Yes, Vancouver is a city... but honestly, it's not a particularly big one. So sometimes after a while, the food or bar options may begin to feel limited. But there's actually more to the city than you would think. So we're here to introduce you to some hidden gems you may or may not have ever been to that are definitely worth trying.
One Vancouver's major strengths is its diversity, which is totally reflected in the restaurant and bar scene. From tropical tiki bars to luxe French restaurants, courtyard cafes and more, the cuisine and ambience of the city continually growing and evolves.
So we're here to help add to your restaurant, cafe or bar bucket list or maybe even help you to start your own. This article might just be your answer to the classic "where should we eat" debate.
Whether it's for your next date night, Sunday brunch, cafe study sesh or night out, there are tons of places in Vancouver worth checking out. We can't wait to see where your food, cafe or bar adventures will take you!
What are you looking for?
Restaurants
Bars
Cafes
Breakfast/Brunch
For Restaurants, click "Next".
Sen Pad Thai
Where: Unit 7-1666 Johnston St // Granville Island
Type: Thai
Price: 💸💸
We recommend: Crispy Wings with Thai Garlic and Pad Thai
Why you should go: Tucked away in Granville Island, this small Thai restaurant serves up Thai food. Sen Pad Thai will satisfy all your pad thai and fried chicken cravings.
St. Lawrence Restaurant
Where: 269 Powell St // Railtown
Type: French/Quebecois
Price: 💸💸💸
We recommend: Oreilles de Crisse, Steak tartare, and Côte de porc
Why you should go: Love boujee experiences? French food is delicious and this upscale restaurant is a perfect place to go for all things French in Vancouver. The head chef is also the owner of other amazing Vancouver restaurants, Ask For Luigi and Pizzeria Farina.
The Arbor
Where: 3941 Main St // South Main
Type: Casual, Multi-cuisine
Price: 💸💸
Most popular item: Broccoli Popcorn and Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich
Why you should go: If you're looking for comfort food but still want to stay healthy, The Arbor is your answer. Bonus: their patio is adorable.
Yui Japanese Bistro
Where: 102-1185 W Georgia Street // Downtown
Type: Japanese
We recommend this dish: Ebi Oshi Sushi
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: Aburi sushi lovers need to know about this tiny sushi spot. Yui Japanese Bistro offers a great value for aburi seared sushi in Vancouver, with aburi oshi costing around $11.
Tabom
Where: C-1046 Austin Ave // Coquitlam
Type: Korean
Price: 💸💸 - 💸💸💸
We recommend: Tabom Signature
Why you should go: Get two incredible things in a combination that will blow your mind. Tabom's Signature consists of Korean stir fry or soup on a hot plate surrounded by melted cheese and corn.
For Bars, click "Next".
The Pawn Shop
Where: 1117 Granville St // Downtown
Type: Taco and Tequila Bar
Price: 💸 - 💸💸
We recommend: Happy Hour $1 Tacos and $3 Tequila
Why you should go: This bar has probably the best taco deal in all of Vancouver. Every single day, they have Happy Hour of $1 Tacos and $3 Tequila!!!
Banter Room
Where: 1039 Mainland St
Type: Lounge
Most popular item: Southern Fried Chicken and London Broil Steak
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This place is more of a lounge but still a great place to grab some drinks. Oh and did we mention, there is a Moët Champagne vending machine? Yep, that's a thing.
Gringo
Where: 27 Blood Alley Square // Gastown
Type: Mexican
Most popular item: Thai Buckets
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Home to one of the few places that have Thai Buckets in Vancouver. This energetic bar also has a great deal on tacos — you can get 3 tacos for $8 or for $2.75 each at this fun taco bar.
Shameful Tiki Room
Where: 4362 Main Street // South Main
Type: Tiki Bar
Most popular item: Volcano Bowl
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: Transport yourself into a tropical tiki bar. The Shameful Tiki Room has next level drinks, like fish bowls that are lit (literally).
The Yale Saloon
Where: 1300 Granville Street // Downtown
Type: Bar
Most popular item: Bucket Drink
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: If you love all things country, the Yale will be your new go-to spot. Have a rowdy night filled with bucket drinks, mechanical bulls and country music.
For Cafes, click "Next".
Him & I Cafe
Where: 1153 The High Street
We recommend: Biscotti, Pain Au Chocolat
Why you should go: Looking for an aesthetic cafe that hasn't popped up on your Insta feed yet? Head on over to Him & I cafe.
Dalina
Where: 687 Main St // Chinatown
Price: 💸💸
We recommend: Hot Chocolate
Why you should go: Home to an adorable atmosphere filled with fairy lights and marble minimalism, Dalina is a perfect cafe and Italian grocery shop with delicious food and some of the best hot chocolate in town.
Republica Coffee Roasters
Where: 321 W Pender St // Near Gastown
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: Want your very own private courtyard for your study sesh? Hit up Republica Coffee Roasters for your next cafe stop.
West Village Cafe
Where: #160-5620 152 St // South Surrey
We recommend: Coffee, of course!
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This cafe is seriously cozy. Spend all day at this adorable spot with yummy food and coffee.
Secret Garden Tea Company
Where: 2138 W 40th Ave // Kerrisdale
We recommend: Buckingham Palace Tea, Secret Garden Breakfast Scone
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: Love that London inspired high tea life? The Secret Garden will give you a just lovely high tea experience.
For Breakfast/Brunch, click "Next".
Save On Meats
Where: 43 W Hastings St // Gastown
We recommend: S.O.M Classic Milkshakes
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Get those retro vibes at this cozy diner that offers classic diner food at a budget-friendly price. This Gastown diner also has a token program and has provided 88,000 meals to residents in the Downtown Eastside.
Rosemary Rocksalt
Where: 2515 Main Street // Vancouver
Type: Bagels
Most popular item: Rosemary Rocksalt Bagel
Price: 💸
Why you should go: If you haven't had a rainbow bagel yet, you should know that they are very much a thing in Vancouver. Rosemary Rocksalt is your one-way ticket to a rainbow bagel.
Marulilu Cafe
Where: 451 W Broadway // Mount Pleasant
Type: Japanese
Most popular item: Japanese Style Breakfast
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Brunch for under $10 is a serious steal. Marilulu offers a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast and it will only cost you $7.99!
Molli Cafe
Where: 1225 Burrard Street // Vancouver
Type: Mexican
Most popular item: Molletes
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Looking to try a Mexican style breakfast? Molli Cafe serves up several breakfast options and pastries.
Ritual
Where: 774 Denman St
Type: Farm-to-Table, Comfort Food
Most popular item: Seasonal
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Comfort food in a cozy restaurant — pretty much sums up Ritual. The brunch here is delicious and if you love to change it up, their menu constantly evolves and adapts. This restaurant also tries to pay all of its staff a living wage.