Vancouver is known for its beautiful landscapes, amazing hikes, expensive housing and most importantly the Food! As an avid foodie, I’ve taken it upon myself to make a list of the top 10 restaurants that I think are the chef’s kiss in our little city. With Vancouver being made up of so many cultural backgrounds we were lucky enough to be able to experience authentic food from other countries. Growing up, my friends and I were fortunate to be exposed to food that most people have never heard of before!  From well-know, upscale, boujie ‘ best in town’s”  to tucked away “ best kept secret’ holes in the wall. Many of these restaurants brings a unique take on culinary experiences. Lets get into my bucket list of Best Restaurants in Vancouver.

Instagram from @baobei

Bao Bei- 163 Keefer St

Starting off with a bang we have my favourite Asian fusion restaurants, Bao Bei. They do a modern twist on Chinese food.  With dishes from Cumin lamb sirloin, to Crispy pork belly, to prawn, scallop and rockfish dumplings and Sichuan Fried chicken. You can not go wrong with this place! . Although it is on the pricier side,  it is completely worth the delicious experience. Not only do they make incredible food but they also have a great selection of innovative cocktails and a casual inviting home style environment to enjoy them in.

Sun Sui Wah- 3888 main st

Next off we have my childhood classic. A tasty dim sum restaurant, (my weakness) called Sun Sui Wah. You can never go wrong at this place if high end Dim Sum is what you are craving. With a huge variety of delicious Cantonese delicacies, it will not disappoint. The restaurant was also featured on David Chang’s Netflix series “ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner “ featuring Vancouver native Seth Rogen! My go to’s at this restaurant are siu mai, crispy squid and hargow.

3888 main st

Jam Cafe- 556 Beatty Street

Jam Cafe… Where do I start about this place? Jam Cafe made me gain 10 lb and I wasn’t even mad. Besides the weight gain,  they couldn’t get rid of me even if they tried!.If we’re talking about classic brunch places, this is next level. Amazing Savory breakfasts to an epic stack of pancakes, Jam Cafe offers something for everyone.  The cocktail selection like the sugar cured Bacon Caesar to the infamous Jam Iced coffee, will set the tone, but you need to be sure to beat the line, because folks start lining up 30 minutes before they open just to make sure they get a seat!

Instagram from @foodies.van

 556 Beatty Street- patio

2153 W 4th Ave

La Grotto del Formaggio-1791 Commercial Dr

Now I’m a sandwich girl and like to think that I have a pretty high expectations when it comes to my Subs. La grotta Del Formaggio is a legendary Vancouver staple and is a well known delicatessen from far and wide. LGF imports authentic Italian grocery as well as serving the best sandwiches in all of Greater Vancouver.  This place is the real deal if you like Quality ANYTHING!!

Instagram from @LaGrottodeformaggio

1791 Commercial Dr

Pepinos spaghetti house-631 Commercial Dr 

What doesn’t look like much on the outside will shock you from the inside. Located in Vancouver’s Little Italy, Peppino’s Is a spaghetti house that specializes in pasta salads and now mouth watering Pizza. If that isn’t enough to get you In the door Then maybe the Tiramisu will. They have classic Italian, great food, friendly staff and overall super satisfying classic Italian food.  With pasta dishes the size of your head. This is a great place to bring your loved ones for a nice simple, hearty family style dinner.

Instagram from @pepinosspagettihouse

631 Commercial Dr

La Taqueria-322 W Hastings St 

Ahh…La Taqueria. I have tried many Tacos in Vancouver, yet every time I crave a Taco, I always go back to this restaurant.  Originally a small little hole in the wall has turned into something much bigger. With 5 locations around the lower mainland there is no excuse for you to miss this place. Using traditional recipes and local organic products and produce, I guarantee you will be making more than one appearance.My personal favorites are the pinche tacos!

Instagram from @seatoskybites

322 W Hastings St

586 Hornby St

2450 Yukon St

851 W Georgia St

Siegals Bagels-1883 Cornwall Ave

Like any good Jewish girl in Vancouver, my heart and soul lies in one place. Siegals Bagels. Do you need me to say anything else? Or does this place just speak for itself? Siegals has been around for longer than I can remember. As iconic as it is, it has truly lived up to its name. There is no better, chewier, perfectly crisp, all-around amazing bagel in the entire province!Siegals and its iconic 24-hour bagel shop is the best in the West and if you haven’t been there already I’m sorry to say but…I don’t think it’s going to work out for us.

Instagram from @siegalsbagles

MIKU-200 Granville St #70

Not to get all fancy-schmancy on you guys, but  this place deserves a spot on this list for obvious reasons. Widely popular Sushi restaurant Miku is on the top of everyone’s list and for a good reason. The remarkable quality of the fish and delicious rolls will have your taste buds jumping for joy. With its Expansive range of Sake to Infamous Aburi oshi, a salmon pressed sushi roll. You will never have a bad experience here.

Instagram from @mikurestaurant

Rodneys Oyster Bar- 52 Powell St OR 1228 Hamilton St

Now let’s talk oysters…You were thinking it, I was thinking it, we were ALL thinking it. Rodneys is a heart and soul of Vancouver Oyster Bars, not only do they serve the best and freshest have the probably the best  oysters  on the BC coast but the informal, easy, friendly ambience and energy of the place is what really makes it  unmatched (not to mention the hunks shucking the oysters at the end of the bar). Rodney’s won’t just make your stomach happy but it will also put you in a great mood for the rest of the evening! Rodney’s with its array of oysters like kusshi, fanny bay and many others will have you crawling back for more.

Instagram from @rodneyoysterhouse

52 Powell St

1228 Hamilton St

Savary Island Pie Company- 1533 Marine. 

Savary Island Pie Company in West Vancouver will steal your heart seconds after walking through the door. They without a doubt have the best pies and baked goods,One of a kind baked goods, soups, sandwiches and more.  Situated in a quaint little neighbourhood,  it shines the brightest because it feels like home away from home for many West Vancouver residents. Bring a friend, bring a book or even your laptop to work, this place is the ultimate rainy day cozy hub.

Instagram from @saveryislandpieco.

Now that I’ve listed only a short number of the incredible restaurants we have here in Vancouver, I invite you to try some for yourself. With food delivery services most of these places do pick up and deliver through online apps. Warm weather and sunny days are upon us, a nice picnic in Stanley Park or Kits Beach with take out is definitely the right move. I also implore you to support your local businesses especially the ones you do not want to see go out of business. A couple of honourable places worth mentioning is Di Beppe, The Greek, Mezcal, Pizza Farina, Ahn and Chi, Ramen Danbo and of course Lee’s doughnuts. We are so lucky to be able to experience so many different kinds of food. So grab your fork and knife and dive in.