102 Best Restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia

This faux fishing shack in Yaletown has one of the city's widest selections of oysters (up to 18 varieties), from locally harvested bivalves to selections from Ireland, New Zealand, and beyond—they're all laid out on ice behind the bar. Or try the clams, mussels, and other mollusks from the steamer kettles. If you're fishing for an afternoon snack, come in between 3 and 6 pm when a light menu of raw oysters, steamed clams, garlic prawns, and a few additional seafood nibbles are served. There's a second location in Gastown.

If your idea of a perfect light meal revolves around fine cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and a glass of wine from a wide-ranging list, find your way to this sleek cellar space beneath the Irish Heather Shebeen gastro-pub in Chinatown. Salt's concept doesn't involve a kitchen, per se; it's all about assembling the selection of top-quality provisions—perhaps smoked beef tenderloin or British Columbian–made Camembert, with accompanying condiments—into artfully composed delights. The whole shebang is more like an upscale picnic than a full meal; however, a three-course set menu is well-priced. 

Conveniently located at the entrance to Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line, this upscale Chinese restaurant serves first-rate Hong Kong-style seafood, often plucked live from the tanks and cooked to the specifications of its well-heeled clientele. Ask for whatever fish is freshest, and try the distinctive pork with chayote squash. This is also a popular spot for lunchtime dim sum, both traditional and more contemporary. Although you won't be out of place in jeans, you could dress up a bit, particularly in the evening. Reservations are recommended.

A brigade of chefs is at work in the open kitchen of this popular restaurant that specializes in Shanghai-style fare, which is richer and slightly sweeter than more delicate Cantonese dishes. They're prepping the handmade dumplings, including the soup-filled xiao long bao and the panfried pork buns that are among the specialties here. Hand-pulled noodles, saucy braised eggplant, and fresh stir-fried greens are other good options. Book in advance or prepare to wait.

This little meeting place, tucked just off Granville Street on West 13th Avenue, has the feeling of a buzzy European bistro. Small plates are made for sharing, as are the charcuterie and cheese boards and the menu changes with the seasons. The extensive wine list features a selection of both local and wines from around the world. A four-course family style menu is also available. 

In a 1911 manor house, this bar and grill with a large patio is very family-friendly, with a menu of burgers, fish, soups, and salads, as well as sharing plates and vegetarian options. The location right in Stanley Park is great, especially mid-bike ride. It overlooks the Rose Garden and is steps from Malkin Bowl, where outdoor theater and concerts are held in summer.

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.