Vancouver is a beautiful city located on the west coast of Canada, in British Columbia. Recent host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is well known for its scenic views and its temperate weather. This is why this quiet city attracts thousands of people every year.
Whether you are visiting Vancouver or living there, you will quickly discover that good restaurants are not hard to find! And if you are visiting, you probably agree with the fact that there is a feeling uniquely satisfying and pleasant about eating out in a different city. Here are a couple of our favourite restaurants around town. So enjoy them and devour your plates to the very last bite.
Top 10 restaurants in Vancouver at an affordable price.
1. La Brasserie
Located in the West End, on the corner of Davie and Thurlow, La Brasserie was a huge hit from opening day. While it may look pretty dead early in the evening, the place becomes extremely lively in the later afternoon. This charming bistro combines excellent French and German cuisine. For a full culinary experience, enjoy a seat at the bar overviewing the open kitchen. Recommended dish: the Onion Tart and the Suckling Pig.
2. Stepho’s
If you are looking for a nice place to grab a cheap bite, Stepho’s, also located in the West End, offers authentic Greek food in a totally Greek atmosphere. Stepho’s literally offer epic portions… more than you probably can handle! But if you are planning to go there for dinner, there is one downsize – plan to line up for at least an hour… Recommended dish: Calamari.
3. Phnom Penh
One of the most reputable South East Asian restaurant in Vancouver is with no doubt Phnom Penh. Located in the heart on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Phnom Penh offers quality food. This family run restaurant serves a combination of Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine. Again, the fame of the restaurant can make difficult to get a seat. Tip, go after or before peak hours (1:30pm-3pm) to avoid waiting in line. Recommended dish: Chicken Wings.
4. Japadog
If you are looking for something typically Vancouverian, Japadog is a great entertaining and yummy hot dog stand originally located on the corner of Burrard and Smithe in downtown, Japadog has expended to 3 more locations (Burrard and Pender, 530 Robson St., and in front of the Waterfront Station). Try their speciality hot dogs, with ingredients such as seaweed, bonito flakes, kobe beef and even wasabi mayo! This hot dog cart even got food star Anthony Bourdain intrigued and to come and visit them in 2008. Recommended dish: Spicy Cheese Terimayo
5. Guu
If you love Japanese food but are looking for something different, try Guu. This tapas place offer excellent small dish to have on your own or share with a group of friends. There are several Guu locations, and each of them offer a different menu and different items to try, but our favorite one remains the original Guu, on Thurlow. Recommended dish at Guu on Thurlow: Kabocha korokke – or in other words, the Pumpkin & boiled egg croquette with original mayonnaise sauce.
6. Kadoya
Walking around in Vancouver, it is not difficult to realize that sushi is one of Vancouver’s favorite food. If Starbucks is king there, sushi restaurants are queens. Newly renovated, Kadoya, located near Thurlow and Davie, has given itself a more modern look. But you don’t go to Kadoya for the decor, you go there for their outstanding and creative speciality rolls. Recommended dish: The dessert roll with fried banana and rock candy.
7. Bin 941
This tapas restaurant is located on David near Burrard street. Its tiny size and constantly crowded environment does not stop tapas lovers from coming back over and over again. This nice decor, the great wine selection and the intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect place to bring your date. Recommended dish: Duck Breast tapatisers.
8. Hon’s
If you are looking for some real cheap and hearty Chinese food, Hon’s Wun-Ton House is the place to go. With 2 cafeteria look alike locations in Vancouver – one on Robson and another one in Chinatown – Hon’s has been the favorite of Vancouverites for over 35 years. Try their huge $7.37 luncheon special, which will get you flying out of the door full and satisfied. Recommended dish: Potstickers.
9. Samurai
If you like great sashimi, you will enjoy a meal at Samurai. This sushi restaurant located on Davie street, next to Stepho’s, sure does not cut back on the amount of food they give you. Enjoy an affordable meal that will keep you easily full and satisfied. Recommended dish: Salmon Don.
10. Shabusen
Last but not least on our list of restaurants to try in Vancouver is Shabusen. This restaurants offers you the best of two worlds: Japanese and Korean food. Enjoy the all you can eat menu for only 13$ at lunch time! Recommended dish: All you can eat – bbq meats and sushi.
For more information about Vancouver, check out Top 10 things to do in Vancouver.
