Vancouver is a city where eating out isn’t just a pastime, it’s part of the lifestyle. And as someone who spends an embarrassing amount of time in restaurants (for work, for fun, and because I genuinely can’t help myself), this list comes from meals actually eaten, reservations actually fought for, and places I keep going back to. These are my personal picks for the top restaurants in Vancouver in 2025. These spots consistently deliver, feel relevant right now, and represent how the city is eating this year. From polished dining rooms worth dressing up for to casual favorites I recommend without hesitation, this guide reflects how I’d answer the question I get asked most often: where should I eat in Vancouver?
If you’re looking for must-try restaurants in Vancouver, planning a visit, or just trying to keep up with the city’s ever-evolving dining scene, consider this my curated take on the best places to eat in Vancouver in 2025.
1. Jeju – Mount Pleasant
Jeju has quickly become one of Vancouver’s most exciting new restaurants since opening in late 2025. From the team behind the beloved Tofino original, this Mount Pleasant spot offers modern Korean cooking rooted in family recipes, blending comforting flavours with refined execution. Standout dishes like the 35-day aged galbi and soulful japchae make it a destination worth planning around, while the warm, intimate dining room makes it ideal for date nights and special occasions. Considering I have been here five times since their opening last month, it’s safe to say this is a highly recommended spot from me.
Must order dishes: Wagyu Tartare, KFC, Soondubu, Spot Prawn, Eggplant, ‘The’ Galbi
Quick details:
- Cuisine: Modern Korean
- Best for: Group dining, celebrations, intimate dates
- Price range: $$$
- Reservations: Essential (walk in for bar seating available)sumi
- Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
JEJU
Address: 540 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4
Website: https://jeju-restaurant.com/
2. Sumibiyaki Arashi – Mount Pleasant
Awarded a Michelin Star in 2025, Sumibiyaki Arashi is one of the most focused and disciplined dining experiences in Vancouver. This intimate Japanese restaurant specializes in sumibiyaki – charcoal-grilled cooking where every detail matters. There’s no excess here, just incredibly precise execution and deep respect for ingredients. It’s a destination meal for serious food lovers and easily one of the most memorable restaurants in the city right now. A truly unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Vancouver.
Quick details:
Cuisine: Japanese (Sumibiyaki)
Best for: Food-focused dining, Michelin seekers
Price range: $$$$
Reservations: Essential
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
Sumibiyaki Arashi
Address: 363 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W5
Website: https://sumibiyakiarashi.com
3. June – Cambie Village
June on Cambie has emerged as one of Vancouver’s most buzzed-about new restaurants in 2025. Nestled in Cambie Village, this French-inspired West Coast brasserie from the team behind Keefer Bar pairs thoughtful, seasonal dishes with standout cocktails and a sleek, effortlessly cool interior. From rich, butter-forward pasta and plump mussels to creamy crab dip and playful desserts, every course feels both elevated and welcoming. This is a go-to for date nights, casual dinners, or anytime you want a stylish yet unpretentious meal out with incredible cocktails.
Must order dishes: Crab Dip with Spiced Madeleines, Pasta for Rachel, Mussels, Frog Legs, Steak Frites, Chocolate and Housemade Soft Serve
Quick details:
Cuisine: French-inspired West Coast Brasserie
Best for: Date night, dinners with friends, cocktails + food
Price range: $$$
Reservations: Recommended (books up fast)
Neighborhood: Cambie Village
June
Address: 3305 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W6
Website: http://juneoncambie.com/
4. Chupito – Mount Pleasant
Chupito’s seasonal menu continues to make it one of Vancouver’s most exciting spots for vibrant, flavour-forward Mexican food in 2025. This Mount Pleasant favourite delivers dishes that are bold, playful, and endlessly shareable. From bright, citrusy ceviches and rich, smoky tacos to standout seasonal plates that highlight fresh Pacific ingredients with Mexican flair. Pair all of it with their inventive agave-forward cocktails and lively atmosphere, and Chupito remains a go-to for fun dinners, group outings, or any night you want flavour and energy in equal measure.
Must order dishes: Seasonal Ceviche, Hot Oysters, Carne en Su Jugo, Camarones a las Brasas, low waste cocktail program
Quick details:
Cuisine: Mexican
Best for: Dates, Groups, lively dinners, cocktails + food
Price range: $$
Reservations: Recommended
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
Chupito
Address: 2450 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1A7
Website: https://www.chupito.ca/
5. JINMI – Downtown Vancouver
Jinmi’s downtown Vancouver location has become one of the city’s most reliable destinations for authentic ganjang gejang. Known for its soy-marinated crab, Jinmi delivers deeply umami, impeccably balanced flavours that feel both traditional and indulgent. Beyond the crab, the menu is filled with comforting Korean classics, from bubbling stews to expertly seasoned authentic dishes. This is my favourite place for Korean marinated crabs in Vancouver.
Must order dishes: Ganjang Gejang, Oyster Pancake, Korean Style Grilled Eel
Quick details:
Cuisine: Traditional Korean
Best for: Authentic Korean food, flavour-driven meals
Price range: $$$
Reservations: Required
Neighborhood: Downtown Vancouver
JINMI
Address: 782 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2R0
Website: https://www.jinmidenman.ca/
6. CinCin Ristorante + Bar – Downtown Vancouver
CinCin has long been one of Vancouver’s most beloved Italian restaurants, and in 2025 it continues to deliver. Perched above Robson Street, the downtown dining room feels refined but welcoming. Their menu is rooted in seasonal, ingredient-driven Italian cooking. Chef Andrew Richardson’s wood-fired Grillworks Infierno is at the heart of the kitchen, turning out beautifully grilled seafood and meats alongside reliable handmade pastas and an excellent wine program. It’s the kind of restaurant I turn to for a special night out that will always impress. Their annual truffle dinner was easily one of my highlight meals of the year.
Must order dishes: Pasta dishes, roast sea scallops with maitake mushrooms, whole branzino, lamb rack, warm valrhona molten chocolate cake, tiramisu
Quick details:
Cuisine: Italian (Wood-Fired + Seasonal)
Best for: Special dinners, date nights, celebratory evenings
Price range: $$$$
Reservations: Recommended
Neighborhood: Downtown Vancouver
CinCin Ristorante + Bar
Address: 1154 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2
Website: https://cincin.net/
7. Sashimiya – Downtown Vancouver
Sashimiya is one of Vancouver’s best spots for high-quality sushi and sashimi without the fuss. This tiny downtown shop feels like a hidden gem. It has made my top 10 list year over year and continues to impress. What sets it apart is Chef Takayuki Omi’s attention to detail. From beautifully cut nigiri to generous sashimi platters, you can taste quality and craftsmanship in every bite. The shop also doubles as a Japanese grocery with premium fish and snacks you won’t find everywhere. If you’re in the neighbourhood, grabbing a box of fresh sashimi or sushi to go is always worth it.
Must order dishes: Premium Sashimi Platter, Chirashi Premium, Assorted Nigiri platters
Quick details:
Cuisine: Sushi & Sashimi
Best for: Sushi lovers, casual grab-and-go lunches
Price range: $$–$$$
Reservations: No (takeout only)
Neighborhood: Downtown Vancouver
Sashimiya
Address: 1348 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L8
Website: https://www.sashimiya.ca/
8. Botanist – Downtown Vancouver
Botanist is one of those restaurants I keep coming back to because it always feels like the right choice. Located inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim, it delivers refined West Coast cooking in a dining room that’s elegant without being intimidating. The food is polished, seasonal, and consistently well-executed. It’s a great choice for an elevated brunch on weekends or a night that starts with cocktails and turns into a full meal.
Beyond the kitchen, The Botanist Bar continues to earn serious recognition. Most recently being featured on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. The cocktail program is thoughtful and creative, with the ‘Raincouver’ cocktail being the true stand out for me. Between the food, the drinks, and the setting, Botanist remains one of downtown Vancouver’s most reliable and polished dining experiences.
Must order dishes: Raincouver Cocktail, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Pan Seared Scallops, Tasting Menu
Quick details:
Cuisine: Contemporary West Coast
Best for: Brunch, elegant dinners, cocktails + food
Price range: $$$$
Reservations: Recommended
Neighborhood: Downtown Vancouver
Botanist
Address: 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/vancouver/fairmont-pacific-rim/dining/botanist-bar.bar.html
9. Tre Viet – West End
Tre Viet Denman is a downtown spot you go to when you want authentic Northern Vietnamese food in Vancouver. The kind that feels rooted in tradition, not watered down for the masses. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone tired of the usual Vietnamese rotation and looking to explore dishes beyond the standard southern-style pho. Expect bold, balanced flavours, comforting textures, and a menu that leans into Northern specialties that are harder to find around the city.
Must order dishes: Hanoi Style Vermicelli Noodles with Charred & Caramelized Pork Grilled Over Hot Charcoal (Bún Chả), Vermicelli Noodle and Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm), Anchovied chicken wings (Cánh Gà Chiên Mắm), Vietnamese Coffee
Quick details:
Cuisine: Northern Vietnamese
Best for: Casual dinners, comfort food cravings, trying something beyond “usual pho”
Price range: $$
Reservations: Optional / nice-to-have during peak times
Neighborhood: West End (Denman Street)
Tre Viet
Address: 1114 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2M8
Website: http://treviet.ca/
10. Sushi Hil – Mount Pleasant
Sushi Hil is one of those places I recommend quietly, because once more people catch on, it’s going to get even harder to book. Tucked along Main Street, this Mount Pleasant sushi spot focuses on doing the fundamentals really, really well. Great fish, proper technique, and perfectly paired sauces and flavours. The room is minimal and calm, and sitting at the counter watching the chefs work only adds to how thoughtful the experience feels. The nigiri is where Sushi Hil really shines. Fish is fresh, clean, and carefully handled, with rice that’s balanced and restrained. It’s the kind of place I go when I want sushi that feels intentional and quietly confident.
Must order dishes: Seasonal Nigiri Selection, Otoro (when available), Hokkaido Scallop, Uni, Chirashi
Quick details:
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
Best for: Sushi purists, date nights, counter dining
Price range: $$$
Reservations: Recommended (especially for counter seats)
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
Sushi Hil
Address: 3330 Main St. Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7
Website: https://www.sushihil.com/
