Are you ever in that position where you’re hungry but you can’t just decide on what you want to eat? In my opinion, there is nothing better in life than a good meal. I don’t eat to live, I live to eat. Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise. From hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to fine dining, this city has it all. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a comforting bowl of ramen, or even a quick bite to eat from a food truck, there’s always something you can find that will satisfy those cravings any time of the day. Being born and raised in Vancouver, I’ve got to eat at quite a lot of places in and around the city, and I think I’ve concocted quite the list of my favourites from food trucks, fine dining, and casual eats, to Mexican, Italian, and Japanese. Whether you’re a local looking for your next go-to restaurant or a visitor hoping to get a true taste of Vancouver, this guide has you covered. Let’s be honest—one of the hardest decisions in life is figuring out where to eat (especially when your hangry). So next time you’re stuck in a debate over what sounds good, just pull up this list and thank me later.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this list is going to be extensive so I’ll break it down real simple for you so next time your in a rush or your girlfriend is super hangry and she pulls the classic “I don’t care where we eat, you pick” line (which I am certainly guilty of), you’ll be ready to go no matter the circumstance. Let’s start out with my favourite type of food:

Italian.

When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits quite like Italian. Whether you’re craving a classic plate of spaghetti, a perfectly charred pizza, or a yummy vodka sauce pasta, Vancouver has no shortage of incredible spots serving up the best of Italy. Here are my top picks for Italian food in the city, from casual go to’s, to higher end eats. 

• Nook

I work near Nook in North Vancouver, and after a long day on the clock nothing hits better than sitting at the Nook bar with friends debriefing the day over an Aperol Spritz and a cheese pizza. The atmosphere is great and the food is always top notch. There’s also locations downtown and around Kits as well! 

• Pepino’s

Two words to deceive this one. Classic. Italian. Pepino’s is definitely on the high end of my list, but if you’re looking to have the experience and are willing to spend the money, this place is 100% worth it. I’ve only been once 2 years ago and I still think of the vodka pasta every day. The room is cozy, the food is authentic, and the service is great. 5 stars from me. Perfect for girls night, date night, maybe even a first date. 

• Anton’s Pasta Bar 

Big family style portions, well paired wine, and relatively well priced food. This place has got it all. It’s not my first choice when going out for Italian but when I’m looking for a hearty filling meal.

• Jo’s Italian Deli 

Need a quick grab and go lunch? Jo’s Italian Deli has got you covered. Great prices and delicious food is what you can expect from this joint. You can also dine in as well. So if you’re looking for some casual, well priced, quick Italian, check this place out. 

• Bosa Foods Pasta Tuesday 

I decided to add this place because their Pasta Tuesday deals rocks. I used to work right across from the Bosa Foods and on Tuesdays, they always could expect me to show up for a deal. I mean c’mon, a pasta meal with a drink, meatball, and a slice of garlic bread for $15! Sign me up! You can also call your order ahead of time for easy pick up. But just a tip, it does get busy so make sure you get there close to lunch or call ahead. 

Mexican.

If you’re craving bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and the perfect balance of spice and zest, Mexican food is the way to go. From authentic tacos and street-style elotes to sizzling fajitas and flavourful birria, Vancouver has some incredible spots to satisfy your cravings. Nothing calls my name more like a taco Tuesday.

• Tacofino

A Vancouver island Tofino classic that has expanded to the mainland. Nothing hit better than getting tossed around in the waves surfing, then crushing tacos to fill up after a long day, was a childhood classic for me so I bet you can imagine how pumped I was when they made it to the mainland. I’ll keep it simple, craving tacos, go here, 10/10 delicious, hits every single time. 

• Tequila Cocina 

This place is so fun. They’ve got a great variety of Mexican eats, delicious drinks, and a super fun atmosphere. There’s a location near me in North Vancouver and a location downtown on Granville street, and I have to say the Granville location rocks. Whether you’re starting your night dinner and drinks, need a mid night pick me up, or heading for some post bar tacos, they’ve got everything to satisfy all those Friday and Saturday night cravings.

Sushi

In my opinion, Vancouver has the best sushi in North America. I mean c’mon, we are right next to the Pacific after all. Nothing beats the fresh seafood that comes right from your backyard! But it’s not just about the ingredients. Vancouver’s sushi scene is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. You’ve got everything from high-end experiences to hole in the wall joints serving up sushi so good it ruins all other sushi for you.

• Hamei Sushi

Hamei sushi in North Vancouver is the perfect hole in the wall joint I look for, delicious rolls, Donburi bowls, and on top of that a great selection of the best Japanese beer for good prices. The sushi is so fresh and it comes out so fast. Hamei is my go to spot when I’m feeling lazy and just want to order something in. 

• Miku Sushi

Out of all the places I’ve listed so far this one definitely takes the cake for the “fanciest” dining experience and the one where you can expect to spend the most $$. I went once for a work event and oh my. This sushi was insane. From classic tuna avocado rolls to fun seared salmon box sushi style everything blew me away. The room is insanely beautiful too and sits right on the water with gorgeous views facing the North Shore mountains.  

 Whether you’re indulging in a fine dining experience, grabbing a quick bite from a food truck, or discovering a new hidden gem, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat in and around Vancouver. Vancouver has truly got it all, so next time you’re looking for a place to make a reso for date night, planning a first date, or maybe just want to order something in, try one of these places and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.