Ava GabouryIf you’re anything like me, deciding where to eat in Vancouver can feel a bit like a treasure hunt – there are just so many gems hidden around the city. But let’s be real, not every spot is worth the hype.
The good news? That’s exactly why I’ve done the legwork (and fork work) for you.
So grab your appetite and a sense of adventure because it’s time to eat your way through some of Vancouver’s coolest spots.
And don’t worry, I’ve included a few pro tips to help you navigate like a local. Get ready to dig in!
Maenam
– Media credit: barriegudfood
Address: 1938 W 4th Ave
Contact details: +1 604-730-5579
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-10PM
Pricing: $$
When you’re strolling through Vancouver with a craving for something truly special, Maenam should be on your radar. It’s the brainchild of Angus An, one of the city’s culinary wizards, who juggles flavors like a maestro.
Angus doesn’t just stop at Maenam, though; he’s also behind other local favorites like Fat Mao and Longtail Kitchen. But let’s be honest, if you’ve only got time for one, make it Maenam.
In Maenam, Angus An orchestrates a symphony of flavors, giving traditional Thai dishes a fresh B.C. twist.
The vibe inside is welcoming, whether you’re popping in for an impromptu meal in the lounge or settling in for the Chef’s Menu – a proper steal at $88 for 11 dishes served family style. If you’re more of a lunch person, their four-course lunch sets offer fantastic value, too.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on booking the Chef’s Menu, it’s a culinary journey worth every bite. |
Maruhachi Ra-men
– Media from maruhachi_canada
Contact details: +1 604-620-7883
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re in Vancouver and in need of some comforting noodles, Maruhachi Ra-men in the West End is where you should be heading. Don’t let the queues put you off – they move fast, and trust me, the wait is totally worth it.
This place is a noodle lover’s dream. They whip up 500 balls of fresh noodles daily, letting them rest for 24 hours before they make it to your bowl, ensuring they’re perfect for slurping.
What sets Maruhachi apart is its silky chicken broth, which gives a lighter touch compared to the usual pork-based tonkotsu you might find elsewhere.
And let’s talk about that egg – it’s hands down the best in the city, with just the right amount of marinated richness to complement the broth.
| Pro tip: Always add an extra egg; it’s a little touch that makes a big difference. |
Maxine’s Cafe & Bar
– Media from maxines_cafebar
Address: 1325 Burrard St
Contact details: +1 604-707-2100
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Maxine’s Cafe & Bar is the kind of place that becomes a regular haunt for anyone in the know. Since it opened in 2021, it’s quickly become a staple in Vancouver’s West End, pulling in locals with its stellar brunch, happy hour, and dinner menus.
It’s the sister spot to Homer Street and Tableau, so you know you’re in good hands here. What keeps people coming back? Well, maybe it’s the generously portioned smoked salmon rosti, or perhaps it’s the gloriously messy smash burger that hits just right every time.
The cocktail and wine list is pretty on point too, making it a great spot to wind down after a busy day.
| Pro tip: Swing by for brunch on the weekend, the queues might be long, but the smoked salmon rosti and bottomless mimosas make it well worth the wait. |
Sashimiya
– Media credit: purplechives
Address: 1348 Hornby St
Contact details: +1 604-423-3669
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-8PM
Pricing: $$
This ultra-casual, grab-and-go sushi and sashimi shop opened its doors in 2020, led by sushi master chef Taka Omi, who brought his expertise from the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s RawBar to his first solo venture.
If you’re in the mood for something exquisite and sustainable, Sashimiya is where you should head. While there’s no seating inside, you can grab your sushi delights and head down to the waterfront for a peaceful picnic, or simply enjoy them at home.
The shop also stocks a selection of Japanese grocery items, so you can take a bit of Japan with you.
| Pro tip: Order a party platter and make your way to the waterfront for a sushi picnic. |
Japadog
– Media from japadog.canada
Address: 530 Robson St
Contact details: +1 604-569-1158
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
You’re wandering through Vancouver, maybe a bit peckish, and you stumble upon Japadog. Now, this isn’t just any food truck; it’s a bit of a local legend. You might’ve heard about it, maybe even seen a line of people waiting, and you’re wondering, “What’s the big deal?”
They’ve got six trucks scattered around the city and even four actual shops now, but the original spot, where Burrard meets Smithe, that’s where it all began. Now, here’s where it gets interesting.
You’ve got to try their signature Terimayo dog. It’s not your average hot dog – this one’s all beef, topped with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and a bit of seaweed sprinkled on top. Sounds a bit odd, maybe, but trust me, it’s a flavor combo that just works.
And here’s a fun bit – even Anthony Bourdain, the man himself, gave Japadog a thumbs-up on No Reservations. So, if you’re thinking about giving it a go, you’re in good company.
| Pro tip: Seek out the original Japadog location for the full experience, and don’t leave without trying the Terimayo. |
Hawksworth Bar
– Media from hawksworthrest
Address: 801 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-673-7000
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Hawksworth Bar is where you go when you want a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. Located in the swanky Rosewood Hotel Georgia, this bar offers one of the best cocktail hours in the city.
Every day from 4 to 6 p.m., you can sip on expertly crafted Negronis, martinis, or Aperol spritzes for just $7, while soaking in the ambiance under Damien Hirst’s “Big Love with Diamond Dust.”
But the real steal here is the B&B: Hawksworth’s legendary burger paired with a beer or Old Fashioned.
This classic burger is often hailed as one of the best in Vancouver, and when you can get it during cocktail hour, you’re in for a treat that’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the taste buds.
| Pro tip: Arrive early for cocktail hour to snag a prime seat and enjoy the B&B special – it’s the perfect way to indulge without the hefty price tag. |
Homer Street Cafe and Bar
– Media from homerstcafebar
Address: 898 Homer St
Contact details: +1 604-428-4299
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30AM – 10PM
- Sat – Sun: 10:30AM – 10PM
Pricing: $$$
With its charming Covid-era patio still in place, you can soak up the sun while indulging in a glass of European wine and some of the city’s best roast chicken.
Seriously, Homer Street Cafe and Bar’s rotisserie game is on point, thanks to the impressive red Rotisol Grande Flamme Olympia that takes center stage inside.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, go ahead and surrender to the Full Monty, a waistband-busting set menu that lets you experience the best of what Homer Street has to offer.
It’s hard to say no when you’re watching those free-range chickens spinning to perfection, not to mention the array of tasty sides that complete the feast.
| Pro tip: Opt for the Full Monty and take your time – this is one meal you’ll want to savor from start to finish. |
Bacaro
– Media from bacarovancouver
Address: 1038 Canada Place, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Contact details: +1 604-695-5500
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Tucked away on the ground floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Bacaro is the kind of place that you might easily miss if you didn’t know it was there, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out.
Inspired by Venice’s bacari and cicchetti bars, Bacaro brings a slice of Italian charm to Vancouver with its aperitivo snacks and small plates that pack a punch of flavor.
Wander to the back of the room and you’ll discover a menu filled with delightful surprises, like the anchovy and chive butter crostini or the whipped salt cod with grilled polenta, with prices starting as low as $4.
And if you swing by during aperitivo hour (3 – 6 p.m.), every drink comes with a free cicchetti – a little bite to keep you going while you sip on something from their spritz-heavy cocktail list. Add in some superb pasta dishes and a vermouth menu that’s second to none.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying their Instagrammable sbocciare. |
Bar Haifa
– Media from barhaifa
Address: 400 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-900-2767
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11:30AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 5PM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Bar Haifa might be a newcomer to Vancouver’s dining scene, but it’s already making waves. An offshoot of the popular Haifa Room in Toronto, this spot brings together long-time friends and hospitality pros with Jewish and Palestinian backgrounds to create something truly special.
Located in the Deloitte Summit tower, the vibe is modern and laid-back, but with just the right touch of warmth to make you feel at home. The menu is where Bar Haifa really shines.
The Nazareth hot chicken, perched on a pink bed of sumac yogurt, is a showstopper, while the deep-fried creamy Jerusalem artichokes are the kind of thing you’ll crave long after you’ve left.
And don’t even get me started on the house labneh, it’s a plate-licker of a dish, studded with black olive crumble and bright tomato chermoula.
| Pro tip: Try the rosewater paloma, it’s a refreshing, floral twist on the classic cocktail that pairs beautifully with the flavors on the menu. |
Ophelia
– Media credit: adit.foodit
Address: 165 W 2nd Ave
Contact details: +1 604-694-0690
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
The vibe here at Ophelia modern Mexican with a twist, where every detail, from the folk art on the walls to the bustling energy of the room, invites you to relax and enjoy. The service is top-notch too, which only adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Now, let’s talk about the food and drinks, Ophelia has a margarita program that’s the stuff of legend, especially on Margarita Mondays when you can snag some fantastic deals. The creative cocktails are worth exploring too – each one crafted with care and packed with flavor.
When it comes to the menu, the skirt steak tacos are a standout, served with roasted bone marrow and a beautifully complex burned salsa that you’ll be dreaming about long after your visit.
And if you’re in town for the weekend, their brunch is a must-try, particularly the punchy chilaquiles. Don’t leave without trying the tres leches; it’s a sweet, citrusy delight with pistachio crumble and lime-infused whipped cream that’s just as dreamy as it sounds.
| Pro tip: Make sure to swing by on a Monday for their Margarita deals. |
Is That French
– Media from isthatfrench
Address: 55 Blood Alley Square
Contact details: +1 604-423-5901
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Is That French is the kind of place that could easily fly under the radar, but once you find it, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it. Tucked away in Gastown’s intriguingly named Blood Alley, this spot is a haven for lovers of natural and low-intervention wines.
The menu is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients with a Pacific Northwest twist. Think fresh-shucked oysters and a raw bar that zings with flavor, alongside innovative small plates that showcase a blend of local produce and international techniques.
Thursday nights are especially fun, with live jazz filling the space and adding to the vibrant energy. They also host winemaker dinners and other events, making it a great spot to explore new flavors and experiences.
And yes, Gastown might have its challenges, but places like Is That French are doing their part to create safe, welcoming spaces where the focus is on good food, good wine, and good vibes.
| Pro tip: Visit on a Thursday for the jazz night . |
