Must-Try Vancouver Restaurants: Dine in Style in 2024
Craving the best dining Vancouver restaurants have to offer? Our selection cuts to the chase, shining a spotlight on restaurants serving up both innovation and tradition, all grounded in Vancouver’s rich bounty of local produce. Start your culinary journey with us and experience the city’s diverse restaurant Vancouver scene.
Key Takeaways
Vancouver’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a wide array of unique dining experiences, including sustainable seafood, modern Peruvian flavors, classic steakhouses, vegetarian and vegan delights, as well as an expansive selection of Asian and French-Canadian options.
Many restaurants in Vancouver are committed to sustainability, partnering with the Ocean Wise program, and embrace global culinary traditions, bringing imaginative and innovative twists to traditional flavors.
Newcomers and hidden gems in Vancouver’s food scene reflect an ongoing evolution, with establishments like Remi Patisserie and Is That French providing refreshing culinary discoveries and cultural enrichments.
Vancouver’s Culinary Scene
The culinary landscape of Vancouver is incredibly diverse, boasting a range of options including:
Fresh pasta dishes
Elaborate sushi bars
Pan-Asian flavors
West Coast cuisine
There’s no shortage of variety in the city’s gastronomic offerings. This multicultural vibrancy is further enhanced by a commitment to using fresh produce from British Columbia, making Vancouver a gastronomic hotspot for food lovers.
One of the distinguishing aspects of Vancouver’s gastronomy is the array of innovative dining experiences scattered across the city. Restaurants like Vij’s, for example, offer a modern take on traditional Indian flavors. Another standout is the Botanist restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, which is inspired by botany and champions local ingredients. This variety in dining atmospheres and concepts is a testament to the city’s culinary diversity. From the relaxed sophistication of AnnaLena to the Indigenous-owned Salmon n’ Bannock, which elevates First Nations ingredients and recipes, Vancouver offers a dining experience to suit every taste.
Vancouver’s culinary scene, with its fusion of culinary traditions, emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, and avant-garde dining experiences, offers a sensory feast for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of Italian cuisine, or a vegetarian, Vancouver’s restaurants have you covered.
Sustainable Seafood Delights
Sustainability is a central concern in the seafood industry, a fact recognized by many Vancouver restaurants who have partnered with the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program to advocate for sustainable seafood choices. A prime example of this is the Blue Water Cafe, which specializes in providing locally and sustainably sourced seafood, distinguishing itself as a premier dining destination.
Another restaurant that champions sustainable ingredients is Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House. Here, patrons can enjoy iconic dishes like freshly shucked B.C. oysters, crispy fried calamari, and their signature seafood tower, all sourced sustainably. But the sustainable seafood delights don’t stop there. At the Blue Water Cafe, you can experience a diverse range of sustainable seafood, including a raw bar selection that boasts quality oysters and other fresh, seasonal offerings.
For a more casual setting, Go Fish Ocean Emporium near Granville Island provides an additional contribution to Vancouver’s sustainable seafood scene. With its prime beachside location, it serves up dishes like fish tacos and salmon burgers, all made with sustainable seafood.
Modern Peruvian Flavors
Vancouver’s culinary scene is also infused with the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Peru. Suyo Modern Peruvian, for instance, is acclaimed for its innovative menu that brings a modern twist to Peruvian flavors. Here, you can sample signature dishes like Hamachi Tiraditos and Arroz Con Pato, which incorporate culinary techniques from China, Japan, Italy, and Spain.
Chicha Restaurant, along with Suyo Modern Peruvian, is renowned for exhibiting the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Peru, providing diners with an immersive cultural experience at a modern Peruvian restaurant. To complement the dining experience, Suyo Modern Peruvian also offers imaginative cocktails inspired by the Peruvian landscape, adding to the sensory delight.
These venues reflect Vancouver’s dedication to embracing worldwide flavors and offering a variety of dining experiences. Their inventive dishes and creative cocktails not only entice the palate but also provide a window into Peruvian culture.
Classic Steakhouses
For those who crave a more traditional dining experience, Vancouver is home to several classic steakhouses. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, for instance, encapsulates the timeless sophistication of a classic steakhouse with its expensive dark mahogany wood panels and deep red velvet chairs, symbolizing over 60 years of fine dining tradition in Vancouver. Their cheese toast appetizer and meticulously prepared tableside Caesar salad contribute to its reputation for excellence, supported by an extensive wine list.
Another quintessential steakhouse experience can be savored at Gotham Steakhouse. With a menu that features prime grade steaks and classic cocktails, this establishment delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a succulent steak or a classic cocktail, these steakhouses offer a culinary experience that combines delicious food with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s no wonder they continue to be some of the best restaurants in Vancouver, including a stylish restaurant that you must visit.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Vancouver’s food scene is not just about seafood and steaks. Over the years, the city has witnessed a significant expansion in vegetarian and vegan dining, with a variety of establishments offering plant-based menus catering to health-conscious eaters and ethical food choices. Some of the top vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver include:
The variety of dishes available in these eateries is equally impressive. Some popular vegan dishes include:
The truffle mushroom benny at Heirloom
The Coastal Macro Bowl at Kokomo
Various mock meat dishes at Po Kong
The comforting Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich at The Arbor
These dishes, featuring tomato coconut cream, have gained popularity among vegans as vegetable focused comfort food.
Whether you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or just want to explore something different, the vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver offer an abundance of choices. With their focus on fresh, plant-based ingredients and creative menus, these eateries are proof that vegan and vegetarian cuisine can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts.
Asian Cuisine Highlights
Asian cuisine holds a prominent place in Vancouver’s gastronomic landscape. For sushi lovers, some top options include:
Masayoshi: offers an Edomae-style omakase using British Columbia’s local fish
Sushi Bar Maumi: provides a minimalistic yet affordable omakase experience
Sushi Jin: offers a six-customer intimate setting
Yuwa Japanese Cuisine: serves an ever-changing classic Japanese menu
The Lobby Lounge & RawBar: serves a variety of sushi, including its signature salmon motoyaki roll
Miku: stands out for its aburi sushi
In addition, Sushi Jin offers an exclusive omakase-only experience.
Apart from Japanese cuisine, Vancouver’s Asian dining scene also includes Chinese food and Thai influences. Bao Bei, for instance, combines a gorgeous interior design with a menu of well-sized sharing plates, traditional techniques, and locally made dumplings. Maenam offers a Thai dining experience with standout dishes like the BC albacore tuna laab salad and unique drinks such as the Siam Sunburn cocktail.
From traditional dishes to innovative culinary creations, Vancouver’s Asian cuisine offers a wide array of flavors and experiences that cater to all taste preferences. It’s just another reason why Vancouver is considered a foodie’s paradise.
French-Canadian Flavors
French-Canadian cuisine, a delightful variation of French cuisine, also plays an important role in Vancouver’s culinary scene. St. Lawrence Restaurant, for instance, pays homage to French-Canadian culinary traditions, with Chef/Owner Jean-Christophe Poirier and Executive Chef & Partner Ashley Kurtz specializing in dishes like Pâté en Croûte.
Au Comptoir, on the other hand, fosters classic French bistro culture in a way that’s accessible to their community, reflecting their French ex-patriate roots. Nestled in the eclectic Kitsilano neighborhood, this eatery offers a laissez-faire all-day dining experience in a hip, welcoming space. Signature dishes include flaky pain au chocolat, croque du jour, and steak frites, encapsulating timeless French bistro classics with a family style touch.
The French-Canadian culinary journey continues at St. Lawrence Restaurant, where guests can savor dishes like salmon and scallop pie, trout Amandine, and grilled steak with bone marrow and frites, all served family style. The restaurant also offers a Cabane à Sucre menu, a culinary tribute to Quebec’s sugar maple forests and the rustic meals enjoyed at sugar shacks.
Whether you’re craving the rustic charm of Quebec gastronomy or the laid-back charm of a French bistro, Vancouver’s French-Canadian restaurants offer a delightful culinary experience that will transport you to the heart of Quebec and France.
Tasting Menu Experiences
For a more personalized dining experience, several Vancouver establishments offer tasting menus as well as dinner menus. For example, Botanist offers a tasting menu that can include:
An amuse bouche like leek puree with caviar and tapioca pearls
Pan-seared sirloin with cabbage roulade
Black pepper-crusted salmon with caramelized eggplant
Botanist harnesses the essence of the local agriculture in the Pacific Northwest and sources meat and produce exclusively from independent and ethical suppliers.
Another venue offering a unique tasting menu experience is Published on Main. The restaurant emphasizes a menu that reflects Vancouver’s rich natural bounty, featuring locally farmed and foraged ingredients. Moreover, with its Michelin star and top spot in Canada’s list of 100 best restaurants, Published on Main exemplifies culinary prestige.
These restaurants not only provide a culinary experience but also tell a story through their dishes. Each course reveals a chapter of Vancouver’s culinary narrative, showcasing the abundance of local ingredients and the creativity of the city’s chefs.
However, as is the case with any fine dining experience, the flavors and service may not always meet every guest’s expectations. While Botanist aims to deliver a top-tier tasting menu experience, some guests have noted that the flavors and service occasionally do not meet their expectations. Nevertheless, these tasting menu experiences offer a unique way to explore the city’s culinary scene and are worth trying for any serious food lover.
Cozy Brunch Spots
Brunch is a beloved tradition in Vancouver, and there are countless inviting brunch spots in the city to kick-start your day. OEB Breakfast Co., for instance, serves up creative breakfast poutines like ‘Chasing Chickens’ featuring smoked chicken, poached eggs, and herb potatoes fried in beef tallow with brown butter hollandaise, along with various Eggs Benedict options served on butter croissants. The restaurant also presents a broad beverage menu, including seasonal cocktails, juices, smoothies, multiple coffee and tea options, plus wines and beers.
Maxine’s Café and Bar, on the other hand, boasts an eclectic selection of brunch options curated by Executive Chef Bobby Milheron, including Eggs Benedict with salmon and sumptuous daily offerings that cater to various tastes. Its cozy and inviting atmosphere, inspired by European corner bistros and bars, along with accommodating service options like OpenTable reservations for non-holiday weekday brunch, ensures an elevated brunch experience.
Whether you prefer a hearty breakfast poutine or a classic Eggs Benedict, the city’s brunch spots offer a delightful array of options. So, the next time you’re in Vancouver, be sure to check out these cozy brunch spots for an indulgent start to your day.
Unique Fusion Restaurants
Vancouver’s culinary scene is also home to unique fusion restaurants that combine different cultural culinary traditions. Kissa Tanto, a Japanese restaurant, for example, distinguishes itself with Italian-Japanese fusion dishes like Charcoal Udon with Dungeness crab, prawns, and Calabrian chili butter, Tajarin combining miso cured yolk with roasted mushrooms, and Spaghettoni featuring a ragu of Wagyu and Japanese curry. Chef Watanabe’s half Japanese and half Corsican-Italian and Quebecois heritage influences the fusion approach at Kissa Tanto, resulting in a thoughtful amalgamation of delicate Japanese flavors and the warmth of Italian cuisine.
Pidgin restaurant, on the other hand, elegantly fuses Pacific Northwest cuisine with French and Asian influences, offering unique dishes like Gochujang chicken wings and creative cocktails with elements like toasted rice rum. These establishments embody Vancouver’s commitment to embracing global flavors and providing diverse dining experiences. Their innovative dishes not only tantalize palates but also offer a glimpse into different cultures, proving that when it comes to cuisine, the world is indeed a melting pot.
Casual Eats and Bar Snacks
If you’re looking for something more casual, Vancouver also offers a wide range of eateries that serve delicious bites and bar snacks. Kapow Burger, for instance, tantalizes taste buds with options like a chicken burger and a vegetarian sweet potato version, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
For a twist on the classic hot dog, check out Japadog. This establishment offers a range of hot dogs featuring Japanese savory toppings, including Veggie Hot Dogs and Kurobuta Hot Dogs. Japadog’s menu goes beyond traditional fare, offering sides like Dashi Chicken and a variety of Takoyaki, as well as its signature All-beef Terimayo dogs.
For something sweet, Thierry Café indulges the sweet tooth with an assortment of decadent desserts from buttery lemon tarts to hand-made chocolates. To match any snack choice, Japadog also offers a range of drinks such as Japanade, milkshakes, and both hot and cold beverages.
Whether your craving is for an unusual hot dog, a filling burger, or a dessert, these cozy restaurant establishments offer a plethora of casual dining options to satiate any craving.
Best Wine Lists and Cocktails
Vancouver is a paradise for wine and cocktail lovers, boasting a multitude of venues with vast wine libraries and creative cocktails. Some of the top cocktail-forward venues in Vancouver include:
Nightingale: includes fine Californian and BC wines
The Stable House Bistro: offers an ever-changing wine selection promoting lesser-known regions
Is That French: specializes in minimal-intervention BC wines with unique stories
With their blend of artistry, extensive wine collections, and unique drinking experiences, Vancouver’s bars and restaurants offer a distinct and unforgettable selection for aficionados and novices alike.
Hidden Gems and Newcomers
Beyond its well-established restaurants, Vancouver’s gastronomic scene also showcases less-known jewels and new arrivals that offer distinctive culinary experiences. Remi Patisserie, for instance, entices guests with unique pastries such as the Strawberry Shortcake, showcasing an impressive variety of influences and a high level of attention to detail. Despite its modest storefront and quiet location, Remi Patisserie has cultivated a loyal customer base, with treats available from Thursday to Sunday in the afternoons.
Another newcomer, Is That French, provides a cultural touchpoint in Gastown with live jazz music every Thursday, and l’apero festivities on the weekends. This welcoming eatery offers a safe haven in Gastown and enriches the neighborhood with special events such as winemaker dinners.
These hidden gems and newcomers are redefining Vancouver’s gastronomic landscape with innovative uses of Pacific Northwest ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these establishments offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the city’s culinary scene.
Summary
From sustainable seafood delights and modern Peruvian flavors to classic steakhouses and cozy brunch spots, Vancouver’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of diverse cuisine. With its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and innovative dining experiences, the city offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a food connoisseur, a casual diner, or a culinary adventurer, Vancouver is a gastronomic paradise that’s waiting to be explored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique fusion restaurants in Vancouver?
You should definitely check out Kissa Tanto and Pidgin in Vancouver for some unique fusion dining experiences that blend different cultural culinary traditions. Both offer a fresh and exciting take on fusion cuisine.
Are there any vegetarian and vegan dining options in Vancouver?
Yes, Vancouver provides a range of vegetarian and vegan dining options, including The Acorn, Do Chay, and The Burrow, for those seeking plant-based menus. Enjoy exploring these health-conscious and ethical food choices in the city!
What are some hidden gems and newcomers in Vancouver’s culinary scene?
You should check out Remi Patisserie and Is That French in Vancouver for some hidden culinary gems. Remi Patisserie offers unique pastries, and Is That French provides a cultural experience with live jazz music and l’apero festivities. Enjoy exploring these new spots!
Where can I find the best wine lists and cocktails in Vancouver?
You can find the best wine lists and cocktails at venues like Chambar Restaurant, Nightingale, The Diamond, and Bar Gobo in Vancouver. Enjoy exploring!
Are there any classic steakhouses in Vancouver?
Absolutely, Vancouver boasts classic steakhouses like Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar and Gotham Steakhouse, where you can enjoy a timeless steakhouse experience with exceptional food and service.
