Eating Out in Vancouver
image: A Normandin (Destination Vancouver)
The Team, October 2024
You are thoroughly spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Vancouver. With gastronomic influences from around the world, in particular Europe and the Pacific Rim, you'll find everything from casual street food to the very finest gastronomy in Michelin-starred establishments.
The variety and diversity of food is phenomenal in Vancouver, plus lots of the produce is very, very locally sourced – the 100 Mile Diet started in Van with a guy called John Bishop (not that one!) back in the 70s, so farm-to-fork options are habitual here, with not only some of the best food on the planet but also some of the most sustainable.
We love this beatufiul city in the winter. Although certainly a lot quieter than the summer months, we’d still recommend booking restaurants in advance if there are specific places you want to eat, especially some of the higher-end options...
Michelin-Starred Dining
Vancouver became Michelin accredited in October 2022 and it now has over 70 restaurants recommended by the Guide Michelin, of which nine have achieved the 1 Star status.
Among the first to be given Michelin Star status, Kissa Tanto serves uniquely Japanese Italian fusion food, creating ambitious culinary masterpieces in a 1960’s-inspired Tokyo themed restaurant. Named among Canada's best new restaurants in 2016, it remains at the top of its game today.
Another 1-star restaurant, Burdock & Co, recently did a chef exchange with UK celebrity chef Angela Hartnett; she loved the laid back nature of the Canadian kitchen which takes a farm-to-table approach so often seen in Vancouver.
If you do want to test any of Vancouver's Michelin-starred restaurants, make sure you book in advance; speak to our team who will be more than happy to help you with your plans.
Coffee & Donuts
It feels like the done thing in Canada and great for people watching. Tim Hortons (locally referred to as Timmies) is like the Starbucks of Canada, always worth popping into for coffee and Timbits. If you want something a bit more unique to Vancouver then seek out Lucky’s or Lee's Donuts in downtown, or if you find yourself in North Van then a quick visit to Cream Pony will provide the sugar and caffeine boost needed to keep exploring. If you want something a little more upmarket then it’s hard to beat Five Sails afternoon tea, add half a dozen oysters on the side, enjoy the amazing views, and just tap your card without looking when the bill comes.
Street Food
Destination Vancouver/Suzanne Rushton
It’s certainly not white linen napkins but these options are some of the most exciting food you’ll get in Vancouver, and also tends to be reasonably priced. Showcasing the diverse food scene from amazing Latin American inspired outlets like Tacofino, there’s a range of Korean options such as Tako, Disco Cheetah and Kosoo. Japan is well represented with places like Tokyo Katsu-sand, and we never visit Van without at least one Japadog (hot dogs meet Japanese cuisine – perfection!). Even Canadian staples can be found, Mean Poutine is highly recommended after a couple of drinks.
Seafood
Given it’s location on the edge of the Pacific it probably comes as no surprise that the seafood in Vancouver is phenomenal. Keep an eye out for the Oceanwise signs which shows that what you’re eating has been caught ethically and sustainably. You’ll find amazing sushi restaurants – we love Miku for it’s views, but it doesn’t need to be super expensive for great quality, Guu is a great example. The Sandbar in Granville is one of our favourite seafood restaurants but there are plenty more to discover, from oyster bars, fish and chip shops, fine dining fish restaurants and everything in between.
Quick Breakfast
Arc Restaurant at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Thankfully it’s likely your hotel won’t include breakfast because there’s loads to try here too, prior to your day exploring. Breka Bakery & Café is a Vancouver staple, an absolute must one (or many) mornings. Yolks has an amazing range of breakfast items, including fried chicken and waffles (yes, that’s one item), make your own Benny and pancakes. If you’re after a buffet then the Arc Restaurant at the Fairmont Waterfront does a great one, with smoothies to revitalise your body and soul after Whistler’s skiing / après. Or for an extra special indulgence, sample Arc's Bottomless Weekend Brunch, with unlimited small plates ranging from Pulled Pork Benedict to the signature 'Ooey Gooey Skillet'. Delicious!
Granville Island
Enjoying Lee's Donuts at Granville Island Public Market (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
You’ll find the Public Market here with Fuji Corner - Japense street food, Mexican takeaway like La Tortilleria, and donuts so good there’s a queue around the corner (one of Lee’s outlets). There’s a brewery, plus lots of seafood restaurants dotted around and nearby including The Sandbar, The Vancouver Fish Company and Go Fish (& chips).
Asian and South American influence
Couple walk through Chinatown (Destination BC/Jordan Dyck)
One of the lovely things about eating in Vancouver is the influences from the diverse population living there. With one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China a visit to Chinatown has to be done, one of our favourite Chinese restaurants in downtown is Kirin, high quality Chinese food with a pretty good price tag. If you’ve not had proper Mexican food before (and no, Tex Mex doesn’t count) then you must visit Ophelia, or its sister restaurant Monarca. Japanese is also something you’ll find a lot of, Jinya Ramen, Guu and Poke N Chat are just some of the fun, flavoursome and well priced options.
Food with a View
Sunset over Coal Harbour (Destination BC/Maurice Li)
Cactus Club Cafe Coal Harbour has views out over the yachts in the harbour, Stanley Park and the float planes taking off and landing. For amazing views of the skyline take the ferry over to North Vancouver and visit Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar. From the top of Grouse Mountain the food and views from the Observatory alone make the journey worth it. The Teahouse in Stanley Park is worth chaining up the bikes for a couple of hours to visit for lunch. And while not quite in downtown venture out a little further from Granville, or stop off on the way to/from the Museum of Anthropology at The Boathouse Restaurant looking directly out across Kitsilano Beach. Finally the Dockside Restaurant has to be worth noting on Granville Island, but we’re sure there’s many more we’re yet to discover.
Food Tours
Vancouver Foodie Tours at Granville Island Public Market (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
As you can see, there’s quite a lot to get through in Vancouver. Given you're likely only have 2 to 3 nights, it’s difficult to try everything but a food tour is a great way of trying lots of different things. Our personal favourites are in Granville Island and Gas Town; you not only get culinary delights but also some history from those passionate Vancouverites showing you around.
Find out more about vistiing Vancouver before or after your BC ski holiday by speaking to us on 0131 243 8097 on Enquire Online