Many clients ask me: "Cecilia, what's your favorite restaurant in Vancouver?" And I always answer with that famous line: "It's complicated..."
Why complicated? Because there are just too many great options! :D
Canada is a multicultural country, with immigrants from every corner of the planet — and that's reflected in a culinary variety you simply can't find anywhere else. On top of that, Vancouver sits right on the Pacific Ocean, which means a cuisine built around fresh, flavorful fish and seafood dishes.
We're known for our abundance of salmon. Salmon arrives year-round, with each species in its own season — here in British Columbia we have Coho, Chum, Chinook... but the most flavorful of all is Sockeye.
My favorite cuisine is Japanese, and even though I love traveling to Japan, I'll admit my favorite Japanese restaurants are actually right here in Vancouver!
In recent years, Vancouver has also earned its place in the Michelin Guide — today the city has more than ten starred restaurants, proof that the local food scene keeps growing. My list below is my personal selection, one I've recommended for years and still stand by — but if you're into that kind of recognition, it's worth checking the Michelin Guide Vancouver too before your trip.
Here's my selection, organized by cuisine type.
Japanese Restaurants
Since this is my favorite type of restaurant, here are several options:
- Toshi Sushi — 181 E 16th Avenue.
- Kingyo — 871 Denman St. Takes reservations, and it's worth booking ahead since it's always packed.
- Miku Restaurant — 200 Granville St. A bit more upscale, and absolutely excellent.
Seafood Restaurant
- Blue Water Cafe — 1095 Hamilton St. Beyond excellent seafood, the desserts here will make you want seconds... ten times over. :D
- The Sandbar — on Granville Island.
French Restaurant
Le Crocodile — 909 Burrard St.
Italian Restaurant
Ask for Luigi Restaurant — 305 Alexander St.
International Restaurant
- Black + Blue — 1032 Alberni St.
- Coast — 1054 Alberni Street.
- Seasons in the Park — in Queen Elizabeth Park.
On the Seawall, with a View
Cardero's — in Coal Harbour, right on the Seawall.
Chinese Restaurant
Healthy Noodle House — 2716 W 4th Avenue.
Best Pizza Place
Via Tevere — 1190 Victoria Drive.
Best Brewery
I spent a long time thinking about this one, because there are about ten breweries I "absolutely love," but my favorite is Parallel 49 Brewing Co. — 1950 Triumph St.
Want to check out the other breweries? Get in touch with us and we'll organize a tour with you and your family through Vancouver's best breweries!
Want the full list? If you'll be staying in Vancouver for a few days, we can arrange for you to visit the top restaurants in each specialty. Just tell us your favorite type of food and leave the rest to us!
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