Hi there, foodie!
Welcome to The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Vancouver. I’m Michelle, the founder of Vancouver Foodie Tours, and I’m so excited to share this guide with you.
As someone who has spent over a decade uncovering Vancouver’s most delicious gems, I can promise you—you’re in for a treat. This city’s food scene is a vibrant celebration of cultures, stories, and flavors, and it’s my passion to help visitors like you experience it in the most authentic, unforgettable way.
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a lifelong love affair with Vancouver, this guide is your shortcut to the city’s best-kept secrets—those amazing spots you’d never find scrolling online. These are the hidden gems and local favorites that I share with friends, family, and every foodie who joins our tours.
So, grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), and get ready to dive into a world of incredible eats, cultural experiences, and mouthwatering memories. This guide is all about making your trip to Vancouver as seamless, fun, and flavorful as possible.
Happy eating!
Michelle Ng
Founder, Vancouver Foodie Tours
How to Use This Guide
This guide is your go-to resource for navigating Vancouver’s dynamic food scene like a pro. Each section highlights a must-visit neighborhood, dishes you can’t miss, and insider tips to make your experience unforgettable. Whether you’re craving artisanal bites, authentic cultural cuisine, or gourmet dining, we’ve got you covered.
Granville Island: Artisanal Treasures and Market Delights
Granville Island is a food lover’s paradise, home to Vancouver’s iconic Public Market and a hub for local artisans. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Must-Try Bites:
Lee’s Donuts: Sink your teeth into a warm, pillowy donut that’s been a local favorite for over 40 years. Go for the honey-dipped classic!
Oyama Sausage Co.: Taste artisanal charcuterie like their truffle salami or pâtés, perfect for a picnic.
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese: Sample locally sourced cheeses that pair beautifully with market-fresh bread.
Insider Tips:
Visit early in the day to skip the crowds and see the market come alive.
Pack a reusable bag—there’s a good chance you’ll want to take home some edible souvenirs!
Hidden Gems:
Liberty Distillery: Sip handcrafted, small-batch spirits like their signature gin or vodka made on-site.
Artisan Sake Maker: Taste locally crafted sake made with a unique West Coast twist, right on Granville Island.
Vancouver Studio Glass: Watch skilled artisans create stunning glass art and explore their collection of unique, hand-blown pieces.
Granville Island Broom Co.: Discover beautifully handcrafted brooms in this charming shop—functional art inspired by tradition.
Gastown: Gourmet Dining and Historic Charm
Gastown combines rich history with a modern culinary flair, offering some of the city’s top dining destinations.
Must-Try Bites:
Gastronomy Gastown: Experience a contemporary dining adventure with creative dishes that celebrate local ingredients and bold flavors.
Kozak Eatery: Dive into authentic Ukrainian comfort food, from hearty borscht to flaky, handmade pastries baked with love.
L’Abattoir: Indulge in refined West Coast cuisine set in a cozy, heritage building. Don’t miss their legendary steak Diane, prepared tableside for an unforgettable experience.
Pourhouse: Relish classic comfort food with a sophisticated twist, paired with expertly crafted cocktails in a vintage-inspired setting.
Insider Tips:
Gastown’s cobblestone streets are even more magical at night. Dine late and soak in the ambiance.
Many restaurants offer happy hour deals—come early for discounted bites and drinks.
Hidden Gems:
East Van Roasters: A cozy bean-to-bar café and roastery offering ethically sourced, house-made chocolate and coffee in a warm, inviting space.
Nelson the Seagull: A charming café known for its freshly baked sourdough bread, comforting brunch options, and artisan coffee in a relaxed, minimalist setting.
Nuba: Discover vibrant Lebanese cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients—don’t miss their signature hummus and falafel plates.
Downtown: Authentic Asian Eats and Cultural Cuisine
Downtown Vancouver is where the city’s multicultural spirit shines, especially through its Asian food scene.
Must-Try Bites:
Kirin Dim Sum: Enjoy traditional Cantonese dim sum in an elegant setting, featuring expertly crafted dumplings and fresh seafood.
Marutama Ramen: Dive into a bowl of creamy, rich chicken-based ramen topped with a perfectly soft-boiled egg.
Miku: Savor aburi-style sushi, flame-seared to perfection with melt-in-your-mouth textures and innovative flavors.
Dae Bak Bon Ga BBQ: Indulge in authentic Korean barbecue with perfectly marinated meats and flavorful banchan (side dishes) served in a lively, communal atmosphere.
Insider Tips:
For dim sum at Kirin, reserve ahead of time to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
At Dae Bak Bon Ga, order a mix of their marinated beef ribs and pork belly for the ultimate Korean BBQ experience.
Arrive at Miku for lunch to enjoy their aburi sushi without dinner crowds.
Hidden Gems:
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka: A cozy ramen spot with a cult following for their toroniku ramen, featuring tender pork cheek.
Peaceful Restaurant: Their handmade noodles and Northern Chinese specialties earned a feature on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Bonus Section: Pro Tips for Foodies
Timing is Everything: Vancouverites love their brunch—make reservations on weekends to avoid long waits.
Getting Around: Public transit is reliable, but if you’re visiting multiple neighborhoods in one day, consider a food tour to streamline your experience.
Ask the Locals: Don’t be shy! Vancouverites are friendly and love recommending their favorite spots.
Wrap Up Your Culinary Adventure
Vancouver is a city bursting with flavor, culture, and unforgettable dining experiences, and now you’ve got the insider’s guide to make the most of it. From savoring artisanal bites at Granville Island to exploring the rich diversity of downtown’s Asian food scene, you’re ready to dive into the very best this city has to offer.
But here’s the thing—there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all firsthand with an expert guide by your side. Our small-group food tours are designed to help you skip the guesswork, savor every moment, and connect with the stories behind Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene.
So, why wait? Let’s make your trip one to remember!
Your Next Step: Plan Your Culinary Adventure Today – View Our Tours
About Vancouver Foodie Tours
At Vancouver Foodie Tours, we believe food is more than just a meal—it’s a connection to culture, community, and the people who make every bite special. Since 2010, we’ve welcomed over 65,000 happy guests on our immersive culinary experiences, earning us a spot on Forbes’ list of the top food tours in the world.
Our mission is simple: to help you discover the heart and soul of Vancouver through its food. Whether it’s savoring the artisanal treasures of Granville Island Market, indulging in gourmet dining in Gastown, or diving into authentic Asian flavors downtown, our small-group tours offer a curated, intimate, and unforgettable experience.
Led by passionate local guides, our tours take you beyond the typical tourist spots. We share insider stories, hidden gems, and cultural insights that will make your trip to Vancouver truly special.
So, if you’re ready to explore, connect, and savor every moment, we’d love to show you why foodies from around the world choose Vancouver Foodie Tours.
Discover Vancouver’s Culinary Scene with Us!
