But we want you to focus on enjoying your time there, and experience all the tastes the city has to offer. So we made this shortlisted guide of must-go foodie destinations in Vancouver, and broke things down according to occasion type and budget.
Fine dining (and wining)
Hawksworth Restaurant
Where to begin describing Hawksworth? For starters, their dinner menu starts with items such as peach gazpacho with halibut, chicharrón, grapefruit and champagne. Things only get better with the entrees. Not to mention an interior design that’s equally tasteful, with the resturant split into four distinct dining areas. Founded by Canadian culinary star David Hawksworth, this establishment is frequently called "the best restaurant in Vancouver". They take pride in using West Coast ingredients to come up with contemporary culinary masterpieces. Is it expensive? Yes, of course. But that’s the price of dining like royalty. Literally.
Location: 801 West Georgia Street (Downtown)
_You might also love: Classic French cuisine at Le Crocodile, top-notch West Coast fare at Bishop’s, modern and local wonders at Market_
Acorn Restaurant
Who says upscale dining requires meat? Acorn definitely doesn’t think so, and their V for vegetable approach has made them destination dining for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal, local ingredients, and they’re happy to cater to vegan and gluten-free diets. With dishes like lemon-tarragon ricotta with za’atar eggplant sauce and desserts like pistachio crusted cannoli with vanilla apple compote and salted caramel, it’s no wonder Acorn is seen as one of the top 10 vegetarian restaurants in the world.
Location: 3995 Main St (Mt. Pleasant)
You might also love: Vegetarian Vietnamese at CHAU Veggiexpress, meat-free bistro burgers and fries at Meet on Main, Afghan and Indian feast at East is East
Blue Water Cafe
For premium Pacific seafood, go no further than Blue Water Cafe. Their combination of Japanese and Western culinary styles leads to a breathtaking offering, from a mouthwatering selection of sushi and sashimi to dishes like cod with chorizo and eggplant, from a treasure trove of oyster options to seafood towers. A gorgeous patio and a great bar menu tops things off nicely. Their deep commitment to sustainable sourcing of seafood doesn’t hurt either. There’s also choices for those who’d rather turf than surf, but why waste such an opportunity?
Location: 1095 Hamilton Street (Yaletown)
You might also love: Seafood and drinks near Stanley Park at YEW, authentic Japanese dining at Zest
Brunch and cafes
Cafe Medina
That photo above should do enough to convince you that Cafe Medina is the perfect spot for a big weekend brunch. They do savoury and sweet with equal flair, but their signature is Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts. It’s unlikely you’ll find exotic eats such as spicy Moroccan meatballs with poached eggs or breakfast paella anywhere else. You also have to try their lavender latte made with 49th Parallel coffee. Expect to wait in line.
Location: 780 Richards St, between Robson St & Georgia St (Library District)
You might also love: Caribbean brunch at Calabash Bistro, eggs, cheese and homemade bread at Twisted Fork Bistro, pulled pork pancakes and more at The Red Wagon
Revolver
With exposed brick walls, Revolver certainly looks the part of an indie coffee shop. The people behind Revolver are obsessed with coffee, even by the standards of cofee-obssesed Vancouver. They work with roasters all across North America, and offer a wide variety of single origin coffees from around the world. No frills here, just a scientific approach to simply fantastic coffee.
Location: 325 Cambie St (West End)
You might also love: Italian-grade espressos at Milano, decadent desserts at Thomas Haas, fresh local coffee at Caffe Artigiano
Ask for Luigi
Ever craved a big bowl of pasta to start off the weekend? Just ask for Luigi next time you’re in Vancouver! This casual Italian joint thrives on a low-key, friendly attitude – hence the name – and serves plates meant to be shared. Besides recipes combining home-made pasta, sauces and eggs, you can also try out Italian classics like creamy polenta. They also do lunch and dinner… just saying.
Location: 305 Alexander St (Downtown)
You might also love: Truly Neapolitan pizza at Via Tevere, grilled Mediterranean deliciousness at Cioppino’s
Bars and Pubs
Chambar
Talk about feel-good! Chambar offers a wide variety of beers, wines and creative cocktails (like the Anglo-Moroccan Alliance, a merry union of gin, rum and mint tea) in a casual, quirky setting. Their Belgian-inspired kitchen is just as impressive, which makes Chambar the ideal place to end a busy day. In addition to a commitment to helping you unwind, their environment ethics and carbon neutral status should let your conscience chill as well.
Location: 568 Beatty Street (Crosstown)
L’Abattoir
French finesse, Art Deco flair and fancy drinks. That’s a night at L’Abattoir in a nutshell. But it’s not just the cocktails at L’Abattoir that wow. It’s also a menu that boasts baked Pacific oysters, grilled rockfish bouillabaisse and pan fried veal sweetbreads on toast. If you’re looking for a classy place to have a drink or two, or go on a dinner date, this is the place.
Location: 217 Carrall Street (Gastown)
Pat’s Pub and Brewhouse
And now for something more down to earth. To find this place, you’ll have to spot the sign that says "Patricia’s" and head on in. Congratulations! You’re now in one of the city’s best pubs. They make their very own microbrew lager, and have tons of beers to choose from. Food-wise, there’s pub classics like burgers and poutine, but also surprise twists such as deep fried pickles. The warm atmosphere is perfect both for listening to jazz and for watching the Canucks play.
Location: 403 East Hastings St (Downtown)
You might also love: Beer that you can take home at 33 Acres Brewing Co, a pint from the source at Granville Island Brewery
Cheap eats and local favourites
Hawker’s Delight
Authentic Malaysian and Singaporean street food that you can fill up on for under 10 dollars. Sounds too good be true, but it is. Don’t be fooled by the kitsch of this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Once you’re inside, all you’ll see is a crowd of satisfied customers. Tuck into lamb curry, vegetable fritters, Laksa and Nasi Goreng and fuel your next adventure. Vegetarian-friendly.
Location: 4127 Main St (East Side)
You might also love: Filling sandwiches at Finch’s, a juicy slice at Fire Pizza, Pho-real Vietnamese tastes on a budget at Pho Goodness
Sushi Bar Maumi
This little gem is a well-known secret among sushi lovers in Vancouver – including sushi chefs themselves. To understand how much they value staying true to authentic Japanese cuisine, all you need to know is that they fly their fish fresh from Japan. In addition to choosing among all sorts of sushi, you can also defer decision-making to the chef with the Omakase menu. In fact, that’s probably the best option.
Location: 1226 Bute St (West End)
You might also love: Cheap, great sushi at Sapporo Sushi, innovative Indian at Vij’s, brothy wonders at Kintaro Ramen Noodle
La Taqueria
Sometimes all you need is tacos. La Taqueria is more than happy to oblige. At this cheerfully painted Mexican chain, four soft tacos will cost you just a little over 10 dollars. There are many fillings on offer, from sizzling Asada flank beef to grilled chicken with chocolate mole sauce, plus veggie options.
Location: 322 West Hastings St (Hastings), 2549 Cambie St (Cambie), 1305 Welch St (North Van)
You might also love: Vegetarian Mexican lunches at Budgie’s Burritos, an interesting take on Mexican cuisine at Tacofino Comissary
Where to stay – The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown is located within walking distance of many of the restaurants above. If you need a break after all that food, enjoy the Holiday Inn’s indoor pool or relax at their onsite Altum Spa & Wellness where you can choose from a variety of treatments. There’s also the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle that’s located just two blocks from the waterfront, and home to the Showcase Restaurant and Bar, which serves some of the best West Coast cuisine in the city.
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