101 things to eat and drink in Vancouver before you die

Vancouver is one of the world’s most incredible cities when it comes to food and drink. There’s always something shaking in our incredible cocktail scene, and thanks to the region’s geography, the land and sea produce a bounty of wonderful fresh ingredients used by Vancouver’s restaurants. Add in the excitement of a diverse immigrant food culture, and Vancouver is full end to end with amazing eats.

Want to get a taste of Vancouver? You need a bucket list. Here are 101 essential things to eat and drink in Vancouver.

1. Aburi sushi from Miku

Miku is credited with bringing aburi-style sushi to Vancouver, so no better place to enjoy this flame-seared fusion food than at Miku.

2. Terimayo dog from Japadog

Vancouver’s now-thriving street food scene owes much to this early upstart that melded the classic hot dog with the flavours of Japan. The Terimayo is their calling card; it’s got Teriyaki sauce, mayo and seaweed–of course!

3. Lamb popsicles from Vij’s

You can’t say “Indian food” in Vancouver without saying Vij’s. Vikram Vij’s original restaurant serves up incredible modern Indian fare, including his standout signature lamb popsicles. Hint: They aren’t frozen.

4. Cup of coffee from Revolver

At the forefront of Vancouver’s obsession with “slow” coffee, Revolver has stood out as the hallmark for excellent brewed coffee. Slip in for a cup and be revolutionized.

5. Legendary platter from White Spot

Around for almost a century, the White Spot’s Legendary Platter is, frankly, legendary. Skip the modern add-ons of veggies and cheese, and stick to the classic burger with Triple-O sauce, with fries and slaw on the side.

6. Beef Roll from Peaceful Restaurant

Ogled over by Guy Fieri from TV’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” the Beef Roll is Peaceful Restaurant’s signature dish. The growing chain specializing in Northern Chinese eats can be polarizing among locals, but it sure has its loyal devotees.

7. Najib’s Special from Nuba

The go-to for Lebanese fare in Vancouver, it’s clear to see why eaters love Najib’s Special: Crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt, and served with tahini.

8. Chicken wings from Phnom Penh

Head to Chinatown to this Cambodian restaurant and get an order (or two) of these crispy fried wings, with a citrus salt and pepper sauce for dipping.

9. Diplomat cake from Notte Bon Ton

Open for nearly a century, Notte Bon Ton specializes in pastries and cakes, among which is their Diplomat cake, made of layers of pastry, sponge cake, and rich buttercream.

10. Gelato from Bella Gelateria

Vancouver is home to a certified gelato master, and Bella Gelateria is scooping up the sweet goodness at their locations. Look for exciting seasonal offerings, or staples like Salted Caramel.

11. Bagel Sandwich with Lox from Siegel’s

If you’re at the Public Market at Granville Island, head right to Siegel’s and order up one of their Montreal-style bagels as a sandwich with lox, cream cheese, red onions, and capers.

12. Oyster Chowder at Rodney’s Oyster House

Half the fun of eating at Rodney’s is watching the guys whip up the food, in particular the chowder. Since Rodney’s is an oyster house, your best bet is their delicious oyster chowder. Order a glass of wine…trust us, it’s fun.

13. Blue Water Cafe Tower at Blue Water Cafe

Long hailed as the bastion of all things seafood in Vancouver, Yaletown’s enduring favourite, Blue Water, is a must-experience. Get their three-tiered Blue Water Cafe seafood tower to really do it up royally–though you can also select a single or two-tiered option, if you’re less ambitious.

14. Almond Croissant from Thomas Haas

There is no almond croissant as beautiful as the ones that emerge from Thomas Haas’ kitchens.

15. Craft Beer sampler from The Alibi Room

Gastown’s Alibi Room is one of the definitive go-tos from the early era of Vancouver’s still-going-strong craft beer revolution. Sample some of the best of brews here on a sampler, served up on a paddle.

16. The Checkmate Caesar at Score on Davie

Score on Davie is all about wild and wacky Caesar cocktails, but none is as wild or wacky as the Checkmate. It’s an epic meal on a glass, meant for sharing. It’s garnished with a full roast chicken, Score burger, slider, chicken wings, pulled pork mac and cheese hot dog, roasted vegetables, and a brownie for dessert.

17. Fried Chicken Waffle “Sando” from Miura

Known for their waffles and Japanese-style waffle sandos (aka sandwiches), the most memorable from this Asian-fusion spot is their fried chicken sando. It’s got Garlic fried chicken, lettuce, teriyaki sauce and mayo.

Editor’s note: Miura closed in December 2016

18. Ice Cream Taco from Rain or Shine

Ice cream is good any time of year, says Rain or Shine’s owner, hence the name of this always-popular ice cream shop. Hit them up on Tuesdays for their ice cream “taco” special.

19. $3.99 breakfast from Bon’s Off Broadway

It’s cheap, it’s greasy, it’s quintessential Vancouver budget eats.

20. London Fog Stuffie from Cartems

Cartems kicked off the high-end doughnut revolution in Vancouver, and their London Fog Stuffie (Earl Grey-infused yeast donut with Earl Grey glaze, stuffed with vanilla cream) is a perfect example of why their doughnuts are standouts.

21. Kouign Amann from Beaucoup Bakery

Jackie Kai Ellis fell in love with French baking so much she left her job to open her very own patisserie, Beaucoup. While what’s at the counter and up for grabs is across-the board delicious, her Kouign Amann is worth every sweet, buttery calorie.

22. Hedgehogs from Purdys

Vancouver’s venerable chocolatier has been in business since 1907. They make delectable boxed chocolates and other treats, however their signature piece is the Hedgehog. It’s hazelnut gianduja filling tucked inside a cute milk chocolate hedgehog shell.

23. Porchetta at Meat & Bread

People line up come midday for the sandwiches at Meat & Bread, and the Porchetta is the best explanation: Slow roasted pork, chopped in front of you, with crispy cracklings and salsa verde.

24. Devil’s Dream Melt from Buckstop

The West End’s Buckstop is a go-to for over the top creations centred on comfort eats and big BBQ flavours. The Devils’ Dream Melt is a specialty menu item: Smoked shaved sirloin in an IPA-barbecue gravy, onions and peppers, topped with mozzarella & swiss cheese and two pieces of tempura bacon, served open-faced on egg-washed fried sourdough bread.

25. Bao Chicka Bao Bao!! from Bao Down

Bringing pan-Asian inspiration and a ton of sass to the West Coast, the original Bao Down in Gastown is all about those buns: Bao buns, with fun fillings. Get the Bao Chicka Bao Bao!!: It’s fried lemongrass and garlic marinated free-range Fraser Valley chicken breast with a palm sugar and fish sauce glaze, in a bun with garlic scape mayo, cilantro, and pickled carrots and scallions.

26. Frissant from Swiss Bakery

Cronut schmronut. Swiss Bakery makes a hybrid Fritter-Croissant they call the Frissant.

27. Fried Cecchi from Campagnolo

Legendary Vancouver chef Robert Belcham serves up tantalizing Italian fare at Campagnolo on Main, but you’d be remiss not to kick off your feast with the fried chickpeas.

28. Avocado toast from Nelson the Seagull

Avo toast has become a real obsession for Vancouverites, and there’s no finer place to try it than at Nelson the Seagull, where it comes served on a wooden plank, and the avocado is sliced perfectly atop two thick-cut slices of housemade bread.

29. Hot Pot from Landmark

You want hot pot? May as well get the city’s best at the award-winning Landmark.

30. Fries with Miso Gravy at The Naam

A staple for decades for Vancouver vegetarians (and night owls, too), the fries with miso gravy at The Naam are the most-loved item on the menu.

31. Bowl from Shishinori

Now with two locations, the charming Shishinori offers Kawaii-cute Japanese eats with an emphasis on fresh and healthy. Order up a bowl, like the Wild Salmon, or a salad, to get a real sense of what this sweet little spot is all about.

32. Celebration 2010 roll at Tojo’s

Tojo’s is the gold standard of sushi restaurants in Vancouver, and the master himself is said to have invented the California Roll. Since that dish is pretty common fare, move into the specialty zone on this fun menu and try the Celebration 2010 roll (Inside-out roll containing crab, pineapple and asparagus with tuna, wild Pacific salmon, red snapper, spinach and egg on top). If you’re a high roller, just settle in and dine omakase-style.

33. To Die For Banana Bread

Local plant-based food writer and chef Erin Ireland makes banana bread that is To Die For, which also happens to be the name of her lifestyle website. Find it around town at some terrific cafes.

34. Pear, Walnut, Brie, Prosciutto sandwich from Finch’s

Downtown’s Finch’s Tea House is a casual, tiny eatery that always boasts a lunchtime line-up, and people are wild about their sandwiches, including the simple but elegant Pear, Walnut, Brie, and Prosciutto. Have your Instagram app ready, it’s a beaut.

35. Fish taco from Tacofino

Who knows fish tacos better than surfers? A bit of Vancouver Island’s surfer vibe is ashore in the city at Tacofino, where their fish taco remains a favourite for their fans queing up at their food truck or to their brick-and-mortar.

36. Roast chicken at Homer St Cafe

This charming cafe on the edge of Yaletown practically beckons you with the aroma of their stunning roast chicken.

37. Fish & Chips at Go Fish

You can’t visit Vancouver without having some fish and chips! Go Fish!

38. Sandwich at La Grotta del Formaggio

Create your own meaty, cheesy, savoury masterpiece at this Italian marketplace.

39. Maple Bacon Donut from Lee’s Donuts

Another Granville Island Public Market must is Lee’s Donuts. These are old school classic no frills donuts, unless you count the chunks of bacon on your Maple Bacon Donut as frills.

40. Surf and Turf from Joe Fortes

Named for an iconic Vancouverite, Joe Fortes is itself an iconic downtown seafood bar and grill. Get the best of both worlds with their Surf and Turf, but we wouldn’t blame you if you threw in a half-dozen oysters and their Seafood Caesar Salad, too.

41. Eggs Benny from Yolk’s Breakfast

The sweet little Yolk’s Breakfast cart has grown into a local institution. Their flow-chart menu will help you assemble the ultimate eggy breakfast feast, and we’ll steer you their Eggs Benny, because it is pretty much the best in town.

42. Gin & Tonic from Juniper

Specializing in Pacific Northwest fare, Chinatown’s chic Juniper’s bar is all about the spirit made with juniper: Gin. Barman Shaun Layton is pouring a number of creative takes on the classic G&T.

43. Hot chocolate at Mink

Mink’s chocolates win awards year after year, and for the annual Hot Chocolate Festival they pull out all the stops and go wild. But their regular ol’ hot chocolate is a thing of beauty any day of the year. Sip and enjoy.

44. Grandma’s Pancakes at Jethro’s Fine Grub

With cinnamon apples baked into the buttermilk batter and a topping of streusel and whipped butter, Grandma’s pancakes (which come in a low stack of two) are at times bigger than the plate they’re brought out on.

45. Yes Ma’am from Hi Five

Would you believe some of the city’s best grilled cheese is served from an impossibly tiny Gastown walk-up window? Get the Yes Ma’am from Hi Five made with Six Acres’ mac and cheese with American cheese thrown in for good measure.

46. Sweet Chili Cauliflower from MeeT

Meet up at Meet (on Main or in Gastown) to enjoy meat-free eats in a cool space. Their Sweet Chili Cauliflower is an addictive appy that packs a real pow.

47. Fricassée & Lavender Latte from Cafe Medina

Cafe Medina draws lines on the daily for their breakfast and brunch foods with a Mediterranean twist. They may be known for their Liege waffles, but you’d be sorely missing out if you didn’t order one of their skillets, like the Fricassée, along with a lavender latte.

48. Liege waffle from Nero Belgian Waffle Bar

For a waffle fix, head to Nero Belgian Waffle Bar. Purists will want to keep it simple, but sweet tooths will love their sugary concoctions.

49. The Tackle Box from YEW seafood + bar

Thanks to the amazing skills of Chef Ned Bell, YEW seafood + bar at the Four Seasons is a frontrunner for sustainable seafood fare in the city. Though Bell is headed for “new waters,” his legacy will live on at the restaurant. Get the Tackle Box and mix and match from the freshest of local seafood items. (Or, hit up the bar for great cocktails and a fun bar menu.)

50. Bún chả at Mr. Red Cafe

Authentic Vietnamese fare from Saigon is served with love at Mr. Red Cafe’s two Vancouver locations. The Bun Cha is unlike any other in town, with its fiery sweet-sour heat.

51. Chicken & Waffles from Tuc Craft Kitchen

The best Chicken & Waffles in Vancouver? Try Tuc Craft Kitchen’s and you decide.

52. BC Salmon Sandwich from Kaboom Box

The force is mighty from this tiny food cart found often in downtown. Take a BC staple like salmon, and the Kaboom Box makes it really pop, sandwich-style.

53. Glenburn Sampler at Glenburn Soda Fountain

When you look at the menu of ice cream treats at Glenburn Soda Fountain in Burnaby, it’s pretty hard to choose just one. So get the sampler, and some spoons for sharing.

54. Burger from Wakwak

The food cart formerly known as Burger 285 makes a killer cheap Japanese-inspired burger. It used to cost $2.85, but, you know, inflation. Also, the cart finally gave itself a proper name: Wakwak. But it’s okay to just say Burger 285; we know what you mean.

55. Baked Avocado Skins at Heirloom

When it comes to vegetarian food in Vancouver, Heirloom is a standout, thanks to their simple, playful, and elegant fare. Look for signature items like Baked Avocado Skins for a fun meal that may make you forget all about meat.

56. Snacks and wine pairings from Latab

Latab Wine Bar is the endeavour of longtime industry pros Kris Barnholden and Eryn Dorman, who have injected into the Vancouver dining and wine-drinking scene a playful and dynamic new destination. The menu changes constantly, both for food and wine, so settle down and let them guide you through the best of what’s on offer that day.

57. Nice Cream from Nice Vice

Ice cream without cream turns a vice into something nice, as in Nice Vice, the entirely plant-based “vice cream” shop in Yaletown. Get the scoop on what’s freshly made.

Editor’s note: Nice Vice announced Jan. 12, 2017 they are closing their creamery.

58. Rye So Messy wings from Torafuku

The team from the Le Tigre truck took it to Main Street for their permanent restaurant, and their Rye So Messy wings quickly became a crowd-pleasing favourite.

59. Chicken Karaage from Mogu Japanese Street Eats

Another street eat that makes Vancouver so delicious, the Chicken Karaage from Mogu is finger licking good.

60. Cioppino at Cioppino’s

Chef Pino Posteraro is the stuff legends are made of, and he offers excellent Italian fare–including Cioppino–at his Yaletown restaurant.

61. Ice cream sandwich from Beta5

Beta5 makes fantastic chocolates and confections, but things really heat up in the summer when they serve their cool ice cream sandwiches.

62. Chartreuse Milkshake at UVA

Considered one of the city’s top cocktail bars, UVA is known for its extensive menu of inventive speciality drinks, prepared by industry vets (currently led by Sabrine Dhaliwal). Get the Chartreuse Milkshake (Tangueray gin, green chartreuse, cacao, lime & orange, malagasy chocolate bitters, egg white) for something different.

63. Daily special from Dock Lunch

Dock Lunch is essentially a one-woman show; Elizabeth Grace Bryan cooks and serves in this apartment-esque lunch spot, with a couple of daily choices on the menu.

64. Soft serve with honeycomb from Soft Peaks

Organic Avalon dairy milk turned into swirly soft serve, topped with fresh honeycomb is the best thing at Soft Peaks. So sweet, so simple, so yum.

65. Currywurst at Bestie

Bestie is the best place in Vancouver for currywurst, hands down.

66. Butternut Squash Ravioli at Cactus Club

Sure, it’s a chain that’s spread its wings across the country, but its roots are very Vancouver, and its enduring popularity testament to the good stuff that still comes out of their kitchen. Their Butternut Squash Ravioli may make you see why they are still a hit.

67. Green Smoothie from the Juice Truck

The Juice Truck paved the way for the cold pressed juice revolution in Vancouver, but they also make killer green smoothies that will help you recharge and get fresh.

68. Pulled pork pancakes at Red Wagon

Featured on both the all-day breakfast and weekend brunch menu, Red Wagon’s Pulled Pork Pancakes consists of three buttermilk pancakes layered with pulled pork and is served in a pool of Jack Daniels-spiked maple syrup.

69. Chef’s Tasting Menu at Maenam

For Thai food like none other, the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Maenam in Kitsilano lets chef Angus An show you what has made him and his restaurant such a beacon in Vancouver for Thai eats.

70. Tomato Soup Fondue & Grilled Cheese Toasties at Belgard Kitchen

It seems simple enough, but damn is it so good: Grilled Cheese made for dipping in comfy, cozy tomato soup.

71. Maple French Toast Bacon Pie from the Pie Hole

Pie, pie, pie…Seek out the baked creations from Vancouver’s the Pie Hole, and look for quirky concoctions like their Maple French Toast Bacon Pie.

72. Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia at Giardino

Umberto Menghi left his mark on Vancouver years ago, headed off, then returned with an updated and glorious Giardino (dropping the “Il” of the predecessor and its quaint yellow house slated for demo). Among the beautiful dishes is a black spaghetti with seafood that is utterly divine. Bravo, chef!

73. Fried chicken ramen at Ramen Gojiro

Fried chicken meets spicy ramen at Ramen Gojiro. Definitely a novelty, ramen lovers are enjoying slurping up this unique variation on a popular dish.

74. Banh Mi at Au Petit Cafe

Vancouver is home to a thriving Vietnamese scene, and fewer items showcase the cuisine’s meld of French and Vietnamese than the Banh Mi sandwich. Au Petit Cafe makes a stellar one worth checking out.

75. Moules Frites at Chambar

Chambar endures as a great spot in Vancouver for Belgian fare, and their Moules Frites are memorable indeed.

76. Dirty Burger at Campagnolo Upstairs

Upstairs at Campagnolo’s brunch burger is loaded with a 40 day dry aged beef patty (ground in-house), American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the restaurant’s secret sauce. It is a deliciously messy affair, especially if you choose to add a perfectly runny egg into the already hearty mix.

77. Luigi’s Meatballs and a fresh pasta from Ask For Luigi

At Railtown’s tiny, cozy Ask For Luigi, you can enjoy all sorts of fresh house-made pastas, but their meatballs are a must-try.

78. Hainan chicken rice at Hawker’s Delight

This unassuming hole-in-the wall joint is indeed a delight for Singaporean fare. The Hainan chicken rice is a great example of why they remain a popular pick.

79. Tacos at La Taqueria

Tacos, tacos, tacos. La Taqueria is all about the tacos, and their simple, authentic, flavourful bites are worth the line-up.

80. Brown Butter Tart at Timber

Chef Chris Whittaker rose to prominence first at Forage, which is next door to its off-shoot, the casual Timber. All about the Canadiana, on the dessert menu opt for the Butter Tart; it will blow your mind.

81. Black Truffle Pork and Shrimp Dumplings Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant

Richmond’s Chef Tony Seafood is the place to go for elegant, inventive dim sum, including their signature Black Truffle Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Obviously, you’ll want to order up more than that; have fun exploring the unique menu.

82. Mac and Cheese at Burgoo

Beloved for their comfort foods, Burgoo’s Mac and Cheese always gets top nods for being among the best in the city.

83. Wine flight at Tap & Barrel

Tap & Barrel has emerged on the upscale-casual end of the local dining scene and made “wine on tap” a booming business. Sourcing a variety of local (and often highly rare) wines, taste your way around the region with a wine flight. (Beer lovers, take heart, you may also take a flight from their taps, too).

84. Poutine from Mean Poutine

Poutine in Vancouver is a polarizing subject. We definitely do it here (take your stance on your own whether you think we do it right) but if you’re looking to sop up some late night booze with some greasy fare, hit up Mean Poutine.

85. Dim Sum at Kirin

Consistently hailed as one of the finest Chinese dining experiences in Vancouver proper, Kirin is a great spot to sample some dim sum.

86. Margherita Pizza at Nicli Antica Pizzeria

Pizza wars can get intense in Vancouver, but if you want to find the first VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza in the city, head to Nicli, and order a classic Margherita.

87. Pourhouse Burger at Pourhouse

Get ready for a serious burger: ground chuck steak and brisket, aged cheddar, pork belly, sweet caramelized onion, dijon mayo, fried egg, and a homemade Scottish bap bun.

88. Perogies at Friday Night Supper at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

Move over Hockey Night in Canada, it’s Perogy Night in Vancouver. Yep, this church is where it’s at for their special suppers. Amen!

89. All Canadian Poutine at The Oakwood Canadian Bistro

Poutine takes a meaty, upscale turn at The Oakwood Canadian Bistro. Served in a cast iron skillet, these Kennebec fries are slathered in Quebec cheese curds and veal bone gravy, then blanketed with house-smoked beef brisket.

90. Housemade pasta with wine pairing at Royal Dinette

Chef Dave Gunawan takes farm to table and zero-waste dining to a new level of excellence at Royal Dinette. The menu is always changing based on what’s fresh from local purveyors, but there’s always a housemade pasta (made right in the dining room at the pasta station) with a wine pairing to enjoy.

91. Hotel Georgia cocktail from Hawksworth

Chef David Hawksworth elevated Vancouver’s fine dining scene, and if you can splurge on the tasting menu, by all means, you should. But you can also raise a glass to the city’s incredible food offerings with a Hotel Georgia cocktail, named for the restaurant’s venue.

92. Steak at Gotham Steakhouse

If you really want steak in Vancouver, may as well go big or go home. Go to Gotham.

93. Bubble Waffle from Bubble Waffle Cafe

Venture south from the city to Richmond to the Bubble Waffle Cafe for their signature puffy, fluffy, eggy bubble waffle.

94. Baked treats from Purebread

Whistler-born, Purebread grew legions of followers thanks to their presence at local farmers’ markets. Their downtown Vancouver storefront offers a dazzling display of baked treats. You really can’t go wrong choosing any of them.

95. BC Bramble cocktail from Odd Society

Vancouver’s pioneering craft distillery, Odd Society also has a cocktail tasting lounge, where they mix up top-notch bevvies using their house spirits. The BC Bramble showcases their stunning Creme de Cassis; buy a bottle for later.

96. Duck Fat Fries at Edible Canada

Edible Canada at Granville Island brings Canadian cuisine to the masses, and their Duck Fat Fries are a classic must-try.

97. Churro Ice Cream Sandwich from Hugo’s Churros

You gotta hunt this one down, since Hugo’s Churros is a cart, but oh goodness, is it worth it for these circles of golden-fried cinnamony sugary yumminess, holding together creamy gelato. Bring napkins.

98. Patatas Bravas at Bodega on Main

Relocated and updated from La Bodega, Bodega on Main kept a lot of the original’s charm, and Spanish eats. Get the Patatas Bravas.

99. Green Tea matcha Parfait at Mimibuloveme

Japanese desserts are super trendy in Vancouver, especially when they include Green Tea Matcha. Order a delectable (and pretty) parfait here to see what we mean.

100. Salmon Sampler at Salmon ‘n Bannock

Get a taste of First Nations food in Vancouver at Salmon ‘n Bannock. Check out the Salmon Sampler: Wild salmon prepared three different ways, served with bannock crackers.

101. Ice Fried yogurt at ON Yogurt

What’s ice fried yogurt, you ask? It’s a special freezing technique used by this Yaletown shop to turn their housemade yogurt into a cool treat. See it, taste it, love it.