Vancouver is a city where every street corner feels like an invitation to indulge. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, multicultural influences, and a reputation for culinary innovation, Vancouver offers a dining scene that can satisfy both casual foodies and fine-dining enthusiasts. From sizzling food trucks to world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, this guide highlights the best places to eat, including their addresses, average cost per person, signature dishes, opening hours, and how to book your spot.

1. Tacofino Taco Bar

Address: 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8
Average cost per person: CA$20–30
Signature dish: Baja-style fish tacos
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM; Friday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–11 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Reservation: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for larger groups and peak hours via phone.

Tacofino started as a humble food truck on Vancouver Island, and today its Gastown location remains one of the city’s favorite casual dining spots. The vibe is trendy yet laid-back, with exposed brick walls and a bustling open kitchen. Their Baja-style fish tacos are legendary, featuring crispy lingcod, cabbage slaw, and a tangy chipotle mayo, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Pair it with a refreshing margarita or their house-made agua fresca for the perfect casual meal.

2. Japadog

Address: 530 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7
Average cost per person: CA$10–15
Signature dish: Terimayo hot dog
Opening hours: Daily: 11 AM–10 PM
Reservation: No reservations—this is a grab-and-go street food favorite.

No trip to Vancouver is complete without a stop at Japadog, a wildly popular Japanese-style hot dog stand that’s become a local icon. The Terimayo hot dog, topped with teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed flakes, is their bestseller and offers a unique twist on North American comfort food. The small stand on Robson Street often has a line, but service is quick, and eating your hot dog while strolling through downtown Vancouver is part of the experience.

3. Vij’s

Address: 3106 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2
Average cost per person: CA$50–70
Signature dish: Lamb popsicles with fenugreek cream curry
Opening hours: Daily: 5:30 PM–10 PM
Reservation: Reservations are accepted by phone, but walk-ins are welcome.

Vij’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary landmark. Run by celebrated chef Vikram Vij, this Indian fusion restaurant redefines Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting. The famous lamb popsicles, tender lamb chops in a creamy fenugreek curry, have a cult following. The restaurant’s vibrant interior, complete with warm lighting and an open bar, makes it ideal for special occasions. Guests are often greeted with complimentary chai or appetizers, which adds to the experience.

4. Miku

Address: 200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
Average cost per person: CA$70–100
Signature dish: Aburi Oshi Sushi (seared pressed sushi)
Opening hours: Daily: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Reservation: Reservations highly recommended via phone.

Miku has set a new standard for sushi in Vancouver, offering Aburi-style sushi that’s flame-seared to perfection. Located right by the waterfront, Miku provides stunning views of the harbor and North Shore mountains, making it a beautiful spot for a refined dining experience. The Aburi Oshi Sushi platter, with melt-in-your-mouth salmon and a smoky finish, is a must-try. Pair it with a sake flight for the ultimate culinary treat.

5. Phnom Penh

Address: 244 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
Average cost per person: CA$25–40
Signature dish: Butter beef and garlic fried chicken wings
Opening hours: Daily: 10 AM–9 PM
Reservation: No reservations; expect to line up, especially at lunch.

Nestled in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, Phnom Penh is a Cambodian-Vietnamese eatery that’s been drawing crowds for decades. The butter beef, served rare and drizzled with a citrusy soy dressing, and the crispy garlic chicken wings are iconic dishes. Despite its casual interior, the restaurant’s flavors pack a punch, and its long queues are proof of its popularity. Arriving early is the best strategy to avoid a long wait.

6. Burdock & Co

Address: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8
Average cost per person: CA$70–90
Signature dish: Farm-to-table tasting menu
Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday: 5 PM–10 PM; Closed Monday–Tuesday
Reservation: Bookings required via phone.

Burdock & Co is the ultimate choice for diners seeking seasonal, organic, and locally sourced cuisine. Chef Andrea Carlson crafts a tasting menu that highlights British Columbia’s freshest ingredients, often foraged or sourced from local farms. The intimate dining room, with its rustic wood tables and soft lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for food lovers. The menu changes regularly, but expect beautifully plated dishes that showcase Vancouver’s natural bounty.

7. L’Abattoir

Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
Average cost per person: CA$80–110
Signature dish: Roasted sablefish with smoked pork jus
Opening hours: Daily: 5 PM–11 PM
Reservation: Reservations recommended by phone.

Located in historic Gastown, L’Abattoir blends French culinary techniques with West Coast flavors in a chic industrial-style space. The roasted sablefish, served with smoked pork jus and root vegetables, is a standout dish that perfectly demonstrates the restaurant’s focus on elevated comfort food. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

8. Maenam

Address: 1938 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5
Average cost per person: CA$50–70
Signature dish: Chef’s Royal Thai Tasting Menu
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 5 PM–10 PM; Closed Sunday
Reservation: Reservations highly encouraged by phone.

Maenam is Vancouver’s crown jewel for authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Angus An’s tasting menu offers a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define Thai cooking. Standouts include the green curry of halibut and the crispy prawn salad. The restaurant’s elegant yet understated décor creates an intimate dining experience.

9. Published on Main

Address: 3593 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4
Average cost per person: CA$100–130
Signature dish: Seasonal tasting menu
Opening hours: Daily: 5 PM–10 PM
Reservation: Advance reservations required by phone.

One of Vancouver’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Published on Main is a culinary destination for serious food lovers. The menu evolves with the seasons, but diners can expect dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients in innovative preparations. The restaurant’s minimalist interior allows the food to take center stage, making each plate feel like a piece of art.

10. Hawksworth Restaurant

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
Average cost per person: CA$120–150
Signature dish: Roasted duck breast with seasonal accompaniments
Opening hours: Daily: 11:30 AM–2 PM (Lunch); 5 PM–10 PM (Dinner)
Reservation: Reservations required by phone.

For a true fine-dining experience, Hawksworth delivers elegance and precision in every bite. Located inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, this Michelin-recognized restaurant offers refined Canadian cuisine with global influences. The roasted duck breast is a highlight, perfectly cooked and accompanied by carefully selected seasonal sides. The restaurant’s upscale setting and attentive service make it perfect for a special occasion.

Vancouver’s food scene is a vibrant reflection of its cultural diversity, coastal location, and creative culinary spirit. Few cities in the world can offer such an eclectic mix of flavors and experiences in such close proximity. Here, it’s entirely possible to start your morning strolling through the bustling streets of downtown with a Terimayo hot dog in hand from Japadog, enjoy lunch with spectacular waterfront views while savoring expertly seared sushi at Miku, and finish your day indulging in a multi-course Michelin-starred tasting menu at Published on Main. This seamless blend of street food culture and world-class fine dining demonstrates just how dynamic and accessible Vancouver’s culinary landscape truly is.

What makes Vancouver’s dining scene especially remarkable is its deep connection to both its multicultural roots and the pristine natural surroundings of British Columbia. The city’s chefs have access to some of the freshest seafood in the world, sustainably sourced meats, and seasonal produce from local farms, all of which inspire a food culture that’s as innovative as it is grounded in quality. From the fragrant curries at Vij’s to the refined roasted duck at Hawksworth, Vancouver offers a dining experience that celebrates flavors from across the globe while paying homage to its West Coast heritage.

The variety also extends to atmosphere and accessibility. Vancouver’s eateries cater to every mood and occasion, whether you’re in the mood for a casual snack from a food truck, a cozy meal at a neighborhood bistro, or an elegant night out at a Michelin-recognized establishment. Many of these restaurants emphasize thoughtful design and welcoming service, ensuring that every meal feels like a curated experience, not just a stop for food. Even casual spots like Phnom Penh, famous for its garlic fried chicken wings, are as much a part of the city’s culinary identity as its high-end venues.

To make the most of Vancouver’s dining scene, a little planning goes a long way. Popular restaurants—especially fine dining destinations like Hawksworth and Burdock & Co—often book out weeks in advance, so reserving your table ahead of time is essential. For more casual, no-reservation spots, timing is key; arriving early ensures a relaxed dining experience without the rush. Exploring different neighborhoods is also part of the adventure, as areas like Gastown, Chinatown, and Kitsilano each bring their own flavor and history to the table.

Ultimately, Vancouver is more than a city to explore—it’s a city to savor. Every meal here tells a story: of local farms, diverse cultures, and culinary innovation. Whether you’re on a quick weekend trip or an extended stay, Vancouver’s food scene invites you to slow down, discover, and experience the city bite by bite.