Best local dishes and must-visit restaurants in Vancouver, Canada

Once you taste Salmon candy at the Vancouver market, you will be left speechless with pure delight. Photo by Edsel Little on flickr.com

When in Vancouver, you've got to try the local specialty known as salmon candy. Far from your typical sugary treat, this delicacy features strips of pre-marinated and smoked salmon, which are later glazed with maple syrup or raw honey. It results in a tantalizing balance of taste sensations that's impossible to stop eating once you’ve started.

At Granville Island's bustling Public Market, you'll find numerous stalls and seafood vendors selling the sought-after candied salmon at every corner. But if you'd rather stay closer to downtown, we've got a gem for you just 5 kilometers away on Main Street. The restaurant Fish Counter is all about bringing fresh ocean wild species straight to your plate – think pink salmon, humboldt squid, mussels, and prawns, available raw or expertly cooked in a variety of dishes. Indulge in their specialties featuring best fish and chips, crispy cod tacos, deep-fried oysters, and dairy-free clam chowder, all served up in a cool industrial-style setting. It's a local favorite with affordable prices that'll have you coming back for more.

Average bill – $16

If you are just starting out, go for the Okonomi and Kurobuta Terimayo japadogs – perfect for beginners! Photo by City Foodsters, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Japadog is the brainchild of Noriki Tamura and his wife, who brought their idea all the way from Japan to Vancouver. They set up a small chain of restaurants with mobile stands serving up classic North American hot dogs with unique Japanese-inspired toppings like wasabi mayo, tobiko flakes, seaweed strips, fried noodles, or grated radish. While it may look familiar on the outside, the flavors are a whole new adventure, perfect for foodies searching for something exciting and different.

Vancouver's scattered with trailers and storefront outlets from the Japadog chain, a testament to locals' affection for this humble yet flavorful dish. Visit their café downtown for a cozy spot to explore the menu boasting over 40 hot dog varieties, alongside Japanese-inspired poutines, soups, and fries. Dive into signature kurobuta yakiniku & yakisoba japadog for a taste adventure, paired perfectly with crispy dashi chicken momo, takoyaki balls, and shichimi & garlic fries. Without a doubt, you won't find fast food like this anywhere else.

Average bill – $11

Not indulging in poutine while in Canada is like skipping the main event. Photo by 0x010C, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Poutine, a timeless Canadian classic, is a real comfort food treasure adored by Vancouverites and tourists alike. This hearty dish features a generous serving of crispy French fries smothered in rich gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds. The combination of savory goodness and contrasting textures makes poutine the ultimate indulgence, perfect for satisfying cravings on a chilly Vancouver evening or after a night out in the town. By the way, this dish is so popular across the country that even Canadian branches of McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC have it on their menus.

When it comes to finding the best poutine in Vancouver, La Belle Patate is the top destination. Situated downtown on Davie Street for over two decades, this spot is renowned for its authentic Quebec cuisine. With an impressive selection of 40 different options, with extra attention to keeping curds fresh, it's no surprise they're considered among the city's finest. If you're a poutine newbie, go for the crispy buffalo chicken version, but there's more to enjoy than just that – La Belle Patate also serves up mouthwatering Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches, genuine steamed hotdogs, and comforting shepherd’s pie. Don't forget to wash it all down with a refreshing pint of Spruce beer for a truly Canadian experience.

Average bill – $23

Make sure to grab a glass of champagne to accompany your West Coast oysters, which you can get at great prices here. Photo by Edrece Stansberry on unsplash.com

Another must-try treat in Vancouver is the West Coast oysters, and the best place to taste them is the bustling Granville Island Public Market. Here, you can buy all kinds of seafood fresh off the boat and at a much more affordable price than at restaurants. Locals rave about types like Kumamoto, Kushi, and Fanny Bay, swearing they're juicier and sweeter than their Atlantic cousins. Savor oysters in the classic way – raw, with a splash of lemon juice and a glass of champagne – it's not only a luxurious indulgence but also a nutritious boost for your body.

Tucked away in the heart of Vancouver, the Coast restaurant is a hidden treasure, boasting a breathtaking oak room for private dining and an equally impressive main hall. Treat yourself to the freshest West Coast oysters and Hokkaido scallops to start, then indulge in mouthwatering prime New York steak or heavenly handmade gnocchi with wild mushrooms. But the main star of the show is their Seafood Tower – a lavish spread featuring everything from mussels and crab to tuna gomae and sashimi, all beautifully presented in layers. Swing by during Happy Hour from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm to enjoy selected dishes, cocktails, and the finest oysters at a fraction of their regular price.

Average bill – $27

A single Nanaimo bar will not derail your diet – it is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence! Photo by Craig Dugas, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nanaimo bar is a delightful creamy-chocolatey dessert that hails from its namesake town across the waves on Vancouver Island. It's a no-bake wonder made up of three layers: a wafer, nut, and coconut crumb base, a rich custard in the middle, and a smooth chocolate ganache on top. This treat isn't just loved by all locals; it's officially recognized as Canada's favorite sweet and even has its recipe preserved in the Nanaimo museum. The people’s passion for it is so strong that the authorities have established the official Nanaimo Bar Trail* throughout the city, where you can sample the finest variations of this delight. So, don't waste a moment – put on your stretchiest pants and get ready to hit the road.

*Learn more about the Nanaimo Bar Trail here

Of course, you can find this legendary dessert in many Vancouver cafés, but here's a tip from the pros – don't miss out on taking a quick 70-minute ferry ride from downtown to the city of Nanaimo and visiting at least a couple of venues along the official trail of Canada's best treat. Hearthstone Artisan Bakery is one of the 39 spots on this list, and they're known for their mouthwatering Nanaimo bars in three flavors: classic, peanut butter crunch, and a special monthly feature like raspberry white chocolate, Irish cream, candy cane, and more. Plus, they always have fresh pastries on hand, from fluffy croissants to muffins, coconut macaroons, and strudels, perfect for enjoying with a cup of cappuccino indoors or taking with you on a leisurely walk.

Average bill – $9

As our tasty journey through Vancouver wraps up, remember that this list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city's culinary scene. Share your favorite finds in the comments, and we'll make sure to include them in our next foodie guide.