Top 5 Essential Eats in Vancouver

Let's talk about food because why not. Food is a huge reason why I love to travel. I've gotten to try some amazing food in different corners of the world and look forward to all the new dishes I get to try out whenever I plan a trip. Trust me - my expanding waitline is proof I've done my homework to scout out the best eats across the globe.

In my quest to always promote and encourage delicious eating, I've rounded up my list of Essential Eats in Vancouver. My first time in Canada was a home run when it came to food and if you ever find yourself in the area, make it a point to frequent these locations. Your taste buds won't protest, I promise - but bring stretchy pants so the calories have somewhere to go!

5.) Thierry

This chocolate shop/café is a perfect stop for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a post-dinner decadent dessert. Taking a nod from a Parisian pastry shop, you'll be greeted with rows of sweet delights and an expansive coffee selection. They do offer light dishes, but I only stopped for croissants, sweets, and coffee so I can't attest to their quality. The croissants were flaky and airy and the espresso was strong. While many sing the praises of the macarons, I would suggest indulging in some chocolate truffles and a pastry. The outdoor café is perfect for people watching. The shop is over on Alberni Street, between Downtown and the West End, and right near some prime shopping areas - Tiffany's is right around the block if you want a Canadian Audrey Hepburn moment.

4.) Kirin

I'm usually not a fan of Chinese food, but even I can't downplay the delicious dim sum served up at Kirin. Everything is made to order - no carts here - and the service was top notch. I was somewhat of a dim sum newbie, but the staff was helpful and provided recommendations on what to order. I follow a restricted diet (no red meat), so I was grateful to see a menu with detailed descriptions of what's in everything. The chicken and abalone steam buns were delicious, as were the vegetarian spring rolls. Order a few dishes to share and indulge! There are few Kirin's around Vancouver - I stopped at the location near the corner of Bute Street and Alberni Street.

Credit: Vancouver Foodie Tours

3.) Nero Belgian Waffle Bar

Breakfast is a highly underrated meal. There's something about starting the day off deliciously to put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. As someone with a perpetual sweet tooth, the Nero Belgian Waffle Bar was a top choice for me during my time in Vancouver. This restaurant was a true eye-opener in the art of waffles. You're greeted to a display case of mini waffles right from the start, with funky and cool seating throughout. Two different types of waffles are cooked up here - brussels (lighter, softer, and airier) and liege (dense, sweet, and chewy). You can opt for traditional fruit and whipped cream toppings, but there are zany sweet creations (like a caramelized banana with Nutella mousse and ice cream) and savory options for those not looking for a sugar coma. They don't take reservations and are open til midnight some nights if you need a late night treat. There are two locations - we stopped at the Seymour Street restaurant on our way to Granville Island for brunch. You can also get a pack of mini-waffles in a variety of flavors to-go if you just need a quick snack.

2.) Bella Gelateria

This gelato shop gets two thumbs up from me - it's also made my best desserts of all-time list HERE. Most people might raise their eyebrows at the inclusion of a gelato shop making my top eats list. But hear me out - this isn't your standard gelato stand. This little creamery has whipped up recipes that have earned international prizes, beating out even Italian gelato makers. The shop is under new management since I was here last, but it sounds like they're still turning out the gelato I fell in love with. There's a dedication to using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial flavorings and color. As a result, the gelato isn't out on display. We tend to eat with our eyes, and the lack of dyes makes the gelato less colorful than you might anticipate. But don't worry - the taste is spot on. You can sample flavors before committing, but I fell in love with the akbar mashti flavor (saffron, rosewater, and pistachio) and the traditional stracciatella (chocolate chip). Dairy-free lovers rejoice, they also offer sorbetto and occasionally gelato made with coconut milk. You'll find this small shop right at the corner of Burrard Street and West Cordova Street - don't let the long lines deter you.

Credit: Bella Gelateria

1.) Miku

You might have noticed this restaurant on my list of top dishes around the world HERE. I cannot deny my love for this restaurant. This upscale sushi joint is undeniably amazing, but has forever ruined sushi for me. The Aburi oshi-style sushi is the definition of mouthwatering - the rolls are perfectly flame-seared. We ordered a sampling of dishes, but it was the salmon seared rolls that left us speechless - we still get cravings for it to this day. Make a reservation and be prepared to experience a new level of sushi. I appreciate the dedication to sustainable seafood usage at this restaurant, in addition to the expansive drink menu. The prawn cocktail was also a fabulous starter. It's a splurge, but I can tell you it'll be a memorable meal.

As with most "top dishes" lists, whittling away the many amazing meals I had to a top 5 was not an easy process. Vancouver was home to so many delicious eateries - the food carts served up dishes better than most meals I've had at fancy restaurants. Eat to your heart's delight here because you'll be hard-pressed to find something not amazing. If you really want to experience Vancouver food, I would suggest a food tour. We did one through Vancouver Foodie Tours (not affiliated in any way, just a huge fan!) and we spent three hours hitting up amazing restaurants with a truly entertaining guide. I found the area to be very accommodating to dietary restrictions - plenty of vegan/vegetarian restaurants, dairy alternatives, etc - and the seafood was some of the best I've ever had, which was not surprising.

I have Vancouver featured as one of my top weekend getaway suggestions (check it out HERE) and consider this to be one of my favorite cities to visit. It's easy to navigate and get to, has tons to do, and it's truly a foodie paradise. I can't sing the city's praises loud enough. Which restaurant is screaming your name?

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