When most people think of Vancouver, they think of the Canadian city’s climate and beautiful landscape. After all, the Vancouver skyline is known for high rises with a scenic, natural background.
However, and with good cause, the city of Vancouver and the British Columbia area as a whole takes pride in the quality and breadth of its food scene. Canada Place, Gastown, The Vancouver Waterfront area, Commercial Drive, False Creek, Vancouver Island, or Granville Island— there’s always a good place for comfort food of your choice or a happy hour you might enjoy with a meal. While most of us consider trying local cuisine to be a highlight of a visit, in a city like Vancouver, it’s worth structuring at least part of your agenda around the city’s eateries.
With such a diverse food scene, you may be overwhelmed with where to start. If you are planning a vacation to Vancouver, make sure you check out the following 10 Best Restaurants to Dine Out in Vancouver!
1. Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is an upscale restaurant with a classy atmosphere and a piano player. As a classic steakhouse, this venue offers some of the best prime beef in Canada.
The Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar also features an award-winning wine list and world-renowned service.
Address: 615 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-605-8282
Website: gothamsteakhouse.com
2. AnnaLena
For a more contemporary atmosphere, visit AnnaLena. The AnnaLena is a modern restaurant recognized as one of En Route’s Top 10 New Restaurants and one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants.
Chef Michael Robbins and Jeff Parr opened the restaurant in 2015. In June 2020, the restaurant opted to focus solely on a multi-course set Tasting Menu, including fresh local farmers and suppliers, intelligent wine pairings, and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Address: 1809 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 5B8, Canada
Phone: +1 778-379-4052
Website: annalena.ca
3. Elisa
The Elisa Steakhouse is ideally located in the historic district of Yaletown. In addition, the restaurant has really good food beacuse it is run by one of Canada’s top chefs, Andrew Richardson.
Their signature cuisine comprises prime steak cuts, locally sourced vegetables, and sustainable seafood dishes. Tartares, half-shell oysters, seafood towers, and cured fish and meats are also on the menu.
Address: 1109 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-362-5443
Website: elisasteak.com
4. Blue Water Cafe
If you love seafood, you owe yourself a visit to Vancouver’s Blue Water Cafe. Situated in Yaletown, this restaurant converted a warehouse into a prime dining spot.
The Blue Water Cafe is a great place to dine because it has built a reputation for quality and flavor. It is consistently voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Vancouver and is known for its exceptional service. Maintaining high standards in all facets of customer service, an evening at Blue Water Cafe is ensured to be memorable and unique.
Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-8078
Website: bluewatercafe.net
5. Miku Vancouver
Miku Vancouver is another restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. Miku is one of the best spots to try Japanese-style cuisine and sushi. In fact, Seigo Nakamura, the owner of Miku, specializes in Aburi, or flame-seared sushi.
Aburi consists of the method of applying flame directly to sushi and lightly scorching it enhances the natural flavors and textures of the fish. The restaurant also creates specialized condiments using non-traditional Japanese seasonings to complement each type of fish.
Address: 200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-3900
Website: mikurestaurant.com
6. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
The Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is owned by Joe Fortes, an award-winning chef. Joe Fortes has developed and kept his venue’s reputation as an award-winning Vancouver establishment for over 35 years. Guests from all around the world visit for a vibrant culinary experience.
This well-known eatery conveniently lives in Downtown Vancouver. Locals and tourists alike come to experience some of the greatest food in town, as well as an award-winning wine list with over 300 selections.
Address: 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-1940
Website: joefortes.ca
7. Botanist
The Botanist is a high-class restaurant located in Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel. As the name implies, the
venue features a garden as a guest room. Besides the garden, the Botanist has 3 other dining spaces, including a champagne lounge, cocktail bar, and lab.
Most guests claim that The Botanist is one of the most beautiful eateries that they have ever been to!
Address: 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-695-5500
Website: botanistrestaurant.com
8. Tavola
If you want some of the best Italian cuisines that Vancouver has to offer, you must dine at the Tavola. They offer homemade Italian dishes and types of pasta with a modern, flavorful twist.
The restaurant’s ambiance and location on a quiet side street make it ideal for a romantic dinner. Furthermore, there are both inside and outside seating options and plenty of space for larger family gatherings.
Address: 1829 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-606-4680
Website: tavolavancouver.com
9. Absinthe Bistro
Canada is known for French food, and Absinthe Bistro delivers. Guests claim that the Absinthe Bistro has some of the best Parisian cuisines that Vancouver has to offer.
The Absinthe restaurant opened its doors in 2012. The restaurant owner went to the Culinary School Paul Bocuse. After, the owner moved to Paris and worked for Chef Michel Rostang.
After living in France for over 6 years, Absinthe Bistro’s founder returned to Vancouver to officially open the bistro.
Address: 952 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-566-9053
Website: bistroabsinthe.com
10. Le Crocodile
Another Vancouver restaurant specializing in French cuisine, the Le Crocodile, has been serving guests for decades. Michel Jacob, a famous Vancouver chef, has led Le Crocodile as head chef for over 35 years.
The Le Crocodile has been in business for a total of 38 years and still features some of the original staff members.
Address: 909 Burrard St #100, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-4298
Website: lecrocodilerestaurant.com
Honourable Mentions
Miku Restaurant
Hawksworth Restaurant
Oyster Bar
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great dining spots in Vancouver. All of these restaurants are amazing and highly rated on Google, so make sure to add at least one of them to your itinerary.
