Vancouver's Top 38 Dining Destinations

by Nikki Bayley

Savor oysters, devour dumplings, and embrace local flavors

Encircled by towering peaks, with reflective glass towers mirrored in the calm waters surrounding its downtown, Vancouver is effortlessly charming, according to local food writer Nikki Bayley. More than 40% of its inhabitants were born outside Canada, and the city boasts vibrant Chinese, Indian, and Filipino communities, among others. This bustling metropolis of British Columbia is 'a proudly immigrant city,' Bayley remarks. 'The fusion of global chefs bringing their own culinary heritage to the region's outstanding produce from the Lower Mainland and the pristine seafood from the cold waters around Vancouver Island has forged an innovative and distinct West Coast cuisine.'

Vancouver's most cherished and essential dining spots embody this fusion. From classic soup dumplings to excellent yet reasonably priced sushi, the city offers an abundance of Asian cuisine. Locavore dining defines the city's identity. 'Relaxed and exceptionally health-conscious with a focus on sustainability, the city moves in harmony with its distinct seasons, and everything from spot prawns to ramps is celebrated,' says Bayley. 'Add to that a growing brewery and distillery scene and an enticing array of wine varieties from the nearby Okanagan, and it's clear why Vancouver's reputation as a premier global food and drink destination is well-earned.'

Looking only for new openings? Visit our Vancouver heatmap. For the absolute classics, arranged by location, continue reading.

February 2018 Update

As always, some places must leave the list to make room for others. Here are a few of the highlights:

• While Annalena, Bauhaus, and Salvio Volpe continue to offer fantastic experiences, we're bidding them farewell to welcome newcomers St Lawrence, Mak ‘n’ Ming, and Tempranillo.
• We're leaving the brunch lines at the superb Café Medina to join the crowds at Red Wagon across town, and shifting our ramen loyalty from the smooth broth at Ramen Man to the artisanal noodles of Marutama.
• Cocktail enthusiasts should still head straight to Prohibition, but this time we're acknowledging Uva.
• Beta 5, the whimsical dessert and chocolate creators, are already on every true chocolate fan's radar, so now we're highlighting the underrated downtown bakery Thierry.
• Wave goodbye to fried chicken champions Zabu and say hello to the late-night taco and margarita chaos at Gringo.

Price key:

$ = Under 20 Canadian dollars (under $15 USD)

$$ = 20 to 49 Canadian dollars ($15 to $40 USD)

$$$ = 50 to 100 Canadian dollars ($40 to $75 USD)

$$$$ = More than 100 Canadian dollars (more than $75 USD)

1 Au Comptoir

Transport yourself to a superb Parisian bistro in the beachside Kitsilano area, where rising chef Dan McGee and his crew craft French classics using British Columbia's top ingredients. Everything from the Monin syrups to the bespoke bar originates in France — even the waitstaff are predominantly French, though happily infused with Canadian politeness. Stop by for buttery croissants in the morning, oozy croque-monsieur at lunch, or succulent entrecôte-frites with a delightfully charred exterior at dinner — any hour is perfect at Au Comptoir. [$$]

2278 W 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8, Canada

(604) 569-2278

2 Mak N Ming

Having built a reputation at Pidgin with their inventive fusion of Asian flavors and French techniques, chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng launched Mak N Ming in a compact space in the waterfront Kitsilano neighborhood. This spot offers only tasting menus — either a full six-course or a three-course “demi.” Service remains impeccable, and you'll discover many lesser-known wines to complement the creative Japanese fusion. The menu shifts often, so don't get too attached to those Dungeness crab noodles. [$$$-$$$$]

1629 Yew St Vancouver, BC V6K 3E6, Canada

(604) 737-1155

3 Maenam

One of Vancouver's most remarkable (and industrious) chefs, Angus An operates three other venues across the city, including the noodle haven Fat Mao and Freebird Chicken Shack, which excels in Asian-style rotisserie. But if you can only visit one, head to Maenam to experience An's masterful balance of sweet, aromatic, citrus, heat, and spice, resulting in outstanding Thai dishes with a British Columbia twist. With great value, attentive service, and a killer cocktail and wine list, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner — and is even suitable for takeaway to nearby Kitsilano beach. [$$]

1938 W 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5, Canada

(604) 730-5579

4 Farmer’s Apprentice

Naming signature dishes at chef David Gunawan's cozy spot on W. 6th is pointless because the menu changes daily based on what his purveyors deliver. Offering set omnivore and herbivore menus, even in deep winter his plates glow vibrantly with seasonal spirit. Vegetables take center stage here — pickled, fermented, roasted, or smoked — while rare breed meats like Tamworth pork are used sparingly but with elegant effect. Dive into the natural wine pairings and ask about the amazing velvety unfiltered Little Farm Cabernet Franc. [$$$]

1535 W 6th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1R1, Canada

(604) 620-2070

5 Kingyo Izakaya

Ideal for a quick lunch after exploring Stanley Park and English Bay, arrive early to snag one of the Deluxe Bento Boxes (only 10 made daily) to sample the menu's highlights. At night, soak up the lively atmosphere and over-order from the irresistible daily-changing fresh menu. Seafood standouts like tuna tataki shine alongside sizzling stone-grilled beef tongue and crispy chicken karaage served with three types of salt. [$$]

871 Denman St Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9, Canada

(604) 608-1677

6 Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant

Take a 20-minute Skytrain ride from downtown to neighboring Richmond, which Eater's roaming critic Bill Addison calls “one of the cultural marvels of North America,” for some of the world's finest Asian cuisine. At this award-winning favorite, dim sum is handcrafted by chef-owner May Chau, who focuses on Hong Kong classics: steamed pork and crab dumplings, pan-fried pork buns, and deep-fried wontons — all must-orders. [$-$$]

8071 Park Rd Richmond, BC V6Y 1S8, Canada

(604) 278-0873

7 Granville Island Public Market

Sure, the aisles are packed with Instagrammers at this popular tourist spot, but there are gems to be found for assembling a superb picnic while watching boats and paddle boarders on False Creek. Choose from delights like pickled headcheese, succulent mortadella, and punchy salami at Oyama Sausage Co, then head to Terra Bread for excellent focaccia or baguettes before stocking up on local Salt Spring Island cheeses at Benton Brothers and fresh doughnuts at Lee's. [$]

1669 Johnston St Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada

(604) 666-6655

8 Dinesty Dumpling House

After a brisk walk, run, cycle, or paddle around the seawall, make for this modern gem nearby on Robson Street for a comprehensive selection of some of the city's tastiest Taiwanese cooking. The xiao long bao, soup dumplings you can watch being made while waiting for a table, boast clean bright flavors, and the entire menu is easily approachable for those new to this cuisine. [$]

1719 Robson St Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9, Canada

(604) 669-7769

9 Sushi Bar Maumi

Think the Seinfeld Soup Nazi was harsh? Then you haven't met chef Maumi Ozaki, who rules over this cult omakase spot in the West End — woe to anyone who breaks his rules. No children allowed, no alcohol for sale, bookings only by phone, minimum $20 per person, and no photos of him at work or of anyone else's food. Just 30 diners per night across three 90-minute seatings get to taste the exceptional seafood Ozaki imports five times a week from Japan. Make sure you're one of them. [$$-$$$]

1226 Bute St Vancouver, BC V6E 1Z8, Canada

(604) 609-2286

10 Marutama Ra-men Canada / Westend

Don't worry: The queues for this West End ramen favorite move quickly, and it's always worth the wait — especially for noodle fans. Each day this small shop produces 500 4.4-ounce balls of noodles (you can watch the machine from the dining area) that rest for 24 hours before being cooked and slurped. Hailing from Japan, Marutama favors a silky rich chicken broth over the heavier pork-based tonkotsu. Prepare to be enchanted — and don't skip the egg. It's consistently the best in the city. [$]

780 Bidwell St Vancouver, BC V6G 2J6, Canada

(604) 688-8837

11 Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio

If you've never tried Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, here's your chance in one of the city's most picturesque spots on the seawall overlooking False Creek. The early bird prix-fixe menu offers excellent value and a chance to sample the restaurant's highlights, but the real star is the Ancora Glacier: a creative take on a seafood tower. You'll swoon over the creamy whipped cold causa topped with juicy Dungeness crab and spicy Salt Spring Island mussel escabeche. [$$$]

1600 Howe St #2 Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9, Canada

(604) 681-1164

12 Forage

If you're seeking the ideal eco-friendly locavore Vancouver dining experience, you've found it. Few walk the sustainable walk like chef Chris Whittaker and his team, who create locally farmed, seasonal, and foraged menus paired with all-BC wine, beer, and cocktails served with genuine hospitality. The energy-efficient gadgets and zero landfill waste record are impressive, but so are the Turtle Valley Bison bone-in sirloin and the delicate annual treat of Whittaker's nettle farro grain risotto. There's also a killer weekend brunch. [$$]

1300 Robson St Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada

(604) 661-1400

13 CinCin Ristorante + Bar

In summer, few places are lovelier than CinCin's tucked-away patio above busy Robson Street, but year-round this is simply some of the most elegant and restrained Italian cooking you'll find in the city. Silky pastas gently kissed with uncomplicated sauces and butter, sustainable and organic meats and fish cooked on a dazzling wood-fired Grillworks Infierno, and seasonal light bright salads — essentially harmony and happiness on a plate, with one of the city's best wine lists. One warning: try not to fill up on the exceptional bread basket, tempting though it may be. [$$$]

1154 Robson St Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada

(604) 688-7338

14 Kirin Restaurant

Vancouver is blessed with exceptional Chinese restaurants, and Kirin offers a unique perspective by showcasing the very best local ingredients through a Northern Chinese lens — meaning big, bold flavors. There's a daily fresh menu (each of Kirin's four locations does something different) and they also serve dim sum from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Don't miss the spring rolls, which are light, small, and delicate with seasonally changing fillings, and check out the often unusual dumpling combos. [$$]

1172 Alberni St Vancouver, BC V6E 1A5, Canada

(604) 682-8833

15 Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Old-school white linens, fresh local and sustainable Ocean Wise ingredients, and top-notch friendly service go hand in hand with outstanding value at Joe's. An unpretentious choice for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, guests here can dive into fresh-shucked B.C. oysters, piled-high bowls of crispy fried calamari, and buttery miso-marinated sablefish. Dining on a budget? The daily blue plate lunch special clocks in at $10, and there are great dinner deals too. Join the locals for afternoon and evening happy hour oysters and sliders on the suntrap rooftop patio. [$$]

777 Thurlow St Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada

(604) 669-1940

16 Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

There are hotel restaurants and there are restaurants in hotels — Boulevard is definitely the latter. Pedigreed chef Alex Chen and team's inventive take on west coast seafood brings diners into excitingly experimental territory but never strays far from harmony and balance. It's a bright, beautiful room to enjoy crowd-pleasing seafood towers or steak-frites, while the service, cocktails, and wine list are all on point. Plus, there's a great daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with cocktails on tap, oysters, and an insanely good wagyu beef Korean galbi dog. [$$$]

845 Burrard St Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6, Canada

(604) 642-2900

17 Thierry Café

Open until midnight seven nights a week, Thierry is the perfect late-night cake-fueled adventure. Delicate, buttery lemon tarts; decadent rum-soaked savarins; crumbly sea salt-butter cookies; and lavishly decorated cakes both big and small are on offer, along with a tempting array of seasonal treats (just wait for Okanagan peach season!) and handmade ganache-filled chocolates. [$]

1059 Alberni St Vancouver, BC V6E 1A1, Canada

(604) 608-6870

18 Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Dynasty boasts twinkling chandeliers, views over the city from its first-floor perch on West Broadway, and, thanks to chef Sam Leung, some of the city's best modern Chinese food. Open daily from 10 a.m. for dim sum, its standouts are the buttery barbecue pork cha siu bao with baked lemon, and the silky, wafer-thin dumplings stuffed with fresh shrimp, scallops, and black truffles. Dinner features a “24-hours notice” menu, with Cantonese delights such as mushroom-braised duck. Service skews more efficient than hospitable, but the food easily makes up for it. [$$-$$$$]

108-777 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7, Canada

(604) 876-8388

19 Blue Water Cafe

Raw from the sushi bar or cooked from the open kitchen, seafood is the star at this Yaletown institution. Widely acknowledged as one of Canada's leaders on responsible seafood, chef Frank Pabst and team push the culinary envelope each February with their Unsung Heroes festival, which celebrates lesser-loved species, encouraging diners to broaden their palates and try more sustainable seafood such as poached periwinkles and red sea urchin trifle. Year-round, the service is superb, the wine list dizzyingly wonderful, and the BC seafood towers a splurge meal you'll adore. [$$$-$$$$]

1095 Hamilton St Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4, Canada

(604) 688-8078

20 Heritage Asian Eatery

After an elevated career in high-end restaurants, such as London's Galvin La Chapelle and Vancouver's all-vegetarian Parker, chef Felix Zhou has abandoned fine dining for comfort food. His Financial District lunch counter (which is also open for early dinner) has been crazy busy since opening in 2016. It's no wonder: Zhou's deceptively simple menu of casual Asian eats offers something for both vegetarians and meat eaters. You'll find silky bao stuffed with slow-roasted pork belly or shiitake mushrooms, piled-high rice bowls topped with fried eggplant or sticky-sweet duck, and five-spice wings or cauliflower. [$]

1108 W Pender St Vancouver, BC V6E 4J6, Canada

(778) 737-1108

21 Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar

In the heart of the city's entertainment district, Uva wears many hats: In the morning, it serves as a European-style cafe with excellent espresso, before morphing into a lunchtime hang with great Italian-inspired small plates. In the afternoon, Uva becomes a happy hour scene with elevated cocktail nibbles before finally taking up duty as one of Vancouver's favorite late-night cocktail bars. Order a wine flight and drink your way around the world, or dig into the award-winning creations of bar manager Sabrine Dhaliwal, who deftly walks the line between lower-alcohol drinks and bold and boozy ones. [$$]

900 Seymour St Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9, Canada

(604) 632-9560

22 Hawksworth Restaurant

Even Vancouverites — who truly wear yoga pants everywhere — dress up when they dine at chef David Hawksworth's excellent restaurant. Everything from the Damien Hirst art on the wall of its outstanding cocktail bar to the gleaming oversized crystal chandelier in the main dining room sets your expectations high for what's to come. Fortunately, those expectations are effortlessly met with this pitch-perfect exploration of west coast cuisine threaded through with Asian flavors and modern techniques. Unmissable. [$$$$]

801 W Georgia St Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada

(604) 673-7000

23 Botanist

It's been a while since Vancouver had such a pretty place to see and be seen, and since opening in April 2017, Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim has been consistently busy. The Champagne lounge bubbles over with excellent options, and the wine list features a raft of exclusive terroir-driven picks from BC and beyond. Definitely stop for cocktails at the Lab — where drinks come with theatrical drifts of dry ice and other high-concept presentations — before diving into the wildly photogenic food of chef Hector Laguna (formerly of Hawksworth), airy dishes with whisper-light but flavor-dense foams, made with locally sourced delights. [$$$-$$$$]

1038 Canada Pl Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada

(604) 695-5500

24 Vij’s

Chef Vikram Vij is a huge star in Canada, with a stint as an investor on the reality show for aspiring entrepreneurs Dragon's Den, and a national range of pre-packaged gourmet frozen curries to his name. Everyone from ex-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to Harrison Ford has waited for a table while enjoying free snacks, thanks to Vij's no reservations policy. Join the queues and feast on ambrosial curries paired with BC wines and funky cocktails. This is fine dining Indian-style, with local ingredients and painstakingly hand-ground spices. Don't miss the lamb popsicles. [$$$]

3106 Cambie St Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2, Canada

(604) 736-6664

25 Miku

The food stacks up to the dazzling view at this popular Japanese restaurant overlooking Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains, which specializes in Aburi-style flame-seared sushi. Splurge at dinner for the beautifully presented kaiseki tasting selection, or at lunch get an Aburi sampler. All the fish is sustainable and Miku has one of the best sake lists in the city; try a flight of three paired to match your food. Don't miss the green tea opera cake for dessert. [$-$$$]

200 Granville St # 70 Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada

(604) 568-3900

26 Nemesis Coffee

The staff at Nemesis seem genuinely pleased to serve, and the food here goes beyond the usual coffee-shop bakes (although the chocolate cashew and smoked salt cookie is the bomb) to offer a full lunch menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, and crispy duck-three-ways waffles. As for the brew? The baristas are skilled and eager to help you pick the right espresso or pour over from small-batch roasters like Toronto's Pilot and Seattle's Slate. [$]

302 W Hastings St Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4, Canada

27 Chambar Restaurant

After a stint at the Savoy in London, cooking for Mick Jagger, Prince, and a host of other glitzy celebs, Belgian chef Nico Schuermans has created the archetypal Vancouver casual fine dining restaurant. It offers an elegant room, faultless service, and a no-nonsense menu of French/Belgian-influenced classics made with Pacific Northwest ingredients, which you'd be more than welcome to enjoy coming straight from yoga class still in your Lululemons. [$-$$$]

568 Beatty St Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada

(604) 879-7119

28 Wildebeest

Wildebeest is a very Vancouver-ish kind of restaurant, focusing on nose-to-tail cooking using organic-raised animals, sustainable seafood, and seasonal — and often custom-grown or foraged — vegetables. The cocktail menu is terrific and includes drinks designed to be paired with food, the wine list thoughtful, and the cooking table-bangingly wonderful. Save yourself from the impossible tyranny of choice and go omakase and have them decide for you. But insist on the smoked olives, fried chicken, and yeah, do a sherry luge post-bone marrow too. [$$-$$$]

120 W Hastings St Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8, Canada

(604) 687-6880

29 Gringo

Gringo's back-alley, late-night vibe may seem unpromising, but it's a home away from home for the restaurant industry in Gastown and drinkers wishing to tap into the restorative power of tacos after a long, late night. Tron-inspired unicorns and cats with laser eyes comprise the decor, and the menu is equally irrepressibly silly, from the “Chippy Dippy” section to the White Girl Wasted cocktails. Booze comes brown-bagged, with the tequila labeled “crap” or “OK,” and cocktails come garnished with a gummy worm. But the food — including aromatic, slow-cooked, meat-stuffed tacos and particularly excellent brisket — goes way beyond sloppy late-night fare and is seriously great. [$]

27 Blood Alley Square Vancouver, BC V6B 0C4, Canada

30 L’Abattoir

In the heart of Gastown, there are so many reasons why L'Abattoir needs to be part of your dining plans: it's open for dinner and weekend brunch, with one of the city's most innovative cocktail menus and an excellent happy hour. Make a reservation to enjoy impeccable French technique combined with superb west coast produce in a beautiful room. The sweetbreads are fantastic, and scallops roasted with brown butter a delicate delight. [$$$]

217 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada

(604) 568-1701

31 Tempranillo

Two words: pork spread. Well, to be more accurate, one word: sobrassada, a soft, spreadable chorizo that team Tempranillo makes in house. It's reason enough to stop by this Spanish-inspired spot in the heart of Gastown. However, you'll also find shareable raciones — slightly bigger than tapas — of local treats, such as marinated white anchovies, buttery beef tenderloin carpaccio, olive oil-poached and brined tuna belly, plus a selection of tinned Spanish conservas like squid and razor clams. The drinks are on point too, with great sherry options, authentic vermouth, and Basque ciders. [$$]

280 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6A 1K3, Canada

(604) 720-3145

32 Pidgin Restaurant

Drawing inspiration from the bounty of Pacific Northwest and seamlessly blending that with French techniques and Asian influences, Pidgin's cuisine unerringly reflects the blurring of the line between East and West in Vancouver. Although perfect for bar snacks — the gochujang chicken wings are the best in the city — and genuinely thrilling for the creative cocktails with ingredients such as toasted rice rum and gunpowder tea gomme, Pidgin's prix fixe is an exceptional value with eight mini courses of pure inventive delight for $55 per person. Whisky and sake fans will love the selection, and the wine list offers global gems too. [$-$$$]

350 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6B 2J3, Canada

(604) 620-9400

33 The Acorn Restaurant

Seasonal produce shines brightly in this softly-lit vegetarian restaurant that strums along happily to hipster beats in the heart of the city's funky Main Street neighborhood. The menu switches up frequently (save for the show-stopping halloumi in a whisper-thin beer batter with minty smashed peas) and the vegan techniques employed are faultless — who knew that aquafaba (chickpea water) and coconut cream could make everything taste so delicious? The wine list has plenty of lesser-known biodynamic varieties to try and, impressively, the non-alcoholic drinks are given as much consideration as the excellent cocktails. [$$]

3995 Main St Vancouver, BC V5V 3P3, Canada

(604) 566-9001

34 Burdock & Co

Andrea Carlson's resume reads like a rundown of every restaurant that helped shape Vancouver's fresh, local, and sustainable style: C, Raincity Grill, Sooke Harbour House, Bishop's — she's worked at them all. You'll find a shining example of British Columbia-based casual fine dining in Burdock & Co's locavore menu, which pairs perfectly with the tight, natural-leaning wine list. Seasonal favorites come and go, but the ever-present buttermilk fried chicken always is a must-order. The family-style shared menu offers up the best deal and a true seasonal taste of British Columbia. [$$$]

2702 Main St Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada

(604) 879-0077

35 Bao Bei

Chambar alumna Tannis Ling combined forces with chef Joël Watanabe, who brings his Corsican-Japanese heritage to this popular Chinatown restaurant. It may look like a hipster take on a Chinese brasserie, but the sound of woks crashing in the kitchen speaks to its traditional techniques. Sharing plates are pleasingly well-sized and the cocktails thoughtfully crafted, and — because it's Vancouver — all meat is local and ethically raised, hormone and chemical-free. Don't miss local legend Helen's delicate hand-made potstickers and dumplings — she makes hundreds of perfect dumplings each day — and the appropriately named Kick Ass House-Fried Rice. [$$$]

163 Keefer St Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada

(604) 688-0876

36 Kissa Tanto

The critics' rave of 2016, this pitch-perfect pairing of Japanese and Italian cuisine comes together in a funky second-story space in Chinatown, a few steps away from its sister crowd-pleaser, Bao Bei. Although the menu is small, the urge to eat it all is huge: the exquisite pasta made in-house; the show-stopping wow of the whole fish served fins and all, puffed hot and crisp from the fryer; the fusion of flavors such as kombu dashi and pecorino dancing seamlessly together in a simple but oh-so-complex salad. Reservations are essential. [$$$]

263 E Pender St Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada

(778) 379-8078

37 St Lawrence Restaurant

Since opening in summer 2017 under the experienced hand of Montreal's Toqué alum chef J.C. Poirier, St Lawrence has been one of the city's toughest reservations to score. Step behind the velvet curtain of this small dining room in Japantown and you leave Vancouver and its passion for clean, fresh, lean cuisine behind and dive into a delicious butter-hosed world where old-school French technique meets Québecois cuisine. The music, wine list, and staff are all French, and the short menu groans with decadent treats like the flaky Paris-Brest stuffed with duck liver and foie gras mousse and the tourtière venison pie, with its golden pastry and rich, meaty filling that comes adorned with a mini Habs hockey flag. Over-order and hang the consequences. Oh, and save room for the salted caramel rice pudding. [$$$-$$$$]

269 Powell St Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3, Canada

(604) 620-3800

38 The Red Wagon Cafe

Over-imbibed? Behold the cure: the legendary all-day breakfast menu at Red Wagon Cafe, where the plates are piled high and the service is friendly. There may be queues, but lines move fast (put down your name at the door when you arrive). Maximum happiness is an order of Baileys-spiked coffee, a spicy gin-dosed Caesar, and then the cavalcade of calories that comes with the Supertrucker breakfast: eggs, fluffy pancakes, juicy pulled pork, a fat side of crisp pork belly, and, of course, Jack Daniel's-infused maple syrup. [$]

2296 E Hastings St Vancouver, BC V5L 1V4, Canada

(604) 568-4565

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