Metro Vancouver is filled with tons of amazing spots to eat. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a place with exactly what your stomach wants, be it sushi, brunch, or whatever you’re feeling that day. Some places are definitely hyped up as being the best, but sometimes you can’t always verify if they’re worth the visit.
We’ve compiled 10 delicious restaurants and cafés in Metro Vancouver that are absolutely worth all the talk. You’re totally going to be recommending these places to everyone you meet after you’ve eaten there!
10 Metro Vancouver Cafés and Restaurants To Check Out With Your Friends This Fall
Happy Day Cafe
Richmond is known for a lot of things, and amazing Asian food is definitely one of them. To those of you who have been there, you know that Happy Day Cafe is one of the best Hong Kong-style restaurants in the city– it’s almost like taking a bite straight out of the country’s top eats. If you’ve ever wanted to try Hong Kong food, then this is your sign to go to Happy Day Cafe.
Comforting and warm, Happy Day Cafe specializes in making you feel right at home with their menu. If you want to try the classics, then go for their signature baked pork chop on rice. Served with either tomato or creamy seafood sauce, your pork chop will be bursting with flavour with fluffy rice to complement the dish. You can also try their specialty crispy top buns and lobster or crab combos if you’re a seafood-lover. Their all-day breakfast is also a must-eat if you know anything about Hong Kong breakfasts. Try some comforting congee, or have some rice rolls or noodles!
Happy Day Cafe’s prices are also super reasonable, so you won’t break the bank after a few visits. Other must-tries include their iconic Hong Kong milk tea and lemon tea, as well as their red bean ice.
Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Happy Day Cafe is a Richmond staple with over 30 years of history. If you’re in town, be sure to swing by 1450-4771 McClelland Road in Richmond– or, if you’re in Vancouver, there’s also a location on 3312 Kingsway.
Goodbowl
Fresh, healthy, and community-focused– that’s what Goodbowl is all about. This Richmond restaurant is in the same vein as other make-your-own food spots, but the difference is that Goodbowl has a huge emphasis on keeping their food clean and feel-good. You’ll always be satisfied after you finish a bowl from them, no matter your combination of ingredients.
Your Goodbowl order starts off with you choosing your base. Whether you want rice or noodles, that’s up to you, but either choice will leave you with a nice, flavourful foundation for the rest of your choices. After that, you pick your veggies– and you can really go crazy here with how many healthy choices are available for you here. Kale, baby bok choy, corn, cauliflower, and more are up for grabs. Then, choose your sauce or sauce mix, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available if you have dietary restrictions. Finally, select your eggs or prawns (or don’t!), and your spice and seasoning.
Goodbowl is highly customizable and super accommodating– with so many combination possibilities, your bowl is absolutely your own, no matter your preferences, allergies, or other restrictions. If a bowl isn’t your style, then Goodbowl also offers smoothies made with freshly-squeezed juices and whole fruits and veggies, as well as the juices itself. For the sweet-toothed, they’ve got a healthy twist on dessert with their low fat vanilla frozen yogurt called yogood!
The best part of it all? It’s affordable, with prices that aren’t going to make you stare sadly at your wallet afterwards. If your mouth’s watering already, then head to 4791 McClelland Road, Unit 1630 in Richmond to get your own bowl!
The Gray Olive Cafeteria
If you’re looking for the best eggs benny you’ll ever have, then look no further. Featuring elevated breakfast and lunch, the Gray Olive Cafeteria is a restaurant that takes your average morning dishes and spins them into something deliciously unique. Moreover, the restaurant was opened by 3 brothers with a passion for comfort foods and breakfast, which is all you need to know to be confident that the Gray Olive is one of Metro Vancouver’s most-trusted places to start your day.
With a newly-expanded space, the Gray Olive is bigger and better than ever. You and your friends will love the gorgeously airy space and the delicious menu they’re serving up. Some much-loved dishes include the Kitchen Sink, Chicken & Waffles, and their classic eggs benedict. For those of you who can’t get enough of bennys, then they’ve a variety for you to choose from, such as the pulled pork, crab cake, veggie, and bacon.
The best part of the Gray Olive is that, although it’s a breakfast place, you don’t have to go in the morning to eat there. Their breakfast and brunch menu is all-day, so you can satiate your waffle craving anytime. If all of this sounds absolutely scrumptious to you, then you should be planning your next brunch meet-up with your friends at the Gray Olive right now!The Gray Olive is all about taking those classic comfort foods and kicking them up a notch. Excitingly, they’re also now accepting reservations– guarantee your table today to get in on that nonstop breakfast. Proudly rooted in Burnaby Heights, you can find the Gray Olive located at 4190 Hastings. The eggs benny are waiting for you there!
The Park Pub
When you head to The Park Pub, you always have the best seat in the house. As one of Vancouver’s favourite sports bars, you can catch every game on their 16 screens that show all major sports live, so you’re definitely not missing out on any action. Combine that with their delicious eats and tap list that spans both the local and global, and you’re set for an awesome evening.
And even though summer is winding down, the sun’s still out with that perfect amount of breeze– so now is the perfect time to visit The Park Pub’s brand-new Breezeway Patio! Dog-friendly, your furry friends (and human friends) will adore hanging out on this chill patio that turns casual afternoons into memories that last a lifetime. Cocktails and beers will always be flowing with The Park Pub, so that means the good times don’t stop until you head home.
Step inside and you’ll see why The Park Pub is just as loved for its indoor vibe as it is for the patio. With a lively atmosphere, plenty of seating, and 16 screens showing every game, it’s the kind of place where cheering with friends feels effortless. Add in the buzz from happy hour, friendly staff, and a menu that never misses, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a night that keeps the energy high from the first sip to the final whistle.
If you’re feeling thirsty while watching the game, you have to check out their awesome beer menu. Featuring 25 taps, you can get anything from domestic favourites to craft specialties, as well as premium brews. 14 of the taps are on rotation, so there’s always something new to try! And their food menu is enough to satisfy any and all of your cravings. For shareable appies, be sure to try out their Butter Chicken Poutine, or their loaded Nachos. They’ve also got tons of mains ranging from steaks to noodles, and pasta to fish. Your games are about to get a lot more delicious at The Park Pub.
With weekly events, a killer happy hour, and daily specials, The Park Pub offers entertainment and affordable eats all in one. You’lll always be surrounded by good vibes and plenty of fun with The Park Pub, no matter if you’re looking to catch the breeze outside or enjoy the bustle of indoors. Just head on over to 1755 Davie St, Vancouver to start game night off right!
Bayside Lounge
For a restaurant with character, Bayside Lounge is going to be your place. Located near English Bay, this panoramic restaurant offers beautiful views of the water all while serving up smooth drinks, all-night dancing, and eats that won’t break the bank. All about that retro vibe, you’ll never want to go back to boring normal cocktails once you’ve had a sip of the Bayside Lounge’s– especially with a gorgeous sunset in the background.
What’s especially exciting is that Bayside Lounge celebrated their 45th anniversary last year, renovating the space to bring both a refreshing and 70s twist to it. You can definitely see it in the soft edges and circular designs, and all those wonderfully bright colours. Enjoying their Happy Hour menu on one of those plush chairs just makes it all the better. Drinks start at just $5.75, and their Appy Hour has awesome eats at prices that are just as delicious.
Share some bites with the table, like their flavourful Elote Corn that’s brushed with sour cream mayo and cotija cheese. Or try out their Charcuterie Board with the chef’s selection of meats, cheeses, and a sundried tomato spread that is absolutely addictive. Besides light bites and sharables, Bayside Lounge also has brunch, handhelds, loads of mains and a curated selection of desserts for everyone with a sweet tooth. And don’t forget to get a drink to go with your food– the currently-featured cocktails include a Strawberry Mint Kiss, Greener On The Other-side, and Sloe Down. All of them are guaranteed smooth sipping.
For those of you who are all about keeping the good times going, Bayside Lounge is the perfect place to do that. With late night hours, live DJs every night, and food and drinks you can’t get anywhere else, it makes it the perfect location to hang out with your friends. Bayside Lounge is located at 1755 Davie St, Vancouver. Get ready for beautiful sunset pics and all the dancing you could ever want this weekend!
Salmon ‘n Bannock
As Vancouver’s one and only Indigenous restaurant, going to Salmon n’ Bannock is your chance to try true, authentic Indigenous cuisine that has been passed down through generations. The restaurant focuses on local and traditional ingredients that were used by those who came before us, “our Grandmothers and Grandfathers.” Tradition meets modernity at Salmon n’ Bannock. As their website says: “imagine yourself in a canoe, now let us take you to our new waters.”
All of Salmon n’ Bannock’s game meats are organic and free range, straight from the land to your table. Similarly, all of their seafood and fish are caught right off the coast of B.C., so you’re absolutely getting the freshest catches. Many of their appetizers feature salmon and bannock, but there are also Game Sampler platters and Pemmican Mousse for those of you who want some game meat. And as for mains, you’ve got your choice of delicious Bison Pot Roast, Bannock Tacos, Seasonal Vegetarian Risotto that features Ojibway wild rice, and so much more.
The restaurant also has a brunch and happy hour menu, both of which are equally yummy. It will have you appreciating all the amazing Indigenous cuisine that Salmon n’ Bannock has to offer. There is a lot more than what we’ve written here, so do be sure to check out their full menu and make a reservation to try it all out!
Salmon n’ Bannock is located on 1128 West Broadway in Vancouver– and if you’re in YVR, then you can also hit up Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly, which offers sandwiches, meals, and snacks!
Marulilu Cafe
Looking for a taste of Japan for a fraction of the cost of flying there? Marulilu Cafe is a classic Japanese-style cafe that serves up popular dishes like omurice, curry rice, and onigiri. It’s chill, laid-back, and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Japanese cafes are known for their homestyle cooking and comfort dishes, so Marulilu is no exception. They’ve got all-day breakfast, so you get to choose between western-style or Japanese-style dishes. You can also get sandwiches and wraps that feature katsu or karaage, which are fried and richly flavoured pork.
If you’re craving more Japanese-oriented dishes that aren’t breakfast, then you can also choose from their donburi, yoshoku, curry, and omurice menus. There’s also a dessert and drink menu with so many fantastic possible pairings between their amazing coffee and authentic treats.
For those who want a taste of Japanese comfort food and chill vibes, Marulilu is definitely the place to be. Their location is on 451 W Broadway in Vancouver– or a 1 minute walk from Broad City-Hall station!
The Lion’s Den Cafe
Metro Vancouver is home to a lot of fantastic fusion places, but none so heartwarming as The Lion’s Den Cafe. This family-run restaurant is made of a husband and wife duo that work together to create both food and an atmosphere that feels like you’re part of the family. Owners Ken Brooks and Junko Tanabe are serving up blended dishes from their respective home countries– Bahamas and Japan.
They’re famous for their jerk chicken and delicious Japaribbean cuisine, which is a combination of Caribbean and Japanese influences. If you’re looking for breakfast, you should absolutely give their all-day breakfast special a try, or any of their other breakfast dishes, such as their omelet, pancakes or french toast, waffles, or eggers. Their Japaribbean dishes range from curry chicken to teriyaki chicken, but no matter what you order, you’ll feel like you’re half in the Caribbean and half in Japan with these flavourful dishes.
The Lion’s Den Cafe is well-known for their amazing food, but also for their atmosphere. Customers should expect a warm, homey feeling when they step through the doors, a truly relaxed and comfortable vibe that will stick with you for the rest of the day.
This restaurant is both a staple and a hidden gem, with it being nestled right on 651 E 15th Avenue in Vancouver. If you’re ever in the area, you have to try The Lion’s Den Cafe!
Fable Kitchen
Culinary artistry combines with warm hospitality at Fable Kitchen. This is one of those restaurants that offers a dining experience like no other. Focusing on farm-to-table cuisine, Fable Kitchen is a well-oiled machine with General Manager Nicolle Vaupotic and Head Chef Michael Broadbent making sure that its food and service are nothing short of superb.
Your meal at Fable Kitchen is one you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Everything here is locally-sourced with ingredients that will delight the senses; the menu is constantly evolving, so variety is never an issue if you plan to visit the restaurant multiple times– because you’re definitely going to. There’s a lot on offer at Fable Kitchen, but as of now, they have their September Tasting Menu. If Pumpkin Dumpling, Braised Beef Pilaf, and Ruins of a Count’s Castle sounds like your kind of dinner, then you should be making your reservation right now.
Fable Kitchen is also renowned for their cocktail creations and wine program that is led by Nicolle Vaupotic. Whether you want something bright and sunny– like a Kits Crush or a Fable Fairy– or a classic Old Fashioned or Negroni, Fable Kitchen will keep your thirst sated.
Fresh and inviting, Fable Kitchen will captivate your tastebuds with its deliciously creative offerings. If all of this wasn’t enough to convince you, then it might be important to know that Fable Kitchen is a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant, which means it’s a place that offers amazing food at a great price. Now, go to 1944 W 4th Avenue in Vancouver once you make your reservation– you won’t regret it!
Fiorino
Rich in culture and flavour is Fiorino, a restaurant that highlights authentic Italian street food! Fiorino is offering up dishes that are inspired by the streets of Florence with tastes that will bring you straight to those beautiful lanes. There’s no need to hop on a plane to Italy when Fiorino is right in Vancouver!
With a menu as delicious as Fiorino’s, where do you start? Well, that depends on if you’re there for Pranzo (lunch), Aperitivo (happy hour), or Cena (dinner). For Pranzo, you should definitely be having one of Fiorino’s Schiacciata Sandwiches, which are crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside types of sandwiches. There’s also pasta, salads, and other Italian classics that will treat you to a flavour sensation like no other. Aperitivo is the perfect time to get some bites, like their Carpaccio or Schiacciata Sliders, at a great price, as well as drinks. Cena brings authentic Florentine share plates so you can feel like you’re having a classic Italian family dining experience.
An Italian restaurant isn’t complete without its wine list, and Fiorino has an amazing one. Do be sure to ask about their “riserva” list, which are wines that are aged for even longer with higher quality grapes– basically, it’s some of the best wine you’ll ever have. And, of course, they have plenty of spectacular cocktails to go around, with loads of Italian classics.
Fiorino is also a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant! They’re located in historic Chinatown on 212 E Georgia Street, but their second location also recently opened on July 22! You can book your reservations now for their new spot on 123 Carrie Cates Court #218 in North Vancouver.
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