Need some new food recommendations? Look no further! Here are 10 amazing Vancouver restaurants from a real Vancouverite. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, or a sit-down leisurely lunch, these spots are perfect for your afternoon meal!
1. Tacofino Burrito Bar Gastown
Located in the historic Gastown area of Downtown Vancouver, Tacofino’s Mexican food manages to bring new Mexican dishes and flavours in a hip, cool atmosphere. While there are many Tacofino locations, the Burrito Bar offers a to-go burrito bar in the front, with a taco restaurant in the back. Stop in when you’re in a hurry for a delicious fried fish burrito or chill in the back with some friends over an assortment of eclectic yet tasty tacos – either way its the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a beer. Make sure to arrive early if you do come for a sit-down dinner; this place is bumping!
2. Fat Mao Noodles
Although the restaurant may be small in size, Fat Mao’s noodles pack a punch! Full of adorable cat and comic book memorabilia, this little shop brightens up Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood. Their curated menu offers a number of unique Thai noodles dishes in an open, urban setting, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner date. With an ever-rotating beer and cocktail menu, in addition to many seasonal feature dishes, Fat Mao is always trying something new!
3. Fable Diner
Similar to its sister-restaurant, Fable Kitchen, the Fable Diner is all about serving farm-to-table local food – but this time, in an affordable, diner setting! With classic diner favourites such as milkshakes and burgers, but given a modern twist, the Fable Diner is the perfect mix of fine dining and comfort food. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, its the cutest place for any occasion, and with a brunch service on weekends, you know exactly where to go for your next post Girl’s Night Out gab session! Reservations are not available before 5pm, so get there early, it’s always packed!
4. The Red Wagon
With an all day breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, this rustic diner on Hastings Street is there for your any need! A tiny hole-in-the wall looking place, serving classic diner fare with trendy twists, such as the breakfast banh mi or pulled pork pancakes, this “neighbourhood joint” is the perfect place for a hangover breakfast or a breakfast-for-dinner! With plenty of brunchy cocktails, you’ll wanna get to this place early – there is always an early morning line!
5. Medina Cafe
One of the most bustling brunch spots in Vancouver, this downtown favourite is a bucket list location for any Vancouverite! A more upscale spot for brucnh, Medina has a Mediterranean and French flare, serving both traditional dishes like cous cous and cassoulet, as well as breakfast plates with items such as merguez sausage and smoked salmon. However, the crown jewel of their menu are the waffles, with gourmet sauces (lavender white chocolate? pistachio rosewater salted? YUM!), you will want to be here early, Medina has an infamous line!
6. Black Rook Bakehouse
This delectable bakery has perfect sweet and savoury treats for any time of the day! Everything is handmade and from scratch, and with coffee and tea both on the menu, it’s an ideal place for a light meal. Make sure to get a piece of cake, beautifully decorated and with flavours such as blackberry white chocolate earl grey (the Elizabeth) and espresso praline and chocolate (the Marlow), you’ll definitely come back to order one for any celebration!
7. Downlow Chicken Shack
A new joint on Commercial Drive, the Downlow constantly has a line for every lunch service! Don’t worry though – it’s fast food and perfect to take on the go! As you might have guessed by the name, the Downlow is a fried chicken shack, with sandwiches, wings, and even an entire fried chicken on the menu! With Souuthern style sides like corn bread, pickles and coleslaw, this spot will make you wanna say YEEHAW!
8. Meat & Bread
With only about five sandwich options at any of its locations, this small menu means big flavour! Handmade and house made sandwich meats and fillings, all served on ciabatta-esque buns, Meat & Bread seriously knows what they’re doing. Any first-timer should go for the porchetta sandwich, its their signature item, featured at every store. Still hungry? They also serve soups and salads, so its the perfect place for either a quick lunch or a casual date to hang with some friends!
9. Bestie
A super hip German restaurant in Vancouver’s Chinatown, Bestie’s modern interior makes it a place you definitely want to show off to any date, or hard-to-impress friend! With contemporary German dishes such as sausages, fries and pretzels, Bestie also has a number of seasonal specials, and a sweet beer and wine menu, to pair with any choice of food! As a lesser known lunch option with good prices, you’ll make Bestie one of your go-to options – and maybe even your new “bestie” !
10. Pizzeria Farina
Feeling the urge to order in pizza, but still looking for something tasty and cool? Pizzeria Farina is there for you! While you can eat-in, the restaurant is tiny, so you’ll probably want to take their classic yet modern pizzas to go! With a selection of Italian products and drinks, you can really go all out. Open at 5pm, it’s the spot for just straight-up good pizza.
