Best Restaurants in Vancouver to Suit Every Craving
Vancouver, located on Canada’s stunning west coast, is a city known for its majestic natural setting, multicultural vibrancy, and progressive spirit. With attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, it blends outdoor adventure with a thriving urban culture.
Beyond its scenic views, Vancouver is also home to one of the most exciting culinary scenes in North America. This article will guide you through the best places to eat in Vancouver, including budget-friendly gems, standout vegetarian options, romantic restaurants perfect for a date night, and elite Michelin-starred venues. Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of Gastown or enjoying ocean views from Coal Harbour, you’ll never be far from an unforgettable meal.
And if you’re exploring the city before hotel check-in or after checkout, you can store your bags safely with Qeepl. With multiple luggage storage spots conveniently located near tourist hubs, you can wander freely and enjoy every bite without being weighed down.
What Should You Know About Food in Vancouver?
The best food in Vancouver reflects the city’s unique cultural mix and close relationship with nature. Located in British Columbia, Vancouver benefits from easy access to Pacific seafood, nearby farms, and a vibrant community of immigrants from across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Expect to find everything from sushi that rivals Tokyo’s finest to fragrant bowls of pho, delicate vegan dishes, and fresh-caught salmon grilled to perfection. Vancouverites value freshness, sustainability, and innovation. Local chefs celebrate British Columbia’s bounty through seasonal menus and often incorporate Indigenous ingredients and traditions into their cuisine. This makes eating in Vancouver a truly enriching cultural experience.
Best Affordable Restaurants in Vancouver
Vancouver’s food scene doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five places where you can dine well without breaking the bank.
1. Phnom Penh
A longtime favorite in Chinatown, Phnom Penh serves Vietnamese-Cambodian fusion that’s famous across the city. Their marinated butter beef, garlic fried chicken wings, and peppery dry noodles keep locals coming back. Despite the popularity, prices remain accessible—most dishes fall in the $12 to $20 CAD range.
Located just a few blocks from Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, it’s a perfect stop after a morning stroll. Be prepared to queue, but service is fast and efficient once you’re in.
2. Japadog
This now-iconic Vancouver eatery began as a humble street cart and has grown into multiple locations across the city. The menu features Japanese-inspired hot dogs topped with seaweed, teriyaki sauce, miso mayo, and more. The Kurobuta pork dog and the Terimayo are must-tries.
Most items cost $6 to $9, making it one of the city’s best-value meals. Grab your Japadog and walk a few minutes to the Vancouver Art Gallery or along Robson Street for a lively city vibe.
3. La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
Tucked into Gastown, this colorful taco shop offers authentic Mexican street food with a West Coast twist. You’ll find tacos filled with everything from fish to brisket to plant-based options, each bursting with flavor.
Tacos start at just $3.50, and combo plates make for a filling meal under $15. It’s just steps from Steam Clock and Water Street, making it a perfect casual stop after sightseeing.
4. Duffin’s Donuts
Open 24/7, this beloved hole-in-the-wall in East Vancouver is part donut shop, part burger joint, and part Cambodian-Chinese diner. It’s a mash-up that works—especially if you’re craving comfort food.
From fried chicken and banh mi to honey-glazed donuts, everything is priced under $10. It’s a go-to after hiking the trails at Trout Lake Park, located nearby.
5. Breka Bakery & Café
With several downtown and West End locations, Breka is a local institution for baked goods and casual meals. Open 24 hours, it serves coffee, soups, sandwiches, and European-style cakes and pastries.
Most items are under $8, and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of English Bay Beach, making it a great pre-picnic stop or late-night snack destination.
Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most plant-forward cities. These vegetarian and vegan restaurants stand out for their quality, creativity, and commitment to sustainability.
1. The Acorn
Located in Mount Pleasant, The Acorn is a fully vegetarian restaurant known for seasonal, artful plates that elevate plant-based dining. Dishes like the zucchini linguine or beer-battered halloumi are memorable both in taste and presentation.
Main courses are around $20–$28, and the ambiance is sleek and romantic. It’s a perfect dining destination after exploring vintage shops and galleries on Main Street.
2. MeeT in Gastown
This friendly, bustling vegan eatery serves comfort food with a twist—think creamy mac and cheese, smoky burgers, and poutine topped with mushroom gravy. The flavors are bold and indulgent.
Prices range from $16–$22 per main. Its location in Gastown makes it a convenient lunch or dinner spot after a walk along the Seawall or a visit to Canada Place.
3. Heirloom Vegetarian
Just off South Granville, Heirloom offers a modern and elegant setting with a fully vegetarian (and largely vegan) menu. Breakfast and brunch are standouts—try the avocado toast on house-made seed loaf or the vegan pancakes with maple cashew cream.
Expect to spend $18–$26 per dish. It’s ideal before browsing the nearby Granville Island Public Market or catching a show at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
4. Chau Veggie Express
This casual Vietnamese-inspired vegan spot in Fraserhood serves vibrant, nourishing bowls, soups, and fresh rolls. Their turmeric noodle soup and the green papaya salad are packed with flavor.
Most dishes are between $14 and $20, and you’ll find many gluten-free options. After lunch, head over to Queen Elizabeth Park, just a short drive away.
5. Kokomo
Focused on plant-based health food, Kokomo has locations in Chinatown and Kitsilano. Their coconut-based soft serve, superfood smoothies, and macro bowls make clean eating delicious.
Prices average $12–$16. It’s a convenient option after exploring VanDusen Botanical Garden or while wandering the independent shops near 4th Avenue.
Romantic Restaurants in Vancouver
Looking to celebrate a special night out? These romantic restaurants in Vancouver offer intimate ambiance and memorable meals.
1. L’Abattoir
Tucked into a 19th-century building in Gastown, L’Abattoir blends historic charm with modern French-influenced cuisine. Their duck confit and housemade pasta shine, and the wine list is exceptional.
Entrées are around $32–$45, and the ambiance—candlelight, exposed brick, and soft music—sets the tone for a perfect evening. Afterwards, take a hand-in-hand stroll past the Gastown Steam Clock or enjoy views from Maple Tree Square.
2. Botanist
Located inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim near Canada Place, Botanist is a botanical wonderland of a restaurant with a menu inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal dishes include seared scallops with dashi or charcoal-roasted beets.
Mains start at $38, and the cocktail bar is also a must-visit. The restaurant is steps from the Vancouver Convention Centre and the famous Digital Orca sculpture.
3. CinCin Ristorante + Bar
This long-standing Italian eatery on Robson Street has a cozy, terrace-style dining room with an open wood-fire kitchen. It’s a popular choice for anniversaries and proposals.
Mains range from $30–$48, and the homemade pasta and tiramisu are top-tier. After dinner, walk down Robson for nighttime shopping or detour toward Coal Harbour for oceanfront views.
4. The Teahouse in Stanley Park
This historic restaurant offers some of the best views in the city—especially at sunset. Nestled inside Stanley Park near Third Beach, The Teahouse serves elegant seafood and steak dishes in a romantic, wood-paneled setting.
Entrees are $28–$42, and you can take a post-meal stroll under the towering trees or along the Seawall with stunning city and water views.
5. Blue Water Cafe
In the heart of Yaletown, Blue Water Cafe is a refined seafood restaurant housed in a converted warehouse. Known for its sustainable sourcing and raw bar, dishes include sablefish, oysters, and creative sushi rolls.
Main courses are $35–$55, and the dim lighting and plush seating make it perfect for a romantic night. Afterwards, wander the cobbled streets of Yaletown or sip wine on the patios overlooking False Creek.
Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Vancouver?
Yes, Vancouver joined the Michelin Guide in 2022, and as of the official Michelin Guide website, the city has 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, all currently holding one star.
Here are three of the most notable among them:
- St. Lawrence (1 star): A tribute to traditional French-Canadian cuisine, St. Lawrence is led by Chef Jean-Christophe Poirier. Located in Railtown, this cozy bistro delivers dishes like foie gras torchon and tourtière with elegance and depth. Prices for a prix fixe menu start around $125. After dinner, stroll toward Crab Park for beautiful waterfront views.
- AnnaLena (1 star): Situated near Kitsilano Beach, AnnaLena is known for modern Canadian cuisine with creative flair. Chef Michael Robbins crafts a seasonal tasting menu that emphasizes innovation and precision. Expect to pay $115–$135 for the experience, which pairs well with a sunset walk along Vanier Park or Kitsilano’s waterfront.
- Published on Main (1 star): Found near Mount Pleasant, this restaurant blends Scandinavian minimalism with West Coast ingredients. Led by Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, the menu features inventive small plates like grilled cabbage with miso butter or dry-aged duck. The tasting menu is $130, and it’s a great prelude to exploring nearby Mount Pleasant’s murals and breweries.
Though still relatively new to the Michelin map, Vancouver’s culinary scene has already shown it’s more than ready to shine. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and multicultural flavors, it continues to offer dining experiences that rival the world’s best.