Vancouver is known for its diverse population — more than 40% of residents were born outside Canada. This thrilling blend of cultures impacts every aspect of life in the city, including the food scene. The best restaurants in Vancouver boast a remarkable blend of cuisines and cooking styles.
Looking to expand your palate with innovative dishes? You're in luck. Local chefs are known for fusion fare, combining elements from multiple regions. The city offers so many options that dining out is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver.
Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
Japanese immigrants first settled in Vancouver in the 1800s and quickly became integral to the city's culinary landscape. Today, there are more than 600 sushi restaurants in the greater Vancouver area. These are some of our favorite places for a pre-show meal.
1. Tom Sushi
Run by Chef Tom Jeon, Tom Sushi provides a "premium yet affordable" experience — a rarity in Vancouver, where prices are notoriously high. The restaurant is known for its fresh fish and simple presentation. Jeon lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
You won't find better nigiri or sashimi in the city, and the traditional pressed hako sushi is a must-try. If raw fish isn't your thing, the restaurant also serves yakisoba, teriyaki dishes, and donburi rice bowls.
2. Miku
Enjoy creative cocktails and sustainable sushi with a view of Miku restaurant's iconic Canada Place sails. Under the supervision of Executive Chef Kazuhiro Hayashi, this high-end spot specializes in flame-seared Aburi sushi. Chefs use a torch to bring out the unique flavors and textures of the fish, creating unexpected yet delightful combinations.
Make sure to try the secret Miku sauce, and don't miss the restaurant's signature desserts. (We love the green tea opera cake.)
3. Yuwa Japanese Cuisine
The world's stresses fade as soon as you step into Yuwa Japanese Cuisine, a fine-dining restaurant located in the West Side area. The menu is always an exciting surprise — it changes regularly to accommodate the catch of the day.
Each dish is prepared using traditional Japanese methods and flavors. You'll find options ranging from Hokkaido hairy crab to cuttlefish marinated in soy dashi. Not sure where to start? The multicourse Kaiseki menu is the best way to experience the chefs' expertise.
4. Minami Restaurant
Like its sister restaurant Miku, Minami Restaurant offers flame-seared Aburi sushi and sustainable Ocean Wise seafood. It's elegant but not uptight, with outstanding service and exceptionally well-versed staff members. Make sure your phone is ready — the Minami chefs are all about presentation, and each dish is a true work of art.
Foodies shouldn't miss out on the impeccably curated Minami Shokai tasting menu and sake pairings. If you prefer an à la carte meal, wash it down with one of the three-drink sake flights.
French Cuisine
Quebec might be the heart of French culture in Canada — as well as the home of our innovative circus shows — but Vancouver holds its own. Whether you're in the mood for French Canadian cuisine or a classic Parisian treat, the city's French restaurants have something to make your taste buds dance.
5. St. Lawrence
If you're a fiend for fine dining, head straight to St. Lawrence restaurant. It's one of just nine Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver. Experience Chef Jean-Christophe Poirier's Québécois culinary heritage with rustic dishes such as venison meat pie and potato gratin with cheese curds. The vibe is as delicious as the food.
With its richly colored walls and traditional wooden furniture, the restaurant feels like an impossibly charming blend of a historic seaside pub and a French country house.
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Planning your Vancouver itinerary? Make time for a Cirque du Soleil show while we’re in town!
6. Le Crocodile
Le Crocodile, inspired by the Michelin-starred Au Crocodile restaurant in Strasbourg, serves traditional French cuisine in an understated setting. Start your meal with lobster bisque or frog legs sauteed with garlic, and finish with a succulent Wagyu beef ribeye.
Ask your server about the wine pairings and leave room for spectacular French desserts, such as crème caramel and a downright sinful Grand Marnier soufflé. Vegetarians should look elsewhere — the menu is heavy on hearty, meaty meals.
7. Les Faux Bourgeois
It's easy to see why locals love Les Faux Bourgeois — this cozy spot is affordable and welcoming, with classic dishes you'll dream about for months to come. The French onion soup is loaded with cheese and smoked bacon.
You'll find all your favorites here, from coq au vin to steak frites. We love the restaurant's signature warm wood tones and burgundy leather. Can't get a reservation? Grab a seat at the bar — it's always open to walk-ins.
8. Alouette Bistro
Set on the ground floor of the Executive Hotel Le Soleil, the stylish Alouette Bistro puts a modern spin on traditional French design. The food follows suit, bringing thrilling new flavors to old-world French dishes. Try the Pasta Provençal with local Dungeness crab or dig into a brisket burger with raclette cheese.
The restaurant is open all day, but our performers can't stop raving about the happy-hour baked brie and duck poutine.
Seafood
Given its enviable location on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it should come as no surprise that Vancouver is known for its exceptional seafood. The best restaurants in Vancouver use local fish and shellfish. Watch for ultra-fresh Dungeness crab, spot prawns, northern coho salmon, oysters, and albacore.
9. Blue Water Cafe
Vancouverites are passionate about high-quality, sustainable seafood, and Blue Water Cafe delivers on both counts. Fresh fish and shellfish arrive in the kitchen daily, so there's no better spot to try British Columbia's finest.
You can choose lobster or crab from the live tanks or opt for favorites such as smoked sockeye salmon and miso sake-glazed sablefish. The restaurant also has a raw bar and a small selection of beef and chicken.
10. The SandBar
Pop over to Granville Island to visit The SandBar seafood restaurant, one of the top spots in Vancouver for oyster lovers. The oyster bar is packed with west-coast favorites. You can also enjoy locally caught Dungeness crab, halibut, and ahi tuna. That's just the start — the extensive menu has everything from linguine vongole to cedar-plank salmon.
Our favorite is the Hoshi sushi menu, which offers dishes created by the restaurant's master sushi chef, Tsutomu Hoshi. There's live music every day, and the beautiful dining area features enormous windows that flood the space with light.
11. The Vancouver Fish Company
With its soaring ceilings and wood-beamed interior, The Vancouver Fish Company makes you feel right at home.
Even more inviting is the gastropub-style food. It's mostly seafood, with local favorites that include halibut fish-and-chips and a massive surf and turf platter.
The prix fixe menu offers the best value, but you can't go wrong with any of the dishes and desserts.
12. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House has been a Vancouver institution for over 35 years, wooing diners with its warm service and generous portions. The food is uniformly delicious; the miso-marinated sablefish and salmon Wellington have achieved icon status among local foodies.
Grab a seat at the beautiful oyster bar, snuggle into a booth in the main dining area, or sit upstairs to enjoy the full view of the grand, two-story space. On the weekend, the restaurant's brunch is a must-try.
Italian Cuisine
You don't need to go all the way to Little Italy to find great pasta and pizza in Vancouver (though it never hurts). The area's best Italian restaurants are scattered throughout the metro area, so finding one close to your home or hotel is a breeze. Local Italian chefs serve various regional dishes hailing from Venice to Sicily.
Here's an insider tip: One of the best Italian eateries (Frankie's) is also home to one of our favorite live music bars in Vancouver.
13. Caffè e Alimentari
Caffè e Alimentari is a hybrid business with a small shop (alimentari) and a restaurant called Caffè La Tana. Take one glance at the vintage interior and the heaping plates of pasta, and you'll swear you've been transported to Italy.
Come ready to indulge in arancini, squash and burrata, and radiatori alla vodka, accompanied by a bottle of Sangiovese or Chianti. After you're done, stock up on house-made sauces and Italian olive oils in the shop.
14. Savio Volpe
Don't let the sleek interior fool you — there's nothing fussy about Savio Volpe. This modern take on a classic osteria is all about one thing: simple Italian food prepared with fresh ingredients.
The menu has something for everyone, including an arugula and winter citrus salad and a mouthwatering tagliatelle with pork ragù. The pasta is made fresh, and the chefs are masters of the wood-fired grill.
15. Ask for Luigi
Tucked into a little building just east of Downtown Vancouver, Ask for Luigi is irresistibly adorable. The wood-paneled walls and checkerboard floors set the stage for a delectable yet down-to-earth dining experience.
Fresh pasta is the star of the show. It's made in-house and available in traditional and gluten-free varieties. The menu is small and select, ensuring each dish is packed with traditional flavors. Tables are limited, so make sure to book in advance.
16. Frankie’s Italian Kitchen
Southern Italian fare and British Columbia wines combine seamlessly at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen, a stylish restaurant located next to the BC Place stadium. If you're coming to one of our shows, the big top at Concord Pacific Place sits a short walk to the east. Bring your appetite.
You'll want to savor every course, from the decadent polenta fries to the house-made lasagna and pizza with hand-stretched dough. Frankie's also has a partner jazz club with a similar menu and live music on the weekends.
Indian Cuisine
In the mood for something spicy? Vancouver is home to a range of excellent Indian restaurants. Whether you're craving creative street food or homey South Indian treats, these eateries have you covered.
17. Sula Indian Restaurant
Sula Indian Restaurant has three locations in Vancouver, including one in the West End near English Bay Beach and the Waterfront SkyTrain stop. Each branch offers a large selection of typical Indian dishes, including curries, biryani, and pillowy tandoori naan.
We're partial to the street food selection. There's nothing more satisfying than a bowl of samosa chaat (samosas and chickpea curry) or vada pav sliders (potato dumplings on buns).
18. East is East
Eat your way through a diverse range of cuisine at East is East, where the menu showcases fusion foods inspired by the Silk Road. The best way to experience this unique concept is by opting for the Silk Route Feast, a tasting menu incorporating flavors from Mongolia, India, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Most nights, the restaurant's two locations host live music from around the world to enhance the multicultural menu. Order a plant-based bowl from the owners' East Vancouver food truck if you're in the mood for a light bite.
19. Palki Restaurant
You'll need to trek to North Vancouver to try Palki restaurant, but the food is well worth the journey. Locals rave about the butter chicken and the legendary lunch buffet, which is the perfect opportunity to try a range of dishes for a reasonable price.
Of course, you can always order off the main menu. The vegetarian selection is delicious. Expect friendly service and a diverse crowd that includes young professionals, families, and everyone in between.
20. Madras Spice
Madras Spice is Vancouver's go-to spot for South Indian cuisine. Discover the complex flavor profiles of Tamil Nadu through dishes such as the chicken Chettinadu dosa and the mutton coconut fry.
At lunch, we recommend the Thali. It has a little bit of everything, and you can opt for vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. No matter what you choose, you'll be delighted at the rich spices and affordable prices.
Discover Vancouver’s Dazzling Dining Scene
Vancouver is one of Canada's most desirable destinations for residents and visitors. The city's popularity doesn't just stem from its proximity to the ocean and mountains. It also has one of the most exciting restaurant scenes in North America, from brunch in Vancouver to an ensemble of the week's freshest catch.
The best restaurants in Vancouver offer a never-ending selection of world-class eateries. Pair your meal with one of our awe-inspiring Vancouver performances for a truly special evening. When you step into the big top, you'll be instantly immersed in a universe where acrobatics, color, and technology combine to create an out-of-this-world adventure. Join us on the journey during one of our upcoming shows in Vancouver.