Kim as awesome. The sweetest tour guide. She was very personable and knew all about the city. 5 starsKate, Vancouver, 2025
Taste Vancouver’s Real Flavors on a Private Food Tour
Eat where locals actually go
Table Of Contents
- Fresh Seafood and West Coast Flavors: Why Vancouver’s Food Stands Out
- Dim Sum and Asian Flavors: The Heart of Vancouver’s Food Culture
- Vancouver’s Best Restaurants: From Fine Dining to Hidden Gems
- Vancouver’s Sushi Scene: Discover Rolls Beyond the California Roll
- Korean Fried Chicken and Global Eats: Vancouver’s Flavorful Diversity
- Casual Eats, Street Food, and Quick Bites
- Sweet Treats and Desserts Worth Seeking Out
- Where to Eat in Vancouver: Neighborhoods and Districts
- Dining Styles and Experiences: From Happy Hour to Tasting Menus
- Dietary Options: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Accommodations
- Notable Chefs and Their Impact
- Food Markets and Shopping for Ingredients
- Practical Tips for Eating Out in Vancouver
- Frequently Asked Questions About What to Eat in Vancouver
- Why Vancouver's Food Scene Will Change How You Think About Eating
I still remember the first time I cracked open a spot prawn at Granville Island Market when I was eight years old. My dad showed me how to peel it, and that sweet, almost buttery flavor changed everything I thought I knew about seafood. That moment made me obsessed with Vancouver food, and two decades later, I'm still chasing that same thrill.
Fresh spot prawns and salmon displayed at Granville Island market
Growing up here means I've watched Vancouver transform from a city with good Chinese food and not much else into one of the most exciting food destinations in North America. I've spent countless weekends dragging friends to new restaurants, convincing them to wait an hour for dim sum, and probably annoyed more than a few servers with questions about where their fish came from. When people ask about Vancouver experiences, I tell them to skip the typical tourist traps and eat their way through the city instead. This Vancouver food guide will show you exactly what to eat and where to find the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Fresh Seafood and West Coast Flavors: Why Vancouver’s Food Stands Out
When people ask what defines Vancouver food, fresh seafood is always my first answer. It's one of the must-try foods in Vancouver. Living on the Pacific coast in the Pacific Northwest means we get fish and shellfish that are often caught the same day.
Spot Prawns: Vancouver’s Seasonal Delicacy
Spot prawns are my obsession. They're only available from May through June, and I plan my entire spring around spot prawn season. These sweet, delicate prawns taste nothing like the rubbery shrimp you might find elsewhere. My favorite way is still the simplest: quickly sautéed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
British Columbia Salmon and Dungeness Crab: Must-Try West Coast Delights
British Columbia salmon comes in several varieties, and each has its own flavor profile. Sockeye is deeply flavorful and rich, while spring salmon has a buttery texture that practically melts. I've had salmon prepared with traditional techniques passed down through Indigenous communities, and the respect for the fish is evident in every bite.
Flame-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables
Dungeness crab is something you need to try at least once. The meat is sweet and tender, and I'm addicted to cracked crab, the kind where you sit there with your hands getting messy, pulling meat out of the shell while drinking cold white wine. I keep going back to Blue Water Cafe because they never compromise on the quality of their seafood. It’s a place where ingredients shine, and the menu changes with the seasons. I've been going for years, and what keeps me coming back is how they let the ingredients speak for themselves. The Fish Counter takes a more casual approach, and you can grab sustainably caught fish to take home or eat right there.
West Coast cuisine isn't just about seafood. It's also about using what grows well in British Columbia and treating those ingredients with respect. Local farms supply restaurants with produce, and many chefs build their menu around what's available each season. Asparagus in spring, tomatoes in summer, squash in fall. Simple, but so many restaurants ignore seasonality.
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Dim Sum and Asian Flavors: The Heart of Vancouver’s Food Culture
While seafood is the shining star of Vancouver's culinary offerings, the city's food scene is far from one-dimensional. One of Vancouver's most iconic foods comes from the bustling kitchens of its dim sum restaurants.
The Dim Sum Experience
Vancouver's dim sum scene rivals Hong Kong, and I say this having eaten in both cities. Growing up, weekend dim sum was sacred family time. We'd pile into the car at 10 AM and head to Richmond, where my parents would argue about which restaurant had the best har gow that week. Richmond has the highest concentration of excellent dim sum restaurants. My strategy is getting there before 11 AM or going after 2 PM when the crowds thin out.
Pan-fried pork buns are something I order every single time, without fail. The bottoms get crispy and golden while the tops stay soft and pillowy. Har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai are classics for a reason. I judge every dim sum place by their har gow first.
Dinesty and Sea Harbour are two places I recommend without hesitation because I've been going to both for years. Dinesty’s soup dumplings are a must-try, and the broth inside is so rich I can’t help but go for a second round every time. The broth inside is flavorful without being too salty. I love Sea Harbour for its old-school charm. The carts rolling through the dining room take me back to my childhood dim sum memories with my family. The energy in these places during weekend brunch is chaotic in the best way.
Beyond Dim Sum: Vancouver's Asian Food Scene
Asian food in Vancouver extends far beyond Chinese cuisine. We have authentic Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Indian restaurants that serve traditional dishes you won't find in most North American cities. You can find crispy rice salad with herbs and lime, pad thai with tamarind and fresh peanuts, pho with rich broth that's been simmered for hours, and potato and cauliflower pakoras that are so good I've ordered a second plate as my main course.
Plate of pad thai with lime wedges and crushed peanuts
Vancouver’s Best Restaurants: From Fine Dining to Hidden Gems
The best restaurants in Vancouver cover every price point and style. Whether you're after Michelin-starred fine dining or neighborhood spots with exceptional food, this city delivers.
I've been there three times because I keep thinking about the food weeks later. The dinner tasting menu changes frequently, and each course tells a story about British Columbia. I've been there three times because I keep thinking about the food weeks later. The dinner tasting menu changes frequently, and each course tells a story about British Columbia.
Their mafaldine pasta with uni and shiso is genius, and the Japanese fried chicken with pomegranate molasses keeps my friends talking months later. Order everything and share served family style with your big group. Their mafaldine pasta with uni and shiso is genius, and the Japanese fried chicken with pomegranate molasses keeps my friends talking months later. Order everything and share served family style with your big group.
What keeps me coming back is how they let the ingredients speak for themselves without overcomplicating things. What keeps me coming back is how they let the ingredients speak for themselves without overcomplicating things.
For more affordable options, Main Street has become a corridor of interesting, chef-driven spots. Commercial Drive offers everything from Portuguese grilled chicken to Ethiopian injera, with cafes and other businesses that have served the neighborhood for decades. Gastown, with its cobblestone streets, houses both tourist traps and legitimate restaurants that locals frequent.
In Vancouver, the details really matter when it comes to sushi.
Vancouver’s Sushi Scene: Discover Rolls Beyond the California Roll
Vancouver's proximity to the Pacific Ocean means sushi here is taken seriously. The best sushi in Vancouver holds its own against anything you'd find in Tokyo.
The California roll is still popular, but if you want to try something more exciting, go for flame-seared sushi. It’s a local favorite where the fish is lightly torched, giving it a smoky depth that really makes the flavors pop. I first tried aburi salmon at Miku, and after that, I understood why people line up for it. It’s a simple technique, but the taste is unforgettable.
Beautiful presentation of sushi rolls with vibrant fish
Tojo’s has been around for decades and remains one of the staples in the city. It’s known for creative rolls and solid, no-nonsense sushi. The focus is on quality fish and traditional methods, which is why it continues to be one of the go-to places for locals who want great sushi, year after year.
If you're looking for something a bit more casual, Hana Sushi on Robson Street is always a reliable option. It’s consistently good, with none of the wait or fuss you might find at other places. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite when you’re in the area.
In Vancouver, the details really matter when it comes to sushi. The temperature of the rice, how the fish is sliced, and the amount of wasabi are all small things that make a big difference in the overall experience. These are the kinds of details you’ll find at the serious sushi spots around the city, and it’s what makes Vancouver’s sushi scene stand out.
Korean Fried Chicken and Global Eats: Vancouver’s Flavorful Diversity
Beyond sushi and seafood, Vancouver's immigrant communities have brought flavors from every corner of the world. One dish that has become a must-try in the city is Korean fried chicken.
The chicken is double-fried, creating an incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after being coated in sauce. It's the kind of fried chicken you eat with your hands, and you will definitely want napkins, lots of them. I have been going to Damso since it first opened, and the quality has never dropped. The fried chicken is served with pickled radish, which helps cut through the richness, making each bite feel balanced and satisfying.
Crispy double-fried Korean fried chicken served with pickled radish and sauce
Vancouver’s ethnic food scene is a reflection of the city’s diversity. Walk a few blocks in any direction and you'll encounter different cuisines. Persian restaurants serve lamb popsicles marinated in saffron. I had these for the first time at a friend’s recommendation, and they've since become something I crave. Middle Eastern spots offer fresh pita bread baked in-house. Mexican taquerias make tortillas daily and serve tacos with slow-cooked meats that fall apart when you bite into them.
Classic dishes from around the world are prepared authentically here because the people cooking them grew up on this food. I’ve had Filipino adobo that tasted exactly like my friend's mom makes it, Vietnamese bánh mì that transported me to Hanoi, and Indian dosas that were crispy, tangy, and perfect.
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Discover the differenceCasual Eats, Street Food, and Quick Bites
Not every meal needs to be a production. Some of my best food memories in Vancouver have come from quick, casual places where I spent less than fifteen dollars.
Hot dogs might seem basic, but Japadog turns them into something special with Japanese-inspired toppings like teriyaki sauce, nori, and bonito flakes. It’s a take on the classic that feels entirely unique to Vancouver, and after one bite, you’ll see what I mean. Similarly, hand-cut fries with creative toppings make for a great snack. Fritz European Fry House on Davie Street serves the best Belgian-style fries in the city. And if you're in the mood for poutine, La Belle Patate serves up a version that rivals anything you'd find in Quebec.
Crispy Belgian-style fries from Fritz European Fry House with sauces
A food tour is a great way to sample multiple spots in just a few hours, especially if you're new to the city. Guided walks through neighborhoods like Gastown or Granville Island will take you to local favorites for small bites and fresh ingredients at every stop.
Walk-ins are welcome at most casual spots, though weekend brunch is a different story. If you're flexible with timing, lunch at 2 PM or dinner at 5:30 PM means shorter waits and a more relaxed experience.
Sweet Treats and Desserts Worth Seeking Out
Vancouver's dessert scene has grown significantly over the past decade. You'll find everything from traditional French patisseries to Asian bakeries specializing in mochi and custard buns.
Maple Syrup and Afternoon Tea
Maple syrup still shows up in Vancouver desserts, especially during colder months. Maple soft serve at places like Earnest Ice Cream is dangerously good. The maple flavor here tends to be more subtle than overpowering, which I prefer.
Afternoon tea is available at several hotels and tearooms. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver serves a classic version with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a selection of teas. I've celebrated birthdays this way, and something about tiny sandwiches and too much tea makes everything feel special.
Asian-Influenced Desserts
Asian-influenced desserts are everywhere. Japanese soufflé pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa jiggle when the server sets them down. Hong Kong-style egg tarts, Korean bingsu, and Filipino halo-halo all have dedicated followings. Beta5's salted caramel bars have ruined me for all other salted caramels.
Japanese soufflé pancakes topped with whipped cream and fresh berries
Tip: Savor Every Bite
Skip the tourist traps. With City Unscripted, taste Vancouver like a local, from hidden sushi bars to markets only insiders know.Where to Eat in Vancouver: Neighborhoods and Districts
Now that you know what to eat in Vancouver, let me guide you to the best neighborhoods for finding these dishes. Each area has its own character and specialties.
Granville Island
Granville Island sits under the Granville Bridge and houses the city's most famous public market. The market has vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, charcuterie, and prepared foods. I go here when I'm cooking for friends because the quality is better than any supermarket. For fresh seafood, I always stop by Go Fish for the best fish tacos and fish and chips. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite with a view of the water. Granville Island is one of those must-visit destinations where both tourists and locals shop. Yes, it’s crowded, but it’s worth it.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is more about the scenery than the food. There are a handful of restaurants located within or near Stanley Park. For a meal with a view, The Teahouse in Stanley Park is hard to beat. Their seasonal dishes are always fresh, and the views of English Bay are the cherry on top. They're convenient if you're spending the day exploring Stanley Park.
Scenic view of The Teahouse in Stanley Park
Commercial Drive
On Commercial Drive, I always stop by La Grotta Del Formaggio for their Italian sandwiches. They’re simple, fresh, and satisfying. It's less polished than some other areas. That's exactly why I love it. When people ask about things to do in Vancouver, I always tell them to spend an afternoon walking Commercial Drive, stopping at different cafes and restaurants as they go.
Main Street
If I’m on Main Street, I can’t resist grabbing a quick bite at The Fish Counter for their fresh fish and chips. This is where you'll find many of the city's chef-driven restaurants that aren't trying to be formal fine dining. I eat on Main Street weekly because there's always something new to try.
Fresh fish and chips from The Fish Counter on Main Street
Downtown and Robson Street
Robson Street downtown has a mix of chain restaurants and independent spots. It's convenient if you're staying in a downtown hotel. The downtown core has everything from quick lunch counters to expense-account restaurants.
Dining Styles and Experiences: From Happy Hour to Tasting Menus
Understanding different dining styles will help you make the most of Vancouver's food scene. How you eat can be as important as what you eat.
Family Style and Tasting Menus
Family-style dining, where dishes are placed in the center of the table for sharing, is my preferred way when I'm with a group. This lets you try more dishes in one meal.
Dinner tasting menus are available at the city's more ambitious restaurants. These are experiences I save up for. Published on Main, Masayoshi, and St. Lawrence all offer tasting menus that change regularly. Be prepared to spend two to three hours at the table and budget accordingly.
Set menus offer a fixed selection of dishes at a set price. These are common at brunch spots and some ethnic restaurants. You get fewer choices, but the value is better than ordering à la carte.
Happy Hour and Aperitivo
Happy hour in Vancouver has become quite competitive. Many restaurants offer daily happy hour specials with discounted small bites and drinks. Some places run their daily happy hour all day Monday through Friday, while others limit it to specific windows between 3 PM and 6 PM. Creative cocktails are increasingly common. The wine list at most restaurants features British Columbia wines prominently.
Creative cocktails at happy hour
Aperitivo hour, inspired by the Italian tradition, has been adopted by several of the best restaurants in Vancouver. It's similar to happy hour but with a focus on light snacks paired with wine or cocktails. Many restaurants offer both happy hour and aperitivo hour at different times.
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Dietary Options: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Accommodations
Vancouver is one of the easiest cities in North America for people with dietary restrictions.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Vegan options exist at nearly every restaurant. The vegan gnocchi at The Acorn is rich and decadent, proving that plant-based food can be as comforting as any meat-based dish. I’ve taken meat-loving friends here, and they’ve left impressed. The Naam has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 1968.
For a truly vegan Vietnamese experience, Chau Veggie Express is a must-try. Their pho and crispy rice salad are packed with flavor and authenticity, offering a plant-based take on the traditional Vietnamese dishes I love. It’s one of my favorite places to go when I’m craving something flavorful and satisfying.
Gluten-Free Dining
Gluten-free diets are also well-accommodated. Many restaurants mark gluten-free options clearly on their menus. Pizza places offer gluten-free crusts, sushi restaurants use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and bakeries like Terra Breads have dedicated gluten-free baked goods. Finding gluten-free options is easier in Vancouver than in most North American cities.
A gluten-free pizza with a crispy crust, fresh toppings, and melted cheese
Notable Chefs and Their Impact
Individual chefs have shaped Vancouver's culinary landscape. Chef Vikram Vij, through his restaurant Vij's and later Rangoli, helped elevate Indian cuisine beyond what people expected. The lamb popsicles I had the first time at Vij's showed me that fusion could be sophisticated, not gimmicky. Chef Vikram Vij appeared on Dragon's Den and used his platform to promote the entire Vancouver food scene.
Chef Hidekazu Tojo is another influential figure. He's credited with creating several fusion rolls and training a generation of chefs who now run their own restaurants. I've sat at his bar and watched him work, and the precision he puts into each piece is something you don't forget.
Food Markets and Shopping for Ingredients
If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, Vancouver has excellent markets. Granville Island Public Market is the most famous. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds. I try to arrive right when they open at 9 AM. The vendors sell fresh fish (including spot prawns during season), local produce, artisanal bread that's still warm, and imported specialty items.
Colorful assortment of heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs at the Trout Lake market
The farmers' markets that pop up in various neighborhoods during the summer offer produce straight from local farms. The Trout Lake market on Saturdays is good, with vendors selling everything from heirloom tomatoes to fresh herbs. These neighborhood markets are some of the best hidden gems in Vancouver for anyone who loves cooking.
Practical Tips for Eating Out in Vancouver
Here's what I wish someone had told me when I first started exploring the best restaurants in Vancouver and the city's food scene.
Timing and Reservations:
- Weekend brunch: Best brunch spots will have waits of 30 minutes to an hour if you arrive between 10 AM and 1 PM
- Weekday lunches: Downtown core near office buildings gets busy between noon and 1 PM
- Dinner reservations: Book at least a week ahead for popular restaurants, sometimes more during peak season
Money Matters:
- Tipping: Fifteen to twenty percent is expected for good service. I typically start at 18 percent
- Budget: Casual restaurants and food trucks run $15-25 for lunch, $30-60 per person for dinner at mid-range restaurants
- Wine: British Columbia wines from the Okanagan Valley are well-priced and pair nicely with the food
A cozy restaurant setting and a bill at the rend of dinner
Getting Around:
- Parking: Can be challenging downtown and in popular neighborhoods. Consider public transit or ride-sharing
- SkyTrain: Connects many neighborhoods, and buses run frequently
- Richmond access: SkyTrain Canada Line from downtown takes about 25 minutes
Best Practices:
- Restaurant pace: If you're flexible with timing, lunch at 2 PM or dinner at 5:30 PM means shorter waits
- Market timing: Granville Island is less crowded early morning (9 AM) versus midday Saturday
- Walking strategy: Choose restaurants that are a few blocks apart and walk between them
Bustling Vancouver restaurant interior with diners and servers
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Frequently Asked Questions About What to Eat in Vancouver
1) What is Vancouver's most famous food?
Fresh seafood, particularly spot prawns and wild salmon, defines Vancouver's food identity. The city's location on the Pacific coast means access to some of the best fish and shellfish in the world.
2) Where are the best restaurants to try dim sum?
Richmond has the highest concentration of excellent dim sum restaurants, including Sea Harbour and Dynasty. Arrive before 11 AM or after 2 PM to avoid peak crowds.
3) Is Vancouver expensive for dining out?
Vancouver can be pricey, but you can find great food at every price point. Budget $15-25 for casual lunch and $30-60 per person for mid-range dinner.
4) What neighborhoods have the best food?
Main Street, Commercial Drive, and Richmond offer the most variety and quality. Each neighborhood offers different styles, so exploring multiple areas gives you the full picture.
5) Can I find authentic international cuisine?
Yes. Vancouver's immigrant communities have brought authentic food traditions from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. You'll find restaurants run by people who grew up on these foods.
6) What makes West Coast cuisine different?
West coast cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and the Pacific Ocean. There's a focus on sustainability and letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
7) Where can I find the best sushi?
Try Miku for aburi-style (the technique they pioneered), Tojo's for creative rolls, or Richmond restaurants for excellent quality at more affordable prices.
8) Are there good vegetarian and vegan restaurants?
Absolutely. The Acorn, The Naam, and Meet are all excellent. Most restaurants also offer substantial vegan options, even if they're not exclusively plant-based.
9) How easy is it to find gluten-free options?
Very easy. Most restaurants mark gluten-free options clearly on menus. Pizza places offer gluten-free crusts, and bakeries like Terra Breads have dedicated gluten-free baked goods.
10) What should I eat at Granville Island?
Start with fresh seafood from Oyama Sausage or The Stock Market. Grab baked goods from Terra Breads (their olive bread is exceptional), and sample local cheeses. During spot prawn season, watch vendors cook them right there.
Why Vancouver's Food Scene Will Change How You Think About Eating
The best meals I've had in Vancouver have come from chefs who focus on ingredients, technique, and creating something genuine. Whether you're sitting at a counter having dim sum with locals who've been coming to the same spot for 30 years, working through a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or grabbing fish and chips on a park bench, Vancouver offers food experiences that reflect the city's values.
Here's what I want you to understand about what to eat in Vancouver: it's not just about access to fresh salmon or good dim sum. It's about a city that decided food culture was worth doing right. The salmon will still swim in Pacific waters next year. The dim sum restaurants will still fill up on weekends. And somewhere, a chef will be working with local farms to create dishes that couldn't exist anywhere else.
Spot prawns glistening with freshness, served with lemon
I've spent my entire adult life here. I still get excited when someone opens a new restaurant or when spot prawn season starts. That excitement hasn't faded. Vancouver's food scene isn't perfect, but it's ours, and it's exceptional.
So yes, come to Vancouver for the food. Try everything I've mentioned and then go find your own favorites. Eat the spot prawns when they're in season. Wait in line for dim sum. Sit at a counter and watch the chef work. Order the Korean fried chicken and get sauce all over your hands. Take the SkyTrain to Richmond. If you're exploring Canada experiences more broadly, understand that Vancouver represents something unique in the Canadian food landscape. Once you've tasted what's possible here, you'll understand exactly why I can't shut up about it.
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