31 Bucket List Restaurants You Must Try In Vancouver Before You Die
If you live in Vancouver, you're either food-obsessed or friends with a foodie who takes their pre-meal photoshoots pretty damn seriously. But with so many amazing restaurants in the city, how could you blame them?
This list is only a small fraction of the endless incredible restaurants we're lucky to dine at. Let's not waste any more time and get to the grub! In no particular order, here are 31 Vancouver restaurants that you have to try before you die. LET'S GO!
1. Miku
Address: 200 Granville St. #70, Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Come here for beautifully plated Aburi Oshi Sushi and Aburi Chirashi Tart. If you're celebrating a special occasion or looking to impress your date, their chic setting and unbelievable ocean view are to DIE for!
2. Phnom Penh
Address: 244 E. Georgia St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: If you're not ready for commitment, enter this Vietnamese-Cambodian gem at your own risk! You absolutely cannot leave without falling in deep, deep love with their fried chicken and butter beef, among loads of other specialties that'll have you drooling in your dreams and coming back for more.
3. Slickity Jim's
Address: 3475 Main St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: For fun and delicious new takes on breakfast classics that will leave vegans and meat-lovers alike licking their plates, check out this eclectic hole in the wall on Main. Wash all the yumminess down with a fresh-squeezed glass of orange juice or a bourbon peach iced tea.
4. Yolks
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: If all-day breakfast is your jam (why wouldn't it be?), you've gotta hit up either of the two Yolks locations. The flawlessly crafted eggs bennies here are beyond eggs-ellent, and their creative twists on b-fast classics are always a hit.
5. Hawksworth
Address: 801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Located in the iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia and four-time winner of Best Upscale Restaurant in Vancouver, Hawksworth is where you go to feel fancy. Get classy in your pretty LBD and prepare to be wined and dined. (Seriously, their wine-menu binder is probably thicker than your class notes.)
6. Japadog
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: The best thing to have ever happened to the hot dog: terimayo sauce and nori flakes. Japadog not only serves mind-blowing Japanese-style dogs, it also offers a variety of delicious "shaked fries." Glazed deep-fried buns stuffed with ice cream, their Age Ice is the sweet treat you never knew you needed.
7. Tacofino
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Looking at their menu, you'll feel the irresistible urge to order every kind of taco available. Meat fanatics can indulge in quesa birria and pork al pastor, while veggie lovers can enjoy tasty eggplant and squash scrapple. Their menu varies by location but you can also find a range of other dishes like burritos, ceviche, grilled mackerel, plus so much more!
8. Finch's Tea and Coffee House
Address: 353 W. Pender St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: That pear, blue brie, prosciutto and roasted walnut baguette is just... Excuse me, let me just wipe off my drool. Looking for a fresh, healthy choice? This quaint tearoom has an exquisite selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast plates. Not to mention, organic coffee and loose-leaf brews to soothe your soul.
9. Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
Address: 2150 Fir St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: I live by the motto "Mo' Butta, Mo' Betta!" And this, my friends, is where Beaucoup Bakery's French croissants come in. The epitome of baked heavenly goodness, their crispy, flavourful viennoiseries will start your day off the ULTIMATE way.
10. Thomas Haas
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Speaking of croissants, Thomas Haas' almond croissants will make you wonder how it took you this long to discover these warm nuggets of gold. This beautiful cafe offers premium handcrafted chocolate, macarons, cakes, cookies and beyond.
11. Jam Cafe
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Don't let the name confuse you, this hip eatery does way more than just jam for breakfast - including awesome morning cocktails to get you going! Come here for fun, tasty breakfast or lunch options all day long and happily wash it all down with a signature Drink with a Kick.
12. Moderne Burger
Address: 865 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: If you've got a serious hankering for a classic burger joint, no one's got your back quite like this old-school diner. This OG burger connoisseur has been doing it SO right since 2001. Come here for juicy, perfectly topped patties and golden fries, stay for the milkshakes and adorable retro vibes.
13. Cafe Orso
Address: 4316 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: This European-inspired cafe's post-hike snacks will motivate you to go for a nice long hike at Quarry Rock. Check out their locally-sourced fare, including delectably layered waffles, European breakfast and daily lunch specials to spice things up.
14. The Red Wagon
Address: 2128 E. Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: All you need to know here are three words: Pulled Pork Pancakes. You're welcome. When it comes to flavour, this neighbourhood staple has it all on their extensive all-day breakfast/lunch/dinner menu full of creative comfort foods and cocktails.
15. Nuba
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Healthy organic and local Lebanese food to keep you living longer so you can get through the rest of this list. It's been voted Best Lebanese and Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Vancouver for many reasons (aka top-notch falafel, tabbouleh, baba ghanouj and pitas!).
16. Meat & Bread
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Don't know how to pronounce "porchetta"? You will now. This cozy eatery is KILLING the sandwich game, so head on over and grab yourself one of these bad boys. You won't regret it.
17. Dockside Restaurant
Address: 1253 Johnston St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Tucked on the corner of Granville Island, Dockside boasts spectacular city views with its waterfront summer patio. Take your S/O there and prepare to wow them with fine dining in a unique, contemporary setting.
18. Rodney's Oyster House
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: With spots in Yaletown and Gastown, this casual eatery has some of the best oysters in the city, plus plenty of other super fresh and drool-worthy seafood.
19. Score on Davie
Address: 1262 Davie St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Score's fully loaded Caesars are the ultimate embodiment of awesomeness in a glass. You're awesome, they're awesome, let's drink (and eat!).
20. Vij's
Address: 3106 Cambie St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: By far one of the best restaurants around if you're on the hunt for authentic Indian fare in a great atmosphere. Anyone up for a curry?
21. The Parlour
Address: 1011 Hamilton St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Phenomenal pizza, weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and some of the biggest, bestest poke bowls in the city. How could you stay away?
22. Burdock & Co.
Address: 2702 Main St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Local and organic ingredients crafted for sustainable eating. Enjoy amazing food and know that you're doing good for the environment. A true testament to the farm-to-table experience, expect unique prix fixe menus that let stunningly fresh ingredients shine in all their glory.
23. The Peaceful Restaurant, 2394 W 4th Ave.
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: If you watch Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network, you already know why this is on the list. If not, please ask for their beef rolls.
24. Blue Water Cafe
Address: 1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Dedicated to using sustainable seafood and creating innovative dishes, Blue Water Cafe is truly an icon for all things seafood.
25. Troll's
Address: 6408 Bay St., West Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: If you don't live near Horseshoe Bay, you're gonna have to make a bit of a trip for this mom-and-pop fixture. But their world-famous fish and chips are so worth it.
26. Joe Fortes
Address: 777 Thurlow St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Happy Hour, sky-high seafood towers and that infinitely satisfying Lobster Oil. Holy Moly, and those truffle parmesan fries...
27. Do Chay
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: You won't want to miss this unbeatable spot for vegetarian Vietnamese eats. With plenty of offerings, like the kombucha curry bowl and the jackfruit lettuce wrap, you'll come back over and over again and leave happy each time.
28. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Address: 845 Burrard St., Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: For a fancy date night out, check out this high-end seafood joint. With a lengthy list of accolades under its belt, everything on the menu is finger-lickin' good.
29. Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot
Address: 1788 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Ain't no saucin' needed at Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot! Their soup base is so mouthwatering that adding extra sauce wouldn't just be pointless - it'd be a crime.
30. Santouka
Address: Multiple Locations
Why You Need To Go: Authentic and simple, but always satisfying, never stops brewing up the best shoyu broth for their always fresh ramen. Their specialty, the white tonkotsu, is a must!
31. Sushi By Yuji
Address: 2252 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Don't be fooled by the low-key interior, Yuji's Gunkan serves up some of the best sushi in the city.