12 Best Restaurants in Vancouver
Eating good quality food is one of the world’s number one pleasures. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for comfort or a fancy steak dinner for celebrations, this list has the best restaurants in Vancouver for you.
Eating out is one of the most versatile things to do in Vancouver. If you’re looking for a romantic evening, a night out with the family, or something fun to do with friends, going to a good restaurant can be your activity of choice.
So, let’s take a look at all the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Best Restaurants in Vancouver: Ethnic Food
In recent years, ethnic food has gained more and more popularity as people learn to enjoy different cultures. While chicken nuggets, burgers, and fries are always safe choices, sometimes you crave a unique taste that leaves you in awe.
What’s the easiest way to have new and exciting food? Well, that would definitely be like visiting one of Vancouver’s many ethnic restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in Vancouver that offer a unique taste.
1. Miku Restaurant
A Michelin-recommended sushi place with French and Italian influence, Miku is widely recognised as one of the best Asian restaurants in Vancouver. However, if you’re planning a visit downtown for Miku’s sushi, make a reservation in advance.
2. Viethouse
Vietnamese food has warmed the heart of Vancouver’s youth in recent years. Nothing makes you feel love like a warm pho on a snowy day. One of the best restaurants in West Vancouver with incredible pho is Viethouse.
Located on Cambie St, Viethouse is easily accessible and loved by tourists and locals alike. If you’re making plans for a meal at this place, expect a long wait at peak hours.
3. Magari by Oca
We asked Vancouverians for the best pasta they’ve ever had, and the majority named Magari as their number one pasta experience. Previously known as Oca, this place is one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver.
With a Michelin star to back up the quality and a rare 4.7 stars on Google ratings, Magari by Oca is probably your best pick for Italian food. Once again, the wait is astonishingly long. According to our Vancouver local guide, be there by 4 if you want to eat by 8.
4. Taqueria Playa Tropical
While the Mexican food scene in Vancouver seems to be lacking, Taqueria has managed to gain praise for its authenticity. A casual space with a cosy atmosphere, this place is perfect for a friendly hangout with amazing food.
Taqueria Playa offers a more affordable dining option among Vancouver’s restaurants. What’s better than good food with good prices? Taqueria is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Best Restaurants in Vancouver: Affordable Establishments
Speaking of good prices, finding a high-quality, affordable place can be difficult sometimes. The high cost of living in Vancouver doesn’t make it any easier, either. So here is a list of the very best affordable restaurants in Vancouver.
5. Manoush’eh
We know we already went through the best ethnic restaurants in Vancouver, but it’d be a shame not to fit Manoush’eh anywhere on this list. As you may have guessed by the name, this restaurant serves Lebanese food.
With 4.8 stars on Google, Manoush’eh has more than 1,300 people testifying for its quality. And with no one-person meals higher than $10, the affordable pricing speaks for itself.
6. Fraser Park Restaurant
Commonly known as an affordable diner with classic themes, Fraser is often named one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for the younger generation. Huge portions with low prices guarantee lots of bang for your buck.
This diner is one of the most affordable restaurants in Vancouver, offering high-quality food.
7. Soup Plus
We had to dig through the deepest threads of reddit for this one. A small sandwich shop that bakes their own bread, by the sweetest old couple you can find. The prices are fair, and the bread is warm and hearty.
The general atmosphere of this place makes you feel right at home. You can visit Soup Plus for a warm bowl of soup and fresh bread in the rain.
8. Fresh St. Market Coffee Shop
While the coffee isn’t your most affordable choice, the sandwiches are. Good quality meets good prices in Fresh. This coffee shop has been active for more than ten years now and has managed to gain a sizable customer base.
While it doesn’t compare to the fresh bread of Soup Plus, Fresh is still one of our top choices.
Note: if you’re looking for more affordable dining options in Vancouver, you can check out this website, which a local foodie on a budget has made.
Best Restaurants in Vancouver: Downtown
Downtown Vancouver has more food options than you can imagine. While more on the steep side price-wise, this area is a top choice for an evening of good food and good drinks. Let’s take a look at the best restaurants in downtown Vancouver.
9. Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
If you like Mediterranean food, this place is made for you. With some of the best fresh fish you could find in Vancouver, Hydra Estiatorio has won the hearts of seafood lovers in the city.
As you can guess from the name, this restaurant mostly focuses on Greek food. The extensive drink selection and the amazing food make this place very busy, so make sure you have a reservation before attending.
10. Twisted Fork
A uniquely Canadian experience, Twisted Fork is located in Gastown and is the perfect place to enjoy your brunch under the sun. While a bit on the more expensive side, this restaurant makes up for the price with quality.
This establishment is open from 9 am to 8 pm and offers options for vegan and gluten-free individuals as well. This place is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
11. Brix & Mortar Restaurant
An expensive choice for an expensive taste. Candle-lit and stunning, Brix & Mortar can be the perfect date idea in Vancouver. This restaurant has been running for more than 25 years, and has remained a family business since 1999.
The absolutely stunning chandeliers, paired with the almost obnoxiously delicious food, make this place the perfect dining experience. If you’re looking for a unique atmosphere, then this restaurant in Yaletown is just for you.
12. Blue Water Cafe
Last but not least, Blue Water Cafe is the perfect place for seafood fans who like the taste of Canadian food. Instead of leaning into Mediterranean tastes, Blue Water has decided to celebrate the beauties of BC.
Whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, you are guaranteed an elegant dining experience. One of the best restaurants in Vancouver, not much is missing with Blue Water Cafe.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of dining out, Vancouver will not disappoint you. With just short of 3000 restaurants in the city, there is definitely something for everyone. Some of the best restaurants in Vancouver serve ethnic food from around the world, which shows the diversity the city experiences.
FAQs
1. What are the best restaurants in North Vancouver?
Northern Vancouver doesn’t lack restaurants by any means. Among the most highly rated are: Orto Artisan Pasta, Pier 7 restaurant & bar, JOEY Shipyard, and Cazba.
2. Which restaurants in Vancouver have Michelin stars?
There are 9 restaurants in Vancouver with Michelin stars:
- Okeya Kyujiro
- AnnaLena
- Barbara
- Burdock & Co
- iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House
- Kissa Tanto
- Masayoshi
- Published on Main
- St. Lawrence
3. Is Vancouver a Foodie City?
Yes. Vancouver is one of the best cities for foodies, with a vibrant food scene and a flurry of international tastes. If you start eating every meal out in Vancouver, it will take you more than 900 days to go through every restaurant. That is if a new one doesn’t open.
