Ever had a meal so wild, so unexpected, that you were still talking about it days later? That’s exactly the kind of adventure Vancouver’s quirkiest restaurants deliver.
Now, I’ve eaten my way through this city, and trust me, these unique places aren’t just about food. Wanna know what it’s like to sip a mushroom-infused cocktail that somehow works (still wrapping my head around that one?
How about diving into a seafood tower that’s more of a skyscraper? One thing’s for certain: these spots know how to put on a culinary show. There was one time when I felt like I was dining in a posh Jumanji scene!
So, if you’re ready to swap the same-old dining scene for something with a bit more pizzazz, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
Botanist
– Media from botanistdining
Address: 1038 Canada Pl
Contact details: +1 604-695-5500
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Botanist is like walking into a secret garden that decides to get a culinary degree.
Located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, this place fully embraces its botanical theme, from the lush greenery draped across the interiors to the whimsical, nature-inspired cocktails that seem plucked from a fairytale.
But what truly makes Botanist quirky is its dedication to pushing boundaries. Their cocktail lab—yes, lab—is where mixologists double as scientists, crafting drinks like the Candy Cap Magic, which somehow makes mushrooms and mixology a match made in heaven.
And the food? Expect dishes like cedar-aged Arctic char and roasted mushroom risotto that showcase local ingredients with imaginative flair.
Pro tip: For an immersive experience, book a tasting menu with cocktail pairings. It’s like a foodie’s trip to Wonderland. |
Blue Water Cafe
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Address: 1095 Hamilton St
Contact details: +1 604-688-8078
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 4:30PM-10:30PM
Pricing: $$$
What’s quirky about Blue Water Cafe? It’s the sheer level of theatre they bring to seafood dining. Located in Yaletown, this spot transforms the simple act of eating fish into a grand spectacle.
Their seafood tower, for instance, is like a pièce de résistance—layer upon layer of freshly shucked oysters, plump prawns, and delicate crab claws, all arranged so beautifully you almost feel bad digging in. Almost.
Then there’s the menu’s sense of adventure. From expertly charred octopus to miso-sablefish so buttery it might as well melt in your mouth, Blue Water Cafe takes traditional seafood dishes and elevates them with bold flavours and modern techniques.
And the quirky touch? Their open kitchen displays the chefs’ artistry, making the food preparation almost as entertaining as the meal itself.
Pro tip: Snag a seat at the oyster bar for a front-row view of the shucking action, it’s seafood, but make it a show. |
Osteria Savio Volpe
– Media from savio_volpe
Address: 615 Kingsway
Contact details: +1 604-428-0072
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM–10PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
Osteria Savio Volpe takes everything you know about Italian dining and flips it on its head. The first clue? The quirky name, which translates to “Wise Fox Tavern.”
This Kingsway hotspot oozes rustic charm, but don’t let the cozy vibe fool you—there’s a playful edge here that sets it apart. For one, their menu is all about breaking rules.
Sure, there are Italian staples like tagliatelle with pork ragu, but they’re served family-style, encouraging you to get a little hands-on. And the wood-grilled game hen? It’s juicy, smoky, and plated with a flair that feels almost too fancy for something so comforting.
What’s particularly quirky, though, is the way they play with tradition. Their desserts often feature unexpected twists—think olive oil cake with citrus that’s equal parts classic and surprising.
Add to that a wine list packed with rare Italian gems, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s a little cheeky, a lot delicious.
Pro tip: Go with a group and try the family-style feast, it’s the best way to explore their playful menu. |
Is That French
– Media from isthatfrench
Address: 55 Blood Alley Square
Contact details: +1 604-423-5901
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Tucked along East Broadway, this place is where casual meets classy, with a menu that’s as unpredictable as a Vancouver weather forecast.
First-timers might raise an eyebrow at the name, but trust me, once you’re inside, it all makes sense. The interiors are minimalist yet warm—think natural wood tones, soft lighting, and a small dining area that feels more like a trendy mate’s dinner party than a stuffy restaurant.
The menu? Well, it’s not strictly French, but it’s unapologetically good. Small plates are the main event here, with bold choices like steak tartare spiked with smoked bone marrow or their famous salt cod croquettes.
And don’t even get me started on the wine list—it’s a sommelier’s dream, carefully curated to complement the bold, quirky flavours on offer. Whether you’re a vino newbie or a full-blown wine snob, you’ll find something to sip and savor.
Pro tip: Leave room for dessert. Their pastry game is just as strong as their small plates. |
Kissa Tanto
– Media from kissatanto
Address: 263 E Pender St
Contact details: +1 604-687-6631
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5:30PM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
From the moment you push open the door on East Pender Street, you’re stepping into a world that feels part Tokyo jazz lounge, part Italian trattoria. The space is dimly lit and intimate, with lush velvet booths, mid-century accents, and a bar that seems like it belongs in a Bond film.
Now, the food—this is where things get interesting. Kissa Tanto blends Japanese techniques with Italian soul, resulting in a menu that’s anything but ordinary.
Imagine silky tajarin pasta coated in butter and miso-cured egg yolk or lamb chops glazed with a soy-based reduction that’s sticky, savoury, and downright addictive. Not a pasta fan? No problem.
Their seafood dishes, like the octopus carpaccio, are just as stellar. And don’t overlook the cocktail menu—these drinks aren’t just mixed; they’re crafted with the kind of attention to detail that makes you think, “Yep, they know what they’re doing.”
Pro tip: Book a table well in advance, this spot fills up fast, and for good reason. |
Chambar Restaurant
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Address: 568 Beatty St
Contact details: +1 604-879-7119
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM–11PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
If you haven’t been to Chambar yet, you’re missing out on one of Vancouver’s staples. This place has been serving up incredible Belgian-influenced fare for years, and it still feels as fresh as the day it opened.
Located in a charming brick building on Beatty Street, it’s the kind of spot that nails the balance between upscale dining and unpretentious hospitality. The menu has something for everyone, but their mussels are the real star of the show.
Whether you go for the classic Congolaise (with tomato coconut cream, smoked chili, and lime) or the Vin Blanc (with white wine and butter), you’re in for a treat. Pair that with their famous frites and a Belgian beer, and you’ve basically won dinner.
Pro tip: Hit up their brunch for a more relaxed experience, and don’t skip the waffles. |
Nightingale
– Media from nightingalerest
Address: 1017 W Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-695-9500
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM–10PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
Nightingale is where casual meets sophistication, and it’s done oh-so-right. Nestled in Coal Harbour, this spot is all about sharing plates and bold flavours in a space that’s as inviting as it is sleek.
Think high ceilings, modern wood accents, and a buzzing open kitchen that makes you feel like part of the action. The menu is designed for sharing, so you’ll want to bring a crew—or just an appetite as big as Vancouver’s skyline.
Their ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms, by the way, are a game-changer.
And don’t even think about skipping the drinks. Nightingale’s cocktail list is creative yet approachable, making it the perfect place to start—or end—an evening in the city.
Pro tip: Order a mix of their pizzas and small plates, it’s the best way to taste what Nightingale is all about. |
L’Abattoir
– Media from labattoir_van
Address: 217 Carrall St
Contact details: +1 604-568-1701
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM–11PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
Tucked into Gastown’s cobblestoned streets, L’Abattoir is all charm with a side of serious culinary clout. The name might nod to its history (yep, the building was once part of Vancouver’s meatpacking district), but there’s nothing old-fashioned about what’s on the plate.
Expect elevated French-inspired West Coast cuisine served in an industrial-chic space that feels as cozy as it does refined.
The duck parfait and the pan-fried sweetbreads are must-tries for the adventurous, but even the more straightforward dishes, like their buttery halibut or steak Diane, are packed with finesse.
Oh, and the wine list? It’s like a love letter to local and international vineyards, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pairing.
Pro tip: Head to the bar for their happy hour, it’s a great way to sample their bites and cocktails without breaking the bank. |
The Mackenzie Room
– Media from themackenzieroom
Address: 415 Powell St
Contact details: +1 604-253-0705
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM–11PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
The Mackenzie Room is where creativity and comfort collide. This Powell Street treasure embraces a “chalkboard menu” concept, meaning the dishes change with the seasons—and the chefs’ whims. It’s local, it’s fresh, and it’s never boring.
The interior is rustic yet polished, with mismatched wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into something special. The staff? Friendly as they come, with a knack for making you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
What’s on the menu, you ask? It’s hard to pin down, but expect bold, inventive dishes like seared venison, grilled asparagus with smoked aioli, or perfectly roasted cauliflower steak.
Whatever they’re serving that day, one thing’s for sure—it’ll be as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
Pro tip: Trust the servers, they’ll guide you to the best dishes of the night. |
Twisted Fork
– Media from twistedforkbistro
Address: 1147 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-123-7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-3PM
Pricing: $$
Twisted Fork might just be the cure for Vancouver’s brunch addiction, and honestly, we’re not complaining. This Gastown favourite is the kind of spot where you’ll happily queue for a table—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
The vibe is cozy and inviting, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and that unmistakable buzz of a busy yet welcoming bistro. Now, let’s talk food. Twisted Fork takes classic brunch staples and turns them into something memorable.
The baked eggs are a fan favourite, cooked to perfection in cast iron skillets and paired with fresh-baked bread that’s so good you’ll want to smuggle some home. Their French toast? It’s thick, fluffy, and topped with the kind of indulgent extras that’ll have you in a food coma by noon.
And while brunch is the headliner here, the cocktails deserve a shout-out too. Whether you’re into mimosas, Caesars, or something a bit stronger, you’ll find the perfect pairing for your mid-morning feast.
Pro tip: Arrive early or prepare to queue, this spot fills up fast, especially on weekends. |