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From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare, which—at the western end of the country—incorporates regiona
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare,
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the wor
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare, which—at the western end of the country—incorporates regional seafood (notably salmon, halibut, and spot prawns) and locally grown produce. Vancouver is all about "localism," with many restaurants emphasizing the provenance of their ingredients and embracing products that hail from within a 100-mile-or-so radius of the city, or at least from within BC.
With at least 40% of the region's population of Asian heritage, it's no surprise that Asian eateries abound in Vancouver. From mom-and-pop noodle shops, curry houses, and corner sushi bars to elegant and upscale dining rooms, cuisine from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and India (and to a lesser extent, from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia) can be found all over town.
Neighborhood residents queue before opening to secure one of the 30 seats in this cozy Italian bistro serving up house-made pasta and Prosecco on tap. Antipasti like burrata, fried cauliflower and—of course—meatballs, are served family style, so bring some friends for the best experience. It can take up to two hours to get a table, so plan to head elsewhere for drinks; the friendly staff (none of whom are named "Luigi") will text when your name hits the top of the wait list, or come for lunch if time is of the essence. Regardless of the hour, don't miss the house-bottled Spritz.
305 Alexander St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1C4, Canada
Here you'll find house-made pasta, antipasto, and out-of-the-ordinary wood-fired pizzas with out-of-the-ordinary toppings such as burrata with prosciutto apple. Reservations aren't available. Instead you'll be asked to write your name in chalk on a blackboard. But the food is worth the wait. There are lots of gluten-free options, a good selection of craft beers, and a reasonable wine list. You'll also find Nook in Olympic Village, Kitsilano, and at North Vancouver's Shipyards.
781 Denman St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6G 2L6, Canada
This small, family run restaurant cooks up traditional Italian fare as in calamari (served with truffle garlic mayo), scallop carpaccio, slow-braised lamb shank, and of course, pasta. House-made gnocchi and spinach ravioli are specialities. There's live music Friday and Saturday evenings (for a cover charge of C$2.50).
780 Thurlow St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1V8, Canada
On a dark block near the Main St.–Science World SkyTrain station, just north of Mount Pleasant proper, this relaxed trattoria lights up the neighborhood with its welcoming vibe and casually contemporary Italian fare. House-made pastas include a simple tagliatelle with pork and beef ragú and basil, and a more unusual ricotta gnudi, made with sweet corn and pancetta succotash and leek ash. The kitchen cures its own salumi, which makes a good starter,as does the addictive crispy chickpeas with lemon, chili, and mint. For drinks and a shorter menu of bar-friendly eats (including the popular Dirty Burger), choose the door to the right of the main entrance for the bustling Upstairs at Campagnolo.
1020 Main St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 2W1, Canada
The space is fun and funky—a mix of early-1900s architectural details, modern furnishings, and oversize pop art—and the seasonally changing menu of updated Italian fare is creative and delicious. The lengthy wine list emphasizes Italian labels, but British Columbia is well represented. To start, consider the grilled octopus, or, for more adventurous tastes, the roasted bone marrow. For a meat/fish course, how about seabass with a chickpea saffron stew and pistachios? For a light bite, join the local crowd at Uva Wine Bar inside the same hotel, which stays open till the wee hours.
900 Seymour St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3L9, Canada
Gold walls, terra-cotta tiles, and a crowd-pleasing modern Italian menu make this Tuscan-inspired restaurant appropriate for a business meal, a romantic tête-à-tête, or a relaxing dinner after a long day. The heated terrace, shielded with greenery, feels a long way from busy Robson Street below. Inside there's a lively scene around the hand-carved marble bar where ingredients for martinis are French-pressed to order. The food, from the open kitchen and the wood-fire grill, changes seasonally, but might include roast halibut paired with fava beans and grilled zucchini, rack of lamb with roast tomatoes and heirloom beans, and ricotta and Parmesan ravioli with spring pea tips and artichoke mustard. Pastas are all made in-house and are a must-order item, either as a taster or full meal.
1154 Robson St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1B2, Canada
Cioppino, the eponymous seafood stew, is the signature dish at this lofty candlelit room. Chef Pino Posteraro impresses with homemade pastas and Italian-Mediterranean dishes such as Haida Gwaii hailbut with confit garlic and Sicilian capers, and roasted rack of lamb with a candied garlic-lemon reduction. More rustic Italian fare, such as veal osso buco and braised beef short ribs, is also an option. In good weather, you can dine on the street-side patio. Note to oenophiles, the wine list runs more than 60 pages.
1133 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5P6, Canada
This chic dining room at the Opus, Yaletown's most stylish hotel, serves innovative interpretations of Italian classics. The pastas are homemade, the fish is freshly grilled, and dishes like Gorgonzola risotto or the 16-ounce veal chop would do any nonna proud. The best way to dine here is to choose the family-style chef's tasting menu, a multicourse parade of the kitchen's greatest hits (C$60 per person for five courses). Breakfast is a delicious option, too, particularly the buttermilk pancakes served with candied pecans and seasonal fruits.
350 Davie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5Z6, Canada
About a 10-minute walk from Main Street and Broadway, this bright, high-ceilinged take on a classic osteria fills up with neighborhood families and fashionable young people dining on house-made pasta, inventive vegetable dishes, and rich meats cooked over a wood-fired grill. The menu changes daily to showcase what's in season but always includes staples, like roasted chicken and steaks, along with more inventive items—think meatballs with pine nuts, a veal chop with polenta, or corn and wild chanterelles risotto. Reservations are recommended, but the seating at the central antipasto bar, right in the middle of the action, is strictly for walk-ins.
615 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 3K5, Canada
This cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Yaletown is a fan favorite, thanks to the homemade pastas and tapas menu. Try the lobster and crab ravioli, the braised veal shank with saffron risotto, or the four-cheese gnocchi. They have plenty of Italian wines and classic cocktails on the menu, too. There are two other locations in Gastown and the West End as well. The West End location also serves brunch.
1127 Mainland St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5P2, Canada
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