Must-see restaurants in Vancouver

  • Earnest Ice Cream

    Vancouver

    The Olympic Village branch of this popular artisan ice-cream shop is tucked into a redbrick former warehouse building. There's typically a dozen or so…

  • Heirloom Vegetarian

    Fairview & South Granville

    With a white-walled cafeteria-meets-rustic-artisan look (hence the farm forks on the wall), this is one of Vancouver's best vegetarian eateries, serving…

  • Japadog

    Vancouver

    You'll have spotted the lunchtime queues at the Japadog hotdog stands around town, but this was their first storefront, opening back in 2010. The ever…

  • Fratelli Baking

    Vancouver

    An authentic holdover from the Drive's Italian immigrant era, this ever-busy bakery is stuffed with old-school, fresh-made treats from lemon bars to cream…

  • Espana

    Vancouver

    Reservations aren't taken but it's worth queuing to get into one of Vancouver's most popular Spanish tapas joints. The seats (at small tables and at the…

  • Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill

    Vancouver

    Not your standard Italian joint, this elevated Mediterranean eatery deploys the cucina naturale approach, revealing the delicate natural flavors of a…

  • Pie Shoppe

    Vancouver

    Relocated from its original hole-in-the-wall spot, this welcoming neighborhood hangout is a pie-hugging local legend. Drop by for coffee and slices of…

  • La Taqueria

    Vancouver

    The original cheery hole-in-the-wall taco shop that inspired a highly successful local mini-chain, the once eye-popping paintwork here has been replaced…

  • Suika

    Fairview & South Granville

    A contemporary izakaya (Japanese neighborhood pub) with a playful edge, Suika is all about sliding alongside a moodlit table under the sake-bottle…

  • Billy Button Dessert Bar

    Vancouver

    There's a serious commitment to delicious, photo-friendly desserts at this dark, cave-like cafe that's not much bigger than a train carriage. There are…

  • Sura Korean Cuisine

    Vancouver

    From the 1400-block of Robson St onwards, you'll find a smorgasbord of authentic Korean and Japanese eateries. A cut above its ESL-student-luring siblings…

  • Jammer Cafe

    Fairview & South Granville

    One of Vancouver's coolest cafe concepts, order a hearty hot sandwich (beer-can chicken recommended), grab a woodsy table and then ogle the action at the…

  • L'Abattoir

    Gastown & Chinatown

    Gastown's best special-occasion restaurant, this candlelit, brick-lined spot makes an art of attending to every detail. Be careful not to fill up on…

  • Bistro 101

    Vancouver

    The training restaurant of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is a popular spot with in-the-know locals, especially at lunchtime, when $24 gets you a…

  • Salmon House on the Hill

    North Shore

    West Vancouver's old-school destination restaurant has been luring locals for special-occasion dinners for years. But Salmon House doesn't rest on its…

  • Breka Bakery & Cafe

    Vancouver

    One of Vancouver's few 24/7 eateries, this local bakery mini-chain has rapidly expanded across the city in recent years; this location is ideal if you…

  • Fable Kitchen

    Vancouver

    One of Vancouver's favorite farm-to-table restaurants is a lovely rustic-chic room of exposed brick, wood beams and prominently displayed red rooster…

  • Brix & Mortar

    Vancouver

    A romantic heritage building eatery with two large and contrasting patios, this sophisticated spot still feels like a secret. The classy white-tablecloth…

  • Fable Diner

    Vancouver

    Transforming a former greasy spoon in the landmark Lee Building into a casual satellite of Fable's popular Kitsilano restaurant, this hipster diner is a…

  • Cannibal Cafe

    Vancouver

    This is a punk-tastic diner for fans of seriously real burgers. You'll find an inventive array, from classics to the kimchi-infused Korean-BBQ burgers,…

  • Soil

    Vancouver

    A small, vegan-only diner run by the team behind next door's Blue Heron Creamery. Expect a friendly welcome (and a wait for a table, especially on…

  • Cafe Medina

    Vancouver

    At this lively, wood-floored breakfast-brunch-lunch favorite, finding a table can be tricky. But it's worth the wait if you're a waffle fan: the light and…

  • DD Mau

    Vancouver

    At the forefront of Vancouver's love affair with Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, this tiny, often-busy spot serves daily specials (always check these first…

  • Linh Cafe

    Vancouver

    Arrive off-peak (limited reservations are also available) at this chatty locals' favorite, a friendly, red-tabled restaurant serving French bistro…

  • Budgie's Burritos

    Vancouver

    It's a rare vegetarian eatery that has a loyal clientele of carnivores, and this is one of them. The bulging, good-value burritos at this quirky, well…

  • Rodney's Oyster House

    Vancouver

    A pilgrimage spot for oyster fans, Rodney's is always buzzing. And it's not just because of the convivial room with its nautical flourishes; these folks…

  • Ramen Danbo

    Vancouver

    Behind the shed-like black-wood exterior (and oversized paper lantern) lurks the chatty heart of Kitsilano's best ramen joint, a cozy, izakaya-like spot…

  • Tangent Cafe

    Vancouver

    Lined with retro wood paneling, this warm and welcoming Drive hangout combines comfort-classic wraps and burgers with several Malaysian curries and some…

  • La Mezcaleria

    Vancouver

    Expect superb soft tacos topped with delectable ingredients such as pork confit and braised beef cheeks at this superior Mexican restaurant. Take a seat…

  • Downlow Chicken Shack

    Vancouver

    Spicy, deep-fried, southern-style chicken is the menu foundation at this bright and buzzing spot with its surprisingly happy grinning-bird logo. Choose…

  • Trafiq

    Vancouver

    This sometimes clamorously busy French-influenced bakery-cafe is a lunchtime magnet with its quesadillas, house-made soups and bulging grilled sandwiches …

  • Teahouse in Stanley Park

    Vancouver

    Occupying a gabled 1930s park building, this lovely spot serves contemporary West Coast classics such as roasted BC sablefish and Fraser Valley duck,…

  • La Casa Gelato

    Vancouver

    If you've been on your feet all day exploring the city, it may be time to cool down with an ice-cold treat. A visit to Vancouver's fave traditional ice…

  • Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant

    Vancouver

    Reservations are not accepted at this Drive favorite, so arrive early for a table or expect to queue. Even if you have to wait, it'll be worth it: the…

  • Bestie

    Gastown & Chinatown

    Like a food truck with a permanent home, this white-walled hole-in-the-wall specializes in Berlin-style currywursts – hearty sausages slathered in curry…

  • Ramen Butcher

    Gastown & Chinatown

    One of several new Asian-themed restaurants arriving in Chinatown in recent years, this is the first North American foray of a well-known Japanese ramen…

  • MeeT in Gastown

    Gastown & Chinatown

    Serving great vegan comfort dishes without the rabbit-food approach, this wildly popular spot can be clamorously busy at times. But it's worth the wait…

  • La Cigale French Bistro

    Vancouver

    A charming neighborhood bistro with a casual contemporary feel, La Cigale's menu combines traditional French recipes with local ingredients and simple,…

  • Toshi Sushi

    Vancouver

    There are no reservations and the place is tiny, but this unassuming sushi joint just off Main is the best place in the neighborhood for Japanese dining…

  • Shizen Ya

    Fairview & South Granville

    A cut above the area's humdrum cheap-and-cheerful sushi shops; the prices here are just as good but the quality and service make a huge difference. Only…

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