Vancouver‘s restaurant scene has come a long way over the past 15 years. Average restaurants no longer survive in this town, and new, exciting restaurants concepts are constantly on the horizon. Here’s a list of our favourite casual restaurants in Vancouver.
Looking for Downtown Vancouver's best dining options? There are many to choose from, but here's where the locals love to go.
Hapa Izakaya (Robson)
1479 Robson St | 604-689-4272 $$ | Japanese
@hapaizakaya |
Visit websiteVoted a “Top Five Izakaya In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine, Hapa is a local mini-chain that offers a combination of Japanese cuisine, fun and culture. Each location has a slightly different personality and the Robson dining room is the largest and most lively location, with plenty of booths perfect for big groups. On the menu, you’ll find Japanese-style pub food like Ebi Mayo and the best marinated edamame you've ever had. Along with a permanent menu, each location has its own “fresh sheet” that highlights local, seasonal and Ocean Wise ingredients.
Guu (Robson)
1698 Robson St | 604-685-8678 $$ | Japanese
@guuizakaya |
Visit websiteGuu 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.
Guu (Thurlow)
838 Thurlow St | 604-685-8817 $$ | Japanese
@guuizakaya |
Visit websiteGuu on Thurlow was the very first izakaya to open in Vancouver, which launched the the trend in the city. This Japanese company offers the most authentic pub-style experience this side of the Pacific with its busy and boisterous atmosphere. Winner of "Best Casual Japanese" at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Guu serves traditional dishes like oden, udon and tempura, in addition to a rotating fresh sheet and a plentiful selection of sake.
Miku
70 - 200 Granville St | 604-568-3900 $$$ | Japanese
@mikurestaurant |
Visit websiteMiku 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.
Tableau Bar Bistro
1181 Melville St | 604-639-869 $$$ | Casual French
@tableaubistro |
Visit websiteInside Coal Harbour’s trendy Loden Hotel lies Tableau, a handsome, high-ceilinged French bistro boasting numerous accolades, including multiple “Best Casual French” gold medals at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Using West Coast ingredients, Chef Marc André Choquette serves traditional bistro fare like French onion soup and Nicoise Salad. The menu showstopper is the mushrooms on brioche toast (it's listed on all of their menus, including brunch, for a reason). Open for weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, Tableau is ideal for business lunches and private parties, too.
Looking for Gastown or Railtown's best dinner options? These two neighborhoods are chock-full of restaurants, but here are your best bet for a memorable, delicious experience.
L'Abattoir
217 Carrall St | 604-568-1701 $$$ | French
@labattoir_van |
Visit websiteAt 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.
Bambudda
99 Powell St | 604-428-0301 $$ | Modern Chinese
@bambuddagastown |
Visit websiteBambudda serves contemporary Chinese food in a modern setting. Inspiration is taken from Hong Kong and southern Chinese cuisine. Modern interpretations of Dim sum are also represented on the menu.
Cuchillo
261 Powell St | 604-559-7585 $$ | Modern Pan-Latin Tapas
@cuchilloyvr |
Visit websiteModern Pan-Latin tapas and craft cocktails.
Nicli Antica Pizzeria
62 E. Cordova St. | 604-669-6985 $$ | Pizzeria
@niclipizzeria |
Visit websiteVancouver's first 'Vera Pizza Napoletana' certified restaurant serves up award-winning Neapolitan Pizza.
Pourhouse
162 Water St | 604-568-7022 $$ | Canadian
@pourhouse_van |
Visit websiteSituated 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.
Calabash Bistro
428 Carrall St | 604-568-5882 $$ | Caribbean
@calabashbistro |
Visit websiteFrom 24-hour marinated jerk chicken to fried coconut dumplings, Chef Cullin David holds high standards for his house-made Caribbean food, often inspired by his Guyanese grandma. Downstairs in their intimate lounge (complete with dance floor) expect live music every weekend.
Ask For Luigi
305 Alexander St | 604-428-2544 $$ | Italian
@askforluigi |
Visit websiteA 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.
Nuba (Gastown)
207 W. Hastings St. | 604-688-1655 $$$ | Lebanese
@nubatown |
Visit websiteNuba offers authentic lebanese cuisine using the freshest ingredients. All meats are halal, non-medicated, hormone free and a large portion of the menu is vegan.
Taco Bar by Tacofino
15 W Cordova St | $$ | Mexican
@tacofinovan |
Visit websiteThis 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.
Tacofino Commissary
2327 E Hastings St | 604-253-TACO $$ | Mexican
@tacofinocantina |
Visit websiteTacofino Commissary's menu focuses on Californian Baja-style cooking with international influences. Everything is made from scratch and with love, but without the wait.
Bistro Wagon Rouge
1869 Powell St | 604-251-4070 $$$ | Casual French
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Visit websiteA "democratic" or "blue collar" bistro, with very French dishes: cassoulet, terrine, pâté, tongue, duck confit, pork belly, and classic onion soup.
Campagnolo Roma
2297 E Hastings St | 604-569-0456 $$ | Italian
@camproma |
Visit websiteThe cuisine of Rome can be found at Campagnolo Roma, featuring classic antipasti, pastas and pizzas using local, fresh ingredients served in a casual atmosphere.
Phnom Penh
244 E Georgia St | 604-682-5777 $ | Vietnamese Chinese
Bao Bei
162 Keefer St | 604-688-0876 $$ | Modern Chinese
@baobei1 |
Visit websiteBao 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.
Chambar
568 Beatty St | 604-879-7119 $$$ | Belgian
@chambar |
Visit websiteChambar's philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh, innovative and incredible food.
Bestie
105 E Pender St | 604-620-1175 $$ | German
@bestiewurst |
Visit websiteInspired 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!
Edible Canada Bistro
1597 Johnston St | 604-682-6681 $$ | West Coast
@ediblecanada |
Visit websiteEdible Canada at the Market is a full service bistro, focusing on Canadian cuisine.
The Farmer's Apprentice
1535 W 6th Ave | 604-620-2070 $$ | Local
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Visit websiteThe menu changes daily for this farm-to-table restaurant that serves unique food in unexpected flavour combinations.
Siena
1485 W 12th Ave | 604-558-1485 $$$ | Italian
@sienavancouver |
Visit websiteNestled in the heart of the bustling South Granville shopping district, Siena is a pasta hotspot with a great selection of wines from Italy, Spain and Southern France.
Yuji's From Japan
2083 Alma St | 604-428-4688 $ | Casual Japanese
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Visit websiteAuthentic Japanese sushi made by "Yuji from Japan" himself.
Nuba (Kits)
3116 W. Broadway | 604-336-1797 $$ | Lebanese
@nubatown |
Visit websiteNuba 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.
Looking for a memorable meal in Vancouver's West End? This community-oriented neighbourhood boasts a high concentration of restaurants -- many of them ethnic, hole-in-the-wall style. Here's a list of our absolute favourite restaurants near English Bay.
Looking for great casual dining options on the North Shore? The scene has progressed in the past few years and there are now at least six super solid restaurants to choose from. Here are my favourite eateries for an easy-going meal on the town.
Blue Eyed Mary's
1735 Marine Dr | 604-921-2583 $$ | Canadian
@blueeyedmarys |
Visit websiteBlue Eyed Mary's food represents Carol and Kindy's efforts to be good stewards of the sources of food in this part of the world. From bread to ice cream - everything on the menu is made from scratch using local ingredients wherever possible.
CHAU veggiexpress
5052 Victoria Dr | 604-568-9508 $$ | Vegetarian
@chowatchau |
Visit websiteInspired by their Vietnamese roots in family and culture, CHAU is a vegetarian eatery serving primarily vegan dishes.
House of Dosas
1391 Kingsway | 604-875-1283 $ | Indian
@houseofdosas |
Visit websiteWhere 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.
Pizzeria Farina
915 Main St. | 604-681-9334 $$ |
Campagnolo (Main St)
1020 Main St. | 604-484-6018 $$ | Italian
@campagnolomain |
Visit websiteCampagnolo serves affordable, rustic Italian dishes made with integrity, from seasonal ingredients in a warm and welcoming space.
Camp Upstairs
1020 Main St | 604-484-6018 $ | Bar / Snacks
@campupstairs |
Visit websiteUpstairs at Campagnolo offers a traditional approach to spirits, wine and beer in an unpretentious room complemented by an ever-evolving bar snacks menu.
The Acorn
3995 Main St | 604-566-9001 $$$ | Vegetarian
@acornvancouver |
Visit websiteStylish eatery offering ambitious vegetarian and vegan fare with signature cocktails, local beer and wine. Gluten-free options abound.
Burdock & Co
2702 Main St | 604-879-0077 $$ | Local
@burdockandco |
Visit websiteBurdock & 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.
Los Cuervos
603 Kingsway | 604-558-1518 $$ | Mexican
@loscuervostacos |
Visit websiteKiller tacos inspired by the street food, taquerias and cantinas of Mexico City.
Nuba (Mount Pleasant)
146 E 3rd Ave | 604-568-6727 $$ | Lebanese
@nubatown |
Visit websiteNuba 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.
Yaletown comes to life on the weekends. If you're looking for the neighbourhood's best casual restaurants, here are my picks...
Bella Gelateria (Yaletown)