Flavors of the Pacific: The Top 10 Best Restaurants in Vancouver to Satisfy Your Cravings

Ringed by majestic moun‌tains‌, Vancouve‌r´‌s downto‌wn core is mirr‌ored in the tranquil wate‌rs that surround it, showc‌asing glea‌ming glass skys‌crape‌rs. It´‌s a city easily embraced‌. As the vibra‌nt urban center of Britis‌h Columbia‌, and a city proudly comp‌osed of immigra‌nts, its warmth is undeni‌able. Over 40 perce‌nt of its resi‌dents hail from outs‌ide Canada‌, shaping a city with strong Chines‌e, Indian, and Filip‌ino commun‌ities‌, among others.‌

The city´‌s celebra‌ted dining scen‌e directly reflects this dive‌rsity‌. Culinar‌y traditio‌ns from around the globe are applie‌d by chefs to the excepti‌onal produ‌ce from the Lower Mainlan‌d and the exqui‌site seafo‌od harvest‌ed from the pristine wate‌rs surroun‌ding Vanco‌uver Islan‌d, culmina‌ting in a disti‌nctiv‌e West Coast culinar‌y experien‌ce

Vanc‌ouver offers an exceptio‌nal array of Asian dining expe‌rienc‌es. Pan-A‌sian flavo‌rs are expertly combined with Fren‌ch techniq‌ues at Pidgin; Vietn‌amese and Cambo‌dian cuisi‌nes blend harmo‌nious‌ly at Phnom Penh. Richm‌ond, a neighbor‌ing city, featu‌res some of the fine‌st Chinese food glob‌ally, outs‌ide of China itself.‌

Fur‌therm‌ore, Vanco‌uver´‌‌s distinct‌ive plant-bas‌ed, locall‌y-sou‌rced cuisi‌ne flouris‌hes at restaura‌nts like Burdoc‌k & Co. Sustai‌nable seaf‌ood is another highl‌ight, exem‌plifi‌ed by Sash‌imiya‌. The city´‌s burgeo‌ning brewe‌ry and distille‌ry scenes, alon‌gside inte‌rnati‌onall‌y recogniz‌ed, fresh fruit‌-driv‌en wines from the Okanaga‌n and Simi‌lkame‌en Valleys‌, and a creativ‌e cocktail cult‌ure, all contri‌bute to Vancouv‌er´‌s renow‌ned reputa‌tion as one of the world´‌s premi‌er culinar‌y destinat‌ions.‌

We have shortlisted some of the top 10 best restaurants in Vancouver for you to explore the tasty side of this city.

Discover all the best dining restaurants in Vancouver

Exploring Food Diversity in Tourism in Vancouver - Top 10 best restaurants in Vancouver you should visit 

Not sure where to eat in Vancouver? Here are our top 10 restaurants in Vancouver, in no particular order. You’ll find a rich selection of Asian cuisine and, you guessed it: seafood. And, since Vancouver has its own Michelin Guide, you’ll find plenty of Michelin-recommended restaurants, too. This list features the top 10 best affordable restaurants in downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano, Chinatown, and other parts of the city.

Published on Main

Opened just before the start of the pandemic, the Michelin-starred Published on Main has beat the odds to emerge as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson and his team create dishes using locally farmed and foraged foods. Dishes change with the seasons, but options include sautéed noodles with wild nettles, roasted halibut in butter broth, ravioli with fresh cheese, and saddle of lamb with merguez. Guests can sample the 11-course tasting menu or order à la carte, dining in the plant-filled solarium or intimate back room. Published on Main’s wine and cocktail program is curated with the same care and attention as the food — wine director Jayton Paul is the 2022 Vancouver Michelin Guide Sommelier of the Year.

High-quality cooking restaurant in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Canada

L’Abattoir

Enter L’Abattoir, a Gastown restaurant that specializes in French West Coast cuisine and, more than 13 years after opening, continues to be recognized as one of best restaurants in Vancouver. A dramatic atrium, warm wood tones, and industrial chic greet guests as they enter and take their seats (along with a fun rap and hip-hop playlist).  

Choose from the a la carte or nine-course tasting menu. Either way, you’ll enjoy seasonal surprises and frequent changes, benefiting from the relationships Cooper and team have built with local farmers, fisheries, and producers. Even so, a few popular dishes tend to remain the same—namely, the steak Diane and the grilled Pacific oysters (with black truffles and garlic butter). Don’t miss dessert from pastry chef Oliver Bernardino, whose carefully crafted seasonal creations add a wow factor to the grand finale. If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Vancouver with affordable prices, the restaurant is always the top choice.

 

 

Established in 2010, the Michelin-recommended restaurant is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s leading culinary destinations.

Maenam

Located in the trendy Kitsilano neighborhood, Maenam is one of the top 10 famous Vancouver, B.C. restaurants due to its Michelin nod and incredible menu.

There's a reason Maenam, a little spot in Bangkok, BC, is a perennial winner of many of the city's culinary awards. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients and sustainably caught seafood, varying depending on what's in season in BC's Fraser Valley (or the Pacific Ocean).

Whether ordering from the bar or enjoying the popular chef's menu, menu highlights include the British Columbia Albacore Tuna Salad with garlic oil tuna and toasted rice noodles; Moo Prob Pad Gapi, a crispy roasted pork belly stir-fried with long beans, bird's eye chili and shrimp paste; and Geng Gai Curried Halibut with betel leaves, turmeric curry and Grachai.

At Maenam, the four flavors of Thai cuisine—sweet, spicy, sour and salty—are also reflected in many of the creative cocktails. Try the Siam Sunburn (chili-infused tequila, butterscotch, lime, passion fruit and egg white) or a twist on the standard Daiquiri: aged rum, lemongrass, fresh lime, simple syrup and grated cinnamon.

The thoughtful beverage menu features local craft beers and highlights terroir-driven wines—everything from minimal-intervention BC producers to international classics and blue-chip Champagnes.

The standard-bearer for exceptional Thai cuisine in Vancouver,  Maenam has been a local favorite since opening in 2009

Botanist

Botanist is one of the best affordable restaurants in Vancouver, Canada. Located inside the busy Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, Botanist has been a rising star on Vancouver's culinary scene since its opening. For starters, try the wagyu carpaccio, served with puffed shank, salsa verde and onion mayonnaise; the fettuccine with wild mushrooms and crispy cheese is also very good. The main courses are equally creative, but the tasting menu is king. You can choose to know what's coming up in advance, or go in blind and be surprised by each dish that follows; choose the latter. Botanist is a great choice for any occasion, but it's best for celebrations. Go with like-minded friends, dress in Lagerfeld black, and pretend that - for one night at least - money is no object.

Botanist is a stellar addition to Vancouver's culinary scene.

Blue Water Cafe

Blue Water Cafe is the best seafood restaurant located in Vancouver's Yaletown, housed in a charming heritage warehouse. Vancouver is located in a prime location on the Pacific Ocean, so it’s puzzling that there are so few finding seafood restaurants. However, Blue Water Café is an exception. Located in Yaletown, this restaurant is warm and intimate in a converted warehouse. Dishes such as miso sake glazed black cod and yellowfin tuna with pepper and romesco sauce show how a skilled chef can make delicious dishes with exquisite ingredients.

Blue Water Cafe is lauded as the City's definitive destination for seafood

Osteria Savio Volpe

Savor the best of Italian food at Savio Volpe in Vancouver. This restaurant is inspired by a variety of traditional Italian cuisine. Creamy, flavorful handmade pasta, with Italian herbs and spices, is a highlight. In fact, Savio Volpe even uses traditional cooking methods to develop the authentic taste of the food. 

Osteria Savio Volpe is one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver, Canada. The gentle flavor of wood smoke will make your heart flutter as you grill vegetables and meats. If that's not enough, you can explore the art of artisan baking and Italian gelato making. Its classic neighborhood location, Kingsway East, is just a bike or bus ride away.

Sushi MAHANA

Are you looking for a Japanese restaurant in Vancouver? Visit the Sushi Mahana restaurant to enjoy rich Japanese cuisine.  The sushi bar seats just 10, and chef Hiroshi and sous chefs Rika Ginnaga and Bryce Morris greet guests with a massive cypress wall, large ikebana-style flower arrangements, porcelain antiques and locally crafted custom artwork.

This is Hoshiko’s authentic multi-course nigiri, crafted with some of his most popular ingredients—many of which he hand-selects locally to reflect the seasonality of the region. The team’s resident sake samurai, Patrick Ellis (one of only a few people in the world to have earned the prestigious title from the Japan Youth Sake Council), curates a selection of premium sakes to pair with the chef’s omakase. In addition to sake pairings (starting at $80), diners can order from the Japanese cocktail list ($16).

Sushi MAHANA is a famous Japanese restaurant in Vancouver 

Forage

Forage is the perfect place to dine in Vancouver to satisfy your love of local food. The food here is based on sustainable principles and is made from eco-friendly and locally grown or produced ingredients. As a traveler, this is one of the best ways to discover and experience the true taste of local food. Turtle Valley Bison Bone-in Sirloin Steak and Nettle Farro Grain Risotto are the most popular dishes at Forage. There is also a wide selection of wines, beers and cocktails. If you come here on the weekend, be prepared for an exciting weekend brunch. Feel pleased to be a part of one of the most environmentally friendly food operations with gizmos and zero landfill waste records. All these efforts make Forage one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.

Hawksworth Restaurant

Hawksworth Restaurant is one of the top 10 best restaurants in Vancouver . Vancouver had been waiting a long time for former Westside chef David Hawksworth to open his own restaurant in the renovated Georgian Hotel, and when he finally did, the city was not disappointed. Like the complex, layered flavors the chef is known for, the restaurant conveys a sense of luxury and sophistication.

The menu changes seasonally, but Hawksworth's attention to detail never wavers. As he should, the plating reflects his steady hand; refined but not pretentious, the dishes reflect the carefulness with which he cooks. The seven courses include seasonal, local ingredients like crab with quince and sour cream, mussels with celery root, cod with forest mushrooms, seared foie gras and duck confit—oh, and two desserts. This is a serious place. In a city known for its casual attitude toward everything, Hawksworth has less denim and more Harry Winston branding than any other good restaurant in Vancouver 

Recognized for its compelling and technically skilled cuisine, deep and diverse wine list, inventive cocktail program, and warm, genuine hospitality

Kirin Downtown

Kirin Downtown is one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. The best thing about this famous restaurant is that it uses local North American ingredients to bring the finest northern Chinese cuisine to the table. You will love the rich flavors and fresh aromas of this restaurant. Come here to taste the juicy and delicious dim sum and spring rolls that deservedly won awards, the fillings of which change not only in "spring" but every season. Also enjoy a variety of super tempting seafood dishes. Besides the food, the atmosphere of Kirin is warm and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Restaurants In Vancouver

How many Michelin-star restaurants in Vancouver?

From contemporary west coast seafood to Asian fusion, Vancouver offers 10 MICHELIN Star restaurants and dozens of MICHELIN Guide-recognized eateries. 

What To Eat in Vancouver?

If you´‌re visiti‌ng this food-lo‌ving city, be sure to sample Pacifi‌c salmon, sushi, and poutin‌e to exper‌ience its seafo‌od and Canadian heri‌tage. Dunge‌ness crab and spot prawns exem‌plify Vanc‌ouver´‌s fresh coasta‌l flavors, whil‌e JapaDog and dim sum capture its divers‌e culinary tape‌stry. Conclude your culi‌nary journey with a sweet treat like butter tart‌s or Nanai‌mo bars, and remembe‌r to savor trad‌ition‌al bannock for a taste of Indi‌genou‌s heritage‌

What is the best vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver?

This west coast Canadian city is one of the easiest places in the world to be plant-based. Some famous vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver are The Acorn,  Pizzeria Grano, Burdock and Co,  The Arbor, Chickpe, and Meet on Main.

Where can I get good Chinese food in Vancouver?

Many of Vancouver's greatest Asian restaurants are in the West End district, near Stanley Park. Demean Street, between Davie and Georgia, is home to some of the city's top eateries, offering everything from excellent dim sum to fiery Korean BBQ. If you're ready to catch the bus or go for a pleasant walk, this area will satisfy your hunger. Of course, Vancouver's Chinatown, Canada's largest, has nearly every classic Chinese cuisine you can think of. Some famous Chinese restaurants in Vancouver include 

• iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House
• Bao Bei
• Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
• Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
• Chinatown BBQ
• Super Chef Grill
• Jade Dynasty Restaurant
• Pink Pearl
• Mott 32 Vancouver

Which is the best Indian restaurant in Vancouver?

Indian food has a diverse range of vegan, vegetarian, and delectable meals. As a result, Indian cuisine has spread to nearly every corner of the world, including America, Southeast Asia, and, of course, Canada.

Vancity, in particular, is home to scores of great eateries serving Indian cuisine. So, to assist you locate a new place to dine, here is a list of the greatest Indian restaurants in Vancouver.

• Nirvana
• Dhamaka Indian Restauran
• Krsma Indian Restaurant
• Tandoori Oven
• Vij's
• Cilantro Indian Cuisine
• Hyderabad Biryani House
•  Indian Roti Kitchen
• Sula Indian Restaurant
• Tasty Indian Bistro
• Bombay Masala Indian Restaurant

Where to eat Japanese food in Vancouver?

The freshest local and sustainable seafood stars at Vancouver's Japanese restaurants, where you can have inexpensive omakase and soft shell crab with a view of the Vancouver harbor.. Some places to eat Japanese food in Vancouver include 

• The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
• Miku
• Sushi Bar Maumi
• Yuwa
• Masayoshi
• Oku Izakaya Bar 
• Ogenki Sushi Fusion
• Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant
• The Victor – Parq Vancouver
• Kobe Japanese Steak House

Which are the romantic restaurants in Vancouver?

From cozy corners in Chinatown to sleek waterfront views (restaurants with view vancouver), these romantic restaurants will make sure your date night is memorable for all the right reasons.  Some of the best and affordable romantic restaurants in Vancouver include

• Alouette Bistro
• Parker Rooftop
• Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
• Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
• Glowbal
• Salmon n' Bannock Bistro
• Five Sails Restaurant
• Teahouse in Stanley Park.

Where to eat French cuisine in Metro Vancouver?

Vancouver is home to a delightful selection of French restaurants and bistros that combine traditional flavours with a modern twist. From the lively Gastown neighbourhood to the scenic Yaletown waterfront, each restaurant offers a unique dining experience that captures the essence of France while celebrating the local culinary scene.  Some of the best French restaurants in Vancouver include

• Petrichor Social
• Le Crocodile 
• Tableau Bar Bistro
•  Provence Marinaside 
• The Sequel – Kitchen & Bar
• Holts Café Vancouver 
• Dahlia

What dessert is Vancouver known for?

Desserts are the perfect way to celebrate life's little victories, and in a vibrant city like Vancouver, there are all sorts of delicious options to satisfy your cravings. From pies to layered bars, from home-cooked to fancy, here are some of the desserts that have left an indelible mark on this country, and where to try them

• Nanaimo Bars
• French Pastries
• Gelato
• Cantonese Desserts
• Cheesecakes
• Ice cream

What's the most popular drink in Vancouver?

The most popular drink in Vancou‌ver is widely consid‌ered to be the Caesa‌r. This iconic Canadian cock‌tail is a varia‌tion of the Bloody Mary, featu‌ring vodka‌, Clamato juice (a mixtu‌re of toma‌to and clam broth), Worce‌sters‌hire sauce‌, hot sauc‌e, and various seaso‌nings‌. It is freque‌ntly garni‌shed with a celery stick, lime‌, or more elabo‌rate addit‌ions like pickl‌es or shri‌mp. Its savory and spicy flav‌or profile has cemen‌ted its status as a belov‌ed classic acro‌ss Canada, and Vanco‌uver is no exce‌ption.

Do you need a visa to visit Canada?

Whet‌her you need a visa to visi‌t Canada depend‌s on your natio‌nalit‌y, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay. Citi‌zens of certain coun‌tries‌, such as the United Stat‌es, may not require a visa for shor‌t visits (up to six month‌s), but a valid pass‌port is still necess‌ary. Othe‌r national‌ities‌, includin‌g those from visa-ex‌empt count‌ries, migh‌t need a Canada Elect‌ronic Trav‌el Authori‌zatio‌n (eTA). The eTA applica‌tion proce‌ss is an online proc‌edure‌. Applyin‌g for the Canada ETA is stra‌ightf‌orwar‌d, especia‌lly with our assista‌nce.

‌If you are a citize‌n of a country not on the visa‌-exem‌pt list, you will need a Tempo‌rary Resid‌ent Visa (TRV) to enter Canada‌.

Conclusion

The above list of the top 10 best restaurants in Vancouver comes in handy when you want to try out different cuisines in Vancouver. Each of them has carved out a niche in the food and hospitality industry as being the best and most sophisticated in its cuisine. If you want to have a fantastic dining experience during your international vacation in Canada, these places are where you should go.