Good Restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is known for its restaurants. But if you're a visitor, it might be a little difficult for you to find good places without the help of a local. Well, I'm a local. Here's a guide to eating well in the city.

Big Picture in Vancouver Restaurant Scene
The following are some basic things that Vancouverites will say to you about the food here:

1) The Asian food is good and cheap. There are tons of sushi places...about one on every block. It's becoming like Starbucks. Because there are so many sushi places, there is much competition. Because there is much competition, the prices are low and quality is high. You can go to a place like Sushitown on Barnet Hwy or Ki Sushi in New Westminster and get a good satisfying, high quality sushi lunch for less than $10, tax included.

1a) Chinese food is good here too, but you need to know where to go. Most Chinese places don't have english speakers and the service tends to be horrible. But if the food is good, it's well worth it. It's kind of like Seinfield's Soup Natzi. You go because it's good. Speaking of soup natzi's, there's a female version of one at the Pho 99 in Coquitlam. Pho is Vietnamese food, which is also in plenty and good and cheap in Vancouver.

2) If you want moderately priced, western (white), Canadian food, try Whitespot. They're a chain. But for a chain, their food is pretty good. I usually hate to admit I like Whitespot because I'm a indy music, film-festival kind of guy...but the food is that decent.

3) For more of an upscale dinner, Milestones is good, as well as Earl's (but mostly for atmosphere).

4) Pubs: As an American, I really don't have many good things to say about Vancouver pubs. They tend to only have a local brewery called Granville Island on tap. It's decent, but it's EVERYWHERE. Wish I could find a little variety of micro-brews. Oh well. All else fails, you can pretty easily find Guinness or Kilkenny at any pub. But beware, beer is expensive in Vancouver. It can cost $6-7 for a Guinness. Canadians are friendly, so if you go to one, you'll most definitely have a good time. For a uniquely Canadian cultural experience, go during a Canucks hockey game.

Click here for a list of the best Vancouver coffee shops.

Favorite Vancouver Restaurants
Pho 99 - There are two locations, both in Coquitlam. One is on Lougheed Highway next at Pinetree Shopping Centre. The other one is on North Road. Very good Vietnamese food.

Chinese Food

Westwood - It's inside Henderson Mall on the corner of Westwood Rd and Lincoln. They have great Chinese food from a variety of different styles. They have a huge menu that includes western food in case you're with people who can't handle authentic Chinese food.

Italian / Greek Food

Gino's Restaurant in New Westminster is one of my favorites. It has a great atmosphere with a newly renovated interior. It's very classy and Frank Sinatraesc in there. The food is great and very reasonable prices.

Japanese

There are a TON of sushi places in Vancouver, making most sushi places very reasonable prices.

Sushi Town - this restaurant has become a new favorite. It's on Barnett Hwy in Coquitlam. Very good sushi and a great value. They give you tons of food for very little. I always leave feeling stuffed full of sushi and don't have to wince at the bill.

Ki Sushi - this one is in New Westminster. Good sushi at reasonable prices, especially their lunch specials. Service here rocks too.

All You Can Eat Sushi - there are a lot of places where you can get all you can eat sushi in Vancouver. The quality of the sushi is not great and they have a limited selection. You can usually find some happy hour prices around $12 during off hours.