12 Restaurants You Must Eat At in Vancouver

There’s one thing Vancouver doesn’t have a shortage of and that is restaurants! We have fantastic places to eat in Vancouver and I could make a very long list but I have shortened it down to my favourite places to eat in 2021.

In Vancouver, new openings seem to occur daily, with many reflecting either Vancouver’s geographic connection to Asia Pacific or its proximity to Okanagan wine country, the Pacific Ocean, and the Fraser Valley—the food production breadbasket of the province.

I’m sharing the restaurants you need to go to in Vancouver this year. This is my list I would send to relatives and friends who are from out town. Enjoy this local’s guide to the best food in Vancouver BC.

Best Restaurants You Have to Eat at in Vancouver

1. Savio Volpe

Savio Volpe is a modern take on a traditional Italian osteria, complete with a simple, unpretentious menu featuring homemade pasta, meats grilled over a wood fire, and seasonal, market-fresh ingredients. The rustic osteria cuisine is served family-style; the portions are generous.

2. Tableau Bar and Bistro

A neighbourhood bar bistro – serving an updated take on traditional French bistro fare. They offer up a French-inspired menu that blends classic culinary flavours of Paris with the use of fresh west coast ingredients. I would recommend ordering the classic mushrooms on toast and a side of truffle fries! I usually order for my main one of their daily specials.

3. Anh and Chi

For a year, we lived a block away from this modern take on Vietnamese food. Safe to say we were regulars to Anh and Chi. The children took over this restaurant from their parents (who are still in the kitchen) and renovated it to its beautiful interior. It’s always busy, ALWAYS, but the service is always friendly, the food is always delicious and it’s worth the wait.

4. Nero Waffle Bar

Hear me out about adding a waffle bar to the list but this modern Belgian waffle spot offers Liege and Brussels waffles topped with sweet and savoury accompaniments. It’s one of my favourite spots in the city, I love to come here for brunch or to grab a dessert after dinner out. The Seymour location offers a full menu, cocktails and if you really want to have a decadent moment, order a hot chocolate!

5. Maxine’s Cafe and Bar

This is my favourite breakfast spot downtown at the moment. The food is amazing and the staff are incredibly friendly and professional. They are also dog friendly on the patio, we don’t have a dog right now, but I enjoy their presence while I eat! I’ve been for both brunch and dinner and left satisfied and craving to go back again.

Order the brioche french toast and smoked salmon rosti for brunch, then if you return for dinner, try the burger and fries or try a few plates with a friend.

6. Sal Y Limon

Sal y Limon is more street food-oriented than the other Mexican restaurants in town (which are more “upscale”) but that translates into simple, no-nonsense dishes that hit the spot. The meal will be inexpensive, homestyle, filling, and vibrantly flavoured; in some cases, prepare for messy eating. Tacos and huaraches are piled high with toppings like beans, meats, sour cream, chunky tomato sauce, fresh cheese, and a whack of julienned cabbage.

7. Di Beppe

This is the kind of Italian restaurant I would like to come back to again and again. Great selection of Italian dishes and drinks, knowledgeable and friendly staff, exquisitely prepared food. First-rate environment and I love the decor! Simple yet sophisticated. The food was delicious and delightful. Will easily recommend Di Beppe Restaurant to anyone.

My family and I frequently order take-out from Di Beppe, their pizza can never go wrong! The pizzas are inspired by pizza in a region in Naples, different from what we might be used to, but the dough and crust are absolutely perfect! Great chew, thicker crust, so it does depend on your preference, but each bite is incredible.

8. Annalena

Annalena is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or just have a great dining experience in a more intimate setting. The staff are welcoming and very well informed in all aspects of the dining experience and it was a pleasure to listen and interact with everyone as each course was presented.. a totally delightful evening and the food was superb. I dream about their garlic bread and the menu changes frequently, but I have yet to have a bad dish.

9. Marutama Ramen

I frequent the West End location just off of Robson street, they have since opened a couple of other locations but I feel this is still the best one. They serve up very delicious ramen, the broths are delicious and I appreciate they have vegetarian ramen that is full of veg and flavour. Everything is made fresh, the ramen noodles are being made in front of you. The people are really friendly and look after you.

10. Dachi

This was a recent discovery for me, I recently visited with my sister and it was outstanding. The service was friendly and informative, the wine selection was fantastic (we left with 4 bottles each, they have a great store inside), and I appreciate that the menu changes by season.

Everything was sophisticated, yet unpretentious. The staff are also very knowledgeable about their wines, I never leave without taking a bottle home to enjoy.

11. Published On Main

One of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had, right from the moment we sat down. Cocktails, service, presentation, taste were all amazing! Every single dish we had was meticulously plated and you can tell the chef truly enjoys cooking and has a passion for his craft. This was actually our last meal before Rowan came and we ordered to go a couple of times since then. The cocktails were also fantastic, I enjoyed a mocktail while pregnant but Curtis raved about his drinks all night.

Already planning to return again soon to try the set course menu. Highly recommend others to come and try for any occasion! They change their menu regularly, leaving a few favourites on occasion. But I do recommend the Aebleskiver if it’s on the menu, truly delicious!

12. Como Taperia

I wish I lived down the street from Como Taperia, just to pop over and enjoy their happy hour! This was an experience I wish I could repeat all day, every day. Remarkably authentic Spanish dishes – what I envision would be like in Spain. Definitely a group date night spot (gets pretty loud). Forever obsessed with their garlic shrimp tapas and patatas bravas. This place is a must-go! They now have a great patio with more seating than before and you can buy some of their conservas and other groceries to take home.

Where would you visit next? I used to do this restaurant series, like this post for Ask For Luigi (still great!), maybe I should bring it back?