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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
4.6
4.6 (588)
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
DavidT
Dined 1 day ago
We celebrated my wife's birthday last night and had the family style dinner for 2. Everything we had was delicious and the overall experience was great.
A photo of Miku Restaurant - Vancouver restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5837)
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
OpenTable Dinervip
Dined 1 day ago
Thanks again for hosting my clients and colleagues! Even when we added another person to our group you were so gracious and accommodating. The food was unbelievable. Everyone left with a huge smile on their faces. A first class restaurant.
A photo of Osteria Savio Volpe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4206)
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
4.8
4.8 (3725)
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
StephanieH
Dined 1 day ago
We indulged in a chefs menu and every course was outstanding!
A photo of Joe Fortes Vancouver restaurant
4.7
4.7 (7957)
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
MonicaCvip
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
Top notch service & food with a great ambience. Our Favourite
A photo of Gotham Steakhouse and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3389)
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
Finedinervip
Dined on Nov 29, 2023
Upon being seated in the lounge, our server "Jamie" immediately came to see to our needs. Later, I would notice her watching our table to make sure that we didn't need anything. The Lounge Menu fair was great! We enjoyed our meal very much.
A photo of Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill restaurant
4.8
4.8 (541)
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
Lola54vip
Dined on Nov 16, 2023
Lunch was a delightful time to enjoy the very best Italian food and service at Ciopppino's !!!
A photo of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2275)
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
Westievip
Dined 3 days ago
First time back in a couple of years, does not disappoint. Our favorite the seafood tower still delicious, and excellent service.
A photo of Botanist restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2609)
CAN$30 and under
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
TeannyH
Dined 1 day ago
A lovely holiday work lunch. Great service with perfect amount of privacy and service. A lovely bright and spacious layout.
A photo of Homer Street Cafe & Bar restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2600)
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
Petervip
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
We had delicious food and great service. The restaurant is a bit loud at times though
A photo of Torafuku restaurant
4.7
4.7 (602)
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Great food. Excellent service. The GreenLambo cocktail was the most memorable cocktail I've had in a while and the generous cheesecake at the end was spectacular. That said, it was very loud which ruined the dining experience for us. It was impossible to hear the person across the table thanks to extremely loud diners at the long table.
A photo of Tableau Bar Bistro restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2706)
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
Everything was great. Tableau always measures up. The food is consistently good. Our server Judy was a superstar too.
A photo of The Victor – Parq Vancouver restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2777)
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
LoriR
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
We had a lovely experience on New Year's Day at Victor. Only a few issues where our water glasses weren't topped up on the regular and I had a small filet mignon that was completely burnt on top and bottom which was disappointing for the value of it. The brussel sprouts were a bit spicier than we bargained for, but all in all an excellent experience and excellent service! Thank you.
A photo of Tojo's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (759)
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
SabrinaMI06
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and great service, I will definitely be back
A photo of Fable Diner restaurant
4.5
4.5 (266)
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
MikhailM
Dined 3 days ago
The Eggs Benedict was the best one I had ever tasted.
A photo of Fable Kitchen restaurant
4.7
4.7 (567)
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
Peabo
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic food and great service. Very accommodating.
A photo of Fable Diner & Bar restaurant
4.2
4.2 (233)
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
CamF
Dined 3 days ago
Came before the Canadian Women's Soccer Game vs Australia. The restaurant was very busy but service was still great. Food didn't take too long. Drinks were great. Restaurant was very happy to take a large reservation even on a busy night
A photo of Farmer's Apprentice restaurant
4.6
4.6 (364)
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
ACAz
Dined on Nov 23, 2023
Amazing food, the combination of flavours is incredible.
A photo of Notch8 restaurant
4.3
4.3 (1522)
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
Lapis
Dined 5 days ago
Great service by our waitress, and there is an excellent and tasty selection of food. Ambiance is great. Lights are just dim enough, and there a wonderful classic hotel feel to the restaurant. Great hideaway from the cold.
A photo of Vij's restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1999)
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
JeanP
Dined on Jan 3, 2022
Our dinner at Vij’s was outstanding. Every dish had it’s own fantastic flavours. I could not decide which one was best.
A photo of Afghan Kitchen South Surrey restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1306)
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
TamanaS
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
As always amazing experience at Afghan Kitchen. Food was delicious and service was excellent. Thank you for always going above and beyond to providing an absolute best experience
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