Travelling to beautiful British Columbia? Whether you’re strolling Vancouver’s seawall, exploring Whistler’s peaks, catching the sunset in Richmond, or sipping wine in the Okanagan, you’ll find no shortage of incredible places to eat.
But here’s the challenge: as a visitor, you want something that feels local — a true taste of BC’s ingredients, culture, and vibe — while still being delicious and (ideally) accessible, even if you didn’t book weeks in advance.
We’ve put together this guide to help you eat well from Richmond to Whistler (and beyond!), with options for both the planners and the spontaneous.
📅 For the Planners: Book Ahead
These restaurants showcase BC’s best chefs, seasonal ingredients, and stunning settings — and they’re worth planning ahead for. Book at least a few days (sometimes a couple weeks) in advance if you can. Many also hold bar seats or have early/late tables for last-minute luck.
Vancouver:
- Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar — An elegant downtown spot known for award-winning West Coast seafood, creative cocktails, and polished service — a quintessential Vancouver experience.
- AnnaLena — Kitsilano’s cozy yet modern gem offering creative tasting menus that highlight Pacific Northwest ingredients in playful, artistic ways.
- Kissa Tanto — A dimly-lit Chinatown favourite serving inventive Japanese–Italian fusion dishes. Romantic, stylish, and consistently ranked among Canada’s best.
- Published on Main — Bright, modern, and buzzy — this Main Street star offers inventive, seasonal tasting menus with striking plating and bold flavours.
- ELEM — A refined yet approachable Mount Pleasant restaurant where seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients shine. The tasting menu is thoughtful and beautifully balanced, with warm, attentive service in a calm, contemporary space.
- Farmer’s Apprentice — A farm-to-table pioneer in a cozy setting, known for beautiful vegetable-forward dishes and natural wines.
- Kook Korean BBQ Restaurant — A stylish, contemporary take on Korean BBQ with top-quality meats, attentive service, and a lively atmosphere.
Beyond Vancouver:
- The Fish Man (Richmond) — A local favourite for modern, creative Chinese-style seafood feasts — perfect for sharing with a group.
- Sushi Mahana (North Vancouver) — An intimate, refined omakase experience focused on pristine seafood and exceptional craftsmanship.
- Mereon (West Vancouver) — A charming restaurant serving contemporary French-inspired cuisine with warm hospitality and ocean views.
- Wild Blue (Whistler) — One of Canada’s most exciting new restaurants — a sophisticated alpine dining room with sustainable seafood, regional meats, and impeccable service.
- Araxi (Whistler) — A Whistler institution for decades, renowned for its seafood, pastas, and après-ski elegance.
- Pilgrimme (Galiano Island) — A magical, destination-worthy restaurant tucked in the forest, serving thoughtful, seasonal tasting menus that highlight local ingredients and the island’s spirit of place.
- Marilena (Victoria) — A stunning, modern dining room from the celebrated Toptable Group, serving impeccable seafood, sushi, and cocktails in the heart of downtown Victoria — perfect for a special occasion.
🚶 For the Spontaneous: Walk-Ins Welcome
No reservation? No problem. These spots are walk-in friendly and still deliver a great taste of BC — perfect for last-minute plans or a casual bite between adventures.
Vancouver:
- Dynasty Seafood — Cantonese seafood and dim sum in a spacious, lively dining room. Tables turn over quickly, so don’t be afraid to show up.
- Go Fish — A little shack by the water serving stellar fish & chips, chowders, and daily fresh catches. Outdoor picnic tables make it extra charming.
- Nook (various locations) — Warm, bustling Italian serving comforting pizzas and pastas with a neighbourhood vibe.
- Hello Nori (various locations) — Sleek and minimalist hand roll bar offering fresh sushi rolls made to order — fast, casual, and delicious.
- Just Pizza — Playful, creative slices and whole pies at this New York-inspired slice shop on Main Street.
- Taco Loma — A bright, casual taqueria serving fresh tacos and margaritas with counter service and plenty of seating.
- Crab Hot Lau — A lively, casual spot specializing in Vietnamese-style seafood boils loaded with crab, shrimp, clams, and bold, flavorful sauces.
Beyond Vancouver:
- Osmanthus (Richmond) — Modern Chinese dishes in a refined but approachable setting — flavorful, fast, and walk-in friendly.
- HK BBQ Master (Richmond) — A tiny hidden gem tucked under a parking garage serving some of the best Chinese BBQ pork and roast duck you’ll ever try.
- Hei Hei Rice Roll (Richmond) — No-frills counter serving pillowy steamed rice rolls — a comforting, quick snack beloved by locals.
- Wild Flour Pizza (Burnaby) — Neapolitan-style pizzas in a friendly, laid-back space — great for lunch or dinner.
- Mani (West Vancouver) — Mediterranean-inspired flavours in a relaxed, welcoming dining room — easy to drop in for lunch or dinner.
- Kitchen Craft Eatery (North Vancouver) — Bright café with creative brunch, sandwiches, and burgers made with local ingredients.
- Fergie’s Café (Squamish) — A riverside brunch spot known for wholesome, locally-sourced dishes and incredible mountain views — perfect before or after a hike.
- Row Fourteen (Cawston) — A true Okanagan gem nestled in a vineyard, offering wood-fired dishes made with local produce, meats, and wines. Casual, beautiful, and surprisingly walk-in friendly — a perfect spontaneous stop on a wine tour.
🌟 Pro Tips for Travellers:
✅ Can’t snag a table? Arrive right when the doors open or just before closing — many places save seats for walk-ins, especially at the bar.
✅ Use Resy, OpenTable, or Tock to catch cancellations and last-minute openings.
✅ Sitting at the bar is often the best move — no reservation required and a chance to chat with the staff.
✅ During peak summer or ski season, even walk-in-friendly places can get busy — calling ahead is never a bad idea.
Final Word:
Whether you plan weeks ahead or decide on the fly, BC’s restaurant scene has something for everyone — from refined tasting menus to casual neighbourhood gems. Wherever you go, you’re in for a taste of what makes this province so special: fresh ingredients, diverse flavours, and a welcoming spirit.
If you want even more trusted recommendations — tailored to your tastes — sign up for Umamii. We help travellers and locals discover the best places to eat, curated by people who truly know the scene. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, award-winning spots, or walk-in-friendly options, Umamii takes the guesswork out of dining.
👉 Sign up here and start eating like a local.
Bon appétit, and enjoy your trip!
