Vancouver, the jewel of the Pacific Northwest, is a culinary explorer's dream. Known for its diversity and thriving food scene, the city's dining landscape is a vibrant blend of cultures, flavors, and traditions. From cozy cafés offering pastries and artisanal coffees to vibrant markets with local produce and world-class restaurants serving up everything from farm-to-table delights to exquisite seafood and global cuisines, Vancouver's food scene offers something for everyone.

Breakfast and Cafés

Faubourg

High tea at Faubourg

Faubourg is a Parisian-style patisserie, filled with the aroma of freshly baked croissants, baguettes, and delectable pastries. It is renowned for its authentic French baking techniques, an extensive selection of macarons, and an exquisite high tea service. The café perfectly blends the traditional Parisian café ambiance with the contemporary Vancouver scene, making it the perfect spot to start your day.

Beaucoup Bakery

Kid-approved pastries at Beaucoup Bakery

Beaucoup Bakery is a small, charming bakery that infuses French techniques with local ingredients. Famous for their buttery pastries - particularly croissants and pain au chocolat - Beaucoup offers an indulgent and cozy breakfast experience.

Cafe Medina

Brunch at Medina

Café Medina is an iconic part of Vancouver's breakfast scene, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The café's philosophy is rooted in its commitment to the 'art of sharing'. With signature dishes like their famous lavender lattes and Liege waffles, a visit here makes for a great start to the day. The décor is eclectic and inviting, creating a perfect backdrop for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.

Small Victory Bakery

Endless pastry selection at Small Victory Bakery

 

Nestled in the heart of Yaletown, Small Victory Bakery is a local favorite for artisanal breads and pastries. This chic cafe, named to celebrate the 'small victories' in life, has an open and light-filled space with a minimalist aesthetic. Its pastries are beautifully crafted and delicious, while the coffee is considered among the best in Vancouver. This is a must-visit spot for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a good cup of coffee and a well-made croissant.

Purebread

Purebread offers a diverse selection of treats

In Gastown lies Purebread, a family-owned bakery that tempts visitors with a breathtaking display of pastries, cookies, cakes, and savories. Known for its vast selection of freshly baked goods, walking into Purebread feels like stepping into a rustic, charming baking wonderland. Every item is designed to tantalize the taste buds, from their crackly-crusted sourdough to their decadent brownies. Purebread is a definite must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

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Lunch/Casual Restaurant

Sashimiya

Some of the freshest sushi in Downtown

Sashimiya, a small sushi shop in the heart of Vancouver, offers some of the freshest sashimi and sushi in the city. Sourcing fish locally and from Japan, the restaurant’s attention to detail and quality makes it a standout among sushi lovers. Each sushi piece is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. This is a grab-and-go store, so grab your sushi and head to the banks of False Creek to enjoy!

Fat Mao Noodles

Beautifully-made bowls of noodles - photo courtesy of Fat Mao Noodles

 

At Fat Mao Noodles, they take their noodles seriously. Serving up Asian comfort food in a casual, modern setting, the restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering noodle soups from various Asian traditions. The Chef's unique twists on classics, like the Taiwanese Beef Noodle or Thai Chicken Khao Soi, make for a memorable, flavorful experience.

Anh and Chi

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Anh and Chi is a vibrant, stylish Vietnamese restaurant that presents traditional dishes with a modern twist. Their menu is filled with pho, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi, representing the depth and breadth of Vietnamese cuisine. The family-run restaurant is dedicated to sharing meals and memories, a fact that is reflected in its warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Market

The Granville Island Public Market is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. This bustling market is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as ready-to-eat meals from a myriad of vendors. From fresh doughnuts and bagels to gourmet cheeses and global cuisines, there is something here for everyone. It's an ideal spot for a casual lunch while taking in the lively market atmosphere.

Dinner

Burdock & Co

Burdock & Co

Burdock & Co offers a farm-to-table dining experience. Known for its commitment to organic and local sourcing, the restaurant's menu is an homage to the bounties of British Columbia. The rustic-yet-chic ambience perfectly complements the exquisitely prepared dishes that blend Canadian and global flavors. Their wine list, with a focus on naturalist wines, is a unique and welcome addition.

PiDGiN Restaurant

Creative fusion cuisine at PiDGiN

PiDGiN offers a creative fusion of East and West, seamlessly blending ingredients and techniques from across the globe. The ambience is upscale yet relaxed, the service is friendly, and the food is adventurous and innovative. With a menu that changes with the seasons and a curated list of cocktails and wines, PiDGiN provides a unique, gourmet dining experience in Vancouver.

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Boulevard Seafood Dinner

For seafood lovers, the Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is a must-visit. As the name suggests, oysters take center stage, but the menu extends far beyond, showcasing the best of West Coast seafood. Located in the opulent Sutton Place Hotel, the restaurant's elegant interior and expertly prepared dishes offer a truly luxurious dining experience.

The Mackenzie Room

Photo courtesy of The Mackenzie Room

The Mackenzie Room offers an innovative menu that changes with the availability of local ingredients, promoting sustainability and freshness. The rustic yet refined décor adds to the intimate and cozy atmosphere. This spot is perfect for those who appreciate a surprise, as the chalkboard menu is continuously offering new and exciting dishes. Paired with a carefully selected wine list, this place provides a true farm-to-table dining experience.

Hawksworth Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Hawksworth Restaurant

Hawksworth Restaurant is one of Vancouver's premier dining destinations, offering contemporary Canadian cuisine in a sleek and sophisticated setting. Under the leadership of renowned Chef David Hawksworth, the restaurant curates a menu that showcases the finest ingredients in dishes that are both visually stunning and exceptionally flavorful. Each plate is a work of art, and every bite is a celebration of culinary expertise. This is a place for unforgettable dining experiences, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.

Yenyi
Written by Yenyi Fu, updated Aug 3, 2023