Best Local Restaurants in Vancouver, B.C
More importantly, please leave us a comment or better yet a suggestion as to what your favourite restaurants are! We will be constantly updating and adding to this list, so please let us know your thoughts as well as any favourites that we might have missed!
Best Italian Restaurants
Basil Pasta Bar
Craving for pasta but do not want to spend a lot of money? Then Basil Pasta Bar is the place to go! The Basil Pasta Bar proves that good food does not always have to be expensive. At the Basil Pasta Bar, you can select your own pasta, sauce, protein, and vegetables. Also, their specials include smoked salmon fettuccine and maple bacon conchigli.
Cibo Trattoria
A good place in Vancouver if you are seeking authentic Italian cuisine prepared with the traditional methods. The restaurant follows a ‘slow food’ philosophy devised by the Italian writer Carlo Petrini which has each of their dishes being induced with an element of simplicity and elegance. Cibo Trattoria has a 40 seat dining room that works as a great place for a quiet date or a enjoyable social experience.
Nicli Antica Pizzeria
Headed by Chef Josh Gale, the Nicli Antica Pizzeria presents you with some of the season’s freshest, in-season ingredients. Also, all pizzas are prepared in the culinary tradition of the four generations of the Nicli Family. Authentic food and wine – just like in the home country!
Best Indian Restaurants
Vij’s
One of the most popular, if not the most popular, Indian restaurants in Vancouver. Vij’s was opened by Vikram Vij and Meeru Dhalwala back in 1994. Vij’s sets the standard for delicious Indian cuisine in Canada, with its luxurious and spicy dishes. All ingredients are sourced locally and the food is made in the traditional way.
Spicy 6 is a great choice for delicious Indian cuisine, especially if tandoori is your thing! Well known for their authentic cuisine, Spicy 6 uses the finest, freshest ingredients to provide an authentic taste of India. Their dishes include biryanis, spicy curries, and seafood - all prepared with vivid flavour. They are located on Robson Street.
Tandoori Palace
Humble and affordable, but with dishes that taste great, Tandoori Palace is a small Indian-Pakistani restaurant located on The Drive. It is one of the best bets for those who like authentic dishes in large portion sizes. Some of their staple dishes are Lamb Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Veggie Pakoras.
Best Thai Restaurants
Maenam
Maenam serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared with locally sourced products and ingredients. Run by Chef Agnus An, their dishes acknowledge and improve upon the old recipes and are bursting with flavors. Furthermore, Maenam also has an extensive list of beers, cocktails, and wines to be served.
Kin Kao
Kin Kao is all about presenting food in the simplest and purest form. Their restaurant name itself indicates this, as it translates to ‘eat rice’. Their menu is built around dishes that are true to the Thai tradition, while their executive chef, Tang Phoonchai, himself selects the spices or ingredients that go into the meals. If you like authentic Thai, this is a great choice!
Thai Basil
Thai Basil serves good food at great prices. Their eatery might not look like much from the outside, but the food will exceed your expectations. Also, Thai Basil is especially well known for their delicious and affordable take-out. Their meals include a range of salads, soups, curries, and noodle dishes, all according to Thai cuisine.
Best Japanese / Sushi Restaurants
Sushi Bar Maumi
If you are looking for some good sushi then Maumi is the place to go. Run by chef Mayumi Ozaki, Sushi Maumi specializes in “Omakase”, which translates into “chef’s best choice”. Most noteworthy, Sushi Bar Maumi imports fresh fish directly from Japan as well as using local seafood of the highest quality.
Marutama Ra-men
First established by Tetsuya Kudo in April 2001 in Japan, Marutama Ra-men has now come to beautiful Vancouver, B.C. Tetsuya’s dream was to create ra-men that people from all over the world could enjoy and we are happy to say he has done just that.
Miku
Located beside the historic landmark, Canada Place, Miku finds its new home along the waterfront, joining the beautiful Vancouver skyline. Miku specializes in Aburi-style flame seared sushi, a unique flavor that they take great pride in. Miku is unique and is definitely one of Vancouver's best local restaurants.
Best French Restaurants
L’abattoir
L’Abbotoir is located in the heart of Gastown and boasts great cocktails and delicious French cuisine. Their cuisine fuses traditional French techniques with a west coast style which makes their food both unique and delicious. Two of their most noteworthy dishes are their sweetbreads and roasted scallops with brown butter.
Le Crocodile
Serving for 30+ years with some of its original staff, Le Crocodile is regarded as one of Vancouver’s best, and most reputable, French restaurants. The owner Michel Jacob has been perfecting his food and technique for many years. Consequently, if authentic French cuisine is what you’re after, Le Crocodile is the place to go.
Au Comptoir
Whether sipping a cappuccino solo, savouring a glass of wine with someone special, or sharing a laugh with friends over dinner and drinks, au comptoir — which translates to, “at the counter” — is a popular style of dining in Paris, and a delicious restaurant in Kits. Come enjoy a Parisian café style meal – we guarantee you will love it. Also, give their drink menu a look, they have so much to choose from!
Best Chinese Restaurants
Kirin Restaurant
There are a total of four restaurants located in Vancouver belonging to the Kirin brand and each of them does something different. They specialize in classic Chinese fare & inventive, daily dim sum. Some of their specialties include spring rolls and dumpling combos.
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
The food prepared by chef Sam Leung at Dynasty Seafood Restaurants has earned them a place amongst the best Chinese dining places in Vancouver. They serve some of the city’s best modern Chinese food, with specialties like Cantonese mushroom-braised duck, buttery barbeque pork cha siu bao, and wafer-thin dumplings.
Mott 32
Mott 32 is a fantastic Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Vancouver. Their style is primarily Cantonese with some signature Beijing and Sichuan flavours as well. Try their Peking duck or one of their many authentic, delicious soups. Also, ask about their many drink specials!
Well there you have it! Let us know in the comment section below what you feel are Vancouver's best local restaurants!
