5 Must-Try Restaurants & Bars In Vancouver

Vancouver is “Canada’s city that never sleeps.” With constant openings of new restaurants and bars occurring almost daily, it is hard to keep up.

Culinary masterpieces, delicious vegan inventions, and cocktails like you’ve never had before, Vancouver has something for everyone. With such a bounty of extraordinary restaurants, it’s a surprise that Vancouver is not better known for its food. Besides the awe-inducing nature and skyscrapers that look like they came out of the science fiction movie Blade Runner, the food is the next best thing you must take advantage of while visiting. So here are the top restaurants and bars in the city.

If these tasty establishments don’t work out with your travel schedule, not to worry! With the number of restaurants and bars Vancouver has to offer, it is nearly impossible to miss out on a good meal. Just make sure to try some fish or vegetarian sushi since it’s one of the city’s specialties.

Bonus Bakery

Vegans and meat-eaters alike, prepare to salivate! Because whilst in Vancouver, you will be near the fully plant-based Bonus Bakery. The ethical shop is one of Vancouver’s newest attractions and is located in the heart of the city, receiving praise from many residents. With a variety of baked goods each tasting delicious in their own way, you won’t even be able to tell that it’s vegan!

Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant

If the suspension bridge was not high enough off the ground for you, then check out Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant. It provides fine dining with a twist, 553 feet (167 m) high with a vast panoramic view of the city from the ocean to the mountains. This restaurant is eccentric and an experience like no other, but it is pricey. For budget travelers, I would recommend stopping there for drinks and the view.

Many assume that eating organic foods is limited to salads and quinoa. For the majority of restaurants, that tends to be the case but not for Aphrodite’s Organic Café. This restaurant and pie shop works directly with local producers and make a point of leaving as little of an ecological footprint as possible. Leading the charge for the sustainable food movement, supporting local famers, non-profits, and artists they truly are an honest, good shop and I haven’t even told you about the food yet. From smoked salmon speckled with feta cheese to the steaming Chai Latte Cream Pie, the worst part about Aphrodite’s is the stress you will feel trying to narrow down which meal you want to order.

During a late night out in the young city, there is no better place to stop than Vancouver’s top-rated cocktail bar. Located in the famous Gastown District, you will be able to recognize this gem of a bar by its gleaming chandelier sparkling through the windows. Despite the elegance of its interior décor, The Diamond has a carefree vibe. With unique drinks taking inspiration from all over, it’s no wonder this bar has such acclaim. I would recommend starting with the Hemingway Daiquiri, the grapefruit lemon concoction tastes like summer in a glass.

If the bustle of the city is too much, then escape to the Shameful Tiki Room for some much needed drinking TLC. With no windows, dim lighting, and music that allows you to easily converse over; this place feels a lot like transporting to an exotic, far off world. This restaurant pays respect to classic tiki bars from the mid-century as well as taking inspiration from the cultures that inspired the tiki movement. Besides offering a peaceful paradise-like atmosphere, the Shameful Tiki Room has expertly crafted cocktails as well, including: the Jet Pilot and Zombie.