Oliver EvansI’ve got a confession: I treat buffets like an Olympic sport, and I’m practically a gold medalist. My friends joke that I have a sixth sense for sniffing out the best buffets in Vancouver, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
I’ve devoured my way through seafood spreads, demolished dessert tables, and tackled enough pasta to make an Italian grandma proud. And now, I’m here to share my hard-earned wisdom with you.
Prepare yourself for a buffet adventure unlike any other. We’re talking about places that make your eyes widen and make you wish that your stomach is a bottomless pit!
Indian Delicacy
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Address: 1130 W Pender St Unit 105
Contact details: +1 604-566-9900
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Walking into Indian Delicacy feels like you’ve been transported straight to India. The colours, the aromas, and the lively atmosphere all set the stage for a memorable meal.
This place can comfortably seat over 60 people, so it’s great for big gatherings like birthday parties or special events. Their buffet is a treasure trove of Indian favourites.
The chefs here know their stuff – they’ve got years of experience whipping up traditional Indian dishes that are packed with flavour. If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ve got to try the Chicken Saagwala and Butter Chicken.
Both are part of their All-You-Can-Eat buffet for just CAD 19.95, which is a steal for the quality and variety you get.
| Pro tip: Give their mango lassi a try to balance out the spices in your meal. |
ARC Restaurant and Bar
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Address: 900 Canada Place Way
Contact details: +1 604-691-1818
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6:30AM-11PM
Pricing: $$$
Now, let me tell you about ARC Restaurant and Bar – it’s got that Pacific Northwest vibe down to a T. Situated in the Fairmont Waterfront, this place is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including some from their very own rooftop herb garden and beehives.
Weekends here are a treat with their bottomless brunch, and if you’re into a farm-to-table experience, their Province to Plate dining is a must-try. The atmosphere is lively, with stunning views of the harbour and mountains adding to the charm.
Plus, they have a fantastic happy hour on weekdays where you can enjoy local craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Families will love it here too, thanks to Fairmont’s Kids Eat Free policy – kids under 5 eat free, and those aged 6-11 get half off.
| Pro tip: Check out their Sunday brunch for live music and a sparkling mimosa station. |
Notch8 Restaurant & Bar
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Address: 900 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-662-1900
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6:30AM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
The whole place at Notch8 is inspired by the golden age of rail travel, but with a modern twist that screams luxury. You’re at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, so you know it’s going to be special.
Start your day with their eggs benedict or some crispy bacon – they’ve got all the breakfast classics down to an art. If you’re more of a lunch person, their pasta and charcuterie are top-notch.
And for those who love a good salad, they’ve got a build-your-own salad bar that lets you get creative with various dressings, veggies, seeds, and nuts. Don’t miss out on their fresh fruit selection, perfect for cleansing your palate after a meal.
| Pro tip: Snag a table by the window for some fantastic city views. |
Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
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Address: 555 W Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-669-2220
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-9:30PM
Pricing: $$$
Alright, let’s talk about the Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant – this place is a real gem. Picture yourself dining 553 feet above the ground, with the whole city, mountains, and ocean laid out beneath you.
The restaurant slowly rotates, giving you a full 360-degree view while you enjoy your meal; it’s like sightseeing and dining all rolled into one. Their buffet is quite the spread, featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, French toast, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee.
Plus, there’s a selection of pastries and bread that are perfect for those with a sweet tooth. We were particularly impressed by the array of fresh fruits – a refreshing way to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal.
A couple of things to keep in mind: window tables are first come, first serve, so you might want to get there early. There’s also a minimum requirement of one main course per person to be seated in the revolving section, and they do add an 18% gratuity for reservations of six or more.
| Pro tip: Try to time your visit around sunset, the view as the city lights up is absolutely magical. |
Uncle Willy’s Buffet
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Address: 6411 Nelson Ave
Contact details: +1 604-433-8898
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-8PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re after a no-frills, classic buffet experience, Uncle Willy’s is your spot. Walking in feels like a trip back in time – the décor has a nostalgic charm that adds to the whole experience; but don’t let the vintage vibe fool you; the buffet offerings are anything but dated.
The selection is massive. You’ve got your homestyle comfort foods like spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, fish, stews, soups, and salads. Their claim to fame, though, is the fried chicken – it’s crispy, juicy, and always available.
There’s also a carving station where you can get a slice of roast beef or ham. One of the highlights is their dessert section. They offer a variety of hand-made treats, and their soft serve ice cream is a hit.
| Pro tip: The fried chicken is what they’re known for, and for good reason, so try it! |
Bombay Kitchen + Bar – Commercial Dr
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Address: 1018 Commercial Dr
Contact details: +1 604-251-2020
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Bombay Kitchen + Bar offers a vibrant and flavourful buffet experience that’s a hit with locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere here is buzzing with energy, and the décor brings a slice of India to Vancouver.
The buffet is a delightful mix of Indian classics. Picture spicy curries, tandoori meats, fragrant rice, and fresh naan – it’s all there. Their butter chicken and palak paneer are particularly popular, and for good reason.
The chefs here use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which really makes a difference in the flavour and quality of the dishes. But it’s not just about the Indian fare. You’ll also find some Western dishes like chicken, carved roast beef, and seafood, which cater to a variety of tastes.
And let’s not forget the dessert section, featuring traditional Indian sweets and some more familiar favourites.
| Pro tip: If you love spicy food, don’t hesitate to ask for extra heat. |
Five Sails Restaurant
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Address: 999 Canada Pl #410
Contact details: +1 604-844-2855
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 5PM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
Nestled inside the Pan Pacific Vancouver, this spot offers a dining experience with stunning views of the water, mountains, and Stanley Park. The restaurant boasts an intimate private dining room that can host up to 20 guests, making it perfect for private celebrations.
For a more relaxed vibe, there’s a chic bar/lounge area with a modern fireplace and cozy, elevated booths. The ambiance here is top-notch, and it only gets better when you look at the menu.
Expect beautifully presented dishes featuring modern classics with a European twist. The seasonal a la carte menu is a delight, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairings by Sommelier Ramon Fresneda is a must-try.
| Pro tip: Book a table at sunset for an unparalleled view. |
Café Medina
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Address: 780 Richards St
Contact details: +1 604-879-3114
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$
Now, if you’re in the mood for a place that’s always buzzing with energy, Café Medina is the spot to be. Morning visits are particularly special here, with egg dishes that steal the show.
The smell of freshly made Belgian waffles hits you as soon as you walk in. If there’s a line (which there often is), don’t fret – sometimes they’ll pass around mini waffles to keep you happy while you wait. Once you’re seated, you’ll want to dive straight into the paella.
Their take on the Spanish classic features orzo, smoky chorizo, roasted veggies, avocado, and a perfect fried egg on top.
| Pro tip: Go early or be prepared for a wait as this place is popular, and for good reason. |
Blue Water Cafe
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Address: 1095 Hamilton St
Contact details: +1 604-688-8078
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 4:30PM-10:30PM
Pricing: $$$
For seafood lovers, Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown is the place to be. The long bar is always busy but never overwhelming, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
You’ll find tourists, business diners, and foodies all coming together here to enjoy the finest seafood in town. The wine cellar is impressive, boasting around 14,000 bottles, so you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
The menu doesn’t disappoint. Dishes like sablefish with a miso sake glaze or yellowfin tuna with pepper piperade showcase what a skilled chef can do with the freshest ingredients.
And if you’re up for it, the raw bar is definitely worth a visit – the seafood tower and jellyfish-scallop ceviche are just a couple of the highlights.
| Pro tip: Dive into the raw bar offerings – they’re fresh, delicious, and a real treat. |
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
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Address: 777 Thurlow St
Contact details: +1 604-669-1940
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: $$$
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House has been a staple since 1985. This place specialises in classic American cuisine, with Executive Chef Ryan Green putting a strong focus on natural flavours and the finest ingredients from local Pacific Northwest farmers and fishermen.
The menu here is vast and varied, boasting over 50 kinds of fresh fish, premium oysters, and thick-cut chops. Signature dishes have earned a loyal following among locals, tourists, and even celebrities.
The ambiance is lively, with live entertainment and more than 10 unique dining spaces that make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a big social gathering or a more intimate meal. The hospitality here is great, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
| Pro tip: Book a table in advance, especially on weekends. |
Jam Cafe
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Address: 100 1st St E, North Vancouver
Contact details: +1 778-379-1992
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$
As soon as you step into Jam Cafe, you’re hit with the mouth-watering aromas of warm pancakes, fried potatoes, and freshly baked goods. This cozy spot is small but bursting with charm, thanks to its antique accents and quirky Canadiana décor.
There are seven different types of eggs benedict, hearty breakfast bowls, buttermilk biscuit sandwiches, and decadent pancakes and waffles – think red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting or fried chicken and waffles.
One standout is the avocado eggs benedict – it’s a simple dish, but Jam Cafe nails it perfectly. The eggs are cooked just right, with a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce that complements the crisp English muffin and perfectly ripe avocado.
The hashbrowns are a crunchy, golden delight, making this dish a real winner.
| Pro tip: Get there early to avoid the long wait. |
