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
The Pointe Restaurant
Salmon House on the Hill
Waterfront Wines Restaurant
Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant
Forage Restaurant
The Mill Marine Bistro
American
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Timber Restaurant
Nancy O's
Canadian Diner
White Spot
Save-On-Meats
Rod'n'Gun Café
Italian
CinCin Ristorante + Bar
Ask for Luigi
Trattoria di Umberto
Japanese
Japadog
Tojo's Restaurant
Miku Restaurant
Contemporary Canadian
Hawksworth Restaurant
Botanist
Pub
Ferris' Upstairs
The Flying Beaver Bar & Grill
Seafood
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
The Lure Restaurant
Asian Street Food
Richmond Night Market
Barbecue
Smokin' George's BBQ
Burgers
Pink Bicycle Burger
Canadian Pacific Northwest
Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar
Chinese
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
European
The Cuckoo Restaurant
Farm
Agrius Restaurant
French
The Smoking Dog
Fusion
PiDGiN
Ice Cream
Earnest Ice Cream
Indian
Vij's Restaurant
Lebanese
Nuba Restaurant
Mexican
Tacofino
Modern Canadian
The Grocery
Modern Pacific Northwest
Olo Restaurant
Regional Bc
RauDZ Regional Table
Steakhouse
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Vietnamese
Linh Cafe
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. |