British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the temperate rainforests of the coast to the rugged Rocky Mountains in the east, the semi-arid Okanagan valley in the south, and the vast boreal forests of the north. Home to world-class ski resorts, vibrant multicultural cities, ancient First Nations cultures, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, BC offers an unparalleled range of travel experiences.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Hawksworth Restaurant
Chef David Hawksworth's flagship restaurant is consistently ranked among the best in Canada. Set in the grand Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Hawksworth features precise, elegant contemporary Canadian cuisine with exceptional BC ingredients. The restaurant is celebrated for its charcuterie, impeccable service, and award-winning wine list heavy with BC and Burgundy selections.
801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
Olo Restaurant
One of Victoria's most celebrated restaurants, Olo focuses entirely on Vancouver Island and BC ingredients in a warm, intimate 50-seat room. Chef Brad Holmes creates refined and seasonal menus that shift constantly with local harvests. The wine list is outstanding with a focus on BC and minimal-intervention producers.
509 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R3
Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar
Whistler's most celebrated dining room, Araxi has been at the centre of the resort's dining scene for decades. Located in Whistler Village Square, the restaurant is renowned for its use of BC and Pacific Northwest ingredients, comprehensive raw bar and oyster selection, and one of the finest wine lists in Canada. The lively après-ski crowd and refined dinner menu make it equally popular at both ends of the day.
4222 Village Square, Whistler, BC V8E 1C6
CinCin Ristorante + Bar
A Vancouver institution since 1990, CinCin is a warm, wood-fired Italian restaurant on Robson Street with a beautiful second-floor terrace. The kitchen centres on a custom wood-burning oven and rotisserie, producing outstanding pasta, pizza, and grilled proteins. The wine list covers BC and Italy comprehensively.
1154 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5
Botanist
The flagship restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist draws inspiration from the natural world with a stunning plant-filled interior designed by Ste. Marie Studio. The kitchen produces highly seasonal contemporary Canadian cuisine, and the bar programme is centred on house-made botanical spirits and fermented products. The weekend brunch is among the best in the city.
1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
The Pointe Restaurant
Perched on a rocky headland at the Wickaninnish Inn with 240-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, The Pointe is one of BC's most romantically situated fine dining rooms. The kitchen showcases the finest local and regional ingredients including Tofino Inlet seafood, Vancouver Island farms, and foraged coastal plants, complemented by a deep wine list.
500 Osprey Lane, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Named after Joe Fortes, Vancouver's beloved first lifeguard, Joe Fortes is a classic Vancouver seafood institution with a rooftop patio, raw bar, and a classic surf-and-turf menu. Open since 1985, the restaurant is known for its consistent quality, generous portions, and lively atmosphere. The raw bar selection of BC oysters, Dungeness crab, and Spot prawns is excellent.
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5
Salmon House on the Hill
With panoramic views of English Bay, downtown Vancouver, and the mountains, the Salmon House on the Hill is a beloved West Vancouver institution specialising in alder-grilled Pacific salmon and other BC seafood and wild game. The rustic West Coast interior filled with First Nations art and artifacts creates an authentic BC dining atmosphere.
2229 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2X7
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Pacific Northwest
Waterfront Wines Restaurant
One of Kelowna's most celebrated dining rooms, Waterfront Wines combines an impressive BC wine list with sophisticated Pacific Northwest cuisine. The intimate, warmly lit room draws wine enthusiasts and foodies from across the Okanagan. The kitchen's relationship with local producers is central to the menu.
1180 Sunset Dr #104, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9W6
Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant
The restaurant at Nk'Mip (pronounced 'in-ka-meep') Cellars, the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, offers stunning desert vineyard views and a menu anchored in Syilx First Nations food traditions alongside BC wine-country classics. A profoundly unique and meaningful dining experience.
1400 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6
Forage Restaurant
A restaurant in the Listel Hotel on Robson Street with a deep commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Forage works closely with BC farmers, fishers, and foragers to produce a seasonally rotating menu with an outstanding brunch programme. Known for its thoughtful wine list featuring BC's lesser-known wine regions.
1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5
The Mill Marine Bistro
A casual waterfront bistro on the Coal Harbour seawall with outdoor patio seating overlooking the marina and mountain views. The Mill is a favourite for post-Stanley Park walks, offering classic BC-style pub food, burgers, and fish and chips with some of the best patio views in the city.
1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4
American
Earls Kitchen + Bar
A BC-founded restaurant chain born in Edmonton but closely associated with BC's casual dining scene. Earls offers a reliable menu of burgers, pizzas, salads, and seafood alongside a strong cocktail programme. A staple of the BC dining landscape with locations throughout Greater Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and beyond.
Multiple BC locations
Timber Restaurant
A West Coast-themed burger restaurant celebrating BC's logging heritage with thoughtfully sourced local beef, quality buns, and creative toppings. Timber serves some of the best burgers in downtown Vancouver in a warm, timber-clad setting. A great casual option for lunch or a pre-show meal.
1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5
Nancy O's
A cornerstone of the Kamloops dining and nightlife scene, Nancy O's serves solid pub food, craft beer, and has a popular patio. A reliable and welcoming choice in the BC Interior city of Kamloops, popular with locals and passing travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway.
197 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A1
Canadian Diner
White Spot
BC's own fast-casual restaurant chain, established in 1928 — the oldest restaurant chain in western Canada. White Spot is beloved for its Triple 'O' Sauce burgers, Legendary Burger, milkshakes, and classic Canadian comfort food. An authentic slice of BC food culture that locals grow up with.
Multiple BC locations
Save-On-Meats
A storied Vancouver institution on West Hastings Street, Save-On-Meats is a revived heritage diner and butcher shop with a vintage neon sign. The diner serves classic all-day breakfasts, burgers, and comfort food using quality local meats. The restaurant has a social mission, employing people from the community and selling meal tokens to patrons who can give them to neighbours in need.
43 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G3
Rod'n'Gun Café
A beloved Kelowna breakfast and lunch institution popular with locals and visitors alike. The Rod'n'Gun serves generous portions of classic North American breakfast staples alongside Okanagan-inspired items. It's the kind of no-frills, friendly diner that has kept the community coming back for decades.
1570 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9G9
Japanese
Japadog
A beloved Vancouver street food phenomenon, Japadog serves Japanese-style hot dogs topped with unique combinations like teriyaki sauce, nori seaweed, Japanese mayo, daikon, and kurobuta pork sausage. Started as a food cart in 2005, Japadog became a viral sensation and now has several kiosk and restaurant locations. A must-try uniquely Vancouver experience.
530 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7
Tojo's Restaurant
The legendary restaurant of Chef Hidekazu Tojo, widely credited as the inventor of the California Roll (created in Vancouver in the 1970s). Tojo's is a Vancouver culinary landmark offering kaiseki-style Japanese cuisine and omakase tasting menus using the finest local BC seafood alongside premium Japanese ingredients. Reservations months in advance are sometimes necessary.
1133 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G1
Miku Restaurant
The home of Aburi-style (flame-seared) sushi in Vancouver, Miku is a spectacular restaurant on the waterfront with views of the harbour and mountains. The signature Aburi sushi uses BC seafood with a brief flame-searing that creates a lightly caramelised surface. One of Vancouver's most celebrated Japanese dining experiences.
200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
Italian
Ask for Luigi
A wildly popular Italian pasta bar in Railtown known for handmade fresh pastas, simple quality ingredients, and a lively atmosphere. Lines stretch around the block (no reservations accepted), but the pastas — made daily in full view of the dining room — are worth every minute of waiting. Best Italian comfort food in Vancouver.
305 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4
Trattoria di Umberto
A Whistler Village institution serving rustic Tuscan cuisine since 1988. Trattoria di Umberto is renowned for its hand-rolled pasta, wood-fired pizza, and convivial atmosphere. One of the most beloved and consistent dining options in the resort, perfect after a long day on the mountain.
4417 Sundial Pl, Whistler, BC V8E 1G2
Pub
Ferris' Upstairs
A local favourite upstairs pub and dining room in the heart of Victoria, Ferris' Upstairs is known for its excellent BC craft beer selection, fresh local seafood, warm pub atmosphere, and value-for-money pricing. Popular with both locals and visitors, it strikes the right balance between relaxed pub and quality dining.
536 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8
The Flying Beaver Bar & Grill
A uniquely situated pub and restaurant on the Fraser River estuary near Vancouver Airport, the Flying Beaver offers spectacular floatplane and mountain views from its waterfront patio. Cold BC craft beers, nachos, fish and chips, and great views of float planes taking off and landing make this a beloved local institution.
4760 Inglis Dr, Richmond, BC V7B 1W4
Asian Street Food
Richmond Night Market
North America's largest night market, held on the shores of the Fraser River in Richmond each summer from May to October. Over 100 food stalls serve an extraordinary range of Asian street foods including Taiwanese stinky tofu, Chinese BBQ, Korean corn dogs, Japanese takoyaki, Vietnamese banh mi, and much more alongside a funfair atmosphere.
8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1Y4
Barbecue
Smokin' George's BBQ
Nanaimo's best-loved BBQ spot, serving slow-smoked meats with house-made sauces in a casual, counter-service setting. The pulled pork, beef brisket, and BBQ chicken are crowd favourites. A great stop when crossing Vancouver Island.
Various Nanaimo locations
Burgers
Pink Bicycle Burger
Victoria's most popular craft burger restaurant, Pink Bicycle serves hand-formed beef patties made from Vancouver Island cattle, quality local buns, and creative toppings. Their thin-cut fries and BC craft beer selection round out a great casual meal in downtown Victoria.
1008 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H5
Chinese
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
A stylish, dimly lit Chinese brasserie in Vancouver's historic Chinatown, Bao Bei serves playful, modern interpretations of Chinese comfort food alongside an excellent cocktail programme. The space beautifully blends heritage Chinatown aesthetics with modern hospitality, and the menu is constantly changing with the seasons.
163 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3
European
The Cuckoo Restaurant
A charming and somewhat unexpected Austrian restaurant in the Okanagan wine country, The Cuckoo has been a Kelowna favourite for decades. Traditional Wiener Schnitzel, venison goulash, and Austrian dumplings are served in a Bavarian-influenced dining room with a warm fireplace and excellent selection of BC and European wines.
595 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2G7
Farm
Agrius Restaurant
A seasonally driven, plant-forward restaurant in downtown Victoria connected to their own bakery (Fol Epi). Agrius sources from a network of Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands farms and serves creative, produce-driven dishes alongside their own house-baked bread. One of Victoria's most progressive and delicious dining rooms.
732 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L4
French
The Smoking Dog
A charming neighbourhood French bistro in the artsy Fernwood district of Victoria, The Smoking Dog serves excellent traditional French bistro fare — steak frites, moules marinières, croque monsieur, and a well-curated wine list. Cosy, intimate, and warm, it's a favourite among Victoria locals.
1487 Pemberton Rd, Victoria, BC
Fusion
PiDGiN
A creative and boldly flavoured restaurant in Gastown that marries Asian cooking traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients. PiDGiN's small plates menu changes seasonally and features outstanding BC seafood and produce treated with Japanese, Chinese, and Korean techniques. One of Vancouver's most original and exciting dining experiences.
350 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J3
Ice Cream
Earnest Ice Cream
A beloved Vancouver artisan ice cream company making small-batch ice cream from hormone-free BC dairy and local ingredients. Flavours change seasonally and have included outstanding creations like salted caramel, Vancouver Island sea salt + honey, Cowichan Bay brown butter toffee, and whisky hazelnut. Long queues on summer evenings attest to their cult status.
Multiple Vancouver locations (Commercial Drive, Main St, W 4th)
Indian
Vij's Restaurant
Chef Vikram Vij's flagship restaurant is one of Canada's most celebrated Indian restaurants, known for serving Indian cuisine through a BC lens with local meats, fish, and vegetables spiced with traditional Indian flavours and technique. The no-reservations policy means queues can be long, but complimentary chai and appetizers are served while you wait. A true Vancouver institution.
3106 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2
Lebanese
Nuba Restaurant
A beloved Vancouver Lebanese restaurant known for its generous, flavourful meze plates, exceptional falafel, and warm hospitality. Nuba has expanded to several locations and remains a go-to for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The Gastown location in a heritage building is particularly atmospheric.
207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7
Mexican
Tacofino
Born as a food truck in Tofino in 2009 catering to surfers and beach goers, Tacofino has expanded to multiple Vancouver and Victoria locations while maintaining its relaxed surf-town ethos. The fish tacos, burritos, and quesadillas use quality BC ingredients like fresh fish and local vegetables. Lines out the door are the norm at peak times.
Various locations (Gastown, Cambie, Yaletown) Vancouver + Tofino
Modern Canadian
The Grocery
A neighbourhood gem in Kitsilano, The Grocery serves precise, seasonal small plates with a deep BC wine and natural wine list. The kitchen favours simple preparations that let exceptional local ingredients speak for themselves. Cosy, warm, and welcoming — the ideal neighbourhood restaurant.
2620 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P7
Regional Bc
RauDZ Regional Table
Chef Rod Butters' flagship restaurant in Kelowna is a champion of Okanagan and BC regional ingredients. The menu at RauDZ shifts with the seasons, drawing on local farms, ranches, and the lake for ingredients. One of the most important farm-to-table restaurants in the BC interior.
1560 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R1
Seafood
The Lure Restaurant
Set in the Delta Hotels Ocean Pointe Resort with panoramic views of Victoria's Inner Harbour and the Empress, The Lure is Victoria's premier seafood dining room. Local Dungeness crab, BC salmon, Vancouver Island mussels, and Cowichan Bay duck are treated with respect and seasonal creativity.
100 Harbour Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 0G1
Steakhouse
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
A Canadian steakhouse institution with roots in BC, The Keg is beloved for its consistent quality prime rib and steaks, classic sides, and generous portions. The Keg Yaletown location in Vancouver is housed in a beautiful heritage building with exposed brick and warm lighting. Multiple locations across BC make it accessible throughout the province.
1499 Anderson St (Yaletown), Vancouver, BC V6H 3R5
Vietnamese
Linh Cafe
A warm and popular Vietnamese café and restaurant in the heart of Victoria, Linh Cafe serves fresh, authentic Vietnamese dishes from pho and banh mi to more elaborate rice dishes and lemongrass stir-fries. A favourite among Victoria's lunch crowd for its freshness, flavour, and value.
1011 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H7
Food tours & tastings in British Columbia
Eat your way through British Columbia with a guide.
Browse food experiences in British ColumbiaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |