Best Restaurants (Casual) in Vancouver

1479 Robson St | 604-689-4272 $$ | Japanese

Voted a “Top Five Izakaya In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine, Hapa is a local mini-chain that offers a combination of Japanese cuisine, fun and culture. Each location has a slightly different personality and the Robson dining room is the largest and most lively location, with plenty of booths perfect for big groups. On the menu, you’ll find Japanese-style pub food like Ebi Mayo and the best marinated edamame you've ever had. Along with a permanent menu, each location has its own “fresh sheet” that highlights local, seasonal and Ocean Wise ingredients.

1698 Robson St | 604-685-8678 $$ | Japanese

Guu is one of the pioneers of the izakaya trend in Vancouver boasting multiple locations around the city. Its second location on Robson Street is known as “Guu With Garlic” for its selection of highly aromatic dishes with a garlic punch. Alongside standard pub fare, you’ll find interesting dishes that offer a contemporary twist on the classics, such as kabocha croquettes and rice served in a hot stone bowl.

838 Thurlow St | 604-685-8817 $$ | Japanese

Guu on Thurlow was the very first izakaya to open in Vancouver, which launched the the trend in the city. This Japanese company offers the most authentic pub-style experience this side of the Pacific with its busy and boisterous atmosphere. Winner of "Best Casual Japanese" at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Guu serves traditional dishes like oden, udon and tempura, in addition to a rotating fresh sheet and a plentiful selection of sake.

70 - 200 Granville St | 604-568-3900 $$$ | Japanese

Miku is known for introducing the Aburi (flame-seared) style of sushi to Canada. This innovation carries over to the rest of Miku’s menu, which features French and Italian touches that result in dishes like kaisen soba pepperoncino and a Japanese take on the standard bouillabaisse recipe. With an emphasis on sustainable seafood, Miku is a longtime member of the Ocean Wise program. Located directly up from the waterfront in Coal Harbour, you'll enjoy one of the city's most stunning views of the North Shore Mountains.

1181 Melville St | 604-639-869 $$$ | Casual French

Inside Coal Harbour’s trendy Loden Hotel lies Tableau, a handsome, high-ceilinged French bistro boasting numerous accolades, including multiple “Best Casual French” gold medals at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Using West Coast ingredients, Chef Marc André Choquette serves traditional bistro fare like French onion soup and Nicoise Salad. The menu showstopper is the mushrooms on brioche toast (it's listed on all of their menus, including brunch, for a reason). Open for weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, Tableau is ideal for business lunches and private parties, too.

217 Carrall St | 604-568-1701 $$$ | French

At L'Abattoir, French-influenced West Coast fare is paired with its famous eclectic wine program and innovative cocktail list to offer a truly unique dining experience.

99 Powell St | 604-428-0301 $$ | Modern Chinese

Bambudda serves contemporary Chinese food in a modern setting. Inspiration is taken from Hong Kong and southern Chinese cuisine. Modern interpretations of Dim sum are also represented on the menu.

55 Dunlevy Ave | 604-566-1989 $$ | Fusion

261 Powell St | 604-559-7585 $$ | Modern Pan-Latin Tapas

Modern Pan-Latin tapas and craft cocktails.

62 E. Cordova St. | 604-669-6985 $$ | Pizzeria

Vancouver's first 'Vera Pizza Napoletana' certified restaurant serves up award-winning Neapolitan Pizza.

162 Water St | 604-568-7022 $$ | Canadian

Situated in the original structure of a 100-year old building, Pourhouse is born of century-old styles of drinking and dining. Fare is seasonal, and the Cauliflower Steak with lentils, cucumber & mint raita is one of their must-try menu items.

428 Carrall St | 604-568-5882 $$ | Caribbean

From 24-hour marinated jerk chicken to fried coconut dumplings, Chef Cullin David holds high standards for his house-made Caribbean food, often inspired by his Guyanese grandma. Downstairs in their intimate lounge (complete with dance floor) expect live music every weekend.

305 Alexander St | 604-428-2544 $$ | Italian

A super small simple space where you can rest assured the food will be bang-on fantastic every time. If you're going to pasta splurge, this is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the city to do so.

12 Water St | 604-877-1292 $$ | Vegetarian & Vegan

207 W. Hastings St. | 604-688-1655 $$$ | Lebanese

Nuba offers authentic lebanese cuisine using the freshest ingredients. All meats are halal, non-medicated, hormone free and a large portion of the menu is vegan.

15 W Cordova St | $$ | Mexican

This is Tacofino’s second brick-and-mortar where Mexican-inspired cuisine is the specialty. Their brick-walled, 3000 sq ft space (located in a restored heritage building off Blood Alley Square) emits the laid-back vibe of Tofino, Baja or SoCal. Beyond their famous Baja-style tacos, new items like the Spicy Kabocha Squash and Pickled Cauliflower Tostada and Salmon Ceviche grace the menu. Antibiotic-free, hormone-free and locally-raised proteins are also featured. From the bar, expect lots of tequila and mezcal.

2327 E Hastings St | 604-253-TACO $$ | Mexican

Tacofino Commissary's menu focuses on Californian Baja-style cooking with international influences. Everything is made from scratch and with love, but without the wait.

2296 E Hastings St | 604-568-4565 $$ | Breakfast/Brunch

1869 Powell St | 604-251-4070 $$$ | Casual French

A "democratic" or "blue collar" bistro, with very French dishes: cassoulet, terrine, pâté, tongue, duck confit, pork belly, and classic onion soup.

2297 E Hastings St | 604-569-0456 $$ | Italian

The cuisine of Rome can be found at Campagnolo Roma, featuring classic antipasti, pastas and pizzas using local, fresh ingredients served in a casual atmosphere.

1190 Victoria Dr. | 604-336-1803 $$ | Pizzeria

Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in the heart of East Vancouver.

263 E Pender St | 778-379-8078 $$ | Japanese Italian

244 E Georgia St | 604-682-5777 $ | Vietnamese Chinese

162 Keefer St | 604-688-0876 $$ | Modern Chinese

Bao Bei is a unique restaurant in Chinatown that serves dishes with a modern approach to Chinese cuisine. Influences are taken from Taiwan and Shanghai as well as the Sichuan province.

568 Beatty St | 604-879-7119 $$$ | Belgian

Chambar's philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh, innovative and incredible food.

105 E Pender St | 604-620-1175 $$ | German

Inspired by German street food, Bestie serves up a selection of sausages, crispy fries, fresh baked pretzels and Chinatown’s finest currywurst. And yes, they offer a vegetarian sausage option!

1597 Johnston St | 604-682-6681 $$ | West Coast

Edible Canada at the Market is a full service bistro, focusing on Canadian cuisine.

1535 W 6th Ave | 604-620-2070 $$ | Local

The menu changes daily for this farm-to-table restaurant that serves unique food in unexpected flavour combinations.

1485 W 12th Ave | 604-558-1485 $$$ | Italian

Nestled in the heart of the bustling South Granville shopping district, Siena is a pasta hotspot with a great selection of wines from Italy, Spain and Southern France.

2083 Alma St | 604-428-4688 $ | Casual Japanese

Authentic Japanese sushi made by "Yuji from Japan" himself.

3116 W. Broadway | 604-336-1797 $$ | Lebanese

Nuba offers authentic Lebanese cuisine using some organic and local ingredients. Menu is not vegan but there plenty of options. Try Najib's special (fried cauliflower) and the hearty vegan stew.

867 Denman St | 604-632-0022 $$ | Korean

1118 Denman St | 604-558-4040 $$ | Spanish Tapas

1220 Bute St | 604-563-8633 $$ | Canadian

781 Denman St. | 604-568-4554 $$ | Italian

2232 Marine Dr | 604-921-2228 $$$ | French

1735 Marine Dr | 604-921-2583 $$ | Canadian

Blue Eyed Mary's food represents Carol and Kindy's efforts to be good stewards of the sources of food in this part of the world. From bread to ice cream - everything on the menu is made from scratch using local ingredients wherever possible.

COMING SOON | $ | Taco Shop

119 E 2nd St | 604-987-4992 $$ | Pizzeria

5076 Victoria Dr | 604-327-2629 $ | Burmese

5052 Victoria Dr | 604-568-9508 $$ | Vegetarian

Inspired by their Vietnamese roots in family and culture, CHAU is a vegetarian eatery serving primarily vegan dishes.

1391 Kingsway | 604-875-1283 $ | Indian

Where you will gawk at the two-foot-long dosas and want to kiss the chef after one bite. Hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes) filled with vegetable curry are also delightful.

3388 Main St | 604-874-0832 $$ | Vietnamese

915 Main St. | 604-681-9334 $$ |

1020 Main St. | 604-484-6018 $$ | Italian

Campagnolo serves affordable, rustic Italian dishes made with integrity, from seasonal ingredients in a warm and welcoming space.

1020 Main St | 604-484-6018 $ | Bar / Snacks

Upstairs at Campagnolo offers a traditional approach to spirits, wine and beer in an unpretentious room complemented by an ever-evolving bar snacks menu.

3995 Main St | 604-566-9001 $$$ | Vegetarian

Stylish eatery offering ambitious vegetarian and vegan fare with signature cocktails, local beer and wine. Gluten-free options abound.

2702 Main St | 604-879-0077 $$ | Local

Burdock & Co. serves refined dishes crafted from organic ingredients. Only the best arrives at the table, whether sourced from one of Vancouver’s nearby farms or a downtown urban garden.

603 Kingsway | 604-558-1518 $$ | Mexican

Killer tacos inspired by the street food, taquerias and cantinas of Mexico City.

146 E 3rd Ave | 604-568-6727 $$ | Lebanese

Nuba offers authentic lebanese cuisine in harmony and rhythm with modern times. The freshest ingredients are used— organic and local when available—and handpick daily. All meats are halal, non-medicated, and hormone free and a large portion of the menu is vegan.

615 Kingsway | 604-428-0072 $$$ | Italian

1089 Marinaside Cres | 778-737-7890 $$ | Italian

1177 Marinaside Cres | 604-681-4144 $$$ | French

1043 Mainland St | 604-979-0700 $$ | Greek

1118 Mainland St | 604-685-8080 $$$ | Japanese

1130 Mainland St | 778-588-6688 $$$ | Vegan

1025 Mainland St | 778-379-8226 $$ | Mexican Fusion