Guidebook for Vancouver
Food Scene
Guu Original Thurlow
838 Thurlow Stauthentic japanese izakaya
Explore this local market to try some of the best food in the city with many great surrounding restaurants. There are also some amazing local breweries you can tour with plenty of opportunity to explore arts and culture. This is another gem within the city everyone including locals loves to explore regularly.
470 locals recommend
Granville Island Public Market
1689 Johnston StExplore this local market to try some of the best food in the city with many great surrounding restaurants. There are also some amazing local breweries you can tour with plenty of opportunity to explore arts and culture. This is another gem within the city everyone including locals loves to explore regularly.
During the summer this food market pops up and is the most popular place to hang out. Try some of the best food from all over the city as many Asian restaurants have stalls here. Great for an after dinner hang or late night snack. Definitely a must visit!
192 locals recommend
Richmond Night Market
8351 River RdDuring the summer this food market pops up and is the most popular place to hang out. Try some of the best food from all over the city as many Asian restaurants have stalls here. Great for an after dinner hang or late night snack. Definitely a must visit!
One of Vanouver’s most popular restaurants for a date. At this restaurant, it can be assured that the experience from start to finish will be nothing short of impeccable.
144 locals recommend
Minami
1118 Mainland StOne of Vanouver’s most popular restaurants for a date. At this restaurant, it can be assured that the experience from start to finish will be nothing short of impeccable.
Known for their Aburi (sear-flaming) style sushi as is their sister restaurant Minami.
169 locals recommend
Miku Vancouver
200 Granville StKnown for their Aburi (sear-flaming) style sushi as is their sister restaurant Minami.
Offers something that is new to Vancouver’s ramen scene. This restaurant serves some of the best Tsukemen (dipping ramen) in the city. Since this is a relatively new phenomenon in the city, there are only a few places that serve it, but this restaurant still serves some of the city’s best.
24 locals recommend
Taishoken Ramen
515 Abbott StOffers something that is new to Vancouver’s ramen scene. This restaurant serves some of the best Tsukemen (dipping ramen) in the city. Since this is a relatively new phenomenon in the city, there are only a few places that serve it, but this restaurant still serves some of the city’s best.
Started by a Japanese chef who eventually made his way to Vancouver. This restaurant was the start to the ramen craze in Vancouver and has set the bar high. It is the reason why our love for this noodle soup runs so deep. With this landmark restaurant being in operation for over a decade, the city now has its own ramen district with many other top quality competitors within short walking distance. Kintaro has done so well that a few stores down is Motomachi Shokuda, which is owned by the same person, but has a few more adventurous types of ramen available.
52 locals recommend
Kintaro Ramen
788 Denman StStarted by a Japanese chef who eventually made his way to Vancouver. This restaurant was the start to the ramen craze in Vancouver and has set the bar high. It is the reason why our love for this noodle soup runs so deep. With this landmark restaurant being in operation for over a decade, the city now has its own ramen district with many other top quality competitors within short walking distance. Kintaro has done so well that a few stores down is Motomachi Shokuda, which is owned by the same person, but has a few more adventurous types of ramen available.
A short walk from the unit. Home of these Japanese inspired hot dogs, another long loved staple of Vancouver. There have also been many celebrities who have visited this prolific brand that started off as a simple food cart.
58 locals recommend
JAPADOG
530 Robson StA short walk from the unit. Home of these Japanese inspired hot dogs, another long loved staple of Vancouver. There have also been many celebrities who have visited this prolific brand that started off as a simple food cart.
One of Vancouver’s most well-known Japanese fine dining restaurants. If you’re planning a visit here I would definitely recommend making a reservation and to consider the Omakase option. The chef here is most famous for having created the popular California roll.
52 locals recommend
Tojo's Restaurant
1133 West BroadwayOne of Vancouver’s most well-known Japanese fine dining restaurants. If you’re planning a visit here I would definitely recommend making a reservation and to consider the Omakase option. The chef here is most famous for having created the popular California roll.
A restaurant that mainly serves tapa style dishes. The sister restaurant Kingyo Izakaya is quite popular as well.
33 locals recommend
Suika Japanese Restaurant
1626 W BroadwayA restaurant that mainly serves tapa style dishes. The sister restaurant Kingyo Izakaya is quite popular as well.
Offers a variety of creative and traditional Japanese dishes.
95 locals recommend
Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant
2054 Commercial DrOffers a variety of creative and traditional Japanese dishes.
One of the newest izakaya's in restaurant and is quickly spreading by word of mouth.
Q Shi Q Japanese BBQ
159 West 4th AvenueOne of the newest izakaya's in restaurant and is quickly spreading by word of mouth.
One of the city's most popular izakaya's. It is wise to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
19 locals recommend
Zakkushi on Denman
823 Denman StOne of the city's most popular izakaya's. It is wise to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
The Ramen Butcher
223 E Georgia StHokkaido Ramen Santouka
1690 Robson StA ramen chain from Japan.
Ramen Jinya
541 Robson StA short walk from the unit.
Known for their deep fried chicken karage that comes with their ramen. Be warned, even their mild spicy ramen is quite hot.
8 locals recommend
Ramen Gojiro
501 Dunsmuir StKnown for their deep fried chicken karage that comes with their ramen. Be warned, even their mild spicy ramen is quite hot.
Jang Mo Jib Korean Restaurant
808 Bute StreetServes a wide variety of classic Korean dishes.
Serves some of the best deep fried chicken that has been mixed in sweet, savory or spicy flavours.
9 locals recommend
Zabu Chicken
1635 Robson StServes some of the best deep fried chicken that has been mixed in sweet, savory or spicy flavours.
Popular for their dim sum dishes that come in large portions.
31 locals recommend
Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
4989 Victoria DrPopular for their dim sum dishes that come in large portions.
Showcases some authentic Chinese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Fresh dim sum is also served daily.
62 locals recommend
Kirin Restaurant
1172 Alberni StShowcases some authentic Chinese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Fresh dim sum is also served daily.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
1690 Robson StEclectic variety of authentic Chinese dishes.
One of the most popular places to go for Banh Mi. There are now two locations with the closest one to the downtown core being located in Chinatown.
9 locals recommend
Ba Le Sandwich Shop
633 Main StOne of the most popular places to go for Banh Mi. There are now two locations with the closest one to the downtown core being located in Chinatown.
An amazing restaurant that complements both Vietnamese and French cuisine. One of most popular dishes at this restaurant is their Lobster Poutine.
40 locals recommend
Linh Café
1428 Granville StreetAn amazing restaurant that complements both Vietnamese and French cuisine. One of most popular dishes at this restaurant is their Lobster Poutine.
A popular spot for locals to dine on a combination of Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine. The immense popularity of this restaurant is a partly a result of their chicken wings and butter beef.
212 locals recommend
Phnom Penh Restaurant
244 E Georgia StA popular spot for locals to dine on a combination of Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine. The immense popularity of this restaurant is a partly a result of their chicken wings and butter beef.
Serves a variety of popular Vietnamese dishes from their noodle soups, spring rolls, salad rolls, coffee and much more.
Ha Long Bay Restaurant
430 W Pender StServes a variety of popular Vietnamese dishes from their noodle soups, spring rolls, salad rolls, coffee and much more.
Pho Goodness
1150 Davie StOffers some of the best Pho noodle soup in the city.
A stylish vegetarian and vegan eatery that is open late with menu items changing seasonally.
184 locals recommend
The Acorn Restaurant
3995 Main StA stylish vegetarian and vegan eatery that is open late with menu items changing seasonally.
A vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves deliciously thoughtful dishes using fairly traded ingredients and is open till late.
98 locals recommend
Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
1509 W 12th AveA vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves deliciously thoughtful dishes using fairly traded ingredients and is open till late.
Zend Conscious Lounge
1130 Mainland StreetA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
CHOMP vegan eatery
2234 E Hastings StA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Eternal Abundance Organic Cafe & Market
1025 Commercial DrA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
MeeT on Main
4288 Main StreetA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Graze
3980 Fraser StreetA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Indigo Age Catering
436 Richards StA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Chau Veggie Express
5052 Victoria DrA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
The Naam
2724 W 4th AveA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Loving Hut Express
1200 Pacific BlvdA vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
Now has two locations downtown. The Greek food here is absolutely amazing and the portions are very generous. If you love Greek food, you will definitely not be disappointed here. The lamb souvlaki here falls right off the bone. This restaurant is quite lively and is always packed.
141 locals recommend
Stepho's Souvlaki Greek Taverna
1124 Davie StNow has two locations downtown. The Greek food here is absolutely amazing and the portions are very generous. If you love Greek food, you will definitely not be disappointed here. The lamb souvlaki here falls right off the bone. This restaurant is quite lively and is always packed.
Operates 24-hours a day serving some of the best burgers, milkshakes and other diner regulars.
47 locals recommend
Lucy's Eastside Diner
2708 Main StreetOperates 24-hours a day serving some of the best burgers, milkshakes and other diner regulars.
A popular restaurant chain for a night out with many locations throughout the city.
251 locals recommend
Earls Kitchen + Bar
6070 Silver DrA popular restaurant chain for a night out with many locations throughout the city.
Steamworks
375 Water StA brewery attached to a restaurant that serves a variety of bar food.
A lively restaurant that serves quality oysters and New Orleans inspired soul food. This is one of the many places in the city that have buck a shuck during certain times of the day.
19 locals recommend
Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar - Coal Harbour
1055 W Hastings StA lively restaurant that serves quality oysters and New Orleans inspired soul food. This is one of the many places in the city that have buck a shuck during certain times of the day.
A popular restaurant with a brewery attached. One interesting fact is that if it is your birthday, you can get a discount on your meal based on the age you are turning so make sure you let your server know.
245 locals recommend
CRAFT Beer Market False Creek
85 West 1st AvenueA popular restaurant with a brewery attached. One interesting fact is that if it is your birthday, you can get a discount on your meal based on the age you are turning so make sure you let your server know.
One of the city’s largest chain restaurants and there are many locations throughout the city, however the one located in Coal Harbour has amazing views to boast and is a popular place for those looking to get a quick drink.
167 locals recommend
Cactus Club Cafe Coal Harbour
1085 Canada PlOne of the city’s largest chain restaurants and there are many locations throughout the city, however the one located in Coal Harbour has amazing views to boast and is a popular place for those looking to get a quick drink.
Black+Blue
1032 Alberni StA popular upscale steakhouse that operates an amazing rooftop.
A great relaxing atmosphere and amazing tapas. The drinks aren’t too bad either. If you plan to visit this popular restaurant, I would recommend their tasting menu. One of your only regrets will be that there aren’t more courses.
46 locals recommend
Pidgin Restaurant
350 Carrall StA great relaxing atmosphere and amazing tapas. The drinks aren’t too bad either. If you plan to visit this popular restaurant, I would recommend their tasting menu. One of your only regrets will be that there aren’t more courses.
Serves a wide selection of some of the freshest sustainable seafood in the city and leaves you wanting more.
204 locals recommend
Blue Water Cafe
1095 Hamilton StServes a wide selection of some of the freshest sustainable seafood in the city and leaves you wanting more.
Coast
1054 Alberni StA popular restaurant that is known for their seafood towers.
One of the few rooftop terraces that we have in the city.
43 locals recommend
Reflections: The Garden Terrace
801 W Georgia StOne of the few rooftop terraces that we have in the city.
An upscale fine dining restaurant that is a four-time award winner in the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. A reservation is highly recommended for this restaurant.
85 locals recommend
Hawksworth Restaurant
801 W Georgia StAn upscale fine dining restaurant that is a four-time award winner in the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. A reservation is highly recommended for this restaurant.
A group of restaurants that serves a wide variety of mouth watering seafood with their surf and turf dishes being quite popular.
28 locals recommend
The Boathouse Restaurant
1795 Beach AvenueA group of restaurants that serves a wide variety of mouth watering seafood with their surf and turf dishes being quite popular.
Set in the center of Queen Elizabeth Park. This restaurant has beautiful views of downtown and the Vancouver skyline.
112 locals recommend
Seasons in the Park
West 33rd Avenue Set in the center of Queen Elizabeth Park. This restaurant has beautiful views of downtown and the Vancouver skyline.
Mean Poutine
718 Nelson SLa Belle Patate Vancouver
1215 Davie Stpoutine
Fritz European Fry House
718 Davie StLate night serving fires/chips and poutine.
Edible Canada
1596 Johnston StThe Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 W 4th AveHas quickly become one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants as a result of the quality and strong authenticity that is provided.
172 locals recommend
Ask For Luigi Restaurant
305 Alexander StHas quickly become one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants as a result of the quality and strong authenticity that is provided.
Italian Kitchen
860 Burrard StTacofino Taco Bar
15 W Cordova StSal y Limón
701 KingswayA popular seafood restaurant in the heart of downtown and has a nice rooftop terrace to relax.
178 locals recommend
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow StA popular seafood restaurant in the heart of downtown and has a nice rooftop terrace to relax.
Rodney's Oyster House
1228 Hamilton StThe most popular upscale Indian cuisine in the city, which also has a food cart. Go early and be prepared to line up. Some high end grocery stores also carry products from Chef Vij’s line of products. There is also a food truck from this restaurant group.
264 locals recommend
Vij's
3106 Cambie StreetThe most popular upscale Indian cuisine in the city, which also has a food cart. Go early and be prepared to line up. Some high end grocery stores also carry products from Chef Vij’s line of products. There is also a food truck from this restaurant group.
Bob Likes Thai Food
3755 Main StSawasdee Thai Restaurant
4250 Main StFinch's
353 W Pender StKnown for their Pear and Prosciutto Baguette.
Siegel's Bagels
1883 Cornwall AveChambar Restaurant
568 Beatty StreetCategorizes themselves as a nouveau Canadian Bistro serving simple, seasonally inspired menu of fresh local ingredients.
165 locals recommend
The Flying Pig Yaletown
1168 Hamilton StreetCategorizes themselves as a nouveau Canadian Bistro serving simple, seasonally inspired menu of fresh local ingredients.
Twisted Fork Bistro
213 Carrall StreetFrench style bistro.
A modern eatery that features sustainable, local cuisine using ingredients from Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest.
32 locals recommend
Nomad Restaurant
3950 Main StA modern eatery that features sustainable, local cuisine using ingredients from Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest.
A farm-to-table eatery that has been ranked as one of the city’s best restaurants. The restaurant also runs a nearby wine bar, Grapes and Soda.
45 locals recommend
Farmer's Apprentice Restaurant
1535 W 6th AveA farm-to-table eatery that has been ranked as one of the city’s best restaurants. The restaurant also runs a nearby wine bar, Grapes and Soda.
L'Abattoir
217 Carrall StServes Pacific Northwest fare with a French touch.
Right on the Coal Harbour marina while serving seafood, burgers and classic comfort food.
145 locals recommend
Cardero's Restaurant
1583 Coal Harbour QuayRight on the Coal Harbour marina while serving seafood, burgers and classic comfort food.
Known for their cream puffs and boxes of chocolate that showcase amazing artwork. This dessert haven also produces many other innovative sweet confectionaries that are regularly promoted online through social media. If you have a sweet tooth and want to try something it is wise to arrive early to avoid disappointment as items regularly sell out.
29 locals recommend
BETA5 Chocolates
409 Industrial AveKnown for their cream puffs and boxes of chocolate that showcase amazing artwork. This dessert haven also produces many other innovative sweet confectionaries that are regularly promoted online through social media. If you have a sweet tooth and want to try something it is wise to arrive early to avoid disappointment as items regularly sell out.
French based brand believed by many to have created the macaron. In the past few years the love for this delectable sweet has grown and grown to a point where this powerhouse has finally opened its first location downtown.
8 locals recommend
Ladurée
1141 Robson StFrench based brand believed by many to have created the macaron. In the past few years the love for this delectable sweet has grown and grown to a point where this powerhouse has finally opened its first location downtown.
Around for decades starting the love for the Italian dessert long before it became a trend. This location has 518 flavours available.
66 locals recommend
La Casa Gelato
1033 Venables StAround for decades starting the love for the Italian dessert long before it became a trend. This location has 518 flavours available.
Thierry Alberni
1059 Alberni StBreka Bakery & Café
855 Davie StCartems Donuts
2190 Main StGanache Patisserie
1262 Homer StCrackle Creme
245 Union StGlenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery
4090 Hastings StThomas Haas
998 Harbourside DrSoirette Pastry Boutique
1433 W Pender StFaubourg Paris
769 Hornby StEarnest Ice Cream
3992 Fraser StRain or Shine Ice Cream
1926 W 4th AveLocated in Gastown and was started by two brothers who serve their amazing soft serve ice cream with various toppings into meticulously crafted flavour combinations.
16 locals recommend
Soft Peaks Ice Cream
25 Alexander StLocated in Gastown and was started by two brothers who serve their amazing soft serve ice cream with various toppings into meticulously crafted flavour combinations.
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
637 Hornby StGotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
615 Seymour StThe Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Yaletown
1011 Mainland StMatchstick Chinatown
213 E Georgia StTimbertrain Coffee Roasters
311 W Cordova St49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - MAIN
2902 Main StRevolver
325 Cambie StThe Message Cafe
75 E Pender StPlatform 7 Coffee
2331 E Hastings StPrado Cafe
1938 Commercial DrBump N Grind Cafe
916 Commercial DrMilano Coffee Roasters
156 W 8th AveEast Van Roasters
319 Carrall StOne of Vancouver’s most popular brunch spots. Even on a weekday with two locations there are line ups.
109 locals recommend
Yolks
1598 E Hastings StOne of Vancouver’s most popular brunch spots. Even on a weekday with two locations there are line ups.
Cafe Medina
780 Richards StPopular brunch place right across the street. Expect lineups.
Sophie's Cosmic Cafe
2095 W 4th AveEd's Daily
686 Powell Stbrunch/breakfast
Forage
1300 Robson StAcme Cafe
51 W Hastings Stbreakfast/brunch
Parks & Nature
a great way to enjoy nature while taking in city views in the middle of the city by walking, biking or even for going for a run
2658 locals recommend
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline Rda great way to enjoy nature while taking in city views in the middle of the city by walking, biking or even for going for a run
Lynn Canyon Park
3663 Park Rdpopular summer hiking trail many locals frequent
A popular hike that is a bit more difficult. For those who just want to enjoy a great view and patio right next to this is the Sea to Sky Gondola where you can avoid the hiking up and down skipping straight to the views of glacial lakes. There is also a nice suspension bridge at the top.
132 locals recommend
Stawamus Chief
A popular hike that is a bit more difficult. For those who just want to enjoy a great view and patio right next to this is the Sea to Sky Gondola where you can avoid the hiking up and down skipping straight to the views of glacial lakes. There is also a nice suspension bridge at the top.
Entertainment & Activities
Visit this iconic structure surrounded by some of the best views in the city. There is plenty educational fun for the whole family. The IMAX films shown here are not to be missed!
837 locals recommend
Science World at TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec StVisit this iconic structure surrounded by some of the best views in the city. There is plenty educational fun for the whole family. The IMAX films shown here are not to be missed!
Arts & Culture
During the summer this production company offers some of Shakespeare's most popular plays right along the beach. A nice treat.
62 locals recommend
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
1695 Whyte AveDuring the summer this production company offers some of Shakespeare's most popular plays right along the beach. A nice treat.
Shopping
Famous shopping street that has many world recognized or Canadian fashion brands. There are many stores also selling souvenirs and much more!
789 locals recommend
Robson Street
1155 Robson StFamous shopping street that has many world recognized or Canadian fashion brands. There are many stores also selling souvenirs and much more!
From high fashion to basic necessities this mall has it all. Some notable stores are below:
-Nordstrom
-Holt Renfrew, if you really want to enjoy all the luxury fashion Vancouver has to offer, the staff here will be able to help you find a new wardrobe or get ready for a night out from top to bottom as there is even a hair salon and many make up artists/stylists on site.
571 locals recommend
CF Pacific Centre
701 W Georgia StFrom high fashion to basic necessities this mall has it all. Some notable stores are below:
-Nordstrom
-Holt Renfrew, if you really want to enjoy all the luxury fashion Vancouver has to offer, the staff here will be able to help you find a new wardrobe or get ready for a night out from top to bottom as there is even a hair salon and many make up artists/stylists on site.
Sightseeing
Just outside the city, Whistler is a great place to enjoy some great food, entertainment and activities outdoors. During the summer there are nearby hikes, ATVing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, zip lining and much more. In the winter time this is a world-class ski mountain.
162 locals recommend
Whistler Mountain Peak Suspension Bridge
Just outside the city, Whistler is a great place to enjoy some great food, entertainment and activities outdoors. During the summer there are nearby hikes, ATVing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, zip lining and much more. In the winter time this is a world-class ski mountain.
From here you can take the ferry to Vancouver Island and explore island life, the outdoors and more breathtaking views.
57 locals recommend
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal station
From here you can take the ferry to Vancouver Island and explore island life, the outdoors and more breathtaking views.
Drinks & Nightlife
A pub that has some of the most creative Caesar’s in Vancouver. There are many toppings that come with this category of drink such as a tiny burger.
91 locals recommend
Score on Davie
1262 Davie StA pub that has some of the most creative Caesar’s in Vancouver. There are many toppings that come with this category of drink such as a tiny burger.
Serves some of the best cocktails and drinks in the city with a lively atmosphere.
87 locals recommend
Yaletown Distillery Bar + Kitchen
1131 Mainland StServes some of the best cocktails and drinks in the city with a lively atmosphere.
The Diamond
6 Powell StSalt Tasting Room
227 W Pender StProhibition
801 W Georgia StPortland Craft
3835 Main StGrain Tasting Bar
655 Burrard Stmahony | Burrard Landing
1055 Canada PlA nice place to get a beer and meal while enjoying the views.
27 locals recommend
Tap & Barrel • Convention Centre
1055 Canada PlA nice place to get a beer and meal while enjoying the views.
Granville Island Brewing
1441 Cartwright St33 Acres Brewing Company
15 W 8th AveBrassneck Brewery
2148 Main StSells their small batch beer by the growler as well.