Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Vancouver and What to Eat?

When you visit Vancouver, you are presented with a culinary masterpiece. From glittering sushi bars that line the streets in Chinatown to fine-dining rooms scattered around the downtown core, the restaurants here in the city can rival many other major urban centres in the world. Here we explore the best restaurants in Vancouver, what type of food they serve, and the different types of cuisine they offer.

What is Vancouver’s Local Cuisine?

Vancouver’s cuisine is aptly described as Pacific Northwest. This means a lot of seasonal, fresh ingredients are utilized in dishes focusing mainly on seafood and vegetables. Many restaurants also have an influence of Asian flavours and techniques due to the cultural diversity of Vancouver.

Where Are The Best Restaurants Located in Vancouver?

Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods each offer special spots featuring unique flavours from renowned chefs from around the world. Here are some of the top restaurant locations to explore: Gastown – Gastown is a historic neighbourhood located on the city’s downtown east side. The restaurants here feature modern takes on original local cuisine. Trendy spots such as The Flying Pig, Wild Rice and Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie all have their roots in the area’s culinary history. Chinatown – Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinese-American neighbourhoods, established in the late 19th century. From traditional Chinese dim sum to sushi bars, alluring aromas from every corner of Chinatown entice novices and experienced eaters alike. Happiness Yauatcha, Hoitong Chinese Seafood Restaurant and Chopstick Cafe are some of the popular food shops situated here. Granville Island – Granville Island is home to plenty of eateries where you can buy fresh, locally-sourced produce, artisan cheeses and delicious treats to take away. Restaurants like Minerva Mediterranean Bistro, Bridges Restaurant and Beach Bay Cafe & Patio offer gourmet dining and some of the best views in the city.

What Are Some Dishes to Try in Vancouver?

When you visit Vancouver, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring new dishes and flavours. Get yourself off the beaten track and move away from the usual tourist spots and venture into places like Gastown, Chinatown and Granville Island! Here are some of the must-try dishes that are sure to be enjoyed by all: Seafood dishes – Vancouver is bordered by the sea on three sides, making it an ideal spot for local seafood delicacies such as spot prawns, Dungeness crab and wild sockeye salmon. Favourites include salmon tartare with cucumber gazpacho sauce from Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar or cedar-plank salmon from Harbour Cookhouse & Oyster Bar. Dim sum – Dim sum is an important part of Chinese culture and a popular meal across China and many other parts of East Asia. Well-known spots for dim sum in Vancouver include Hoitong Seafood Restaurant and Chef Tony’s Gypsy Tea House. Here you can try dishes like har gao (prawn dumplings) and char siu bao (Chinese-style barbecue pork buns). Poutine – Poutine is a Canadian dish made with french fries, cheese curds and beef or chicken gravy. It is a popular snack found in many parts of Canada, including Vancouver. Iconic restaurants that serve notable variations of poutine include Wings & Udon Factory or La Belle Patate.

What Are Some Fancy Restaurants in Vancouver?

For those who are looking for more high-end dining experiences, the city offers numerous five-star restaurants for a luxury night out. Here are some places that should be top of your list if you want to indulge: Hawksworth Restaurant – Hawksworth Restaurant is located inside the luxurious Rosewood Hotel Georgia and serves up flavourful cuisine with modern Canadian influences. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list with over 800 varietals from around the world. The Goods – The Goods offers French-inspired cuisine paired with regional wines from around British Columbia. Located near Granville Island, this unique eatery is co-owned by renowned local chef Vikram Vij who creates dishes that both surprise and encourage diners to take risks with their culinary palate. CinCin Ristorante + Bar – CinCin Ristorante + Bar is situated in an iconic heritage building in downtown Vancouver and is renowned as one of the city’s best Italian spots. Finely crafted pastas, fresh seafood dishes, and creative pizzas are highlights here, all complemented by an award-winning wine list.

Conclusion

Vancouver provides endless possibilities when it comes to food exploration. Whether you’re looking for an affordable lunch spot or an extravagant night out, there’s something for all tastes and budgets here in the city. From classic North American dishes to earthy Asian flavors, visitors can become deeply connected to unique local ingredients found around Metro Vancouver. Don’t forget to check out Yelp! to help find the best restaurants in town whether you’re looking for something fancy or laid back!