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Vancouver is a dream for food lovers. With its coastal location, multicultural roots, and a deep love for fresh ingredients, the city serves up one of the most diverse and exciting food scenes in North America. Whether you're a visitor or a local looking to try something new, choosing what to eat in Vancouver is half the fun—and this guide will help you explore it all.
Photo by Ekam Juneja: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cozy-cafe-date-in-vancouver-30318145/

1. Fresh West Coast Flavours

Start with what Vancouver is known for: seafood. You’ll find dishes built around wild Pacific salmon, buttery sablefish, and Dungeness crab. From food trucks to fine dining, seafood is a staple—often served grilled, smoked, or crudo-style with modern twists.

And don’t miss the chance to explore Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Some spots offer traditional dishes like bannock, game meats, and locally foraged ingredients, reflecting the rich heritage of the region’s First Nations communities.

2. A World of Asian Cuisine

Vancouver is home to some of the best Asian food in North America. Thanks to a large immigrant population, you can explore authentic dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, India, and more—often in the same neighbourhood.

• Japanese: From sushi and sashimi to izakaya bites and ramen, Japanese cuisine is a staple here.
  
  

• Chinese: Dim sum is a must-try. Head to Richmond or Chinatown to find legendary dumplings and roast duck.
  
  

• Vietnamese & Thai: Pho, banh mi, green curry, and pad Thai are widely available and often exceptional.
  
  

• Indian: The city has an abundance of richly spiced curries, tandoori grills, and vegetarian delights.
  
  

If you’re overwhelmed by the options, consider picking a neighbourhood—like Richmond or Commercial Drive—and eating your way through it.

3. European Comforts

European cuisine has a long-standing place in Vancouver’s food culture, with Italian, French, and Mediterranean dishes woven into the city’s dining fabric.

For a classic Italian dining experience, one of the standouts is La Piazza Dario—an Italian restaurant Vancouver known for its warm hospitality, traditional pastas, and timeless dishes. Whether you're craving a rich risotto or a perfectly crafted pizza, it’s an ideal spot for comfort and elegance.

French cuisine also has a presence, with bistros serving up steak frites, coq au vin, and creamy pâtisserie offerings. Other European delights like Spanish tapas, Greek souvlaki, and German schnitzel can be found throughout the city.

4. Street Food and Local Favourites

Sometimes the best meals come with paper napkins and a park bench. Vancouver’s street food scene punches well above its weight, with food trucks offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean tacos.

• Poutine: Canada’s iconic dish—fries, cheese curds, and gravy—is everywhere, from dive bars to upscale spins.
  
  

• JapaDog: A Vancouver original, these Japanese-style hot dogs are a street food staple and surprisingly addictive.
  
  

• Craft bakeries: Artisan coffee, sourdough loaves, and buttery croissants make Vancouver’s café culture one of the best ways to start your day.
  
  

5. Choose Based on Your Cravings

Still not sure what to eat? Let your cravings guide you:

• Want fresh, healthy, and local? Go for seafood or a farm-to-table spot.
  
  

• Craving bold, spicy, and savory? Try Indian or Thai.
  
  

• Need comfort food? Head to an Italian restaurant like La Piazza Dario.
  
  

• Feeling adventurous? Hop between food trucks or explore a multicultural neighbourhood.
  
  

Final Bite

In Vancouver, choosing what to eat isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about experiencing the soul of the city. Each dish tells a story, whether it’s rolled by a sushi master, simmered in a centuries-old curry, or baked in a wood-fired oven. From elegant Italian meals to street-side snacks, there’s always something new to discover.

So go ahead—follow your taste buds and eat your way through one of the most delicious cities on the planet.