Vancouver

AMS Student Nest

The Nest is UBC's student union building. Within the Nest, there are a number restaurants and fast food outlets.

Afghan Horsemen

The exotic decor and rich flavours justify this restaurant's pride in Afghan culture and cuisine. Try one of the platters for two people ($54-76). Numerous vegetarian options, and some vegan dishes too. Try to stay for the mesmerizing belly-dancer's performance.

Tue-Thu 5–10PM, Sun 4-10PM·Mains $23-38

Al Porto

Nice Mediterranean-themed decor with a variety of pizza, pasta, seafood and meat dishes.

Mon-Fri 11:30AM-10:30PM, Sat Sun 4:30PM-10:30PM·Appetizers $6-$16, Pizzas $13-16, Mains $18-$40

All India Sweets

Excellent vegetarian all you can eat Indian food buffet for $9.95.

Aphrodite's Cafe and Pie Shop

A friendly cafe that uses locally-grown and organic ingredients with a first-class menu that's long on vegetarian and vegan dishes. The brunch on Saturday and Sunday is delicious or try the pie and chai combination. Service is sometimes slow, so expect a wait, particularly when crowded. Lunch and dinner on weekdays; no reservations. Pies to go can be purchased at the pie shop next door.

Ba Le

A Vietnamese sandwich shop that is rather out of the way for most tourists but it regularly wins local awards for sandwiches and has delicious Vietnamese subs (including a vegetarian one) for less than $8.

9AM-6PM daily

Banana Leaf

Malaysian food is a vibrant mingling of Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Malay, and it springs to life at Banana Leaf with rich flavours beautifully presented, yet in an efficient, low-key atmosphere. Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian. Other locations are on West Broadway (Mt Pleasant), Davie, Robson, and Denman.

Mon-Thu 11:30AM-10:30PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-11PM, Sun 11:30AM-10PM·Mains $20-45

Banana Leaf (Davie)

Malaysian food is a vibrant mingling of Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Malay, and it springs to life at Banana Leaf with rich flavours beautifully presented, yet in an efficient, low-key atmosphere. Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian. Other locations are on West Broadway (Mt Pleasant and Kits), Robson, and Denman. In location which used to be "Kam's Place", which also served southeast Asian food.

Daily 11:30AM-10PM·dinner $9-15/person; lunch specials from $5.75

Blue Water Cafe

Arguably Vancouver's premier upscale destination for seafood, Blue Water offers fine dining, drinking, and a raw bar. The seafood preparations are direct, emphasizing fresh, flavorful ingredients over showy virtuoso techniques, and many are Japanese-influenced. The wine and cocktail lists are also exceptional. A few non-seafood items (including a couple of vegetarian friendly options) make it possible to bring a group that includes some who may not love what the ocean has to offer.

5PM-11PM (dinner); 4:30PM-1AM (bar)

Bon's Off Broadway

Bon's has a great atmosphere and excellent prices including $3 breakfast all day: 2 eggs, toast, bacon or sausage, and hashbrowns.

Less than $10

Breka Bakery & Café

Open 24/7 at all 7 locations, with 4 located downtown. Very large, very fresh selection of baked goods. All made locally, and then baked on site. Add-ons like oat, almond, soy milk and flavour shots are free. Limited selection of gluten-free and vegan options. All downtown locations are lively: limited seating during peak hours. Fanciest interior is at the newest location on Hastings St.

Open now · open 24 hours·$5–15

Britannia Sushi

This might be the best deal on sushi in the city. $4.95 for an 18 piece combo (including yam rolls) with miso soup, or teriyaki box. Decent quality and decor.

Sun-Thu 11:30AM-9:30PM, Fri-Sat 11:30AM-10PM

Caffè Artigiano

Excellent coffee shop featuring "latte art," but it's still great. IntelligentsiA coffee available. Great espresso. This small chain has a total of four locations in this district, plus other locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary.

Mon-Fri 6AM–6PM, Sat Sun 6:30AM–5PM

Cartems Donuterie

They modestly claim the title of "best donuts in Vancouver". They certainly have some of the most interesting flavours. Try the "whiskey bacon" donut. Also coffee and tea, served with a friendly smile in a hip setting.

Mon-Thu 8AM-8PM, Fri 8AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-6PM·$3 each, $30/dozen

Chambar

Belgian restaurant with mussels and a variety of meat dishes on the menu. A small but delicious selection of vegetarian options. The beer list includes over 25 beers from Belgium. Wide selection of wines. Save room for the fascinating desserts. Don't be surprised if the general manager is the one who takes your empty plates; they are that involved. Exquisite food plus excellent service equals one of the best dining experiences in the city.

Mon–Fri 8AM–3PM, 5PM-late; Sat Sun 8AM–3PM, 5PM-late·Starters $5-24, mains $21-39

Cheesecake, etc.

Vancouver's first late-night dessert cafe. Opened in 1979, it is an authentic Vancouver cultural experience. Featuring the original "Vancouver-style", it is a light cheesecake with various toppings added.

Daily 7PM-1AM·Cheesecake slices $6-7

Coast

Fresh seafood from coastal regions throughout the world. Try the Chef's Community Table, where the chef prepares the food for up to 14 diners right at the table.

Mon-Thu 11:30AM-1AM, Fri 11:30AM-2AM, Sat 4:30PM-2AM, Sun 4:30PM-1AM·Dinner $30-60/person plus wine

East is East

An interesting concept that sometimes works with low shared tables and wailing Asian music in a carpeted room. Decent chai to go with Indian/Tibetan/Pakistani/Iranian food. Some say service is lacking and portions are small.

Sun-Thu noon-10PM, Fri Sat noon-10:30PM

European Breads

An organic crêpes café, which also sells various freshly-baked breads of organic wheat, rye, spelt, and other grains. Well set up for a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Free wifi.

Mon—Fri 10AM–9PM, Sat 11AM–9PM, Sun 11AM–8PM·Crepes $6.95-9.95, Sandwiches $6.95

Fritz Frie House

This restaurant boasts what one of the best poutines in town. The curds are imported from Quebec. The garlic lover's mayo is fantastic too. Cleverly located next to the local Fitness World. $5 for a medium. Open until the wee hours in the morning, frequented by nightclubbers. Regularly wins local awards for fries.

Fuse Pan-Asian Express

合

A fusion of several Asian cuisines, and a fusion of the virtues of prompt service and good food. Except for the grab-and-go items, everything is made to order with house-made sauces. There is a respectable vegetarian selection. Free parking, and an easy walk from Yaletown offices or the Roundhouse. Phone in advanced orders.

Coffee & self-serve 9AM onward daily; Full menu Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM; Sat Sun Hols noon-6PM·Tapas, salads $3-7, stir-fried to order $8, Grilled items $6-12

Glowbal grill & satay bar

Glowbal is a trendy hit in the heart of the Yaletown restaurant row. Brunches are famous, but dinners are also outstanding. Don't be surprised if the chef stops by to offer some custom-made treat if the menu doesn't suffice, and expect the flavours to be marvellous. Attentive, friendly, and uniformly black-clad service. A top-notch operation in every way. Valet parking Thursday-Saturday nights.

afternoon menu 3PM-5PM daily, dinner 5PM-Midnight daily; Mon-Fri lunch 11:30AM-3PM; Sat Sun brunch 10:30AM-3PM·Brunch $10-16, Dinner $18-35

Go Fish

Some of the best fish and chips in Vancouver, along with seasonal fish-based dishes all using fresh ingredients from local fishers. It's just a shack with some outdoor seating and may be a little hard to find; easiest to reach by foot or by bike. Look up driving directions if going by car – the route is not straightforward.

Mon closed, Tue-Fri 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sat Sun noon-6:30PM·$7-15

Gold Train Express

Thai Spicy

This rather misleadingly-named restaurant actually serves Vietnamese food, including a very good pho (beef with rice noodles).

$8-12

Hawker's Delight

At Main and King Edward Hawker's servers up authentic Malaysian/Singaporean dishes at $4-5. Fast-paced atmosphere (as the name would suggest). Good vegetarian options.

Mon-Sat noon-9PM

Heartwood Community Cafe

Successor to the popular Rhizome Cafe, serves bistro food, organic coffee, and alcoholic drinks. They seek to build community, and offer a meeting room for events.

Tue-Fri 11AM–6PM, Sat Sun 10AM–4PM, Mon closed

Heirloom Vegetarian

A bright, airy, colourful space and an all-vegetarian menu with extensive vegan choices. They favour local and fair-trade ingredients. There is brunch menu F-Su 9AM-4PM (weekends).

Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat Sun 8AM-7PM·entrées $20-25

Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

The most amazing service in Vancouver. Classy steakhouse that has been serving Vancouver for some fifty years. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, but the menu also includes local cuisine like Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent.

dinner daily, lunch Mon-Fri·Starters $6-16, mains $28-52

Jang Mo Jib

Serves home style Korean food and is frequented by the local Korean students. The restaurant almost looks run-down, but it serves excellent food. Try the short ribs.

Japadog

A Vancouver street food icon that now has its own shop. It's a twist on the traditional hot dog with your choice of pork, turkey or bratwurst smothered in Japanese flavours and toppings like seaweed, miso glaze, Japanese chilli and teriyaki sauce. There are also several Japadog carts around downtown, some with a kobe beef option. Look for the carts on Burrard St and in front of Waterfront Station.

Open daily from noon·$4-8