It should come as no surprise that there are multiple seafood restaurants on this list for a city situated directly on the Pacific Ocean. What may surprise you is the huge range of foods available in this seaside city. Vancouver has a diverse cuisine culture, including award-winning fusion restaurants.
There will be no chain restaurants on this list. Supporting local eateries while traveling, and even when eating locally, is critical for the economy. Chain restaurants have a place; they simply aren’t on our list. Without further ado, here are some of Vancouver’s best restaurants.
Visiting other parts of Canada? See our other guides:
- 13 Best Things To Do On Salt Spring Island BC
- 10 Best Mont Tremblant Restaurants
- 7 Best Winnipeg Restaurants
- 12 Best Toronto Brunches
- Canadian Food Guide: The 16 Best Examples of Canadian Cuisine
- 5 Must-Try Pizza Places In Mont-Tremblant
- 7 Must-Try Whistler Restaurants
- The Six Best Steakhouses In Vancouver, BC, Canada
When in Vancouver, don’t miss out on the following activities that will help you immerse yourself in the city (get them while they’re hot!):
- A Wok Around Chinatown: Culinary and Cultural Walking Tour Led by a Chef
- Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park
- Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver
Contents
15 Vancouver Restaurants You Must Try
Elisa
109 Hamilton St. (604) 362-54431109 Hamilton St.
Elisa is a cut above the rest, serving the greatest steak in town. This is the spot to go for an excellent steak in Vancouver’s upscale Yaletown area. Although there are other good steakhouses in Vancouver, Elisa outperforms the competition. What distinguishes Elisa? They cook their meat on a wood-fired Grillworks Infierno grill, which produces the ideal crust.
You choose your meat and sides individually, like at most high-end steakhouses. When it comes to this kind of eating, I usually recommend visiting with a group of friends so you can order all of the sides and share them family-style. This is the most effective technique to sample as many foods as possible.
My friends and I have done this numerous times and have truly enjoyed sharing their 50 oz. Tomahawk with a variety of sides each time. Its rich and delicious risotto is my favorite side dish. It’s a must-order while eating at Elisa, along with their brown butter Brussels sprouts with Parmesan. These aren’t your grandmother’s Brussels; they’re exquisite (sorry, Mom!).
Wagyu beef is available to order at Elisa for the genuine steak enthusiast. This Japanese beef cut is very soft and delicate. It melts in your lips and is a gourmet delight. Are you feeling fancy? Get a sample and experience it for yourself. If you’re celebrating, top it with caviar, since this is one of the few restaurants in Vancouver that offers it.
Miku
(604) 568-3900200 Granville St. #70
If you like sushi, you’re going to adore Miku. In fact, if you don’t enjoy sushi, Miku may persuade you, as it did my. I never liked sushi until I had a meal at Miku and discovered what wonderful sushi tastes like. What was it that made me reconsider? Their Aburi Chirashi Tart won me over with layers of sushi rice, spicy tuna, avocado, sockeye salmon, and Miku sauce, then flame-seared and finished with prawn, scallop, maguro, tobiko, and ikura.
Their Aburi sushi is one of my personal favorites to order. Miku is well-known for introducing this kind of sushi to Vancouver in 2008. Aburi sushi is an invention in which the fish is flame seared, generating new textures while enhancing its inherent tastes. There is no need for soy sauce or wasabi. In your tongue, the Salmon Oshi Sushi melts.
If you are not a sushi fan, they also serve other foods. It’s worth eating here just to take in the scenery and take in the views of the port. Miku, located in Canada Place, has a view of the ocean where cruise ships land. Taking a cruise to Vancouver? You can literally walk off the ship and into Miku.
Minami, Miku’s sister restaurant, is situated in Yaletown. The cuisine is similarly amazing, but the ocean views are what propelled Miku to the top of our list. If you eat at either, you will be completely satiated.
Nicola Volpe
Phone: (604) 428-0072615 Kingsway St.
This typical osteria is an Italian eatery that serves simple, savory, and excellent cuisine and wine. They believe in using fresh, local products and making their own pasta. Their meat, poultry, and fish are grilled to perfection on a wood-fired barbecue and rotisserie.
They provide a dinner alla famiglia option in which they choose your meal for you. This is my favorite choice since you will always eat the greatest stuff they have to offer. It’s also a great opportunity to sample a range of menu items.
If you like to dine at your leisure, I suggest beginning with their warm marinated olives with fennel and lemon. These are ideal for whetting your appetite. The beef carpaccio with butter croutons and leek aioli is a sumptuous option from there.
I relished a handmade ragu spaghetti for the main course, and it was undoubtedly one of the greatest pasta meals I’ve ever had. If you like pasta, this is an easy pick at Savio Volpe. Their pasta is prepared in-house and is delicious.
Crocodile Dundee
(604) 669-42909 Burrard St., Suite 100
Entering Le Crocodile is like being transported to France. To begin with, everyone is dressed up, which is unusual in this laid-back community. The staff is French, and you may even here some of the diners speaking French. What about the food? Unsurprisingly, it’s very French and quite decadent.
I began my evening with their Foie Gras Crème Brulee, which was just amazing. In fact, I still fantasize about it. I then ordered their escargot appetizer. They were ideal when served with herb and garlic butter.
My main dish was the Beef Wellington, which was the greatest I’d ever tasted. It was wonderful, with perfectly cooked medium-rare beef enveloped in a beautiful filo pastry shell. Sorry, Gordon Ramsay, but your Paris restaurant in Las Vegas doesn’t even come close.
There aren’t many fine dining establishments in Vancouver that can compete with Le Crocodile’s service, cuisine, setting, and overall experience. Although it is situated in downtown, it is hidden away just enough that it is sometimes overlooked, which adds to its beauty.
Fortes, Joe
669-1940777 Thurlow St.
This Vancouver institution has been running for almost 35 years and just expanded to a second site in Whistler. This San Francisco-styled seafood eatery features a wine selection of over 300 different wines and is conveniently situated right in downtown Vancouver.
I enjoy visiting at supper, when a pianist serenades diners from the second-floor stairway. It has an unbeatable ambience, and the cuisine is wonderful as well.
If you like calamari, they have the finest in town. Their dipping sauce is a creamy sundried tomato aioli that complements the squid nicely. A dozen fresh oysters on the half-shell are another excellent way to begin your dinner here. I frequently get both, particularly if it’s happy hour.
You can’t go wrong with any of their main courses, but their Sablefish is my personal favorite. It’s marinated in miso and served with sesame quinoa. The crunchy crust matches the melt-in-your-mouth, buttery fish nicely.
If you go during the summer, I suggest having a beverage on their rooftop garden patio. It’s rather nice up there. Make reservations in advance, since the restaurant is tiny and quite popular.
If you’re curious about the restaurant’s name, Seraphim Joe Fortes was a notable character in Vancouver’s early history. He came to Vancouver in 1885, having previously lived in Barbados and Liverpool. This restaurant opened in his honor exactly 100 years later.
Cioppinos
688-74661133 Hamilton St.
Cioppinos has received various accolades and distinctions, including the renowned Order of the Star of Italy (a knighthood granted by the Italian president for portraying Italian culture abroad), a Gambero Rosso three forks rating, and a spot on the 50 Top Italy list. This is the place to go if you want real, mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
I treated myself to lunch one day, which is something I seldom do at home, but I’m pleased I did. I felt like family the minute I stepped in the door. The atmosphere and employees made me feel at ease. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before. The waitress was kind, the sommelier was knowledgable and helpful, and the owner even came over to say hi.
I started with a crisp salad with apple and gorgonzola before moving on to the daily special of handmade ravioli. The ravioli was sumptuous, and all of their pasta is prepared in-house. I bought a lemon tart for dessert to guarantee that I received the complete experience. That was wonderful. I may have to start taking myself out to lunch more often.
Getting a reservation here is difficult, as it is with many other award-winning restaurants, since they are sometimes booked months in advance. If you’re visiting Vancouver, make your dinner reservations as soon as you book your flight.
Hawksworth
673-7000801 W. Georgia St.
David Hawksworth, the award-winning chef, was born in Vancouver. He then worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe for a decade before coming home to start his own restaurant in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
The environment and decor of the historic Hotel Georgia are both warm and sophisticated. When your order comes, the presentation of each of your meals will cause you to pause and take a breather before diving in. Their meals are as visually appealing as they are savory.
Hawksworth is well-known for being pricey, but there are two inexpensive ways to enjoy it. The first is their $25 prix-fixe lunch. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., you may enjoy three meals at this reduced price while supplies last, so get there early to prevent disappointment. The second is their happy hour, which runs from 4-6 p.m. For $19, you can have their Hawksworth burger and an Old Fashioned. This is perhaps the finest price in town!
Hawksworth also provides catering and business meals. If you’re in town on business or looking for a restaurant to impress your colleagues, I strongly suggest arranging a private room here. I often find that restaurants fall short when it comes to group occasions, however this is not the case here. I had the pleasure of attending a business dinner at Hawksworth, and everything from the service to the meal and wine pairings was flawless.
If you’ve ever travelled in Air Canada’s Business Class, you may recognize the name Hawksworth. David Hawksworth devised their menu, and I can testify to it being among of the greatest airline meals I have ever had the pleasure of having.
Botanist
Canada Place (604) 695-55001038
This gorgeous restaurant is housed inside the magnificent Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. It draws its name from the executive chef’s cuisine, which symbolizes the Pacific Northwest’s gastronomic bounty and botany. Botanist’s themes include organic, sustainable, and communal.
Botanist has two sections: the bar and the restaurant. You may enjoy chemist-like experience cocktails at their bar. Botanist’s bar is not your usual bar; if you want something unique and outstanding, this is the place to go. Cond Nast Traveler called it one of the world’s greatest new bars on their Hot List.
If you want to do more than simply drink and are feeling daring, I recommend attempting their well take it from here menu choice. This tasting menu will provide you with the finest of what they have to offer, and wine pairings are also available for this experience.
Dinner menu items include seared octopus, roasted maitake mushrooms, dry-aged duck breast, and a luscious olive oil poached halibut that melts in your tongue. Botanist dining is about more than simply the food. It is a delicious dining experience showcasing the finest of the Pacific Northwest. After dinner, go downstairs to the Fairmont Pac Rim lounge bar and have an aperitif while listening to live music.
Chambar
Beatty St. (604) 879-7119568 Beatty St.
Nico Schuermans, who was born in Belgium, trained in a two-star Michelin restaurant before moving to Vancouver and opening Chambar with his girlfriend Karri. Both were first-time restaurant proprietors, but their Chambar quickly became a smash. The concept of Chambar is to enjoy good meals in a relaxed setting.
Chambar is a renowned brunch place in Vancouver known for its waffles, and Vancouverites enjoy their brunch. With their ten various sauces, the possibilities are unlimited, including the unusual and decadent Bacon Caramel and my personal favorite, White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater.
If you’re coming for dinner, I recommend starting with the Le Chvre Chaud. Delicious warm goat cheese over semolina flatbread with prosciutto chips and honey espelette. Do you like mussels? Then their Moules Frites are for you. With three options available, you’re sure to discover the best one for you.
Their menu has changed since my previous visit, but their Millefeuille dessert is an outstanding must-try if it ever returns. Their pastry chef is fantastic. I urged them to include croissants on the brunch menu, but it has yet to materialize.
Ancora
681-11641600 Howe St. #2 (604) 681-11641
Ancora is a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant that combines cultures and cuisines from both countries. Each dish is so beautifully prepared and presented that it’s almost too gorgeous to eat. Its cuisine focuses on seafood and includes fresh oysters and sushi.
Visit Ancora in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom if you can schedule it correctly. The patio of Ancora is located on the scenic False Creek seawall, and the tables are encircled by plush, vivid pink cherry blossom trees. It’s certainly Instagram-worthy.
No matter where you sit, I recommend beginning with their Sushi Pizza appetizer. It’s not just one-of-a-kind, but the mix of crispy rice crust and melt-in-your-mouth sushi will leave you wanting more. The lobster and shrimp risotto for the main course is rich and creamy, while the hazelnuts and edamame offer crispness that risotto frequently lacks.
Cin Cin’s
688-73381154 Robson St.
Saunter up the steps to this classic Italian restaurant after a day of shopping on Robson Street. Here is the spot to rest your tired feet and tempt your appetites, conveniently situated on one of Vancouver’s best shopping streets.
Cin Cin, as the name suggests, is an Italian restaurant. There are a surprising number of excellent Italian restaurants in Vancouver. The kitchen is one area where Italians never scrimp, and Cin Cin is no exception. They prepare their meals on a Grillworks Infierno, a large stainless steel grill and rotisserie in the center of the kitchen. This method of cooking lends delicate smokey tastes onto their seasonal selections. Since they serve what is in season, their menu changes often.
I definitely suggest the Burrata from Puglia as an appetizer. This meal is a must for cheese lovers. Being a major lover of pasta, it’s difficult for me to dine at Cin Cin without indulging in a sumptuous pasta dish. If you’re feeling particularly peckish or eating in a group, you may order pasta as a second course or a main meal.
The last time I ate at Cin Cin, they had halibut on the menu, and it was cooked to perfection. My lips melted with each mouthful. I would have been disappointed when it was completed, but their Tiramisu is my favorite in town, and leaving without trying it would have been a sin.
Loulas
Commercial Dr. (604) 255-37871608 Commercial Dr.
Loulas, one of Vancouver’s newest Greek restaurants, seems like the closest thing on this side of the ocean to eating in Greece. With its white stone walls and ceiling decorated with vivid red flowers, its decor is evocative of Santorini.
Loulas is always crowded, with a loud and dynamic environment, no matter what day of the week it is. A restaurant founded by second-generation Greeks, where you are welcomed as family. They’ve taken traditional Greek cuisine and given them a modern twist. And they got it right.
I’ve eaten here many times and have yet to encounter a meal that I don’t like. Their Meliztanosalata dip, Spanakopita, Lamb Chops, and potatoes are among my favorites. You must taste their potatoes; they are delectable.
Loulas also provides vibrant drinks. My personal favorite is the Gaias G&T, which is blended with masticha, a traditional Greek liqueur. Although you may be tempted to finish your meal with a Baclava, I strongly advise you to try their Ekmek instead. The combination of shredded phyllo, masticha cream custard, and sliced almonds is a great way to cap a meal.
Acquafarina
W. Georgia St. (604) 558-3099425 W. Georgia St.
The prohibition of no hats, mobile phones, or photos at Vancouver’s newest fine dining business is creating headlines. I was frustrated at first that I couldn’t photograph their magnificent dishes, but by the third course, I was so entranced by the tastes of the dishes that I was content to neglect my camera and just enjoy being in the moment.
Since you can’t take photographs, you can totally immerse yourself in the meal experience. One of the most fantastic culinary experiences I’ve ever had was the nine-course tasting menu with wine pairing.
I wish I could guide you through the courses, but I wasn’t allowed to take photographs, and I honestly don’t remember any of them. That doesn’t matter since the menu changes regularly. I’ve gone twice, and each time was unique. Both times, their surprise entrée was a truffle mushroom pizza made in their classic Italian pizza oven. If you are looking for an opulent night out in Vancouver, this is the place to go.
Kingyo
Denman St. (604) 608-1677871 Denman St.
On the exterior, this genuine Japanese Izakaya in Vancouver’s West End seems humble. You enter a chamber filled with tall bamboo shoots after you step through the wooden entrance. The bamboo grows from the center of a long table in the middle of the restaurant, providing a privacy screen that gives the impression of entering a Japanese garden.
We began with Sockeye Salmon Carpaccio. It was drizzled with their garlic soy vinaigrette and topped with salmon caviar. As someone who like texture, the caviar explosion mixed with the crunch of the garlic chips made this meal an immediate favorite.
Although their sushi is delicious, I definitely suggest sampling some of their stone-grilled meals. We ordered the Beef Tongue and cooked it on the hot stone ourselves. It was delicate and flavorful.
Kingyo has received several honors throughout the years, and it’s simple to understand why. Kingyo distinguishes out among the many Japanese eateries in Vancouver.
Vancouver Fish Co.
559-34741517 Anderson St.
What happens when you mix an ocean-view Granville Island restaurant with the freshest seafood and award-winning chowder? The eatery Vancouver Fish Company. A visit to Granville Island is a must for anybody visiting Vancouver. The market is brimming with fresh delicacies and local treasures. When a friend comes to visit, I like to take them on the water taxi to Granville Island. It’s a unique and enjoyable way to move about.
There is no better spot to eat after spending the day visiting Granville Island than the Vancouver Fish Company. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the summer, their terrace is the place to be. You can’t beat the ocean views and watching the boats come and go from this location, which overlooks the port.
You also can’t go wrong with their fresh fish. The lobster, crab legs, wild salmon, grilled prawns, scallops, roasted garlic potatoes, and fresh veggies were all consumed by a group of us the previous time we dined here.
I have to start with the Maple Walnut Prawns every time I visit Vancouver Fish Company. They’re crispy, succulent, and delectable. Try their Shrimp Linguine if you’re craving both seafood and pasta. If you’re dining with a picky eater, the Lobster and Bacon Grilled Cheese is certain to please.
And there you have it, the top eateries that Vancouver has to offer. This coastal Canadian city has a diverse dining scene with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the freshest seafood, one-of-a-kind fusion treats, or the greatest pasta outside of Italy, Vancouver will undoubtedly satisfy your appetite and have you daydreaming about your next meal.
Which of these Vancouver eateries are you going to try first? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below!