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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 (950)
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
Ericvip
Dined 5 days ago
We always went for lunch. It was the first time we went for dinner. The 4 person set dinner menu was a very nice surprise. It has dishes that are not available at lunch. Simply one word - DELICIOUS!
A photo of Miku Restaurant - Vancouver restaurant
4.8
4.8 (6486)
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
Alanvip
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful evening with the Miku tasting menu and flight of Sake. Our server was so attentive and lovely.
A photo of Osteria Savio Volpe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4196)
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 Seafood & Chop House restaurant
4.6
4.6 (8756)
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
Trisha
Dined 1 day ago
The food was excellent Such a wonderful vibe at this restaurant
A photo of Gotham Steakhouse and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3641)
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
Arian
Dined 1 day ago
My wife and I recently celebrated our anniversary, and they surprised us with a beautifully designed dessert that added a special touch to our celebration. The dessert was not only visually stunning but also delicious, making the evening truly memorable.
A photo of Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill restaurant
4.6
4.6 (570)
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
Selinavip
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
Always a classic - the food was good and the service was excellent, but it was quite pricey for what we got. There are better places in town now for Italian cuisine.
A photo of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2524)
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
Pamelavip
Dined 3 days ago
The food was outstanding! I will definitely be going back to try more items on the menu.
A photo of Botanist restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2711)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Farm-to-table
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
Julie
Dined 4 days ago
The Botanist was recommended to us by our nephew and since we were going to Vancouver we made reservations at the last minute. Brunch was the only meal available during our stay and we have zero regrets! The service was attentive, but not intrusive (shout out to Jess, who was friendly, professional and helpful - always able to answer our questions about ingredients and preparation style!). We opted for the full 3 courses and each was more impressive than the last. The aesthetics of each dish, the quality of the ingredients and the flavor profiles were absolutely delightful! Being able to enjoy the courses with a mimosa and a cocktail was a pleasant surprise, as well. And the drinks? Truly inspired! And then live DJ was a fun addition. We left feeling giddy, and it wasn't just the sparkling wine talking.... we felt welcomed, cared for and well-fed. Our experience at The Botanist was the perfect exclamation point on an already fabulous visit to Vancouver. We hope to be back again the next time we journey north ...
A photo of Homer Street Cafe & Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2944)
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
sovanvip
Dined 7 days ago
the mac & cheese was amazing • definitely a must try
A photo of Torafuku restaurant
4.4
4.4 (705)
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
Leslye
Dined 4 days ago
We had a wonderful experience! The food was amazing and the service was fantastic. Would definitely recommend!
A photo of Tableau Bar Bistro restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2979)
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
cjvip
Dined 2 days ago
Fabulous fabulous fabulous! !Food, service, all :)
A photo of The Victor – Parq Vancouver restaurant
4.5
4.5 (3096)
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
atul
Dined 4 days ago
The professionalism of the staff, and the smoothness of the whole dinner experience was excellent. Our waiter was responsive, helpful, and engaging. The food was excellent. Pricey but no more so than other similar restaurants. Had a great overall experience.
A photo of Tojo's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (838)
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
Darshan
Dined 4 days ago
We had the Omasake and it was amazing! Tried food I had never tried before. They knew we were there for a birthday and at the end of the meal, Chef came and sang happy birthday in the most hilarious and memorable way. We wont be forgetting this dinner anytime soon. Everything was top quality. Absolutely delicious.
A photo of Fable Diner restaurant
4.2
4.2 (295)
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
Faye
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
The Boxing Day sandwich will from here on out be a family favourite. God damn, a sandwich has no business being so good.
A photo of Fable Kitchen restaurant
4.6
4.6 (725)
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
Craig
Dined 5 days ago
Food was very delicious, had the duck meatball, gnocchi, duck breast, and bread. All were very good hard to find anything wrong with these. If I had to be nitpicky, I wish the sauce on the meatball tagliatelle wasn't as strong/cheesey but it was still very good. Service was just perfect too, very attentive and friendly. Our family enjoyed the various lemonade flavours, especially the kids. Will certainly go back to Fable.
A photo of Fable Diner & Bar restaurant
4.2
4.2 (320)
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
Wayne
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Great atmosphere with good food and service. Sat in the bar area and that was very nice.
A photo of Farmer's Apprentice restaurant
4.8
4.8 (426)
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
Bernardvip
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful dinner experience 👍👍👍. We opted not to do the sampling menu but having had a few of their starters and entrees, we would not hesitate to return and try their wider fare. We also enjoyed very knowledgeable, friendly and not-overbearing waiters. Enjoyable all around.
A photo of Notch8 restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1716)
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
Ana Rosa
Dined 4 days ago
Notch 8 was the perfect venue to meet friends from out of town.
A photo of Afghan Kitchen South Surrey restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1502)
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
Harry
Dined 4 days ago
Great food, great environment. High quality restaurant.
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