If you love food, then Vancouver might be the perfect place for you with a large city and vibrant culture, Vancouver has hundreds of restaurants with dozens of hidden gems as one of the largest Multicultural cities in the world whether you’re into Bollywood, Korean BBQ, or some traditional Italian at every corner there’s a restaurant waiting to buy your bite and give a food lover an unforgettable experience. Today we’re going to be looking at some of the top restaurants in Vancouver as stated by yours truly.
Starting off with my absolute favorite place to eat in all of Vancouver, that is Jo’s Italian Deli, located in Kitsilano. Jo’s provides in-house, homemade, gourmet pastas and sandwiches at a more-than-reasonable price with perfect portions. Jo’s is the ultimate hole in a wall restaurant– well, that was until TikTok spread the word. The fettuccine alfredo with chicken is absolutely to die for and is quite possibly my favorite food in the entire world aside from my wife’s homemade alfredo. Jo’s also makes a mean Rose as well as spaghetti and meatballs, bolognese, and a creamy pesto. If pasta is not for you, then I don’t trust you. I’m kidding. But they do sell sandwiches as well, all of which come in at under $14, which in today’s economy is an absolute bargain for a meal out. They also have a little shop located inside where you can buy dried pasta as well as fresh pasta available at the front counter. The dining area is small but cute: kind of like my old kitten Bella. If you’re not from Vancouver, it is a bit of a ways out. However, it is extremely accessible through bus and SkyTrain.
https://x.com/DailyHiveVan/status/1357406709841543171
Next on the list, sticking with the same theme we have Amorosa Pasta House located in Burnaby near the New Westminster border. Unlike Jo’s, Amorosa is quite pricey, however the portions are massive and the pasta is quite good. The vibe and the restaurant is very Italian with candlelit tables and is the perfect place to take your significant other on a fancy date night while eating some good Italian food. Plus the price will make you seem like a big baller, so if your girlfriend or boyfriend is into that, this might be the perfect place for you. It’s also extremely accessible via bus or SkyTrain, located not far from Edmonds station as well as buses coming through New West.
Vancouver has a chain of restaurants, and if you love Hot Pot you know exactly where I’m going with this. We have Big Way Hot Pot. With several locations around Canada, Big Way has quickly become a staple of teenagers and young adults across Vancouver with its delicious Ma La Tang broth and pick-your-own ingredients bowls, the ideal spot to go if you’re feeling soup or pho. It’s also perfect for picky eaters because you get to choose your own ingredients and the price is measured by how much your bowl weighs when you place it on the scale. Additionally, at Big Way, you get free ice cream at the conclusion of your meal and it’s a clean and aesthetic environment for you and family or friends to go for a Thursday evening dinner. There’s also many locations across the Lower Mainland so that you’re never far from the closest one. Just make sure you know how to use chopsticks or you might get some dirty looks– *cough* even from the ones you trust the most *cough*.
https://x.com/MPJulian/status/1889866699857600569
Next up is a restaurant with just six locations in Canada and only two in Vancouver. If you love Southern barbecue, this place might just be your Holy Grail. And I’m talking about Memphis Blues Southern barbecue. Priced reasonably, Memphis Blues provides a southern Tavern aesthetic in their restaurants, where they sell barbecued meat from grill or in sandwiches such as ribs pulled pork, and of course, brisket. Playing Southern music in-house, Memphis Blues flash to the past where you can satisfy all your meat cravings. The business can be considered locally owned as it was started here in Vancouver and is still a relatively small chain. It definitely doesn’t get the recognition that it deserves among Vancouverites, but hey, I’m okay with that if it means it’s less busy.
Finally is Taps and Tacos, located in Port Moody. Just blocks from the pier, this place will not be shy to serve you tacos. With a nice view of the water, this glass building allows you to gaze out with your loved ones while devouring some sweet sweet tacos. Whether you’re feeling burritos, chips, guac, and salsa, quesadillas, or simply just a margarita, this place has it all. Personally, coming here on Canada Day a couple years ago is a memory that I cherish deeply. Lucky for you, there’s a big location of Rocky Point Ice Cream minutes away from this Taps and Tacos for a sweet treat afterwards. If you are in the Coquitlam or Port Moody area and you like Mexican food, this is without a doubt the place to be. With short wait times and a nice location, Taps and Tacos is the ultimate Mexican food experience, and although it may not be at the top of everybody’s list it is reliable for a good meal and some fun on any given night.
Some honourable mentions that I didn’t go into depth include Chipotle, and Cactus club. Although they may seem like basic options for a dinner out in Vancouver, they are reliable and always find a way to hit the spot. With both establishments having several locations scattered across the lower mainland it’s never difficult to find one and sit down for a delicious meal. Both of which also sell alcohol if you’re looking to spice up your meal.
These restaurants provided are just some of the many many places that the Vancouver food industry has to offer. It feels like there’s a bougie restaurant or a greasy grab and go at every corner, so you’re never left hungry when out and about. Vancouver has some of the top restaurants in the world including Black and Blue Steakhouse and Gotham which were left off these lists simply due to the price. The city is a food lover’s paradise! Did I miss your favorite restaurant? There are so many restaurants in the city, I could not have possibly tried them all but here’s to hoping that you and I will someday get a taste of all the best flavors across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland!