34 Best Restaurants in British Columbia, Canada

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We've compiled the best of the best in British Columbia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

49th Parallel Café and Lucky's Doughnuts

$ Fodor's choice

Locally run 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters sources and roasts their own coffees, which they feature at their flagship café on Main Street. It's always packed with neighborhood residents and shoppers enjoying the top-notch brews and the house-made Lucky's Doughnuts, which come in flavors from simple vanilla-glazed to salted caramel to decadent triple chocolate. Centered on a wood-framed counter, this large airy space has walls of windows on two sides. Its three other locations help keep the rest of the city caffeinated.

Blue Parrot Coffee

$ Fodor's choice

Granville Island has several coffee places, but only the Blue Parrot provides sweeping views of False Creek. If you haven't eaten your fill elsewhere in the market, accompany your espresso with a sticky hot strudel or gooey cinnamon bun. Early birds, take note: you can perch at the Parrot starting at 7 am, before the rest of the market stalls open. There's a second location at Hillcrest Centre, near Queen Elizabeth Park.

49th Parallel Cafe & Lucky's Doughnuts

$

Stop for an espresso on the airy enclosed patio at the West 4th location of this local coffee roaster, where delicious doughnuts are made on-site. 

Recommended Fodor's Video

Bean Around the World

$ | Kitsilano
This local minichain, of the "Fuelled by Caffeine" slogan, runs a number of comfortable coffeehouses around town. If you like your cappuccino with no pretension (and perhaps with a muffin or slice of banana bread), head for "The Bean." In addition to this branch near Kitsilano Beach, their many Vancouver locations include 175 West Hastings Street (at Cambie) in Gastown, 1002 Mainland Street in Yaletown, 2977 Granville Street in South Granville, and on Main Street at No. 2528 and No. 3598.
1945 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6J 1C8, Canada
604-739–1069
Known For
  • Great coffee
  • Laid-back atmosphere
  • Fresh baked goods

Big Horn Cafe

$

So much more than a specialty coffee shop, Radium's only café offers a full selection of grab-and-go soup and sandwiches, breakfast burritos, quiche, and baked goods for breakfast and lunch. A bright, spacious room with high, open-duct industrial-style ceilings contrasts nicely with the warmth of the custom-made Douglas fir tabletops, plants throughout, and a wall filled with locally made BC products. Free Wi-Fi is available, as well as charging stations if you need to catch up on work or research. The outdoor patio (with umbrellas) is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage and people-watch.

7527 Main St. West, Radium, BC, Canada
778-527--5005
Known For
  • Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch
  • Scones and cinnamon buns
  • Breakfast special on weekends for C$9.95
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed December 24, 25, and 31st. No dinner

Bliss Bakery and Bistro

$
Across the street from Okanagan Lake, this café on Peachland's tiny commercial strip epitomizes the small-is-good philosophy. It's the best place in the area for muffins, pastries, and coffee. The hearty breads are excellent, too, and there's a generous selection of sandwiches and soups for lunch. Popular items often sell out, so come early in the day. There are also locations in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
4200 Beach Ave., BC, V0H 1X6, Canada
250-767–2711
Known For
  • Soups and sandwiches
  • Great location right on the lake
  • Good coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted

Blue Hat Bistro & Bakery

$

This is where the culinary students of the adjoining Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts strut their stuff.  Standards are high and the artisanal breads, soups, wraps, and gourmet desserts are outstanding.

Bluebird Cafe

$

This cozy café serves a variety of hot beverages, breakfast, and lunch options. Windows all-round provide light and an airy interior seating, while outside tables provide a sunny alternative during the summer months.

Bon's Off Broadway

$

This Vancouver institution is about 1 kilometer (½ mile) east of the main Commercial strip but is well worth the trek. Their famous breakfast—served with two eggs, toast, hash browns and meat—is just C$3. (And the price hasn't changed in years.) This place really showcases the East Side's gritty character: from the graffiti-covered walls to the no-frills, serve-yourself coffee bar. Weekend lines are long; get there as early as you can.

2451 Nanaimo St., Vancouver, BC, V5N 5E5, Canada
604-253-7242
Known For
  • C$3 breakfast
  • Distinctly East Van vibe
  • Unlimited coffee

Caffè Artigiano

$

Some of Vancouver's best coffee is served at the several locations of Caffè Artigiano, where the baristas have won prizes for their latte art. Come for the java, and satisfy your hunger with a pastry or sandwich, too. In addition to locations further afield, other Downtown locales are at 763 Hornby St., 666 Burrard St., and 429 Howe St.

Caffe Barney on Granville

$

A favorite with locals for their hearty pub fare and craft beers, it is also one of South Granville's best places for brunch or a late-night snack.

Cilantro Cafe

$

On a sunny day, there's no better place to grab a coffee and house-baked cookie or a light lunch than at the newish log cabin next to the bridge at the Emerald Lake Lodge entry houses. The patio with its bright yellow umbrella tables has stunning views of the lake, and the interior is equally stunning with sweeping cathedral ceilings, wood accents, and a grand river-stone fireplace. The menu has options like burgers, classic poutine, pizza, and wild game chili. Ingredients are local and the wild game is sourced from their own ranch in the foothills close to Calgary.

Conrad's Kitchen & Grill/Don Agave Cantina

$

The Prestige Radium Hot Springs Hotel houses both these restaurants, with the added bonus that you can order from either menu in both the cantina-style Don Agave Mexican-theme room with a long bar, or the large, airy Conrad's Kitchen & Grill side which has magnificent mountain views. Conrad's dinner menu features favorites like pizza, pasta, and burgers, while the Don Agave menu is all about Mexican food, from tacos to fajitas. The breakfast menu is extensive, including dishes with a Mexican flair, like huevos rancheros and a Mexican omelet. The outdoor patio overlooking the Sinclair Creek Canyon is a locals' favorite hangout spot to indulge in appetizers and Mexican-themed cocktails on long summer evenings.

Farmhouse Coffee Shop

$ | Downtown
You might be tempted to dismiss the Farmhouse, with its busy patio and prime Bastion Square location, as a bit of a tourist trap. True, it's popular, but the service is quick and friendly, and the baked goods, wraps, paninis, and pastas are excellent. A water-view and people-watching table right in the action of Bastion Square is irresistible on a summer day.

Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery

$

This pub offers good eats in a lively atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The extensive menu ranges from crowd-pleasing appetizers like stuffed bacon-wrapped prawns to Asian stir-fries and curries, soups, salads, burgers, and pub classics like Philly cheesesteak. It's the only place in Radium with live shows, hosting weekly free "Music Mondays" from 7--9 pm and regular ticketed events like drag and comedy shows. A pub shuttle can be booked for a safe ride home.

7538 Main St. East, Radium, BC, Canada
250-347--6400
Known For
  • Daily menu specials (found on their Facebook page)
  • Build-your-own burger
  • Live performance events

JAPADOG

$

There might be other places in the world that sell Japanese-style hot dogs but the phenomenon is so very multiculti Vancouver, and this tiny storefront is the sit-down-at-cramped-counter spin-off of a wildly successful food cart with a loyal following. Bratwurst and wieners are topped with teriyaki sauce, nori, and other Asian condiments. You can still find the carts (usually) at two Burrard Street locations—one at the corner of West Pender Street between Robson Street and Smithe Street, and another near Waterfront Station on West Cordova Street at Granville. Keep an eye out for the JAPADOG food truck, which may be found in Kitsilano, South Granville, or the Olympic Village.

Leo Burrito

$

With an eclectic assortment of knick-knacks on every brightly painted wall, this fun, fast-food taco place grabs your attention as soon as you walk through the door. Here you can also play a game of mini-golf, indulge your sweet tooth with some house-made gelato, or order a bag of popcorn from the popcorn machine.

Motomachi Shokudo

$ | West End
The Japanese-style wooden furnishings here reveal some flair, and the menu offers noodle soup choices for patrons who don't eat pork. A popular specialty is smoky charcoal ramen (trust us, it tastes better than it sounds); the gyoza (dumplings) are a good choice for appetizer. Under the same ownership as the Kintaro ramen shop, Motomachi is also small and not great for lingering, but it's a bit more stylish. Motomachi also has chicken and vegetarian options, while Kintaro only has pork-based broth. It's a handy stop for a noodle fix en route to Stanley Park.
740 Denman St., Vancouver, BC, V6G 2L5, Canada
604-609–0310
Known For
  • Charcoal ramen
  • Vegetarian options
  • Fast service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.

Noodlebox

$

Noodles, whether Indonesian-style with peanut sauce, thick Hokkien in teriyaki, or Thai-style chow mein, are scooped straight from the open kitchen's steaming woks into bowls or cardboard take-out boxes. Malaysian-, Singapore-, and Thai-style curries run from mild to scaldingly hot. Gluten-free, vegan-, and kid-friendly options are all available. There are half a dozen "boxes" around town; most are loud and busy spots.

818 Douglas St., Victoria, BC, V8W 2B6, Canada
250-384–1314
Known For
  • Vegan-friendly menu
  • Gluten-free dining
  • Fast service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted

O-Cha Tea Bar

$

Because Vancouverites don't live by coffee alone—they're also tea drinkers—look for this tiny Yaletown tea bar that serves 60 of its own blends, including rich, milky "Lat-Teas." If you're feeling under-the-weather, order the "Cold Blaster," a rejuvenating blend of tea, orange juice, honey, ginger, and cayenne pepper.

1116 Homer St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 2X6, Canada
604-633–3929
Known For
  • Unique tea blends
  • Cold teas
  • Tea lattes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Oliver Eats Ltd.

$
This charming little delicatessen has strong ties with local farmers and chefs, offering delicious homemade food to-go like frittata, soups and sandwiches, as well as everything you need to create the perfect charcuterie board or picnic.

Peanuts Bubble Tea

$

One of the city's first bubble tea stalls makes for a refreshing break at the busy Richmond Public Market. 

8260 Westminster Hwy., Vancouver, BC, V6X 1A7, Canada
604-278--9372
Known For
  • Good prices
  • Great flavors
  • Taiwanese wheel cakes (che lung bing)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

Purebread

$

This bustling little bakery is popular with tourists and locals alike. They serve delicious coffee, as well as plenty of sweet and savory goodies, from three-cheese sandwiches and vegan blackberry coconut scones to gourmet banana and chocolate brownies and more. The perfect spot for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. There's a second location on Millar Creek Road.

122–4338 Main Street, BC, V8E 1B4, Canada
604-962–1182
Known For
  • Sweet and savory scones
  • Outrageous brownies
  • Huge selection of breads and cakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

Purebread

$

This Whistler-based bakery offers its yummy handmade goodies and freshly baked bread at three locations in town, including this bright storefront café in Kits.

Rain or Shine Ice Cream

$

There are always lines out the door at this popular local family-run ice-cream parlor, one of three in the city (the others are on West 4th Avenue in Kits and at UBC—there is also a food truck at English Bay). The dairy products used to create the company's signature Philadelphia-style ice cream, using only 100 percent dairy and no eggs, are locally sourced from a farm in Abbotsford. Perfect for a pitstop—rain or shine.

Rockwater Bar & Grill

$

This is Golden's main music venue, specializing in upscale pub food like burgers, sandwiches, and starters like oyster shooters, ceviche tacos, and Korean fried cauliflower. They have eight rotating beers on tap, all from British Columbia.

429 9th Ave. N., Golden, BC, Canada
250-344--5951
Known For
  • Live music
  • Multilevel rooftop patio next to the Kicking Horse River
  • Extensive beer-on-tap selection

Sal y Limón Mexican Cuisine

$

This casual eatery serves Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and more—all for less than C$12. Whatever you order, make sure to try one (or several) of their flavor-packed hot sauces. A great spot for a casual lunch or dinner, and if it's nice out, bring your eats to the nearby Robson Park for a picnic. The Kingsway location is full of Mexican artwork. There are three other locales across the city.

Sciué

$

Inspired by the street foods of Rome, this cafeteria-style Italian bakery-café (pronounced "shoe-eh") starts the day serving espresso and pastries, then moves to panini, soups, and pastas. One specialty is the pane romano, essentially a thick-crust pizza, sold by weight. There can be lines out the door at lunch, so try to visit early or late. (Not too late, though, as it's only open until 5 pm.) There are additional Downtown branches with varying hours. If you're in Yaletown, look for the location at 126 Davie St.; it's open every day.

110–800 W. Pender St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 2V6, Canada
604-602–7263
Known For
  • Thick-crust pizza
  • Lunchtime crowds
  • Fast service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Reservations not accepted

Shirley Delicious

$
Heading to the beach? Fuel up with a breakfast burrito, a chai latte, or an organic chocolate brownie at this welcoming café 18 km (11 miles) west of Sooke. Virtually everything, from the quiche and corn fritters to the organic bread and wholesome treats (many gluten-free and vegan) are made from scratch at this cute little A-frame in the woods. The great food and effusively friendly owners make this a favorite stop for locals, surfers, and road-trippers alike.
2794 Sheringham Point Rd., Sooke, BC, V9Z 1G4, Canada
778-528–2888
Known For
  • Favorite with locals
  • Made-from-scratch ingredients
  • Good for breakfast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner

The Bench Market

$
In the morning, the smell of coffee is likely to draw you into this foodie-friendly market and café, where just-from-the-oven pastries or homemade granola will tempt you to stay a while. (There's also a weekend brunch.) You can also assemble your own picnic from the locally made cheeses, charcuterie, and signature sweets.
368 Vancouver Ave., BC, V2A 1A5, Canada
250-492–2222
Known For
  • Daily specials
  • Soups, salad and sandwiches
  • Weekend brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner