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Watch floatplanes take off and land at this buzzy pub on the Fraser River, near YVR's south terminal. A shuttle service runs from the main terminal.
4760 Inglis Dr., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7B 1W4, Canada
Known For
- Unique location
- Great atmosphere
- Tasty pub grub
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If the weather's fine, head for this seafood stand on the seawall, overlooking the docks beside Granville Island. The menu is short—highlights include fish-and-chips, grilled salmon or tuna sandwiches, and fish tacos—but the quality is first-rate. It's hugely popular, and on sunny summer days the waits can be maddening both to order and to wait on its cooked-to-order delivery. So try to avoid the busiest times: noon to 2 pm and 5 pm to closing (usually around 7). Because there are just a few outdoor tables, be prepared to take your food to go.
1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 1E8, Canada
Known For
- Seaside location
- Fresh-off-the-boat fish
- Long lines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Closes at 7 pm
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This floating fish-and-chips stand, the original location of the popular local eatery, draws crowds all summer long.
12351 Third Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7E 2Z1, Canada
Known For
- Fresh fish
- Fun dining experience
- On the water
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$$$ | |
Located on the pier next to Fisherman's Wharf in Steveston Village, this popular eatery's "canoe-sized" fresh local seafood platters, featuring snow crab legs, smoked salmon, and Salt Spring Island mussels, are designed for sharing. In summer, grab a seat on the deck overlooking the busy boardwalk, and watch the marina and river traffic sail by.
140-3866 Bayview St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7E 4R7, Canada
Known For
- Fresh seafood
- Waterfront dining
- Local craft beer and wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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This Vancouver institution is about 1 kilometer (½ mile) east of the main Commercial strip but is well worth the trek. Their famous breakfast—served with two eggs, toast, hash browns and meat—is just C$3. (And the price hasn't changed in years.) This place really showcases the East Side's gritty character: from the graffiti-covered walls to the no-frills, serve-yourself coffee bar. Weekend lines are long; get there as early as you can.
2451 Nanaimo St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5N 5E5, Canada
Known For
- C$3 breakfast
- Distinctly East Van vibe
- Unlimited coffee
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | |
Located adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and within a few minutes walk of the city's Rogers Arena and BC Place, what better place for a pre-theater/pre-event meal? Choices are wide and varied, from social hour morsels (crispy cauliflower and parmesan garlic chips) to soups, salads, burgers, Asian-inspired bowls, pasta, and a decent kids' menu. Save room for house-made desserts. Bonus: there's underground parking.
675 Cambie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2P1, Canada
Known For
- Expansive patio
- Pre-post theater
- Menu selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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Lots of warm woods, booths, and faux antiques here and there create a modern, pub-like atmosphere where comfort food is the name of the game. Think shepherd's pie, chicken pot pie, beef bourguignon, jambalaya, and a perennial favorite: mac and cheese. Big bowls of soup and sandwiches are also on the menu. A great place for early family suppers and for livelier crowds as the evening progresses. Service is friendly and efficient.
1100 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y7, Canada
Known For
- Pubby atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Comfort food
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Watch the dumpling makers at work in the open kitchen, and you'll know what to order at this bustling Chinese eatery specializing in traditional Shanghainese and Taiwanese-style food. From xiao long bao (delicate pork-and-crab-filled soup dumplings) to freshly steamed vegetable buns, you'll find plenty of doughy deliciousness here. Handmade Shanghai-style noodles, fresh greens quickly stir-fried with garlic, and salted vegetables with pork and green beans are tasty options, too. Their original location in Richmond is larger and more upscale.
1719 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 1C9, Canada
Known For
- Handmade dumplings
- Shanghai-style noodles
- Stir fries
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Authentic Northern Chinese dishes are the specialty at this friendly storefront restaurant. Particularly good are the hand-pulled noodles that the cooks knead and stretch in the open kitchen and the popular spicy dan-dan noodles. Vegetarians have plenty of options, including many of the dumplings. Dim sum dishes are also on offer, and the helpful staff is happy to guide you to more authentic Mandarin fare. There is another West Side location at 2394 West 4th Ave. in Kitsilano.
532 W. Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1E9, Canada
Known For
- Tasty dim sum options
- Vegetarian-friendly menu
- Fast service
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One of the city's first bubble tea stalls makes for a refreshing break at the busy Richmond Public Market.
8260 Westminster Hwy., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6X 1A7, Canada
Known For
- Good prices
- Great flavors
- Taiwanese wheel cakes (che lung bing)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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There are always lines out the door at this popular local family-run ice-cream parlor, one of three in the city (the others are on West 4th Avenue in Kits and at UBC—there is also a food truck at English Bay). The dairy products used to create the company's signature Philadelphia-style ice cream, using only 100 percent dairy and no eggs, are locally sourced from a farm in Abbotsford. Perfect for a pitstop—rain or shine.
3382 Cambie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 2W5, Canada
Known For
- Lots of vegan and gluten-free options
- Locally produced
- Flavors change seasonally
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$$$ | Downtown |
House-made pickles and preserves line the walls of this bright and modern "farm to Downtown" hot spot, extending the availability of BC produce throughout the drizzly Vancouver winter. Don't let the old-fashioned diner-style counter fool you—the food here is seasonal and local with menus changing quarterly to showcase what's fresh. Bright vegetable dishes like summer squash with goat feta, tayberry, almonds, and basil complement house-made pasta (including gluten-free options) and hearty meat dishes like sweetbreads with broccoli, smoked peanuts, and oyster mushrooms or Berkshire pork with peach, black beans, pumpkin seeds, and cilantro. Even the drink list leans local, with plenty of BC beers on offer and cocktails that incorporate house-made tonic, hot sauce, and milk liqueur.
905 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1A8, Canada
Known For
- House-made pasta
- Gluten-free dining
- Local ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
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This casual eatery serves Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and more—all for less than C$12. Whatever you order, make sure to try one (or several) of their flavor-packed hot sauces. A great spot for a casual lunch or dinner, and if it's nice out, bring your eats to the nearby Robson Park for a picnic. The Kingsway location is full of Mexican artwork. There are three other locales across the city.
701 Kingsway #5, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 3K6, Canada
Known For
- Mexican artwork
- Affordable eats
- Plenty of hot sauces
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Vancouver's ocean of Asian restaurants can be overwhelming so finding dependably great, authentic Thai cuisine is a treat. Sala Thai means "an open pavilion for gathering," so you can expect gracious hospitality and service, alongside seafood, noodles—pad Thai, pad see-ew to name just two---and curries with coconut milk, fruits, and spices. The diverse menu includes desserts like jackfruit, mango, and sweet sticky rice, as well as deep-friend bananas and homemade coconut ice cream. No wonder kids love the place.
888 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1X9, Canada
Known For
- Classic Thai dishes
- Good family choice
- Food presentation
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A brigade of chefs is at work in the open kitchen of this popular restaurant that specializes in Shanghai-style fare, which is richer and slightly sweeter than more delicate Cantonese dishes. They're prepping the handmade dumplings, including the soup-filled xiao long bao and the panfried pork buns that are among the specialties here. Hand-pulled noodles, saucy braised eggplant, and fresh stir-fried greens are other good options. Book in advance or prepare to wait.
7831 Westminster Hwy., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6X 4J4, Canada
Known For
- Shanghai-style dishes
- Handmade dumplings
- Hand-pulled noodles
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Dim sum aficionados make the trek to this upscale Cantonese restaurant for some of the tastiest tidbits in town, served daily for brunch or lunch. Order from the menu (there are no carts circling the dining rooms), or just point at what the other tables are having. In the evenings, Hong Kong–style seafood and other subtly seasoned southern Chinese dishes are the specialties. The multilevel restaurant, which is popular with Asian families, is in a shopping plaza, set back from No. 3 Road at Leslie Road.
4540 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, British Columbia, V6X 4E4, Canada
Known For
- Dim sum
- Cantonese–style seafood
- Popular with locals
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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In a 1911 manor house, this bar and grill with a large patio is very family-friendly, with a menu of burgers, fish, soups, and salads, as well as sharing plates and vegetarian options. The location right in Stanley Park is great, especially mid-bike ride. It overlooks the Rose Garden and is steps from Malkin Bowl, where outdoor theater and concerts are held in summer.
610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 3E2, Canada
Known For
- Location
- Patio
- Family-friendly
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
