Exploring The Best Places To Eat In Vancouver

Vancouver is a foodie paradise, boasting some of the best restaurants in the world. With an abundance of culinary offerings from around the globe, it can be hard to narrow down your choices. Whether you are looking for a casual bite or a gourmet experience, this guide to the best places to eat in Vancouver will make sure your experience is nothing short of delicious.

1. Hawksworth Restaurant

Hawksworth Restaurant is one of the city’s most esteemed establishments, serving up inventive dishes in a beautiful atmosphere. Named for local celebrity chef David Hawksworth, the menu showcases a variety of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes with a mix of French and Asian influences. Highlights include the seared scallops with black garlic aioli, the roasted rack of lamb with crispy polenta and the ever-popular chocolate mousse. The wine list is well-curated and the service is impeccable, making Hawksworth Restaurant the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

If you’re looking for a less formal experience, Hawksworth also offers a bar menu and bar seating, featuring smaller plates and local craft beers. The bar area is casual and inviting, with a great view of the kitchen and a cozy atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a bite and a drink.

No matter what you choose, you can be sure of a high-quality dining experience at Hawksworth Restaurant.

2. Vij’s Indian Cuisine

Vancouver’s Indian food scene is vibrant and Vij’s Indian Cuisine is one of the best places to experience it. For over 25 years, this restaurant has been serving up flavorful dishes with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes classics like butter chicken and tandoori, as well as more unique dishes like the seabass steamed in banana leaves. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, including the popular palak paneer.

Vij’s is known for its amazing curries, but don’t forget to save room for dessert. The kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream, is made with cardamom, pistachio and saffron and is not to be missed. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff is always helpful and friendly.

If you’re looking for an authentic Indian dining experience, Vij’s is the place to go.

3. AnnaLena

AnnaLena is a cozy spot in Kitsilano, perfect for a special evening out. The menu is a modern take on classic comfort food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative flavors. Highlights include the roasted beets with hazelnuts, the pork schnitzel and the truffle mac and cheese. The cocktails are also worth trying, all made with house-made syrups and fresh-pressed juices.

The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, with an open kitchen and a cozy dining room. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the service is top-notch. AnnaLena is a great choice for a date night or a special occasion.

4. The Acorn

The Acorn is a vegan restaurant in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The menu is 100% plant-based and features seasonal, local ingredients, as well as dishes from around the world. Highlights include the crispy tofu tacos, the curried cauliflower and the sesame-crusted seitan. There’s also a great selection of vegan desserts, including the decadent chocolate mousse.

The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The Acorn is a great choice for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those who are simply looking for something a bit different.

5. Maenam

Maenam is an upscale Thai restaurant in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood. The menu features traditional Thai dishes with modern twists, such as the spicy tuna tartare with kaffir lime and the panang curry with grilled eggplant. Maenam also offers a great selection of vegetarian options, such as the green papaya salad and the pad thai with tofu.

The atmosphere is stylish and inviting, and the service is attentive and friendly. Maenam is a great choice for a special evening out.

6. Bauhaus Restaurant

Bauhaus Restaurant is one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. The menu is an inventive mix of German and Pacific Northwest cuisine, featuring dishes like the smoked pork belly with pickled apples and the potato dumplings with pork jus. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, with an open kitchen and an inviting dining room. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the service is top-notch.

Bauhaus is a great choice for a special occasion, or just a night out with friends. With its inventive menu and stylish atmosphere, it’s no wonder this restaurant has become so popular.

7. Forage

Forage is a modern restaurant in Vancouver’s West End neighborhood. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like the roasted beet salad with grilled avocado and the mushroom risotto with truffle oil. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, such as the quinoa and kale bowl with roasted squash.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Forage is a great spot for a casual dinner or brunch.

8. L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir is a French restaurant in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood. The menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist, such as the roasted duck with orange sauce and the seared scallops with bacon and shiitake mushrooms. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, including the asparagus risotto and the roasted cauliflower steak.

The atmosphere is stylish and inviting, with an open kitchen and a cozy dining room. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the service is top-notch. L’Abattoir is a great choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

9. La Taqueria

La Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood. The menu features classic Mexican dishes with a modern twist, such as the tempura avocado tacos and the beef barbacoa burritos. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, including the black bean and cheese quesadillas and the grilled vegetable tacos.

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. La Taqueria is a great choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

10. The Keefer Bar

The Keefer Bar is an upscale cocktail bar in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood. The menu features classic cocktails with a modern twist, such as the gin and tonic with cucumber and rosemary, and the espresso martini with hazelnut liqueur. There’s also a great selection of craft beers and wines, as well as small plates and sharing platters.

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The Keefer Bar is a great spot for a casual drink or a night out with friends.

11. The Fish Counter

The Fish Counter is a seafood restaurant in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood. The menu features fresh, sustainable seafood, such as the seared albacore tuna and the grilled sockeye salmon. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, including the roasted vegetable tart with feta and the quinoa and kale bowl with roasted squash.

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The Fish Counter is a great spot for a casual dinner or a quick bite.

12. Wildebeest

Wildebeest is a modern steakhouse in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood. The menu features classic cuts of beef, such as the dry-aged ribeye and the grass-fed New York strip, as well as unique dishes such as the bison tartare and the venison carpaccio. There’s also a great selection of vegetarian options, including the roasted cauliflower steak and the mushroom risotto.

The atmosphere is stylish and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Wildebeest is a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Conclusion

Vancouver is a city that is blessed with an abundance of culinary offerings. From upscale restaurants to casual eateries, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a quick bite, this guide to the best places to eat in Vancouver will make sure your experience is nothing short of delicious.