Between dozens of seaside attractions and a thriving art scene, there are plenty of reasons to visit Vancouver. The food alone is easily worth the price of admission; some of the best restaurants in Vancouver include Michelin-Star winning establishments, family-owned diners and small pop-up eateries.
We’re sharing 25 of the best restaurants in Vancouver—from budget-friendly cafes to upscale bistros—and we’ll explain how a AAA membership can net you big discounts.
Fine Dining in Vancouver
When it comes to fine dining, presentation and experience are just as important as the taste and quality of your meal. Below are some of our favorite high-end Vancouver restaurants. These are the perfect places for Instagram-worthy food pics.
1. Chasters Restaurant
Chasters is a restaurant equally known for its high-quality ingredients and enthralling atmosphere. Guests can either order items à la carte or check out the 3 Course Table D'Hote Menu. The entire establishment has a very vintage feel, from aesthetics to entrees. Special mention goes to their smoked paprika chicken breast.
2. Dockside Restaurant
Seaside dining establishments have a certain charm to them that can't be found anywhere else. The Dockside Restaurant, nestled within the Granville Island Hotel, is truly one of a kind; its dreamy design, spacious dining space and succulent dishes make it the perfect venue for large parties of 30 to 300 guests. The Dockside Brunch Board for Two always makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
3. Earls Kitchen + Bar - Port Coquitlam
Bus and Stan Fuller are the father and son team who opened Earls Kitchen in 1982. They're committed to creating unique experiences based on the communities they serve. There are over 70 Earls locations spread across North America. Earls in Port Coquitlam features tons of paintings from local artists and is famous for its truffled parmesan chicken dish.
4. Ember Indian Kitchen
South East Asian cuisine has increasingly grown popular in North America, with curry bowls and butter chicken plates selling out at local shops. Ember combines creative Indian dishes with contemporary fine dining. The fish tikka dish is a featured entree and a must-try for first-time visitors.
5. The Lobby - Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
Lobby raises the bar for hotel restaurants in several ways. From alternating daily specials to holiday brunches, this place has it all. We can't forget about the Mother's Day Brunch Buffet event that brings in dozens of guests each year. Stop by on Tuesday to enjoy their Angus Burger & Beer combo.
6. The Loft at Meadow Gardens
Meadow Gardens Golf Club is a sprawling greenspace that brings in droves of golfers weekly. The Loft is located right in the middle of this massive golf course and is loved by golfers and fine dining enthusiasts alike. This restaurant won the Open Table Diner's Choice Award in 2023, and its “Build Your Own Pasta Buffet” is a major attraction.
7. Provence Marinaside
Provence Marinaside is an award-winning restaurant that specializes in French-style dishes and soups. This venue also hosts must-see events like live jazz shows on Wednesdays. Marinaside's fish soup is so in demand that you order take-home pouches from Uber and DoorDash.
8. Yuwa Japanese Cuisine (fka Zest Restaurant)
Yuwa excels at everything from refreshing sake to Chef's choice sashimi platters. This Japanese-style establishment has won Michelin Awards and earned tons of praise from the Vancouver Sun. Yuwa even won the 2020 Wine Program Excellence Award.
Gluten-Free Food in Vancouver
Adhering to a gluten-free diet can be challenging when you're traveling abroad. Thankfully, that's not an issue when visiting Canada; many of the best Vancouver restaurants have tons of tasty gluten-free options. These must-try restaurants are always crowd-pleasers.
9. Arriva Ristorante
Arriva Ristorante is a no-frills Italian-style establishment. Everything from the menu to the restaurant's look and feel was designed with authenticity in mind. Pasta is Arriva's main specialty, which you can request gluten-free.
10. East Is East Chai Lounge - Main Street
East is East has much more to offer than a very catchy name. This Mediterranean-style restaurant is cozy and nostalgic from ceiling to floor. The Main Street location's menu is decked out with gluten-free and vegan options. They've also got a food truck that travels around Vancouver.
11. Kypriaki Mediterranean Grill
Kypriaki is a lively Mediterranean restaurant with a rustic flair and a soft spot for parties and group gatherings. Flavorful wine and beer are on tap at this venue, along with a carefully curated menu. Last but not least, Kypriaki offers gluten-free lamb chops, garlic prawns and Greek-style ribs.
12. Globe @ YVR - Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The waters of the Pacific Northwest are Globe's biggest inspiration. Oysters, scallops, mussels and a smorgasbord of fish decorate the menu. Globe's afternoon tea menu is a strong point in this venue's favor.
13. Troll's at Horseshoe Bay
Troll's pedigree extends back to 1946 when Joe and Dorothy Troll opened a weekend-only restaurant that primarily served fishermen. As a result, Troll's specialties mainly include pasta mixed with seafood. Try the homemade fish pie when you visit—it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly Food in Vancouver
You don't have to break the bank to savor the “Rain City's” best dishes. Some of the top restaurants in Vancouver offer amazing food at budget-friendly prices. Along with cheap activities, affordable eats can make for great times.
14. Elisabeth's Chalet
Elisabeth's Chalet specializes in European cuisine, with a menu inspired by Hungary, England and Germany. This is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver to order schnitzel, soup and filet of sole without breaking the bank.
15. Pat Quinn's Restaurant & Bar
This establishment wouldn't be out of place in our fine-dining section, but it also has an extremely diverse menu with tons of shareable entrees. Moreover, many of the appetizers here have large portion sizes that would count as a full meal at other restaurants. Looking at you, PQ's famous wings.
16. Personas Patio + Restaurant + Lounge
Happy hour at Personas is always a great time; you can buy $5 brews and half-price wine bottles to pair with smash burgers and tuna club sandwiches. Personas even has a selection of signature coffees to try out.
17. Time & Place
With locally sourced ingredients and an inspired menu, Time & Place is a go-to eatery for many great reasons. The breakfast selections here are true standouts, featuring omelets under $20 and a gourmet breakfast buffet with a $32 price tag.
Best Bar Food in Vancouver
The City of Glass has a unique night scene, so it’s no surprise some of the best food in Vancouver is located in lounges and sports bars. Visit the following venues as you look for indoor activities around the city.
18. Boathouse New Westminster
The Boathouse sailed into the scene in 1981. Since then, it's been a mainstay due to its premium oyster shucks, $12 beef sliders and $8 cocktail offerings. If you have a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with their Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Lava Cake.
19. CHOP Steakhouse & Bar - Richmond
If you fly over to the City of Glass, chances are you'll have to pass through the Vancouver International Airport. Fortunately, you'll be a short walk away from CHOP. We could give a lengthy speech about how refined this restaurant's menu is—or we could just say it's a rock-solid steakhouse with a bar and urge you to check it out ASAP.
20. Dominion Bar + Kitchen
Dominion's top priority is offering delicious food and drink while adhering to sustainability principles at all times. This restaurant also prides itself on representing Surrey's culture in its menu and aesthetic. We'll leave you with this: Dominion hosts breakfast buffets every day from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
21. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Park Royal
The Keg is a chain of steakhouses with locations throughout Canada. Attractive Happy Hour prices for food and drink are big draws at every Keg location, though the Prime Rib Sandwich is easily one of our favorite dishes.
22. Match Eatery & Public House - New Westminster
Older restaurants understandably hold a lot of esteem in the restaurant business; if you've managed to please multiple generations of patrons with wildly differing tastes, that speaks wonders about your establishment's quality. Match is one of those rare exceptions. Since 2013, this restaurant and pub has pleased crowds with ribs, ravioli and craft beer.
23. MIXT Lobby Lounge @ Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
Even if you aren't staying at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, a trip to Mixt is a must. This suave lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. There's also a grab-n-go kiosk for patrons on a time crunch.
24. RiverHouse Restaurant and Pub
RiverHouse is a marina restaurant that aims to create unique dining experiences each day of the week. Prime Rib Sundays, Weekend Brunch and seasonal offerings are just a few reasons why we love this spot.
25 Sports Illustrated Clubhouse
We can't think of too many venues that are better suited for game night than the Sports Illustrated Clubhouse. Baseball, both footballs, combat sports, golf—you name it, the SI clubhouse has it on air. Try their fried chicken tacos when you visit, and wash it down with your favorite alcoholic beverage.
Go on a Food Tour of Vancouver With AAA Travel
After reading about our picks for the best restaurants in Vancouver, you might be itching to book your next visit. Plan your next flight with AAA Travel to cash in on big discounts on airfare, and check out our Vancouver Travel Guide to get more ideas for where to eat in Vancouver.