Vancouver restaurants make up one of Canada's most vibrant dining scenes. Feast on an assortment of fresh ingredients masterfully prepared by award-winning chefs, often with ocean and mountain views.
Many foodies and chefs in the city take local and sustainable meals seriously – the 100 Mile Diet was born here, as was Ocean Wise, a program developed in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium that encourages environmentally-friendly seafood choices.
Chefs in Vancouver cover a huge range of global cuisine, from Japanese izakaya to authentic Italian and everything in between. Chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, from the Travel Channel's No Reservations, sang the praises of Vancouver chefs Tojo, Pino (from Cioppino's) and Vikram Vij. The city even has its own Iron Chef: Rob Feenie.
West Coast Cuisine
John Bishop, owner/chef of Bishop’s for more than 25 years, was one of Vancouver’s pioneers in sourcing local ingredients for culinary masterpieces. Mobil four-star restaurant West also serves expertly crafted regional cuisine, along with creative cocktails.
For some of the best in local seafood, dine at C Restaurant, which was the founding restaurant partner in the Ocean Wise program. Raincity Grill, located next to English Bay beach, features a unique 100 Mile Tasting Menu.
The unassuming Go Fish operates out of a small shack at Fisherman’s Wharf right on the harbour and uses fish straight off the boats. Try the salmon tacones and then wander around nearby Granville Island Market for west coast foodie inspiration. Plan an al fresco meal and pick up some artisan bread, meat, poultry, fish, produce or treats "to go".
Asian Cuisine
The New York Times described Vij’s as “easily among the finest Indian restaurants in the world”. Don’t miss the signature lamb popsicles, recommended by Bon Appetit magazine, or be adventurous and order an Indian-style appetizer with crickets (yes, the insect).
Another foodie must-visit is Tojo’s, where master sushi chef Hidekazu Tojo is credited with inventing the ubiquitous California Roll. Order Omakase and trust the chef to create the perfect meal.
Sample steaming hot dim sum at the award-winning Kirin Restaurant, or peruse the extensive menu at Phnom Penh, a Cambodian-Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown.
On weekend evenings in the summer, visit the Richmond Night Market to eat dim sum and Asian specialties, and to browse more than 400 stalls selling a massive variety of goods.
Casual and Local Favourites
Cactus Club Café is a local chain of restaurants that boasts signature dishes by Iron Chef Rob Feenie. White Spot, another local institution with multiple locations, is known for its burgers – try the legendary Triple “O” burger.
Craving bite-sized cuisine? Pop into Bin 941 and Bin 942, which were instrumental in establishing Vancouver’s love affair with tapas. For a Japanese twist on tapas, visit Hapa Izakaya, one of a handful of izakaya restaurants in the city. Salt Tasting Room serves its own spin on small dishes with tasting plates of artisanal cheeses, condiments and charcuterie.
For authentic Italian, head to the quaint La Quercia or Cibo Trattoria, which emphasizes simplicity and freshness.
Find out why the Belgian and North African cuisine at Chambar has made it favourite spot for many Vancouverites, or head next door to Cafe Medina for waffles with innovative toppings – readers of local newspaper The Georgia Straight proclaimed it "Best Brunch" (2011).
New and Trendy
Try the well-balanced flavours of Maenam’s Thai fare (winner of Vancouver Magazine’s 2010 "Best Thai" and a silver for "Best New Restaurant") or cozy up with warm and welcoming Italian at Food & Wine magazine-recommended Campagnolo. Charming Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie was named one of the "Top Ten Best Restaurants in Canada" for 2010 by Air Canada's enRoute Magazine and the best of the Granville Island Public Market is used at Edible Canada's BC-inspired Edible at the Market.
Vancouver Food Carts
Keep an eye open for mobile food carts, a rapidly growing part of Vancouver’s culinary scene. Choose from a variety of cuisines: Japanese crêpes, pulled pork sandwiches, local chanterelle mushroom poutine, Korean tacos and much more.
Fine Dining
Blue Water Café + Raw Bar, one of the city’s best destinations for wild and sustainable seafood, was voted "Restaurant of the Year" and "Best Seafood Restaurant" for 2010 by Vancouver Magazine. Chef Frank Pabst was the magazine’s 2010 "Chef of the Year", too.
Dine at MARKET by Jean-Georges, at the Shangri-La Hotel, under the direction of renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca in Yaletown was named 2009 "Restauraunt of the Year" by Vancouver Magazine. Another excellent fine dining option is the elegant Il Giardino, run by iconic Vancouver chef Umberto Menghi.
Dining with a View
Five Sails, located in Canada Place on the Vancouver harbour, is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond Restaurant with views of Stanley Park and the Coast Mountains.
The Salmon House, perched high on Vancouver’s North Shore, has been charming diners with meals and views for more than 30 years. Try its "Uniquely BC" menu, with options from every region of the province.
Ride the gondola to The Observatory, located atop Grouse Mountain, for a spectacular view of the city and regionally sourced cuisine. The Sandbar restaurant on Granville Island offers signature dishes coupled with views of downtown Vancouver’s skyline.
Dine Out Vancouver
Take advantage of Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver (January) and enjoy three-course meals at some of the city’s finest restaurants for a low, fixed price. This event is very popular, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
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