaurant
Homer Street Cafe & Bar stands out in Yaletown’s collection of restaurants for its refined comfort food in a contemporary space inside the historic Homer Building and new Beasley Building. The menu spans brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, full of eclectic dishes that run from steak tartare with smoked sour cream to sablefish with chorizo. Families—or the undecided—should go for the Full Monty, a comfort food feast of rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs, biscuits, coleslaw, potato salad, Brussels sprouts, sauces, plus butter tarts.
Top review
Gili
Dined 2 days ago
Great food. Wonderful service. The chicken was sublime. Value for money.
A photo of Torafuku restaurant
4.5
4.5 (689)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Pan-Asian
Chinatown
About the restaurant
Chef and owner Steve Kuan’s menus take cues from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with some Italian and French influences, too. Torafuku’s open kitchen serves “kickass” rice bowls with sake-butter-dashi rice, specialty noodles (limited quantities daily), and multi-course dinner sets designed for sharing. Highlights include finger-lickin’ crispy chicken, Korean pancake with braised pork belly, and a stir-fried rice cake with roasted mushrooms and napa cabbage. Ingredients are local and organic whenever possible, such as Brome Lake roasted duck served two ways.
Top review
BrieM
Dined 7 days ago
The food was unique and delicious. The cocktails are top notch, so good! The only negative was it took a very long time to get our bill. That said, this was our second time here and we’ll be back! A hidden gem.
A photo of Tableau Bar Bistro restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2926)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary French
Coal Harbour
About the restaurant
Set next to the lobby at the chic Loden Hotel, this award-winning neighbourhood bistro features both French and Pacific coastal dishes. The Niçoise has albacore tuna, the moules frites features Totten Inlet mussels, plus there are seafood towers, oysters, duck, steak frites, and more. Whether here for happy hour or a meal, you’ll want to sample from the cocktail and wine lists or beers on tap, but be sure to save room for desserts such as butterscotch pot de crème or profiteroles.
Top review
Esther
Dined 3 days ago
Nice ambiance and had a wonderful dinner. Friendly and modest staff.
A photo of The Victor – Parq Vancouver restaurant
4.3
4.3 (3033)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Steakhouse
Stadium District
About the restaurant
One of Vancouver’s best surf and turf restaurants, The Victor is right next to the 30,000-square-foot roof garden and lake on the sixth floor of Parq Vancouver. Inside, the design echoes London’s House of Commons with green leather banquettes, oak tables, and ornate fixtures; some tables have views over False Creek. Executive chef Garett Blundell’s menus feature steaks from the 1,200-degree broiler, chilled shellfish, and dishes such as sablefish marinated in sake and a burger made from Brant Lake wagyu with triple-cooked fries. Over-the-top desserts include crème brûlée doughnuts with maple syrup cotton candy.
Top review
KellyNvip
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent reliable restaurant. Consistent quality and decent value. Parking is just a little steep at $20 but otherwise a solid experience.
A photo of Tojo's Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (815)
CAN$51 and over
Japanese
Fairview
About the restaurant
Vancouver’s—and, perhaps, Canada’s—most famous sushi chef is chef Hidekazu Tojo. Named a Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine by the Japanese government, Tojo loves to invent new dishes and focusses on using local, organic, and highly flavourful ingredients. He’s the creator of what he originally christened the “inside out Tojo roll,” now known around the world as the California roll, as a way to convince 1970s Vancouverites to eat seaweed by keeping it hidden. Tojo’s serves perfected Japanese classics and new inventions in its modern West Broadway space.
Top review
Mikevip
Dined 5 days ago
Experienced Omakaze at the sushi bar. What a delicious treat - sushi, tepan and tempura. Quite unlike anything else in Vancouver. Chef Tojo is quite the character!
A photo of Fable Diner restaurant
4.7
4.7 (286)
CAN$30 and under
Canadian
Mount Pleasant
About the restaurant
The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.
Top review
Charlievip
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
Unique food experience. Everything was well prepared. Service was friendly and efficient. Waitress was always smiling. Nice atmosphere.
A photo of Fable Kitchen restaurant
4.6
4.6 (684)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Farm-to-table
Kitsilano
About the restaurant
The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.
Top review
Brian
Dined on Sep 4, 2024
Great food. Great wine. Great service. A restaurant run with heart and passion. It’s a wonderful experience.
A photo of Fable Diner & Bar restaurant
4.5
4.5 (308)
CAN$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Yaletown
About the restaurant
The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.
Top review
mikeyb
Dined on Aug 25, 2024
Great value and service all round.
A photo of Farmer's Apprentice restaurant
4.8
4.8 (412)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Farm-to-table
Kitsilano
About the restaurant
You’ll find innovative cooking, stunning plating, exemplary service, and a relaxed setting at this rustic bistro near the south side of Granville Bridge. Befitting its name, Farmer’s Apprentice chefs get creative by dehydrating, fermenting, and smoking the sustainably harvested ingredients procured locally. The menu changes frequently with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Ordering family-style for the whole table is most popular; dig into plates such as charred cabbage with strawberry sambal, chili oil, ginger cream, and almonds or an Asian-flavoured glazed pork neck with leeks and celeriac. The long wine list features natural, biodynamic, and organic selections. Watch for special dining events with local farmers.
Top review
EricR
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent experience at Farmer’s Apprentice last night. We make a point of dining out at least every quarter with our lifelong friends. Each time we dine at a place none of us have been to before and Farmer’s Apprentice did not disappoint. We dined family style which for this restaurant I believe is the way to go as it gives you the opportunity to sample a broad selection from their delicious menu. Each plate is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients that are all layered with flavours from around the globe. The staff is wonderful providing excellent friendly service. All of our servers we very knowledgeable about their menu but one who I would describe as more shy than the rest also displayed an honest passion for the food created in her restaurant.
A photo of Notch8 restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1692)
CAN$30 and under
Unspecified
Downtown
About the restaurant
Throughout the day and evening, Notch8 is an elegant choice within Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The luxurious decor was inspired by the glamorous rail travel of the 1930s and the Hotel Vancouver’s history as one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. Notch8 is named for the throttle position for the highest speed of a train, achievable only by the most skilled of conductors. The skill of executive chef David Baarschers and his team is apparent with dishes such as BC steelhead salmon with black barley risotto, asparagus, and leeks; roasted local cod with gnocchi; and BC striploin steak frites. The lounge menu includes bison carpaccio and Notch8’s classic burger. Weekend afternoon tea consists of tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries with LOT 35 loose leaf teas and optional tea cocktails and bubbly.
Top review
Ivanvip
Dined 6 days ago
The piano player was really good and had a very nice voice as well. Did not expect live music in the restaurant. Overall a wonderful dining experience. Thanks to all the staff. 🙏
A photo of Vij's restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1995)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Indian
Vancouver
About the restaurant
Chef and sommelier Vikram Vij is one of Canada’s culinary celebrities, with cookbooks, a line of pre-packaged and frozen foods, and awards bearing his name. He and Meeru Dhalwala own Vij’s, Vancouver’s top choice for Indian cuisine since it opened in 1994. The New York Times writer and cookbook author Mark Bittman named Vij’s “easily among the finest Indian restaurants in the world,” and, pre-pandemic, you were likely to see celebrities in the same no-reservations lineup as you, sampling passed nibbles as everyone waited for a table on a first-come, first-served basis. Vij’s now accepts reservations so you can enjoy its innovative Indian dishes, such as jackfruit in cumin and black cardamom curry and tamarind and yogurt-marinated grilled chicken, featuring local and sustainable ingredients without standing in line.
Top review
Krysia
Dined on Jan 3, 2022
Always excellent!!!
A photo of Afghan Kitchen South Surrey restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1475)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Afghan
Surrey
About the restaurant
This family-owned and -operated restaurant was opened by Hassib Sarwari in 2017 and features the recipes of his mother, Zohra Parwani, that he first ate growing up in Kabul. Kebabs from the charcoal grill are accompanied by kachaloo potato, sauteed in a garlicky tomato sauce. Diners of all ages adore the Afghan nuggets, or fried chicken bites served with Afghan yogurt and chutney. There are plenty of vegetable options, too, such as dumplings, lentil stew, and bandejan pan-seared eggplant. The team behind this restaurant recently opened Zarak by Afghan Kitchen in Mount Pleasant; it features a few popular dishes from the original plus creations like crispy Brussels sprouts.
Top review
Scott
Dined today
The whole experience was phenomenal, from the moment we were greeted at the door by a big smile and very friendly staff, to the delicious cocktails and food! For an appy we had the nuggets which could have been a meal on its own and the delicious sauce it came with, so delicious. I had the lamb shoulder which was easily the best I’ve eaten, cooked to perfection, it just fell off the bone and served with rice and eggplant. My daughter had the lamb kabobs which was also amazing, huge portions and the presentations were beautifully appealing. We will definitely be going back regularly!
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