The best restaurant to check out when visiting Vancouver, according to our readers
Whether they flew in or came in on one of the many cruise ships, people are always coming to visit Vancouver (just look at all the people gathering around the Gastown Steam Clock). All those visitors need to eat, but we want to make sure they taste the best that the city has to offer.
That’s why we asked our Instagram followers for their recommendations of the best spot to take someone visiting Vancouver, and we got plenty of suggestions.
From fine dining to food trucks and everything in between, here’s your list of the best restaurants to take anyone visiting Vancouver, according to our readers.
Fanny Bay Oysters
View this post on Instagram
This Michelin-recommended restaurant is Vancouver’s only tide-to-table oyster bar, serving up a wide selection of oysters alongside other fresh seafood. Whether you like your oysters with hot sauce, a little bit of lemon, or just as is, these are always a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Address: 762 Cambie St., Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-9510
Cardero’s
View this post on Instagram
Waterfront views, a sunny patio, and solid dining options? Sign us up. Serving up a selection of share plates alongside seafood, steaks, and handhelds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Address: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-7666
Five Sails
View this post on Instagram
There’s a reason why Five Sails has received so many accolades over the years. The combination of its standout selection of bites and sips alongside its beautiful interior and great views makes for one heck of a great dining experience. Plus, if you’re staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, you won’t have to travel far to dine here either.
Address: 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Phone: 604-844-2855
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
View this post on Instagram
You’ll find one of the ultimate dinner-and-a-show experiences here at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Watch professional teppanyaki chefs perform classic hibachi tricks like the onion volcano and the much-loved salt and pepper dance. Plus, you can also enjoy a specially crafted cocktail in the lounge on the first floor.
Address: 1042 Alberni St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-684-2451
Black+Blue
View this post on Instagram
Located in the heart of Vancouver, this three-level restaurant is serious about its steaks. But if steak isn’t quite your thing, there are still plenty of other options to enjoy as well. Specifically, the mac and cheese sticks are always a must-order. Plus, during the warmer months, you don’t want to miss out on its rooftop patio.
Address: 1032 Alberni St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-637-0777
Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar
View this post on Instagram
Lavantine is one of Vancouver’s newest rooftop hangouts, perched atop the boutique hotel, the AZUR Legacy Hotel. On the drink side of things, you can find classic and contemporary cocktails, Old and New World wines, and some B.C. craft beer. As for bites, standouts include grilled Whole Branzino, which is deboned tableside, Lobster Tail Kebabs, and the 24-oz Cowboy Steak.
Address: 833 W Pender St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-416-2855
The Victor
View this post on Instagram
The Victor, located on the 6th floor Park level of the casino resort, is best known for its glitzy dining room and contemporary take on surf and turf cuisine.
Address: 39 Smithe St., Vancouver
Phone: 778-370-8600
Teahouse in Stanley Park
View this post on Instagram
Ever since 1978, The Teahouse Restaurant has given guests the opportunity to indulge in fine foods while staring out into the endless ocean. And while the outside views are fantastic, the interior is equally elegant.
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-3281
Blue Water Cafe
View this post on Instagram
Folks exploring Yaletown looking for some darn good seafood and a solid drink program should head over to Blue Water Cafe.
Address: 1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-8078
Burdy Food Truck
View this post on Instagram
This solar-powered food truck is serving some of the best handhelds in Vancouver. Specifically, its Chicken Parm Sandwich is legendary. Plus, it’s parked outside of Container Brewing, meaning you can enjoy an ice-cold beer with your meal.
Address: Container Brewing — 1216 Franklin St., Vancouver
Lee’s Donuts
View this post on Instagram
There’s a reason that Lee’s Donuts is Vancouver’s older donut shop, and the secret to its success lies in its irresistible jelly-filled donuts. We’d recommend taking anyone visiting Vancouver to its Granville Island location and exploring the market while you’re there, but you can find Lee’s Donuts all over Metro Vancouver.
Address: Multiple locations across Metro Vancouver
LIVIA Forno e Vino
View this post on Instagram
Not only are you guaranteed to walk away with a little sweet try from Livia’s, but it also serves some stellar brunch and lunch options. You haven’t quite visited Vancouver if you haven’t tried its Spaghetti Carbonara.
Address: 1399 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-423-3869
AnnaLena
View this post on Instagram
AnnaLena is one of the 14 Vancouver restaurants that made the 2025 list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, so it’s safe to say that any visitor to the city is in for a treat. Alongside some great bites and sips, the natural daylight and marble and black tables make this place an Instagrammer’s paradise.
Address: 1809 W 1st Ave., Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-4052
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
View this post on Instagram
Owen Wilson is a fan of Zarak, so it’s safe to say that any visitor will find something to really wow them here. The menu here is packed with family recipes (aka “mum’s recipes” as the owners call them) that incorporate traditional Afghan flavours and ingredients. While the food is probably what gets people to the doors, Zarak has put a great emphasis on creating a truly Insta-worthy cocktail program here as well.
Address: 2102 Main St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-318-3456
The Acorn Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
Located at 3995 Main St. in the Riley Park neighbourhood, The Acorn is known for its ingredient-focused dishes that change with the seasons. Think house cavatelli pasta with charred rapini, hop shoots, and nettle pesto or kabocha squash toast. It’s also been named one of the best vegan restaurants in the world multiple times since it opened.
Address: 3995 Main St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-566-9001
Anh and Chi
View this post on Instagram
This popular Main Street restaurant is a no-brainer if you’re searching for delicious Vietnamese food. More specifically, it offers a great selection of pho, available in varieties such as sliced beef sirloin, brisket and meatballs, boneless free-range chicken and quail egg, and organic tofu, daikon, and carrot, to name a few.
Address: 3388 Main St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-878-8883
Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok