The 15 Best Restaurants of Vancouver

Vancouver is a vibrant Canadian city with a booming nightlife culture that has significantly influenced its gastronomy scene over the years. The city boasts a diverse ethnic population that has contributed to the creation of a fusion cuisine style that has become a crowd-puller for tourists around the world. Additionally, the second-most populous city in Canada is surrounded by water from three sides, resulting in an abundance of fresh seafood, which, when blended with Vancouver’s hipster culture scene, makes for a top-class culinary experience.

Without further ado, let’s delve into the 15 best restaurants in Vancouver:

1. Miku

Miku, located in the heart of Vancouver, is known for serving some of the best sushi and seafood in the city. They are renowned for their ‘aburi sushi,’ which is sushi that has been lightly seared with a blowtorch, giving it a smoky and unique taste. Their sister restaurant, Minami, offers a similar menu in Yaletown.

2. Vij’s

Vij’s is a highly-celebrated restaurant in Vancouver that offers an indulgent Indian dining experience. The restaurant has earned its reverence with a menu of lesser-known Indian dishes crafted using locally sourced produce. It’s an excellent destination for curious food enthusiasts looking to explore a new cuisine.

3. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, situated in Yaletown, is known for serving up fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is a hit among seafood lovers who don’t mind spending a little extra for a deluxe feast.

4. The Acorn

Are you looking for a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves delightful food? Look no further than The Acorn. The restaurant provides a variety of modern, vegetable-focused dishes that draw inspiration from the earth-to-table culinary concept.

5. AnnaLena

AnnaLena, situated near Kitsilano, is known for serving contemporary Canadian cuisine in a modern, upscale space. The restaurant has an extensive wine and cocktail list, and their menu features dishes such as smoked cod with cornbread, brown butter, and crab aioli.

6. Blue Water Cafe

Blue Water Cafe is one of the go-to destinations for seafood in Vancouver. The menu is diverse, offering everything from fresh oysters to lobster carbonara, prepared with great skill and served in a sophisticated ambiance.

7. Mak N Ming

Mak N Ming is a family-owned restaurant that features French and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant, based in Kitsilano, offers a distinctive dining experience, with dishes like seared foie gras and Japanese omelet, pouding chomeur, and more.

8. Hawksworth Restaurant

Hawksworth Restaurant, situated in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, is one of the finest in Vancouver. The restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with a menu created by Michelin-starred chef David Hawksworth. The atmosphere is perfect for romantic dinners, and the menu features modern Canadian cuisine.

9. Kissa Tanto

Kissa Tanto is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets, located in Chinatown. The restaurant serves up Italian and Japanese fusion cuisine in a New York-style atmosphere. The seating arrangement is cozy, and dishes like octopus and chicken liver mousse with gnocchi are to-die-for.

10. Nightingale

Nightingale is an excellent destination on a warm Vancouver evening, located in Coal Harbour. The restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and invokes a feeling of sitting among the greenery with an outdoor lounge and herb garden. Their pizza selection is a must-try.

11. Belgian Brasserie

The Belgian Brasserie, situated in Gastown, has well and truly revamped what a typical Belgian restaurant looks like while keeping its roots intact. The restaurant is known for its selection of Belgian beers and moules frites (mussels and fries) made from scratch.

12. L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir, located in Gastown, presents an elevated dining experience with a contemporary menu. The upscale atmosphere features a décor with a sense of history, making the experience even more intimate.

13. Sushi Bar Maumi

Sushi Bar Maumi is tucked away in West End, but don’t let its small size deceive you; the restaurant serves some of the best sushi in Vancouver. The ingredients are flown in from Japan, making it an authentic culinary experience.

14. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is another Vancouver seafood favorite, located in the Sutton Place Hotel. Their live music brunch spread is a go-to for customers who want to indulge in a luxurious start to their day.

15. M8 Bistro & Bar

The end of our best restaurants tour lands at M8 Bistro & Bar, a Lebanese Mediterranean eatery located in the busy Davie Village area. It’s famous for its lamb shawarma and live Arabian music nights.

In conclusion, Vancouver’s restaurant scene is teeming with an array of diverse culinary experiences. From fresh seafood to modern Canadian and fusion cuisine, the city is a paradise for foodies looking for a unique experience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for somewhere new to dine out, Vancouver’s restaurant scene is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds.