Best Restaurants in British Columbia 2025
Explore the culinary scene of British Columbia - from local favorites to fine dining.
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.
Must-Try Dishes
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of British Columbia.
Traditional Cuisine
British Columbia's cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage. Ask locals for their favorite dishes and recommendations for authentic dining experiences.
Local Street Food
Street vendors offer affordable and authentic local flavors. Look for busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest options.
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for British Columbia.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Contemporary Canadian Cuisine
Hawksworth Restaurant
Botanist
Modern Pacific Northwest Cuisine
Olo Restaurant
Canadian Pacific Northwest Cuisine
Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar
Italian Cuisine
CinCin Ristorante + Bar
Ask for Luigi
Trattoria di Umberto
Pacific Northwest Cuisine
The Pointe Restaurant
Salmon House on the Hill
Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant
The Mill Marine Bistro
Seafood / Steakhouse Cuisine
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Street Food Tips
- Look for stalls with high turnover - fresh food and local favorites
- Watch how locals eat - they know the best spots
- Check that food is cooked fresh in front of you
- Carry small bills for easier transactions
- Ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
Tipping practices vary - check local customs. In many places, service charge is included in the bill.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Learn a few food-related phrases in the local language - it enhances the dining experience.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations - arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Cash is often preferred at local restaurants and street food stalls.
Food Budget Guide
What to expect at different price points.
Taste the Best of British Columbia
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