9 Best Restaurants
Vancouver
The 9 Best Places To Eat in Vancouver
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Vancouver? Well, look no further than this list of the top places to eat in the beautiful multi-cultural food haven of Vancouver.
Vancouver is known for its diverse and dynamic food scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences available. The city’s location on the Pacific coast means that there is a particular emphasis on seafood, but there are also plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with other dietary restrictions.
One of the most popular areas for food in Vancouver is Granville Island, a pedestrian-friendly market that offers fresh seafood, baked goods, and other artisanal products. The city is also known for its Asian cuisine, particularly in the neighborhoods of Chinatown and Richmond, where you can find delicious Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food.
In recent years, Vancouver has also seen a surge in farm-to-table restaurants that focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. There are also plenty of options for street food, with food trucks and outdoor markets serving up everything from hot dogs to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Overall, Vancouver’s food scene is diverse, exciting, and always evolving, with new restaurants and culinary experiences popping up all the time.
Top Restaurants in Vancouver
L’Abattoir
French-inspired cuisine with a focus on seafood and meat dishes.
L’Abattoir is a popular restaurant located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, Canada. The restaurant’s name pays homage to its location in a building that was once a slaughterhouse.
L’Abattoir offers a French-inspired West Coast cuisine, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes such as steak tartare, smoked pork jowl, and roasted bone marrow. They also have a selection of fresh seafood, including oysters and seafood towers.
The restaurant’s interior is stylish and modern, with an open kitchen and a bar area. L’Abattoir also has a private dining room available for special events.
In addition to its food, L’Abattoir is known for its extensive wine list, which features both local and international wines. They also offer a creative cocktail menu, with unique drinks such as the “East Van Bramble” and the “Gastown Swizzle”.
L’Abattoir has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants by Canada’s 100 Best and receiving a 2021 Diners’ Choice Award from OpenTable it is no wonder L’Abbotoir is consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Vij’s
Vij’s – Contemporary Indian cuisine.
Vij’s is a highly acclaimed Indian restaurant located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant was founded by Vikram Vij and his wife Meeru Dhalwala in 1994, and has since become one of the city’s most popular dining destinations, known for its innovative cuisine and warm hospitality.
The menu at Vij’s features a blend of traditional Indian flavors and techniques with modern twists and local ingredients. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the lamb popsicles, made with locally sourced lamb chops marinated in a spicy yogurt and grilled to perfection, and the jackfruit curry, a vegetarian dish made with ripe jackfruit in a tomato and cream sauce.
One of the unique aspects of dining at Vij’s is the emphasis on hospitality and personal attention to each guest. The restaurant does not take reservations, but instead has a system where guests can wait in a comfortable lounge area while they are served complimentary appetizers and drinks. The staff also take the time to explain the menu and make recommendations based on each guest’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
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AnnaLena
Contemporary Canadian cuisine with global influences
Annalena is a modern Canadian restaurant located in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant is named after its chef and owner, Michael Robbins’ grandmother, and features a creative and seasonally driven menu that celebrates local ingredients and flavors.
A mainstay on the as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver lost, the menu is constantly changing based on the availability of ingredients, but some of the standout dishes have included the crispy chicken skins with hot sauce and honey, the smoked arctic char with fennel and apple salad, and the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roasted beets and salsa verde.
The restaurant’s interior is sleek and contemporary, with clean lines and minimalist decor. There is a spacious dining room with an open kitchen, as well as a cozy bar area where guests can enjoy cocktails and small plates.
Annalena has received numerous accolades since opening in 2015, including being named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants by enRoute magazine and winning the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Award for Best New Restaurant in 2016. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to sustainability and community, with a focus on sourcing local and seasonal ingredients and supporting local farmers and producers.
Kissa Tanto
Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine
It wouldn’t be a complete best restaurants in Vancouver list without mentioning Kissa Tanto. Kissa Tanto is a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant located in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood. The restaurant’s name translates to “a place where you can sit and linger awhile, where the boundaries are limitless and the conversation is open,” and it offers a unique dining experience that blends the flavors of Japan and Italy with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The menu at Kissa Tanto features a range of small plates and entrees that incorporate both Japanese and Italian ingredients and techniques. Some of the most popular dishes include the duck breast with hoisin sauce and pickled daikon, the spaghetti carbonara with bacon dashi and smoked soy, and the matcha tiramisu for dessert.
The interior of Kissa Tanto is stylish and elegant, with a mid-century modern aesthetic that is reminiscent of a 1960s Tokyo jazz club. There is a bar area where guests can enjoy cocktails and small plates, as well as a main dining room with cozy banquettes and an open kitchen.
Since opening in 2016, Kissa Tanto has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute magazine and winning the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Award for Best New Restaurant in 2017. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to sustainability and its focus on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Botanist
Pacific Northwest cuisine and creative cocktails.
The Botanist is a contemporary restaurant located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant is known for its inventive cuisine, creative cocktails, and beautiful design, which incorporates botanical elements throughout the space.
The menu at The Botanist features a range of dishes that are inspired by the Pacific Northwest and incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the roasted bone marrow with tomato jam and parsley salad, the crispy duck breast with blackberry sauce and turnips, and the cedar-infused salmon with pickled chanterelles and roasted cauliflower. It is no wonder why this place is on everyone’s best restaurants in Vancouver list.
In addition to its food menu, The Botanist is also known for its extensive cocktail program, which features drinks that incorporate house-made bitters, tinctures, and syrups, as well as local and exotic ingredients. The restaurant also has a selection of wines and craft beers, with a focus on small-batch and boutique producers.
The interior of The Botanist is lush and inviting, with living walls, floral arrangements, and botanical-inspired artwork throughout the space. There is a spacious dining room with comfortable banquette seating, as well as a bar area and a garden terrace that overlooks the city.
Since opening in 2017, The Botanist has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute magazine and winning the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Award for Best Pacific Northwest Cuisine in 2018. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to sustainability and its use of local and seasonal ingredients.
Savio Volpe
Italian-inspired cuisine with a focus on wood-fired cooking
Savio Volpe is a rustic Italian restaurant located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant’s name translates to “Savio the Fox,” a nod to the fox that appears on the restaurant’s logo and represents the restaurant’s playful and charming personality.
The menu at Savio Volpe features a range of classic Italian dishes, with a focus on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the wood-fired pizza with prosciutto and arugula, the roasted chicken with lemon and rosemary, and the ricotta dumplings with tomato sugo and pecorino.
The interior of Savio Volpe is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a large central bar. There is also a cozy outdoor patio that is popular in the summer months.
In addition to its food menu, Savio Volpe has a strong beverage program, with a focus on natural and biodynamic wines from Italy and around the world. The restaurant also has a selection of classic and original cocktails, as well as a rotating selection of local craft beers.
Since opening in 2015, Savio Volpe has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Best Italian Restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine and the Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute magazine in 2016. The restaurant has also been praised for its welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients.
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Nightingale
Seasonal and locally-sourced dishes
If you find yourself in downtown toronto, dont miss this top restaurant. The Nightingale is a contemporary Canadian restaurant located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant is named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, inventive cuisine, and creative cocktails.
The menu at Nightingale features a range of dishes that are inspired by global flavors, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the crispy brussels sprouts with mustard and honey, the lamb shank with parsnip puree and gremolata, and the chocolate and peanut butter tart for dessert.
In addition to its food menu, Nightingale is also known for its cocktail program, which features drinks that incorporate house-made syrups, bitters, and tinctures. The restaurant also has a selection of wines and craft beers, with a focus on small-batch and boutique producers.
The interior of Nightingale is sleek and modern, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a large central bar. There is also a spacious outdoor patio that is popular in the summer months.
Since opening in 2016, Nightingale has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Best New Restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine and the Best Casual Chain by the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association in 2017. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients and for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
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The Acorn
Vegetarian and vegan cuisine
Easily one of the best places to eat in Vancouver, the Acorn is a can’t miss foodie stop. The Acorn is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant is known for its inventive and modern cuisine, with a focus on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The menu at The Acorn features a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a focus on showcasing the flavors and textures of fresh vegetables. Some of the standout dishes include the charred cauliflower with pickled mustard seeds and lemon tahini, the squash gnocchi with smoked tofu and sage, and the coconut panna cotta for dessert.
In addition to its food menu, The Acorn has a strong beverage program, with a focus on natural and organic wines, local craft beers, and creative cocktails that incorporate house-made syrups and infusions.
The interior of The Acorn is cozy and welcoming, with warm lighting, wooden tables, and a large bar area. There is also a small outdoor patio that is popular in the summer months.
Since opening in 2012, The Acorn has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine and the Best Vegan Restaurant in North America by VegNews magazine in 2019. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to sustainability and its use of local and seasonal ingredients.
Maenam
Thai cuisine with a modern twist
Rounding out our list of the best places to eat in Vancouver is Maenam. Maenam is a modern Thai restaurant located in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant is known for its refined and contemporary take on traditional Thai cuisine, with a focus on using fresh and authentic ingredients.
The menu at Maenam features a range of dishes that are inspired by the diverse regional cuisines of Thailand, with a focus on balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Some of the standout dishes include the crispy pork belly with tamarind sauce, the green papaya salad with grilled prawns, and the coconut milk braised beef short ribs.
In addition to its food menu, Maenam has a strong beverage program, with a selection of Thai-inspired cocktails, local craft beers, and a carefully curated wine list.
The interior of Maenam is sleek and modern, with dark wood tables, a central bar area, and large windows that offer views of the surrounding neighborhood. There is also a cozy outdoor patio that is popular in the summer months.
Since opening in 2009, Maenam has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Best Thai Restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine for several years in a row. The restaurant has also been praised for its commitment to using sustainable seafood and its support of local farmers and suppliers.
