Yes, Vancouver is a city... but honestly, it's not a particularly big one. So sometimes after a while, the food or bar options may begin to feel limited. But there's actually more to the city than you would think. So we're here to introduce you to some hidden gems you may or may not have ever been to that are definitely worth trying. One Vancouver's major strengths is its diversity, which is totally reflected in the restaurant and bar scene. From tropical tiki bars to luxe French restaurants, courtyard cafes and more, the cuisine and ambience of the city continually growing and evolves. So we're here to help add to your restaurant, cafe or bar bucket list or maybe even help you to start your own. This article might just be your answer to the classic "where should we eat" debate. Whether it's for your next date night, Sunday brunch, cafe study sesh or night out, there are tons of places in Vancouver worth checking out. We can't wait to see where your food, cafe or bar adventures will take you! What are you looking for? Restaurants Bars Cafes Breakfast/Brunch For Restaurants, click "Next". Sen Pad Thai Where: Unit 7-1666 Johnston St // Granville Island via @vanfoodietours via @vancouverfoodie Type: Thai Price: 💸💸 We recommend: Crispy Wings with Thai Garlic and Pad Thai Why you should go: Tucked away in Granville Island, this small Thai restaurant serves up Thai food. Sen Pad Thai will satisfy all your pad thai and fried chicken cravings. Website St. Lawrence Restaurant Where: 269 Powell St // Railtown via @the_wildbunch via @ieremignon Type: French/Quebecois Price: 💸💸💸 We recommend: Oreilles de Crisse, Steak tartare, and Côte de porc Why you should go: Love boujee experiences? French food is delicious and this upscale restaurant is a perfect place to go for all things French in Vancouver. The head chef is also the owner of other amazing Vancouver restaurants, Ask For Luigi and Pizzeria Farina. Website The Arbor Where: 3941 Main St // South Main via @arborvancouver via @arborvancouver Type: Casual, Multi-cuisine Price: 💸💸 Most popular item: Broccoli Popcorn and Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich Why you should go: If you're looking for comfort food but still want to stay healthy, The Arbor is your answer. Bonus: their patio is adorable. Website Yui Japanese Bistro Where: 102-1185 W Georgia Street // Downtown via @eatatyui via @purplechives Type: Japanese We recommend this dish: Ebi Oshi Sushi Price: 💸 💸 Why you should go: Aburi sushi lovers need to know about this tiny sushi spot. Yui Japanese Bistro offers a great value for aburi seared sushi in Vancouver, with aburi oshi costing around $11. Website Tabom Where: C-1046 Austin Ave // Coquitlam via @chocoviv via @miaa_nguyen Type: Korean Price: 💸💸 - 💸💸💸 We recommend: Tabom Signature Why you should go: Get two incredible things in a combination that will blow your mind. Tabom's Signature consists of Korean stir fry or soup on a hot plate surrounded by melted cheese and corn. Website For Bars, click "Next". The Pawn Shop Where: 1117 Granville St // Downtown via @kevinmheineman via @leahgirvitz Type: Taco and Tequila Bar Price: 💸 - 💸💸 We recommend: Happy Hour $1 Tacos and $3 Tequila Why you should go: This bar has probably the best taco deal in all of Vancouver. Every single day, they have Happy Hour of $1 Tacos and $3 Tequila!!! Website Banter Room Where: 1039 Mainland St via @serena604 via @pureimagetechnology Type: Lounge Most popular item: Southern Fried Chicken and London Broil Steak Price: 💸💸 Why you should go: This place is more of a lounge but still a great place to grab some drinks. Oh and did we mention, there is a Moët Champagne vending machine? Yep, that's a thing. Website Gringo Where: 27 Blood Alley Square // Gastown via @freepenguinm via @foodventures_van Type: Mexican Most popular item: Thai Buckets Price: 💸 Why you should go: Home to one of the few places that have Thai Buckets in Vancouver. This energetic bar also has a great deal on tacos — you can get 3 tacos for $8 or for $2.75 each at this fun taco bar. Website Shameful Tiki Room Where: 4362 Main Street // South Main via @thisispopulist via @bbrego Type: Tiki Bar Most popular item: Volcano Bowl Price: 💸 💸 Why you should go: Transport yourself into a tropical tiki bar. The Shameful Tiki Room has next level drinks, like fish bowls that are lit (literally). Website The Yale Saloon Where: 1300 Granville Street // Downtown via @yalesaloon via @yalesaloon Type: Bar Most popular item: Bucket Drink Price: 💸💸 Why you should go: If you love all things country, the Yale will be your new go-to spot. Have a rowdy night filled with bucket drinks, mechanical bulls and country music. Website For Cafes, click "Next". Him & I Cafe Where: 1153 The High Street via @janiewanders via @sweetdolce.photography We recommend: Biscotti, Pain Au Chocolat Why you should go: Looking for an aesthetic cafe that hasn't popped up on your Insta feed yet? Head on over to Him & I cafe. Website Dalina Where: 687 Main St // Chinatown via @hojini82 via @clarissanuttall Price: 💸💸 We recommend: Hot Chocolate Why you should go: Home to an adorable atmosphere filled with fairy lights and marble minimalism, Dalina is a perfect cafe and Italian grocery shop with delicious food and some of the best hot chocolate in town. Website Republica Coffee Roasters Where: 321 W Pender St // Near Gastown via @carolynnlacasse via @republicaroasters Price: 💸 💸 Why you should go: Want your very own private courtyard for your study sesh? Hit up Republica Coffee Roasters for your next cafe stop. Website West Village Cafe Where: #160-5620 152 St // South Surrey via @becca860628 via @soleadventurers We recommend: Coffee, of course! Price: 💸💸 Why you should go: This cafe is seriously cozy. Spend all day at this adorable spot with yummy food and coffee. Website Secret Garden Tea Company Where: 2138 W 40th Ave // Kerrisdale via @secretgardentea via @klondikehk We recommend: Buckingham Palace Tea, Secret Garden Breakfast Scone Price: 💸 💸 Why you should go: Love that London inspired high tea life? The Secret Garden will give you a just lovely high tea experience. Website For Breakfast/Brunch, click "Next". Save On Meats Where: 43 W Hastings St // Gastown via @adventures.in.paradise via @pork_ninjas We recommend: S.O.M Classic Milkshakes Price: 💸💸 Why you should go: Get those retro vibes at this cozy diner that offers classic diner food at a budget-friendly price. This Gastown diner also has a token program and has provided 88,000 meals to residents in the Downtown Eastside. Website Rosemary Rocksalt Where: 2515 Main Street // Vancouver via @jhaninagarcia via @yelpvancouver Type: Bagels Most popular item: Rosemary Rocksalt Bagel Price: 💸 Why you should go: If you haven't had a rainbow bagel yet, you should know that they are very much a thing in Vancouver. Rosemary Rocksalt is your one-way ticket to a rainbow bagel. Website Marulilu Cafe Where: 451 W Broadway // Mount Pleasant via @rosaberaah via @laprincenico Type: Japanese Most popular item: Japanese Style Breakfast Price: 💸 Why you should go: Brunch for under $10 is a serious steal. Marilulu offers a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast and it will only cost you $7.99! Website Molli Cafe Where: 1225 Burrard Street // Vancouver via @discovereverie via @palomamg Type: Mexican Most popular item: Molletes Price: 💸 Why you should go: Looking to try a Mexican style breakfast? Molli Cafe serves up several breakfast options and pastries. Website Ritual Where: 774 Denman St via @mrs.glukhov via @604now Type: Farm-to-Table, Comfort Food Most popular item: Seasonal Price: 💸💸 Why you should go: Comfort food in a cozy restaurant — pretty much sums up Ritual. The brunch here is delicious and if you love to change it up, their menu constantly evolves and adapts. This restaurant also tries to pay all of its staff a living wage. Website
