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Vancouver food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Vancouver.
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
What to eat in Vancouver
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Sushi
$15–$35
Vancouver boasts some of the freshest and most inventive sushi outside of Japan, with a strong emphasis on local, sustainable seafood. Look for rolls incorporating ingredients like BC salmon, tuna, and spot prawns.
Where to try: Numerous sushi restaurants and Japanese eateries throughout the city, particularly in the downtown core and along Denman Street.
Pacific Rim Seafood Chowder
$12–$22
A rich and creamy chowder often featuring a variety of local seafood like salmon, mussels, and clams, with a Pacific Northwest twist. It's a hearty and flavourful way to sample the region's bounty.
Where to try: Pubs and seafood restaurants, especially in areas near the water like Granville Island and Gastown.
Banh Mi
$6–$10
Vancouver has a vibrant Vietnamese food scene, and its Banh Mi sandwiches are exceptional, featuring crispy baguettes filled with savoury meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. The city's large Asian population ensures authentic and diverse options.
Where to try: Vietnamese restaurants and bakeries in the Victoria Drive and Kingsway areas.
Perogies
$10–$18
Reflecting Vancouver's diverse European heritage, well-made perogies, often served with sour cream and caramelized onions, are a comforting and satisfying dish. Look for traditional Ukrainian or Polish preparations.
Where to try: Eastern European delis and restaurants, particularly in East Vancouver.
Doner Kebab
$8–$15
Thanks to a significant Turkish and Middle Eastern population, Vancouver offers excellent doner kebabs, with thinly sliced, marinated meats served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauces. It's a popular, flavourful, and convenient meal.
Where to try: Kebab shops and food trucks across the city, with a concentration of good options in the West End.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Gastown
Historic cobblestone streets meet trendy boutiques and a lively culinary scene.
Upscale diningCraft cocktailsBoutique cafes
Granville Island
A bustling public market and cultural hub with artisanal food stalls and waterfront views.
Market findsCasual eatsSeafood
Richmond (near Vancouver)
A mecca for authentic Asian cuisine, especially Chinese and Vietnamese.
Dim SumRegional ChineseInternational food exploration
Main Street (Mount Pleasant)
Eclectic and hip, with a mix of independent shops, breweries, and diverse eateries.
Craft beerCasual diningGlobal flavours
Dietary notes
Vancouver is very accommodating to dietary needs, with a wide array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available across most cuisines. The city's health-conscious population and diverse culinary landscape mean that finding plant-based or gluten-free alternatives is generally straightforward.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants, typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service.
- •While many places accept credit cards, carrying some cash can be useful for smaller vendors or markets.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •Dress code is generally casual, even in many upscale establishments, though some fine dining venues may have more formal expectations.
Plan the rest of your Vancouver trip
Food guides elsewhere