My Favorite Restaurants In Vancouver, B.C.
I’ve had several readers write to say they’re leaving on a cruise to Alaska out of Vancouver and wondered if I have any recommendations of places to eat there. In Vancouver, not Alaska :). The Michelin star folks came through last year and bestowed their awards on select restaurants but there are so many fabulous ones, I know they missed some. Today, I’m sharing my favorite restaurants in Vancouver, but this is, by far, just a sampling.
Miku Waterfront Restaurant
MIKURESTARAUNT.COM | 200 GRANVILLE STREET #70
This was not our first visit to Miku Vancouver, and it certainly won’t be our last. Executive Chef Kazuhiro Hayashi combines traditional Japanese flavors and techniques with local West Coast elements to create incredible dishes to delight the palate. I really tried to get more photos of the food, but things were so delicious we dove right in.
What to order at Miku
We order the Salmon Oshi Sushi every time we go and often split two orders…it’s that good. I’m not usually a fan of sushi, but this is outstanding. It’s made with pressed BC wild sockeye salmon, jalapeƱo, and Miku sauce that they flame the top of. I also recommend you try the Ebi Fritters, made from white tiger prawns deep-fried in an herb-beer batter with sweet chili aioli, chili powder, and balsamic reduction. You honestly, can not go wrong with anything on this menu. I highly recommend reservations, or you can take your chances getting a seat at the bar. They’re located next to Canada Place along the waterfront, and we’ve also eaten at their sister restaurant, Minami, in Yaletown, which is equally amazing.
Nightingale
HAWKNIGHTINGALE.COM | 1017 W. HASTINGS STREET
We ate at Nightingale more times than I can count last summer. We like to sit at the gorgeous bar to eat or at the chef’s tables, which are little booths for two with a birds-eye view of the kitchen.
Named Canada’s best farm-to-table restaurant, Nightingale has an ever-changing menu of organic salads and seasonal veggies alongside creative protein, house-made pasta, and wood stone oven-roasted pizza.
What to order at Nightingale
They have lots of small plates, so you can share and sample lots of flavors. The Buttermilk fried chicken, spiced maple syrup, with sumac and pickles, is not local and extremely yummy.Ā The Brussels sprouts and all of their veggies are amazing. If they have the Corn Ribs on the menus when you go, be sure to have them.
Joe Fortes
JOEFORTES.CA | 777 THURLOW STREET
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House is a popular restaurant located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s been a staple of the city’s dining scene since it first opened its doors in 1985. Named after a legendary local lifeguard, Joe Fortes is renowned for its fresh seafood, excellent service, and warm atmosphere.
What to Order at Joe Fortes
The menu features a wide array of seafood options, including raw bar items like fresh oysters and sashimi, as well as main dishes like lobster, crab, and salmon. Non-seafood options are also available, such as steak and chicken dishes. Everything is prepared to perfection, and the presentation is impeccable. The west coast platter is amazing!
The atmosphere at Joe Fortes is sophisticated yet welcoming, with elegant decor and a cozy fireplace. The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, and reservations are highly recommended. They’re also open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. My personal tip… don’t forget dessert. Yum!
Provence
PROVENCEMARINASIDE.CA | 1177 MARINASIDE CRESCENT
Provence Marinaside is a French-inspired seafood restaurant located in Yaletown, Vancouver. The restaurant offers a beautiful waterfront dining experience with stunning views of False Creek.
The menu at Provence Marinaside features a range of seafood dishes, including fresh oysters, lobster, and salmon, as well as classic French dishes like bouillabaisse. The restaurant is known for its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. The chefs at Provence Marinaside work closely with local fishermen and farmers to ensure that they are using the best possible ingredients in their dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a focus on French wines, to complement the menu.
Coquette
BRASSERIECOQUETTE.CA | 2685 ARBUTUS STREET
The atmosphere at Coquette is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and beautiful jazz music playing in the background. The restaurant is small and intimate, with just a handful of tables, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
What to Order at Coquette
The menu features a range of delicious dishes, with a focus on classic French cuisine and a carefully curated wine list. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every bite. I ordered the marinated sablefish, which was outstanding. We finished our meal by splitting dessert, and my husband and I both left absolutely stuffed in the best way possible!
Have you ever visited Vancouver, B.C.? Do you have any restaurants to add to this list?
Its been many, many years since I’ve visited Vancouver and then the most I ever seen of it was inside a Board Room (when working for Canadian Pacific Airlines whose head office was there), however did have the opportunity once to visit the Vancouver Zoo which was amazing. That being said; maybe I should put it on my bucket list to experience some of their cuisine, as it certainly looks appetizing. -Brenda-
Youād enjoy visiting it as a tourist.
If you want to go a little further afield, I highly recommend Hart House, located in a Tudor style house with views of Deer Lake in Burnaby.
Iāll try it!
My hubby and I stay at the Blue Horizon on Robson in Vancouver – the room are huge, the views are stunning and Robson is so walkable. It is a reasonably priced hotel and you can get a great breakfast in the restaurant on the main floor – smoked salmon bennies anyone?
Thank you for the recommendation, Rhonda. I just booked our August hotel stay at the Blue Horizon. Smoked salmon bennies sound delightful!
I agree!
Geez, that dessert at Joe Fortes looks fabulous !
It wasš„°
Thanks, for the recommendations. They all look amazing! Haven’t been to Vancouver, BC yet but on our bucket list.
Enjoy the weekend!
Happy weekend, Mary
I love visiting Vancouver. It’s been many years and I would love to try some of these restaurants. When my kids were young they loved to go to a restaurant called Charlie Brown’s. I doubt it’s still there but those trips being back good memories!
Thanks so much for these recommendations!! I’m pinning this list for when we visit Vancouver for a couple of days before our cruise in late May.
I want to visit Vancouver and Victoria again celebrating our 50th. Where would you recommend stayingā¦hotel or even an apartment rental? It all looks wonderful. Thank you
We love the Magnolia Hotel in Victoria. In Vancouver, the Westin is located in a perfect spot and the Hotel Vancouver is a classic. We also like the Marriot near Canada Place.
Jennifer, This couldn’t be more on the mark! We’re planning a week in Vancouver this August after time with friends on the US west coast. I’m from the midwest and haven’t been to Vancouver in over 20 years so I’m eager to see what has changed. I’ll be taking your recommendations with me–If you have a few for hotels (boutique or major chain) I’m all ears or rather… “eyes” for blog purposes!
We loved the Hotel Vancouver, Westin with views of the North Shore. There are so many great places to stay.
Thanks for these recommendations. We are heading to Vancouver for a week in July. It is one of our favorite cities but havenāt been there for quite a while.
Enjoy! We love it there.
Thank you for the recommendations and the reviews. We will be in Vancouver in August for 3 days so I hope to try some of these restaurants. They all sound wonderful.
Perfect time to visit!
I have been to Vancouver but usually to board a cruise so it is nice to get an idea of good restaurants if spending more time there. Allow me to say that you and the Mister always have a sparkle in your eyes when you are together! How lovely to see!
Thank you š„°
Those restaurants look fabulous. I went to Vancouver in 1979, but the only thing I can remember is having my first pina colada and being chased by two vicious German Shepherd dogs when walking down a street. I jumped a fence into a front yard. The owners came out, rescued me and called the RCMP. I do remember Vancouver Island being very scenic.
That is memorable!
My husband and I were fascinated with all the vegan restaurants in Vancouver. My husband is a chef and a major meat eater, and we couldn’t get enough. Our two favorites were Acorn (more upscale) and MeeT on Main (casual).
Iāll have to try those!!
I was in Vancouver last summer for a few days before a wedding. We stayed at the Exchange Hotel (a short walk from the waterfront area where cruise shops dock and sea planes arrive/depart). The wonderful concierge recommended Nightingale which was also a short walk away. It was amazing. We ate there twice.
Nightingale is fabulous!!