The Best Restaurants in Vancouver

There so much to love about Vancouver and it’s food scene is definitely right at the top of that list! The city is a real paradise for foodies, boasting a vibrant culinary scene that caters to all palates. Below you’ll find my pick of some of the absolute best restaurants in Vancouver.

1. Hawksworth Restaurant

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Hawksworth Restaurant sets the standard for fine dining in the city. Led by Chef David Hawksworth, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an incredible menu that showcases locally-sourced ingredients and artful presentations. The restaurant has a chic and contemporary design that exudes a sense of luxury and refinement. From innovative seafood creations to mouthwatering steak cuts, every dish at Hawksworth is culinary craftsmanship at its finest.

2. Botanist

Address: 1038 Canada Pl #100, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada

Nestled within the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel (of my top hotel choices!), Botanist offers world of modern culinary indulgence. The restaurant’s design is inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s lush forests, featuring a breathtaking bar and lounge area filled with plants and vibrant greenery. Led by Executive Chef Hector Laguna, Botanist offers a menu that highlights the finest organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Every dish is a work of art, bursting with flavours and beautifully plated. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and a diverse wine selection adds to the overall exceptional dining experience.

3. Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar

Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4, Canada

For seafood lovers, the Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is a must-visit restaurant in Vancouver. Situated in the trendy Yaletown neighbourhood, this elegant seafood-focused restaurant features an expansive raw bar showcasing an array of fresh oysters and sashimi. With a menu designed by Executive Chef Frank Pabst, guests can indulge in delicious selection of seafood dishes, from Alaskan King Crab to mouthwatering Pacific sablefish. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance, combined with its commitment to sustainable seafood practices, makes for a truly memorable dining experience.

4. Le Crocodile

Address: 909 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2, Canada

As one of Vancouver’s most iconic French restaurants, Le Crocodile has been serving exquisite French cuisine since 1984. The restaurant’s timeless charm and first-class service have earned it a reputation as a culinary institution in the city. Led by Chef Michel Jacob, Le Crocodile boasts a menu that fuses classic French techniques with locally-sourced ingredients. Indulge in dishes like escargot, and coq au vin, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring a curated selection of French and Canadian vintages.

5. Nightingale

Address: 1017 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C4, Canada

For a more contemporary and vibrant dining experience, Nightingale is the perfect choice. Led by Chef Phil Scarfone, this stylish restaurant combines Mediterranean-inspired flavours with Pacific Northwest ingredients. The menu features mouthwatering wood-fired dishes, creative pizzas, and fresh, seasonally-driven salads. Nightingale’s chic and modern setting with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen, creates a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the bold and innovative cuisine.

Bon appétit!