The Best Restaurants in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the great cities of the world. Occupying a prominent corner in Canada's westernmost province of British Columbia, the city is framed by majestic mountains against the deep blue waters of the Strait of Georgia. Its stunning beauty, abundant outdoor activities, and diverse culture, including thriving art, music, and theatre scenes, serve as beacons for those across North America and the globe to come and experience all the city has to offer.

Equally as vibrant and just as eclectic is one of Vancouver's best, and arguably, most underappreciated qualities—a robust culinary scene. Born from its position as a waypoint between Canada, the United States, and the vast array of Asian cultures that rest on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, the distinctive cuisines found across the city reflect Vancouver's broad global influence.

Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a traveler eager to savor the city's flavors, you're in for an exceptional experience. From cozy hideaways to elegant dining rooms, traditional provisions to genuinely creative fare, we explore the tastes on offer at the ten best restaurants in Vancouver.

The Michelin Star-awarded AnnaLena Restaurant is a high-end affair in an intimate, kitschy (Legos, Star Wars characters, and an unusual collection of bears have starring roles in the decor) dining room off 1st Avenue in Kitsilano. Offering diners a seasonal tasting menu or "chapters" that turn anew every six weeks, AnnaLena took the number nine spot on the list of Canada's 100 best restaurants for good reason. Each multicourse meal suggests an evolution of Canadian cuisine, transforming locally-sourced ingredients into a mesmerizing, mouthwatering meal that you'll extoll long after the final bite. It'll prompt you to instantly look forward to AnnaLena's next chapter.

For a taste of the exotic flavors of China, look no further than Bao Bei. This cozy eatery brings the vibrant street food of Shanghai to the heart of Vancouver. The ambiance blends old-world charm and contemporary urban chic, creating a unique setting perfect for sharing a meal with friends or an intimate night out with a significant other. The menu features a tantalizing selection of small plates and dumplings, each filled with authentic flavors. Bao Bei is a culinary gem that captures the essence of China's bustling food scene and brings it right to your table.

The definition of light, airy, and eloquent, Botanist is a restaurant that, as the name suggests, seamlessly blends the culinary arts with the beauty of nature. Located within the equally elegant Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist invites you to make the most of all of your senses as you savor the seasonal flavors of this Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant. The menu celebrates Pacific Northwest flavors and culinary traditions with a modern twist. Make time to cozy up at the Botanist Bar, one of North America's 50 best bars.

If you're searching for a dining experience that marries modern sophistication with a touch of classic charm, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar achieves both in equal measure. Located in Downtown Vancouver, in the Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, the restaurant is an absolute gem that earns its placement in the top half of the 100 best restaurants in Canada. Upon entering the swanky Burrard Street location, one block away from the Vancouver Art Gallery, you're greeted with an effortless ambiance that blends elegance and comfort. Helmed by former Iron Chef champion Alex Chen, the diverse menu features an array of outstanding dishes with both French and Asian influences.

 

Farm-to-table has never been more elevated than the dining experience at Burdock & Co. on Main Street in the heart of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients earn special consideration, and the environmentally conscious dishes reflect what is arguably Vancouver's best, most authentic demonstration of Pacific Northwest cuisine. The ambiance is simple and sophisticated, and delightfully endearing—akin to a rustic cabin repurposed for urban diners. The menu evolves seasonally, ensuring that every sustainable dish is a fresh reflection of the Vancouver land- and seascapes.

For an unforgettable dining experience that radiates sophistication, Hawksworth Restaurant in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is the epitome of culinary excellence. The restaurant's stunning Studio Munge-designed interiors exude an air of smart sophistication. The menu, thoughtfully crafted by Chef David Hawksworth, features an exquisite selection of contemporary Canadian cuisine. With an emphasis on seasonality and locally-sourced ingredients, every dish is a masterclass of flavor and technique, making Hawksworth a must-visit destination for food connoisseurs.

A culinary journey that traverses the divergent yet wonderfully compatible flavors of Italy and Japan, it's no surprise that Chinatown's Kissa Tanto holds the number 10 spot on the list of top 100 restaurants in Canada. This unique eatery combines the best of both worlds, creating an extraordinary combination of tastes. The cozy yet sophisticated ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable and highly shareable meal. The creative blend of Italian and Japanese cuisines results in delicious and wildly inventive dishes. Kissa Tanto invites you to explore new dimensions of flavor in a setting that feels like a warm embrace.

Regularly lauded as one of the best restaurants not just in Vancouver, but a top establishment in Canada, Published on Main is the comfortable and cozy neighbourhood eatery taken to extraordinary new heights. This charming restaurant captures the essence of Vancouver's local flavors in a warm and inviting atmosphere. A Michelin-starred standout, the Published on Main menu showcases a delightful fusion of international influences—including well-curated European inspirations—with fresh, sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Though the wine list and its sommelier are award winners, make it a point to try at least one of Published on Main's signature or experimental cocktails.

A mainstay of best-of lists from the local to the international—and currently recognized as the 6th best restaurant in Canada—the French-inspired St. Lawrence has yet to disappoint its legion of culinary fans. The establishment fuses Quebecian influence—Les Québécois—with ingredients procured from local B.C. farmers and vendors. The result is an indulgent seven-course menu rich in flavor that would be at home in the great cities of Paris or Montreal. Thankfully, the Michelin-starred St. Lawrence planted deep roots and an elegant, contemporary take on the classic French Bistro in East Vancouver.

 

Indian cuisine is an immersive experience where boldness and authenticity ensure an outstanding meal long remembered. Sometimes hard to find, Vancouver is fortunate to have the culinary celebration of spices, flavors, and culture that is Vij's Restaurant. Situated at the southern edge of the Fairview and Mount Pleasant neighbourhoods, this warm, inviting establishment offers patrons a rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. Using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, Vij's offers deeply satisfying dishes full of flavor—akin to international comfort food.

Ready to discover more about Vancouver, its world-class culinary scene, and the region's extraordinary luxury real estate market? Contact Amir Miri today and allow his experience, expertise, and commitment to his client's help you navigate the high-end Vancouver real estate market.