Another year is gone and honestly it feels like 2023 just flew by. Just like 2022, I had so many incredible opportunities to try amazing restaurants with delicious food and cocktails. I’m so thankful to live in Vancouver with so many great restaurant choices. It was really hard to narrow it down to just 10, but I managed to do it. Yes, there are repeats from my 2022 list but sometimes they really are just that good. Check out my full 2023 recap of my top 10 must try restaurants in Vancouver below (in no particular order!)
1. SUYO Modern Peruvian
SUYO is a newly minted Michelin recommended restaurant and deservedly so. This Peruvian restaurant is churning out some incredible food and cocktails that had me dreaming about this meal for days. The service was really top notch and the dishes all impressed with their flavours and presentation.
My must order dishes:
- Ceviche Clasico
- Arroz Con Pato
- Scallop Tiradito
Suyo Modern Peruvian
Address: 3475 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M9
Website: http://www.suyo.ca/
2. The Jungle Room
The Jungle Room is Vancouver’s first jungle-inspired restaurant and cocktail lounge and they are serving up elevated Indonesian and Japanese street food offered alongside a selection of innovative libations. This one really snuck up on me, because the premises of Japanese/Indonesian fusion just seems so far out there for me, but I was happy to be proven wrong. The vibe at The Jungle Room is immaculate, and the flavours were bold and innovative. Additionally, their cocktail menu is long, detailed and delicious.
My must order dishes:
- Hokkaido Scallop
- Laksa Bombs
- Uni Soba
- Seared Spring Salmon
Jungle Room
Address: 961 Denman St Vancouver, BC V6G 2M3
Website: https://jungleroom.ca
3. Sashimiya
I have raved about Sashimiya time and time again and I will do so until the end of days. The sushi and sashimi here is always super fresh and I always wait with great anticipation for spot prawn season because no one does it better than Chef Taka. So once again, it has made it to my top 10 for the year.
My must order dishes:
- Premium Sushi Tray
- Chirashi Premium rice bowl
- Seasonal Sashimi Platter
Sashimiya
Address: 1348 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-689-0088
Website:https://www.sashimiya.ca/
4. Acre Through the Seasons
Club Versante’s Acre Through the Seasons is a new Pacific Northwest-inspired contemporary dining experience in Richmond. The restaurant highlights the latest harvests from their own private farm and greenhouse on Cortes Island through a series of seasonal menus. I tried Series 2 but they have since transitioned to Series 3 featuring the ocean. The quality of food reminds me of New York or Los Angeles in its style and execution. I really enjoyed the service and the meal here!
Acre Through the Seasons
Address: 8400 West Rd #115, Richmond, BC V6X 0S7
Website: https://clubversante.com/acre/
5. Bar Bravo
Bar Bravo is a cozy neighbourhood spot on Fraser Street with seafood forward dishes. The food menu is short and tight at Bar Bravo with a focus on local produce, fresh pasta and of course, seafood! Everything I ate here was so good and the service was really friendly.
My must order dishes:
- Gravlax Toast
- Hokkaido Scallops
- Mussels & Clams
Bar Bravo
Address: 4194 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4E8
Website: http://bravovancouver.com/
6. Parker Rooftop
Parker Rooftop is one of the very few spots in Vancouver with a good view and the best part is they even have heated covered outdoor patios so you can enjoy the view year round. The food and cocktails here are tasty and there are a few options (such as their steaks) that are finished tableside for a little bit of theatrics and flair.
My must order dishes are:
- Beef Tartare
- Bread
- Scallops
- Charcuterie Board
Parker Rooftop
Address: 1379 Howe St 9th floor, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R7
Website: https://parkerrooftop.com/
7. Cask Whisky Lounge
Cask Whisky Vault is a stunning whisky lounge located inside the Versante Hotel in Richmond. This beautiful luxury whisky lounge features a selection of single malts, bourbons and blended whiskies alongside a menu of Japanese-inspired cuisine. It’s a lovely spot to spend the evening and the food is really good here!
My must order dishes:
- Calamari
- Abalone Motoyaki
- Crispy Truffle Potato “Okonomiyaki”
- Steelhead Salmon Udon
- Beef Short Rib
Cask Whisky Vault
Address: 8400 West Rd #105, Richmond, BC V6X 0S7
Website: http://clubversante.com/cask
8. Tetsu Sushi Bar
I love Tetsu Sushi Bar and they very briefly brought back their lunch service this past summer. Everything at Tetsu Sushi Bar is made with precision and care. Although the lunch menu is no longer available, I highly recommend splurging for the dinner experience.
The Omakase Dinner is $220 per person at the Sushi Bar ($198 for a table reservation). Additionally, you can order off an a la carte menu.
Tetsu Sushi Bar
Address: 775 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6
Website: https://www.tetsusushibar.com/
9. Fiorino
Fiorino Italian Street Food, a hidden gem Italian eatery in the heart of Chinatown. They just celebrated their two year anniversary and a new Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award! Fiorino is one my favourite spots for Italian food. The vibe of the restaurant is cozy and the dishes are elevated without being pretentious.
My must order dishes:
- Insalata Caterina
- Coccoli e Prosciutto
- Pappardelle Ripiene
- Polpo e Maiale
Fiorino Italian Street Food
Address: 212 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
Website: http://fiorinovancouver.com/
10. Maenam
The menu at Maenam features a mix of traditional Thai dishes and contemporary twists on classic recipes. It’s been a staple on West 4th for contemporary Thai food for years, and I can see why. The dishes are bursting with flavour but still refined.
My must order dishes are:
- Grilled Thai Sausage & Crispy Rice Salad
- Nam Tok Grilled Wagyu Beef Salad
- 3 Flavour Lingcod
- Mor Kaeng
Maenam
Address: 1938 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5
Website:http://www.maenam.ca/
Honorary Mention – Wild Blue Restaurant in Whistler
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler is one of those restaurants that will just blow you away from the moment you walk in. They offer a sustainable and local take on Pacific Northwest cuisine with a specific focus on seafood. I had such an incredible meal here and I can’t wait to be back.
My must order dishes are:
- Smoked Steelhead Tartare
- Signature House Sourdough for 2
- Halibut
- Fish Soup Provençale
- House Made Cavatelli
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar
Address: 4005 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8B 1J1 (Across from the Aava Hotel)
Website: http://www.wildbluerestaurant.com/
Honorary Mention – Jeju Tofino (pop up at Torafuku)
Jeju Tofino has been on the top of my list to try ever since I’ve seen their delicious dishes on Instagram. However being located in Tofino I never had the chance to try. I was so lucky to try their food when they did a 3-day pop up in Vancouver this summer.
The shining star of dinner has to be the Galbi. If there is one dish you need to eat in this lifetime it is this. This beautiful dish features Korean BBQ CAB short ribs that have been aged for 35 days and it’s served with some of the freshest accompaniments I have ever had.
JEJU Tofino
Address: 120 Fourth St #101, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Website: https://www.jejutofino.com/menu
