34 Best Restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia

You can imagine yourself on the Provençal seaside at this airy, modern, Mediterranean-style bistro on Yaletown's waterfront, where the focus is on French and Italian takes on seafood. Among the specialties are a delicious bouillabaisse, grilled halibut, and garlicky wild prawns. The rack of lamb is also popular. The sunny marina-view patio makes this a nice spot for breakfast, lunch, or a summertime dinner. You can enjoy the views over a glass of wine (with both British Columbian and European choices) and a light bite at The Wine Bar next door.

Perched halfway up a mountain, this restaurant has stunning water and city views by day and expansive vistas of city lights by night. It's best known for its alder-grilled salmon, though the sablefish is also tempting. The seafood tower, prepared for two, gives you both chilled and grilled fish, along with a "seafood feast bowl"—salmon, clams, mussels, and prawns in a Thai coconut broth, served with a king crab leg. With a good selection by the glass, the wine list emphasizes British Columbia labels. The Northwest Coast interior is tastefully done, though it can hardly compete with what's outside the windows. The Salmon House is about 30 minutes from Vancouver by car. Head over the Lions Gate Bridge, follow Highway 1 west, then take the Folkestone Way exit.

This bustling Cantonese restaurant is best known for its excellent dim sum (served 10:30 to 3 weekdays and 10 to 3 weekends), which ranges from traditional handmade dumplings to some adventurous fare. Dinner specialties include roasted squab marinated in the restaurant's secret spice blend and king crab plucked live from the tanks, then steamed with garlic. If you can, come with a group, so you can sample more dishes. There's an additional location in Richmond.

The former officers' mess at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park is a prime location for water views by day, and for watching sunsets at dusk. The Pacific Northwest menu is not especially innovative, but its broad appeal will please those looking for local fish, rack of lamb, steaks, and a host of other options, including gluten-free pasta. Various tasting boards—charcuterie, cheese, seafood, and vegetarian options—make for good grazing in the afternoon. In summer you can dine on the patio.