Vancouver is an extremely diverse city, and this is reflected in its many different restaurants. No matter what type of food you're craving, you can find it: Ethiopian, Greek, Japanese, Russian, American BBQ...
Every pocket of the city offers a different specialty, depending on the ethnicity of the people who live in its
neighbourhood.
If you want to eat:
› Italian food – go to Commercial Drive. Often called “Little Italy,” many of the city's best Italian dining spots are located here.
› Greek food – go to West 4th Ave in
Kitsilano. While you won't find an abundance of Greek restaurants here, and there are just as many downtown, you will find the most authentic, family-run ones in this area.
A few favourites are Maria's Taverna (2324 4th Ave.) and Simpatico Restaurant ( 2222 West 4th Ave.)
› Indian food – go to Main St. And 50th Ave. The fragrant Punjabi Market is located here, with Indian restaurants and shops lining the city blocks. Try an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet for $11.95, or pick up hot samosas to take home at All India Sweets & Restaurant (6507 Main Street)
› Asian food – go anywhere! You'll find Asian restaurants all around the city. Vancouver has a
large Asian population, and many diners and critics feel that the Asian food in Vancouver is one of the best in the world; Vancouver was just ranked the number one spot in the world to enjoy Chinese food by the famous Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
There is a range of Asian restaurants in Vancouver, from steamy Vietnamese noodle houses that are open late for Beef Pho soup, to tiny
Japanese sushi restaurants with only a few tables, to giant
Chinese dim sum restaurants that serve award-winning pork buns.
› Seafood – downtown. Seafood restaurants also dominate the Vancouver dining scene. With its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, fresh seafood is plentiful on the plates here: everything from clams and mussels to BC salmon and halibut.
Most of Vancouver's seafood restaurants are high-end: white tablecloth establishments where you'll pay more for artfully-prepared cuisine served by top chefs. However, because these restaurants are utilizing high-quality ingredients and presenting them uniquely, it's worth paying at least one visit to a seafood restaurant in Vancouver, especially one that offers you a great view of the city.
Splurge on local seafood at Blue Water Cafe (1095 Hamilton St.) or enjoy a few beers and an affordable dinner on the heated patio at the Boathouse (1795 Beach Ave).
› Pizza - anywhere. If you want to hit the other end of the spectrum and go for ultra-cheap food, check out Vancouver's numerous dollar-slice pizza restaurants. While locals still call it “dollar pizza,” the price has actually climbed in the past few years, so expect to pay up to $2 for a hot slice.
You'll find dollar pizza restaurants all over the city, serving everything from classic pepperoni to roasted potato or tomato pesto. This Vancouver staple is especially popular with budget-conscious students and those just wandering out of the
downtown clubs looking for a late night snack.
Let other people's experiences show you which places are worth visiting in Vancouver, and which ones aren't. Find all Vancouver restaurant locations and reviews at
Dine Here.
Our selection of local restaurants in Vancouver:
If you are passing by Guu, it looks like any typical little Japanese restaurant in Vancouver. Once you walk in the door, you quickly realize that it's more than your average sushi joint. The servers and cooks will welcome you in true Japanese fashion! This food spot is more than just a good culinary experience. A popular spot, Guu is open until midnight every day!
The best part: Lots of little sharing plates mean you can sample lots of different dishes.
The worst part: It can get loud in the busy dining room, especially because the kitchen is open.
Main dish: $10 - $15
Location: 838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver BC - Corner of Robson & Thurlow Street
Activities near by: Vancouver Art Gallery | Shopping on Robson Street
The Mongolie Grill is a favourite spot for people to bring out-of-towners. You grab a plate, add as many fresh meats, vegetables and sauces to it that you can fit in your bowl, and watch while the chef cooks it up for you on the 700º Celsius grill.
The best part: It's cheap and all you can eat.
The worst part: There is no ambiance; this is not the place for a special meal.
Main dish: $10 - $12 (alcohol/beverages are NOT included)
Location: 717 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Stanley Park & English Bay
Activities near by: Stanley Park |
Vancouver Aquarium
Known for having huge portions of good food for cheap prices. A casual, cozy restaurant in the heart of the
West End that offers traditional favourites like souvlaki, moussaka and spanikopita.
The best part: You'll have lunch for the next day – it's difficult to finish the large portions.
The worst part: There is always a line up, and it is not the place to linger over dessert as they always need the table.
Main dish: $15 or less ( alcohol/beverages are NOT included).
Location: 1124 Davie St, Vancouver, BC - Close to Stanley Park & English Bay.
Activities near by: Stanley Park |
Vancouver Aquarium
Voted the Best Latin American Restaurant at the 2010 Georgia Straight Golden Plates Awards, Havana is a funky spot with mismatched chairs and red velvet booths. They serve modern Cuban fare and authentic cocktails; they are known for their mojitos. The heated patio is ideal all year around, and there's also an art gallery inside.
The best part: The awesome view of the city skyline and the Coastal Mountain Range.
The worst part: There's always a big crowd for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Main dish: $18 to $20 ( alcohol/beverages are NOT included)
Location: 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC - Close to Grandview Park
Activities near by: Commodore Lanes (Bowling)
The Reef has been around since 2000, a lifetime in Vancouver, where establishments come and go. But, people seem to keep coming back to the reef for dishes like fried plantains and jerk chicken, and to enjoy the tropical atmosphere and reggae music.
The best part: The pitchers of Caribbean rum punch.
The worst part: Service can be slow; don't go if you're in a rush.
Main dish: $20 to $30 ( alcohol/beverages are NOT included)
Location: 4172 Main Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Riley Park
Activities near by: Main St. Shopping District (
Local Vancouver Designers)
Joe Fortes has been a downtown landmark for around 25 years, and is consistently named “Vancouver's Best Oyster Bar” in various local publications. The restaurant is huge, and so is the menu of fresh fish, shellfish, and steaks.
The best part: The beautiful outdoor patio upstairs.
The worst part: The bistro section can be noisy, so reserve a table in the main dining room if you want a quiet dinner.
Main dish: $30 to $50 (alcohol/beverages are NOT included)
Location: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Stanley Park and English Bay
Activities near by: Stanley Park |
Vancouver Aquarium |
Shopping on Robson St.