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21 Restaurants That Define Vancouver Dining

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21 Restaurants That Define Vancouver Dining

by Johanna Read

Updated April 04, 2022

Vancouver’s vibe may be relaxed and casual, but the city takes its food seriously. Sustainable seafood and local ingredients are on almost every Vancouver menu from restaurants focussing on international fare to those that serve the region’s iconic Pacific coastal cuisine.

Vancouver’s greatest restaurants include newcomers such as Fable Diner’s third location in Yaletown as well as namesake restaurants from some of Canada’s most famous chefs such as Hidekazu Tojo and Vikram Vij. These must-visit restaurants are in Vancouver’s favourite neighbourhoods and within the city’s best hotels, welcoming both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions.

These are the 21 Vancouver restaurants that symbolize the city’s impressive dining scene.

A photo of The Lunch Lady restaurant

4.7

4.7 (997)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Vietnamese

Commercial Drive

About the restaurant

When Anthony Bourdain tried Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh’s soups at her Saigon food stall for his No Reservations show, he dubbed her the “legendary lunch lady” and said “it’s like discovering new neighbourhoods every few mouthfuls.” Vancouver mother-son restaurateurs Victoria Tran and Michael Tran teamed up with Vancouver chef Ben Lim and Ho Chi Minh City’s Lunch Lady to offer her soups and more at the former location of Mrs. Tran’s Five Elements Café. Open since summer 2020, the building’s facade belies the sleek interior and sophisticated menu of Asian-inspired cocktails, bánh mì, phở, and signature dishes such as clams steamed with lemongrass and turmeric-spiced Icelandic cod served sizzling on a skillet. Lunch features a different soup special every day, just like at the original street cart. Lunch Lady merch supports orphanages across Vietnam.

Top review

C

Chris VIP

Dined 1 day ago

Helped me me eat gluten free without worry. Delicious night and well looked after.

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A photo of STEAK LÚC LẮC of a restaurant

STEAK LÚC LẮC

A photo of BÒ TÁI CHANH - BEEF CARPACCIO of a restaurant

BÒ TÁI CHANH - BEEF CARPACCIO

A photo of MÌ XÀO TỎI - GARLIC FRIED NOODLES of a restaurant

MÌ XÀO TỎI - GARLIC FRIED NOODLES

A photo of Miku Restaurant - Vancouver restaurant

Miku Restaurant - Vancouver

4.8

4.8 (6566)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

Coal Harbour

About the restaurant

“Miku” in Japanese script symbolically means “beautiful sky,” and the views of the sails of Canada Place, the North Shore mountains, and the sky above are indeed beautiful from Miku’s downtown waterfront location. Inside, there’s even a ceiling fixture that looks like floating glass clouds. Owner Seigo Nakamura had eight restaurants in Miyazaki, Japan before first visiting Vancouver in 2007 and deciding that, given residents’ passion for multicultural cuisine and healthy living, it would be the ideal location for his first international restaurant. Nakamura brought aburi sushi to Canada, and Miku’s chefs have perfected balancing the textures and flavours of this flame-seared specialty. The guiding philosophy for service at Miku is of ningenmi, a Japanese term used for a person with outstanding sincerity, thoughtfulness, and passion.

Top review

M

Mia

Dined 1 day ago

My third time at Miku and it has not disappointed me! The food is flavourful and elegant and the whole experience is so nice and pleasant. Service is always wonderful.

A photo of L'Abattoir Restaurant restaurant

L'Abattoir Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (3839)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary French

Gastown

About the restaurant

Regularly recognized on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, chef and owner Lee Cooper’s L’Abattoir is known for its sophisticated yet unpretentious French-influenced Pacific coastal dining, expertly paired wines, and work-of-art cocktails. The Gaoler’s Menu experience, named for the restaurant’s location in Gastown’s historic Gaoler’s Mews, has nine seasonal courses such as Pacific ling cod with sake and sturgeon caviar or Peace Country roast rack of lamb—with optional wine pairings. Partial proceeds from all Gaoler's Menus go to the BC Hospitality Foundation (an organization that supports those in the industry facing financial crises due to health conditions). Or, from the main menu, choose starters such as baked Pacific oysters with truffle and mains like tandoori-style sablefish and venison loin with a cocoa crust.

Top review

G

Gerard

Dined on Aug 8, 2024

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Gastown, so I looked forward to showing my SIL this place. As my SIL was still recovering from a bout of diverticulitis, I didn’t order a bottle of wine. I had two wines by the glass, and we shared a few dishes. We started with their fabulous bread service, then a Dungeness Crab salad, an Artichoke tart and their Terrine of Fois Gras. Our “main” was their Agnolotti. I had a glass of 2022 Garnier et Fils Chablis with the salads and a glass of 2016 Synchromesh Pinot Noir from Storm Haven Vineyard in Okanagan Falls, BC with foie gras and agnolotti. The Artichoke Tart was half salad, half egg custard tart with pieces of artichoke between the two. It was a light, refreshing dish. The Dungeness Crab Salad was a visual surprise … the crab was placed between thin slices of radish and decorated with green leaves. It was interesting; perhaps a little too subtle in flavor for me. The foie gras terrine came with two thick pieces of brioche. The square of terrine was decorated with squares of wine jelly, and cherry halves. The terrine was soft and silky and the brioche so buttery. The star of the evening was the Sweet Corn Agnolotti. Pillows of mascarpone pasta were covered with pieces of sweet corn and a generous helping of sliced black truffle. This dish was “to die for” and I wanted to order a second plate. I love the food at L’Abattoir and dine here every time I come to Vancouver.

A photo of Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House restaurant

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

4.7

4.7 (8860)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Seafood

West End

About the restaurant

Specializing in American classics, this Vancouver dining institution is named for “Vancouver Citizen of the Century”Joseph Seraphim Fortes, who is credited with saving at least 29 lives as an English Bay lifeguard. The restaurant opened in 1985, 100 years after Mr. Fortes’ arrival in the city. Since then, the seafood tower—a special occasion favourite—has been a popular choice from the extensive menus, as are the fresh oysters and chops, with the beef aged a minimum of 28 days. Weekend brunch focusses on the savouries, such as lobster Benedict and fish and chips.

Top review

A

Adrian

Dined 4 days ago

Great atmosphere, a server (Spencer) who was a delight with his friendly charm and professionalism. Vast food and drinks menu so that means there is something for everyone. Nice to see a Vancouver icon still serving their fantastic meals. Thank you.

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A photo of Seafood Linguine of a restaurant

Seafood Linguine

A photo of Joe's Coffee Cake of a restaurant

Joe's Coffee Cake

A photo of Joe's Mussels of a restaurant

A photo of Gotham Steakhouse and Bar restaurant

Gotham Steakhouse and Bar

4.9

4.9 (3672)

CAN$51 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Multiple award-winning Gotham is a downtown favourite for steak lovers, both local and those visiting Hollywood North to film TV shows and movies. Inside one of Vancouver’s heritage buildings, Gotham features fine dining for lunch and dinner within its Art Deco-inspired interiors. Executive chef Jean Claude Douguet brings his French expertise to the steakhouse’s house-made sauces, attention to detail, and elegant presentations. In addition to the finest cuts of prime steak (including Japanese A5 wagyu), Gotham’s menu features lobster tail, oysters, and social hour treats such as ahi tuna and short rib sliders.

Top review

W

william

Dined 5 days ago

Very good dry age ribeye steak Good service but pricey

A photo of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar restaurant

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

4.8

4.8 (2562)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

Uncompromising excellence and innovation characterize this Pacific coastal, seafood-forward restaurant within the Sutton Place Hotel. Led by executive chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma, Boulevard’s long list of awards includes the Canadian Culinary Championships and an Iron Chef Canada win. Choose prix-fixe with optional wine pairings or go à la carte—you’ll find offerings such as Ocean Wise grilled sablefish with local bull kelp, albacore tuna, celery root risotto, lamb, and steaks. At breakfast, choose juices such as a blueberry, cranberry, and apple concoction to pair with your eggs Benedict or caramel-sauced Belgian waffle.

Top review

J

Joshua

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food! Service was fantastic as usual. Perfect evening.

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A photo of seafood tower of a restaurant

A photo of Seafood Tower for Four of a restaurant

Seafood Tower for Four

A photo of oysters of a restaurant

A photo of Botanist restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2746)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Farm-to-table

Coal Harbour

About the restaurant

Multi-award-winning Botanist—listed on Canada’s 100 Best and the World’s 50 Best—is known for impeccable service, sustainable and terroir-driven wines, culinary cocktails, and executive chef Hector Laguna’s inventive Pacific coastal cuisine. True to its name, Botanist draws on organic foraged ingredients and those from British Columbia’s farms; fish and seafood are sustainably caught and meats are heritage cuts. The menu features treats such as pan-seared scallops with sunchokes, lardo, and XO sauce and cocktails such as Council of Trees with scotch, cedar, oak moss, alder, cherrywood smoked tea, and birch sap.

Top review

A

Amber

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

Beautiful way to spend Christmas dinner. Lovely staff and beautiful food.

A photo of Homer Street Cafe & Bar restaurant

Homer Street Cafe & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2984)

CAN$30 and under

Comfort Food

Yaletown

About the restaurant

Homer Street Cafe & Bar stands out in Yaletown’s collection of restaurants for its refined comfort food in a contemporary space inside the historic Homer Building and new Beasley Building. The menu spans brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, full of eclectic dishes that run from steak tartare with smoked sour cream to sablefish with chorizo. Families—or the undecided—should go for the Full Monty, a comfort food feast of rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs, biscuits, coleslaw, potato salad, Brussels sprouts, sauces, plus butter tarts.

Top review

A

AnnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Overall excellent experience. Great find during our visit to Vancouver. Great lunch specials. Attentive service

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A photo of The Homer Cobb Salad of a restaurant

The Homer Cobb Salad

A photo of Chicken Wings of a restaurant

A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of Torafuku restaurant

4.4

4.4 (709)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Pan-Asian

Chinatown

About the restaurant

Chef and owner Steve Kuan’s menus take cues from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with some Italian and French influences, too. Torafuku’s open kitchen serves “kickass” rice bowls with sake-butter-dashi rice, specialty noodles (limited quantities daily), and multi-course dinner sets designed for sharing. Highlights include finger-lickin’ crispy chicken, Korean pancake with braised pork belly, and a stir-fried rice cake with roasted mushrooms and napa cabbage. Ingredients are local and organic whenever possible, such as Brome Lake roasted duck served two ways.

Top review

N

Neil

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

It was limited lunch service for the holidays so the options were limited but what we had (kale salad and the kickass rice crack salad) were exceptional!

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A photo of Kale Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Papaya Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken Wings of a restaurant

A photo of Tableau Bar Bistro restaurant

Tableau Bar Bistro

4.7

4.7 (3017)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary French

Coal Harbour

About the restaurant

Set next to the lobby at the chic Loden Hotel, this award-winning neighbourhood bistro features both French and Pacific coastal dishes. The Niçoise has albacore tuna, the moules frites features Totten Inlet mussels, plus there are seafood towers, oysters, duck, steak frites, and more. Whether here for happy hour or a meal, you’ll want to sample from the cocktail and wine lists or beers on tap, but be sure to save room for desserts such as butterscotch pot de crème or profiteroles.

Top review

R

Rachel

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Such a lovely brunch experience, service was so lovely and food was delicious! Will definitely be back

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A photo of FRENCH ONION SOUP of a restaurant

FRENCH ONION SOUP

A photo of FOIE GRAS MONTE CRISTO of a restaurant

FOIE GRAS MONTE CRISTO

A photo of STEAK TARTARE of a restaurant

A photo of The Victor – Parq Vancouver restaurant

The Victor – Parq Vancouver

4.4

4.4 (3146)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

Stadium District

About the restaurant

One of Vancouver’s best surf and turf restaurants, The Victor is right next to the 30,000-square-foot roof garden and lake on the sixth floor of Parq Vancouver. Inside, the design echoes London’s House of Commons with green leather banquettes, oak tables, and ornate fixtures; some tables have views over False Creek. Executive chef Garett Blundell’s menus feature steaks from the 1,200-degree broiler, chilled shellfish, and dishes such as sablefish marinated in sake and a burger made from Brant Lake wagyu with triple-cooked fries. Over-the-top desserts include crème brûlée doughnuts with maple syrup cotton candy.

Top review

S

Suzanne

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

My husband and I always go out for brunch on New Years Day. This year we were very excited to try Victor. If anyone knows how to do a busy brunch it’s the crew at Victor. The food stations were very well maintained. The selections were plentiful and the service was top notch. The restaurant was beautifully appointed, the food was well laid out, we had a wonderful time. Great start to 2025. We’ll be back next year.

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A photo of PORTERHOUSE of a restaurant

A photo of COWBOY RIBEYE of a restaurant

TOMAHAWK TO SHARE

A photo of Tojo's Restaurant restaurant

Tojo's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (845)

CAN$51 and over

Japanese

Fairview

About the restaurant

Vancouver’s—and, perhaps, Canada’s—most famous sushi chef is chef Hidekazu Tojo. Named a Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine by the Japanese government, Tojo loves to invent new dishes and focusses on using local, organic, and highly flavourful ingredients. He’s the creator of what he originally christened the “inside out Tojo roll,” now known around the world as the California roll, as a way to convince 1970s Vancouverites to eat seaweed by keeping it hidden. Tojo’s serves perfected Japanese classics and new inventions in its modern West Broadway space.

Top review

J

jamesVIP

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

Visiting Tojo feels like coming home. We've been dining there for over 27 years, and the staff always provide attentive yet unobtrusive service. While the prices are higher than other Japanese restaurants, every penny is worth it. We've never had a bad experience or meal. Tojo crafts each dish with heart, and if you've seen his documentary, you'll understand his philosophy and appreciate his food even more. I hope Tojo stays healthy and continues to create his extraordinary cuisine.

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A photo of Sashimi of a restaurant

A photo of Geoduck Sashimi of a restaurant

Geoduck Sashimi

A photo of Japanese Uni of a restaurant

A photo of Fable Diner restaurant

4.3

4.3 (299)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Mount Pleasant

About the restaurant

The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.

Top review

J

Joshua

Dined 7 days ago

Roast duck pancake was awesome, we also enjoyed the salmon burger and turkey sandwich

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A photo of PROHIBITION WEEKEND BRUNCH! of a restaurant

PROHIBITION WEEKEND BRUNCH!

A photo of Wednesday Trivia Nights of a restaurant

Wednesday Trivia Nights

A photo of Fable Kitchen restaurant

4.6

4.6 (752)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Farm-to-table

Kitsilano

About the restaurant

The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.

Top review

E

ElizabethVIP

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

New Year’s Day brunch! Eggs Benedict, smash burger and all of the accoutrements were delicious. We dined here the night before as well, and brunch was just a perfect way to start the 2025 new year. Our server was lovely and friendly.

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A photo of GNOCCHI of a restaurant

A photo of CRISPY PORK BELLY of a restaurant

CRISPY PORK BELLY

A photo of CHICKPEA FRITTERS of a restaurant

CHICKPEA FRITTERS

A photo of Fable Diner & Bar restaurant

Fable Diner & Bar

4.2

4.2 (332)

CAN$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Yaletown

About the restaurant

The Vancouver diner known for its hospitality and locally sourced comfort foods now has three locations—first was Fable Kitchen in Kits, then Fable Diner in East Van’s historic Lee Building, and, as of early 2022, Fable Bar downtown in the historic Kingston Hotel. Vancouverites crave Fable’s all-day breakfast and fancy diner foods; the roast duck pancakes were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As a show of support to the city’s healthcare workers and first responders, Fable offers them a 20 percent discount.

Top review

S

scott

Dined 2 days ago

We love the Fable family of restaurants,this was the first time visiting the Richards street venue and it won't be the last!We started with the lemongrass chicken meatballs that were juicy and delicious.My son had the duck confit and ravioli while I went for the turkey sandwich, like Christmas Day dinner on two pieces of bread!Both delicious! We saved room for the lemon meringue parfait,the toasted topping really made it! Wish I caught the name of our server,he was excellent. Lovely evening out,will visit again next time we are in Vancouver Scott

A photo of Farmer's Apprentice restaurant

Farmer's Apprentice

4.7

4.7 (438)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Farm-to-table

Kitsilano

About the restaurant

You’ll find innovative cooking, stunning plating, exemplary service, and a relaxed setting at this rustic bistro near the south side of Granville Bridge. Befitting its name, Farmer’s Apprentice chefs get creative by dehydrating, fermenting, and smoking the sustainably harvested ingredients procured locally. The menu changes frequently with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Ordering family-style for the whole table is most popular; dig into plates such as charred cabbage with strawberry sambal, chili oil, ginger cream, and almonds or an Asian-flavoured glazed pork neck with leeks and celeriac. The long wine list features natural, biodynamic, and organic selections. Watch for special dining events with local farmers.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

An amazing experience on all levels. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings and enjoyed an extraordinary meal. Staff were knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly.

A photo of Notch8 restaurant

4.4

4.4 (1746)

CAN$30 and under

Unspecified

Downtown

About the restaurant

Throughout the day and evening, Notch8 is an elegant choice within Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The luxurious decor was inspired by the glamorous rail travel of the 1930s and the Hotel Vancouver’s history as one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. Notch8 is named for the throttle position for the highest speed of a train, achievable only by the most skilled of conductors. The skill of executive chef David Baarschers and his team is apparent with dishes such as BC steelhead salmon with black barley risotto, asparagus, and leeks; roasted local cod with gnocchi; and BC striploin steak frites. The lounge menu includes bison carpaccio and Notch8’s classic burger. Weekend afternoon tea consists of tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries with LOT 35 loose leaf teas and optional tea cocktails and bubbly.

Top review

O

Orianne

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious food, great ambience and exceptional service from Camy!!

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A photo of French Onion Soup of a restaurant

French Onion Soup

A photo of Omg Chocolate Cake of a restaurant

Omg Chocolate Cake

A photo of Salted Caramel Cheesecake of a restaurant

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

A photo of Afghan Kitchen South Surrey restaurant

Afghan Kitchen South Surrey

4.8

4.8 (1524)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Afghan

Surrey

About the restaurant

This family-owned and -operated restaurant was opened by Hassib Sarwari in 2017 and features the recipes of his mother, Zohra Parwani, that he first ate growing up in Kabul. Kebabs from the charcoal grill are accompanied by kachaloo potato, sauteed in a garlicky tomato sauce. Diners of all ages adore the Afghan nuggets, or fried chicken bites served with Afghan yogurt and chutney. There are plenty of vegetable options, too, such as dumplings, lentil stew, and bandejan pan-seared eggplant. The team behind this restaurant recently opened Zarak by Afghan Kitchen in Mount Pleasant; it features a few popular dishes from the original plus creations like crispy Brussels sprouts.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined today

My first dine-in experience at Afghan Kitchen. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. The service was first rate. I highly recommend this restaurant……I ‘ll be back !

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A photo of Lamb Shank of a restaurant

A photo of Afghan Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken Qorma of a restaurant

A photo of Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill restaurant

Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill

4.5

4.5 (571)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Yaletown

About the restaurant

Celebrity chef Giuseppe “Pino” Posteraro—he’s been on Iron Chef and was the first Canadian chef to be honoured with a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy—opened Cioppino’s in 1999. Ever since, Vancouverites and visiting celebrities have flocked to it. Award-givers honour it, too, as confirmed by the coveted three-forks rating from Italian food and wine magazine Gambero Rosso (Cioppino’s was the first restaurant in Canada to achieve it) and one of only two Canadian restaurants on 50 Top Italy’s 2022 international list. In addition to superbly done Italian classics, you’ll find dishes such as Alberta beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce, tagliolini with sustainable scallops and prawns, plus whatever the day’s local, seasonal ingredients inspire the star chef to create. The restaurant, still featuring an impressive open kitchen, was renovated and expanded during the spring 2020 pandemic closure, resulting in a wine cellar with about 45,000 bottles and a new bar with temperature-controlled space for 50 wines by the glass.

Top review

K

Karen

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

It is so sad that this terrific restaurant is closing A major loss for Vancouver

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