Vancouver, known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a wide range of dining experiences that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some of the top recommendations for the best restaurants in Vancouver, highlighting their unique features and popular dishes.
Italian Cuisine
Caffé La Tana
Located on Commercial Drive, Caffé La Tana is a favorite among locals and celebrities alike. This Italian restaurant is designed after an old-world Italian alimentari, offering scratch-made pastas and seasonally rotating dishes. It is renowned for its spicy vodka sauce, whipped ricotta crostini with shaved truffle, and nettle arancini with garlic aioli. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list with vermouth flights and Italian-only wines[2][3].
Savio Volpe
In the heart of Vancouver, Savio Volpe stands out as one of the city’s nicest Italian restaurants. It offers an “Alla Famiglia” menu that allows for customized dinners, including antipasti, insalata, and pasta. A highlight is their acquerello risotto with wild chanterelle and lobster mushrooms with pecorino[3].
Asian Cuisine
Maenam
In Kitsilano, Maenam is a hidden gem for Thai cuisine. This restaurant is celebrated for its elevated dishes centered around ingredients sourced from local purveyors. It has been voted one of Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants and was listed in Michelin’s inaugural Vancouver Guide. Maenam is a must-visit for authentic and innovative Thai food[2].
Miku Vancouver
For sushi enthusiasts, Miku Vancouver is a standout. Specializing in gourmet Aburi cuisine (flame-seared sushi), this restaurant offers waterfront views and an exquisite dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended, and dressing up is advised[3].
Fat Mao Noodles
For a casual yet satisfying meal, Fat Mao Noodles is a great option. This restaurant serves a variety of noodle dishes, including Shanghai Wide Noodles, Wonton Noodles, and Pho Rice Noodles. It’s a go-to for noodle lovers in Vancouver[3].
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The Naam
Located in Kitsilano, The Naam is a long-standing favorite for vegetarians and vegans. This restaurant has been serving creative, natural vegetarian and vegan dishes for decades. It’s a comforting and reliable choice for those looking for plant-based cuisine[1].
The Acorn
The Acorn is a vegan-friendly restaurant that offers a multi-course tasting menu as well as à la carte options. It’s known for its innovative and delicious plant-based dishes, making it a top choice for vegans in Vancouver[3].
Aleph Eatery
For Middle Eastern vegan cuisine, Aleph Eatery is a hidden gem. The menu features interesting dishes like the Silk Road hummus with date syrup, labneh, and chimichurri. The dining room is adorned with eclectic Middle Eastern artwork and plenty of greenery[2].
Fine Dining
Blue Water Cafe
If you’re looking for top-notch seafood, Blue Water Cafe is the place to go. This restaurant focuses on sustainable seafood and offers a raw bar menu with oysters, caviar, ceviche, and seafood towers. Their main dishes include scallops, lobster, and locally-sourced fish[3].
Hawksworth Restaurant
Hawksworth Restaurant is a must-try for upscale dining. It has won numerous awards, including Best Upscale Restaurant by Vancouver Magazine. The menu features dishes like scallop and crispy pork belly, and halibut with manila clam and snape peas[3].
Casual Favorites
Torafuku
Recommended by actor Sophia Powers, Torafuku on Main Street is known for its fun vibe and great atmosphere. The Kickass Rice Crack Bowl with roasted vegetables and fried chicken is a standout dish. It’s a great spot for casual dining and hangouts[1].
Jambo Grill
For Indo-Ugandan delicacies, Jambo Grill is a family favorite. Located at Kingsway and Joyce, it offers sensational dishes that are fresh and flavorful. It’s a great option for those looking to try something unique and delicious[1].
Eat Bar & Patio Haraheri
This Japanese Izakaya restaurant is praised for its happy hour and delicious food. Located on Nelson Street, it features a huge heated patio on the third floor and a variety of Japanese dishes. Actor Camille Sullivan highly recommends it for its happy hour and overall dining experience[1].
Most Important Facts About the Best Restaurants in Vancouver
Caffé La Tana: Known for its Italian cuisine, scratch-made pastas, and an impressive wine list. Recommended for its spicy vodka sauce and nettle arancini[2][3].
Maenam: A top choice for Thai cuisine, recognized by Michelin and Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants. Offers elevated dishes with local ingredients[2].
Miku Vancouver: Specializes in gourmet Aburi sushi with waterfront views. Reservations and dressing up are advised[3].
The Naam: A long-standing vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Kitsilano, known for its creative and natural dishes[1].
Blue Water Cafe: Focuses on sustainable seafood with a raw bar menu and main dishes like scallops and lobster[3].
Hawksworth Restaurant: An upscale restaurant with award-winning dishes like scallop and crispy pork belly, and halibut with manila clam[3].
Torafuku: A casual favorite with a fun vibe, known for its Kickass Rice Crack Bowl and fried chicken[1].
Jambo Grill: Offers Indo-Ugandan delicacies and is a family favorite for fresh and flavorful dishes[1].
Eat Bar & Patio Haraheri: A Japanese Izakaya with a great happy hour and a huge heated patio, recommended for its happy hour and overall dining experience[1].
These restaurants showcase the diverse and vibrant culinary landscape of Vancouver, offering something for every palate and preference.
