12 Incredibly Unique Restaurants in Vancouver for Foodies (and Views)

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As far as food goes, I’m tough to please. But let me tell you: Vancouver’s food scene is next-level…mixing epic coastal vibes with flavors from around the world. Think fresh Pacific seafood, fusion dishes inspired by the city’s multicultural roots, and super creative menus you won’t find anywhere else. You could be sipping cocktails in a secret speakeasy one night and munching on gourmet tacos from a food truck the next. Here are 12 insanely unique restaurants in Vancouver you’ve got to try in 2025.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour for a perfect mix of history and flavors! Stroll through Gastown’s cobblestone streets, sampling six delicious dishes and three drink pairings while uncovering stories of its Wild West roots. Iconic stops like the Steam Clock and Maple Tree Square make this tour a must for foodies and history buffs alike.

Unique Restaurants in Vancouver: 12 Memorable Places in Vancouver to Eat

Ready to explore the best restaurants in Vancouver? From cozy lunch spots with views of the harbor to quirky, hidden gems in old alleyways, here are all the extraordinary dining experiences in Vancouver you gotta add to your bucket list!

1. Dark Table

• 📍 Location: Kitsilano
• 💲 Price range: $45 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Surprise Menus (Canadian/International Influences)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining in complete darkness, sensory food challenge, visually impaired staff, surprise menu concept.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous diners and sensory experiences.

Ready for a dining experience that will truly open your senses? Dark Table in Kitsilano plunges you into absolute pitch darkness, where you’ll navigate a surprise meal guided entirely by taste, smell, and touch, served by an amazing visually impaired team.

Choose your Surprise Menu category (like meat, seafood, or vegan). Without sight, flavors and textures become intensely vivid. You might get a creamy butternut squash soup, tender braised short ribs, or a rich chocolate lava cake. It’s a unique, conversation-starting adventure.

2. Published on Main

• 📍 Location: Main Street, Vancouver
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Canadian / Pacific Northwest / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin-starred, focus on hyper-local and seasonal British Columbia ingredients, innovative tasting menus, sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie splurges, special occasions, experiencing refined Pacific Northwest cuisine, and Michelin star dining.

Prepare for an exceptional taste of British Columbia at Published on Main. This Michelin-starred gem on Main Street celebrates the region’s bounty with innovative and beautifully crafted dishes. The focus is on hyper-local and seasonal ingredients, transformed with creative flair.

The menu changes frequently to reflect the best of the season. You might encounter exquisite preparations of local spot prawns, inventive vegetable dishes featuring foraged ingredients, or perfectly cooked Fraser Valley duck. It’s a sophisticated yet relaxed fine dining experience.

3. Kissa Tanto

• 📍 Location: Chinatown
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $75+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese-Italian Fusion
• 🔥 Standout Features: Japanese-Italian fusion concept, stylish 1960s Tokyo jazz cafe vibe, acclaimed cocktails, intimate setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie adventures, fusion cuisine lovers, and unique flavor combinations.

Step into the ultra-stylish, dimly lit world of Kissa Tanto, where 1960s Tokyo jazz cafe cool meets incredible Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine. This Chinatown hotspot blends cultures beautifully, creating dishes that are both familiar and thrillingly new.

Swoon over unique creations like the rich tajarin pasta with butter, miso, and mushrooms. The delicate fish crudo with Japanese citrus and olive oil, or their popular whole fried fish with a sweet and sour agrodolce sauce, are also must-tries. Their cocktails are equally inventive.

4. Gringo Gastown

• 📍 Location: Gastown
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Tacos / Bar Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Funky/creative tacos, cheap drinks, lively dive bar feel, late-night hours
• 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night taco cravings, budget eats/drinks, casual outings, and pre-party fuel.

Get your taco fix with a side of pure fun at Gringo Gastown! This buzzing, colorful spot serves up ridiculously tasty and creative tacos in a loud, energetic, dive-bar-meets-cantina atmosphere. Forget authentic, embrace the awesome!

Chow down on inventive creations. The Austin taco (brisket, queso, jalapeño) is a fan favorite. The Wilbur taco (pork belly, pineapple salsa) or the spicy Diablo taco (chorizo, ghost pepper) are also delicious. Wash it down with a famously cheap Diablo slushie cocktail.

5. Chambar Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Crosstown (Near Gastown/Stadium District)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $75+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Belgian / French Influenced
• 🔥 Standout Features: Belgian cuisine, high-ceiling room, exceptional cocktails/wine list, popular upscale brunch/dinner.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Belgian food lovers and mussel fans.

Indulge in sophisticated Belgian-inspired cuisine in a stunning setting at Chambar. This Crosstown gem impresses with its soaring ceilings, brick walls, and a menu celebrating the best of Belgian flavors, especially their legendary mussels. Get ready to flex your mussels knowledge!

Trying one of their incredible Moules Frites options, like the classic “Congolaise” with tomato, coconut cream, and chili, is essential. Their Belgian waffles (available at brunch) with berries and cream, or the rich lamb tagine, are equally divine.

6. Afghan Horsemen Restaurant

• 📍 Location: False Creek South / Fairview Slopes
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Afghan
• 🔥 Standout Features: Optional traditional floor seating, authentic decor, flavourful kababs/rice dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Afghan food lovers, communal floor seating experiencers, tasty meat/rice lovers.

Take a magic carpet ride to Kabul at the Afghan Horsemen Restaurant! As Canada’s very first Afghan restaurant, this spot offers an authentic taste of the country’s rich culinary traditions in a uniquely decorated space, complete with optional floor seating on cushions!

Settle onto the cushions and dive into aromatic delights. Don’t miss the fragrant Kabuli Pulao (lamb shank with seasoned rice, raisins, and carrots). Delicious steamed dumplings known as Mantoo, or flavorful chicken kebabs, are also fantastic.

7. Salmon n’Bannock

• 📍 Location: Fairview (Near VGH)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Indigenous / First Nations Cuisine
• 🔥 Standout Features: Indigenous-owned/operated restaurant, First Nations ingredients/techniques, bannock bread, sustainable seafood/game meats.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Indigenous cuisine, cultural dining, bannock variations, supporting Indigenous businesses.

Experience the authentic flavors of Canada’s First Nations at Salmon n’Bannock. This unique Vancouver restaurant proudly showcases Indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions, with a special focus on versatile bannock bread. Taste the spirit of the land and sea!

Explore dishes featuring sustainable, wild B.C. ingredients. You should try their signature bannock, served fluffy and warm, perhaps as part of bannock tacos with bison. Enjoy preparations of candied salmon, or fresh seafood chowder.

8. Hawkers Delight Deli

• 📍 Location: Mount Pleasant / Main Street Area
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Singaporean / Malaysian Hawker Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Singaporean/Malaysian hawker dishes, budget-friendly
• 🎯 Perfect For: Budget eats, authentic Southeast Asian food seekers, cheap lunches/dinners

Get a taste of Singapore’s bustling hawker centers at Hawkers Delight Deli! This no-frills Main Street institution serves incredibly authentic and ridiculously affordable Malaysian and Singaporean street food classics. Maximum flavor, minimum price! Be prepared to pay cash.

Dive into fragrant bowls of laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup with shrimp and tofu). Savor the classic Hainanese chicken rice, or try flavorful mee goreng (fried noodles). It’s fast, cheap, and a seriously delicious portal to Southeast Asia.

9. Meat & Bread

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (Gastown, Downtown)
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Sandwiches
• 🔥 Standout Features: Carved meat sandwiches, focused menu, efficient service, quality ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sandwich connoisseurs and quick lunches.

Simple perfection between two slices of bread? That’s the magic of Meat & Bread. This popular spot focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: crafting incredible sandwiches centered around juicy, expertly carved meats. No fuss, all flavor!

Their legendary porchetta sandwich, with crispy crackling and salsa verde, is an absolute must-try. Other staples like the meatball sandwich with marinara and provolone, or their daily special sandwich, consistently deliver flavor and quality. It’s ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch.

10. Hail Mary’s

• 📍 Location: East Vancouver (Commercial Drive Area)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Elevated Comfort Food / Brunch & Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Religious-kitsch decor, creative brunch, inventive cocktails, lively East Van atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch lovers, eclectic atmospheres, cocktail drinkers, fun hangouts.

Say hello to deliciousness at Hail Mary’s! This East Van spot charms with its wonderfully quirky, religious-kitsch decor and a menu full of elevated comfort food, killer brunch options, and creative cocktails. Bless your heart, this place is fun!

Slide into a booth and indulge in their popular brunch. Consider unique eggs Benedict variations, like the “Holy Trinity Benny”. Loaded breakfast sandwiches on brioche buns, or their crispy fried chicken sandwich, are also divine. Their cocktail game is strong.

11. Havana Vancouver

• 📍 Location: Commercial Drive
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cuban-Inspired / Latin Fusion
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cuban-inspired decor/food, fantastic patio, lively atmosphere, great cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cuban flavor seekers, people-watching, and happy hour explorers.

Transport yourself to sunny Cuba at Havana Vancouver! This vibrant restaurant and bar captures the energy of Havana with its colorful decor, Latin-inspired fusion dishes, and killer patio perfect for soaking up the Drive’s unique vibe. Feel the heat, taste the flavor!

Grab a spot on the coveted patio and sip on a refreshing mojito or caipirinha. Dive into dishes like their signature Cubano sandwich, flavorful tacos (especially the pork carnitas), or their popular Havana Burger. With its lively atmosphere, Havana is a go-to.

12. The Bunny Cafe

• 📍 Location: Near Commercial Drive / Venables St
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Coffee & Light Snacks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Adoptable rescue bunnies, separate bunny lounge/cafe areas, cafe drinks/snacks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Animal lovers, unique cafe experiences, supporting animal rescue, relaxing with bunnies.

Get your caffeine fix with adorable fluffiness at The Bunny Cafe! This unique spot lets you enjoy coffee and snacks while also offering the chance to hang out with sweet, adoptable rescue bunnies in a separate lounge area. Hop on over for cuteness overload!

Grab a quality latte or a tasty pastry from the cafe side. A simple grilled cheese sandwich or a vegan cookie are good choices. Then book time in the bunny lounge to de-stress and interact with the resident rabbits. It’s a heartwarming concept.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Vancouver

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Vancouver? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Vancouver’s best restaurants.

What food is unique to Vancouver?

When you’re in Vancouver, you must the Japadog. This is a Japanese-style hot dog that’s a fusion of classic American street food with Japanese flavors. Seafood is also a highlight in Vancouver, with local specialties like wild salmon, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab. Don’t miss the chance to try the city’s fresh sushi and Pacific Northwest cuisine, which are among the best food in Vancouver.

Where do celebrities eat in Vancouver?

Celebrities in Vancouver often dine at high-end spots known for their exquisite food and ambiance. Places like Hawksworth Restaurant, Blue Water Cafe, and Vij’s are popular among the stars. These restaurants are not only famous for their celebrity sightings but also for their exceptional menus. For a more casual celebrity spotting, try visiting trendy spots in Gastown or Yaletown.

Is Vancouver a foodie city?

Yes, Vancouver is widely recognized as a foodie city. Here are some key aspects that make Vancouver a haven for food lovers:

1. Ethnic Diversity: Vancouver’s food scene is incredibly diverse, reflecting its multicultural population. You can find excellent Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisine, among others. The city is particularly famous for its sushi and has been dubbed as having some of the best Asian cuisine outside of Asia.
2. Seafood: Given its coastal location, Vancouver is known for its fresh and high-quality seafood. Local specialties include wild salmon, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab.
3. Farm-to-Table Movement: There’s a strong emphasis on locally-sourced and organic food in Vancouver. Many restaurants focus on farm-to-table offerings, showcasing the best of local produce and meats.
4. Innovative Dining: Vancouver is home to a range of innovative restaurants where chefs experiment with different cuisines and fusion concepts.
5. Street Food and Food Trucks: The city boasts a vibrant street food culture with numerous food trucks offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Canadian dishes to international flavors.
6. Coffee Culture: Vancouver has a thriving coffee culture with many independent coffee shops and roasters, emphasizing high-quality, artisanal coffee.
7. Craft Beer and Local Wines: The craft beer scene in Vancouver is robust, with many microbreweries offering a wide range of beers. The nearby Okanagan Valley also provides a great selection of local wines.
8. Markets: Public markets like Granville Island Market are popular for both locals and tourists. They offer a range of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal products.

How do you tip restaurants in Vancouver?

When dining in Vancouver, it’s customary to tip between 15% to 20% of the total bill before taxes, depending on the level of service. Tipping is an important part of the culture and is expected in most dining establishments. If you’re at a casual eatery or a coffee shop, a tip of around 10% is common. Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, so feel free to adjust according to your experience.

What are the 2 main foods commonly eaten in BC?

Two main foods commonly associated with British Columbia (BC), Canada, are Pacific Salmon and Spot Prawns:

1. Pacific Salmon: BC is renowned for its wild Pacific salmon. It’s not only a staple in the local diet but also a significant part of the region’s culture and economy. There are several species of Pacific salmon found in BC waters, including sockeye, chinook, and coho. Salmon can be prepared in numerous ways – smoked, grilled, baked, or even enjoyed as sashimi.
2. Spot Prawns: BC spot prawns are a local delicacy and highly prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. They are the largest of the seven commercial species of shrimp found on the west coast of Canada. Spot prawns are typically available fresh during their short harvesting season in the spring, and they are celebrated in various culinary events and festivals across the province.

These two foods are not only popular in local cuisine but also reflect the rich marine resources of British Columbia’s coastal waters. They are often featured in the menus of many restaurants across the province, showcasing the region’s commitment to fresh, locally-sourced seafood.

Is it expensive to eat in Vancouver?

Eating out in Vancouver can range from affordable to expensive, depending on where you dine. The city offers a wide range of dining options to suit various budgets. You can find cheap eats in Vancouver at food trucks, casual diners, and ethnic eateries, offering delicious meals without breaking the bank. On the other end, there are upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments where prices are higher, but they offer exceptional culinary experiences.

Unique Restaurants in Vancouver: Recap

After exploring the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Vancouver, it’s clear that this city is a paradise for food lovers, nestled within the beautiful places in Vancouver. Each restaurant on our list offers a unique experience, from dining in the dark at Dark Table to the revolving views at Top of Vancouver.

If I had to pick one restaurant that truly stands out, it would be Kissa Tanto. This place combines a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

For travelers and locals alike, these unique restaurants in Vancouver are more than just places to eat. They are destinations in themselves, each telling a different story and offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you fly to Vancouver for fine dining or to discover hidden gems, the city’s culinary scene has something for everyone.