posted on January 30, 2025
With a reputation for one of the best culinary scenes in Canada, Vancouver is home to some of the country’s most amazing restaurants. From Granville Island to Chinatown and Main Street to Stanley Park, Vancouver is a food lover’s paradise with a diverse range of places to dine for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re after delicious food truck snacks and local craft beer or the best MICHELIN star restaurants in Vancouver, the west coast’s urban hub makes an unforgettable city break during the winter season. And thanks to Vancouver’s mild climate, outdoor activities can still have a place on your Vancouver itinerary in between meals!
Hungry to know more? Pick from our menu below to read about a specific restaurant, or keep scrolling for the full spread of the best places to eat in Vancouver this winter!
The best restaurants in Vancouver for winter dining
1. Burdock & Co ($$$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Vancouver during winter
If you’re wondering where to eat in Vancouver this winter, Burdock & Co comes with the MICHELIN seal of approval. Explore the bounty of British Columbia’s farmers, fishers, and producers through the restaurant’s seasonal Moon Menu and get cozy in its candlelit space with a relaxed Pacific-Northwestern vibe.
What to order
Burdock & Co’s rotating menu is what makes it a local hot spot. Ask your server for recommendations and get ready to explore the local flavours of winter. Mainstays on the menu include the house-milled Arctic sourdough and cultured butter, as well as the buttermilk chicken.
Source: Burdock & Co instagram
How to get there
Located in Mount Pleasant, Burdock & Co is an easy ten-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver. Take West Georgia St and turn south, following signs for Historic Chinatown. Then head down Main Street, taking in the scenic views of False Creek along the way.
There is plenty of parking in the Mount Pleasant area. Opt for a small SUV when you book your rental car on Turo to ensure a comfortable drive on wet or snowy streets. A Land Rover Range Rover Velar is the perfect choice to arrive at the restaurant in style.
Nearby things to do in Vancouver
Mount Pleasant shopping: If you’re wondering where to shop in Vancouver, Mount Pleasant offers a day of fun browsing boutique shops and hunting for eclectic vintage finds.
Take a city tour on Main Street: Running from Vancouver’s historic Chinatown past False Creek and down to the Fraser River, Main Street is packed with culture and attractions. Go self-guided or book a walking tour to get your fill of street art, local craft beer, and more restaurant recommendations.
More MICHELIN eats: Exploring the food scene is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter. Plan to dine at iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House and Published on Main during your visit — both celebrated MICHELIN star restaurants in Vancouver.
2. The Teahouse in Stanley Park ($$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Vancouver during winter
Perched on the edge of Vancouver’s urban oasis, the Teahouse in Stanley Park is a cheerful restaurant offering refined seafood, New Canadian cuisine, and an unbeatable brunch. It’s the perfect place to get cozy with a cocktail and take in spectacular views of the English Bay. Now that’s a recipe for beating the winter blues.
What to order
Don’t let the name fool you! The Teahouse in Stanley Park is a full-service restaurant serving up much more than tea. Start with the stuffed mushrooms, then dine on umami-rich miso glazed sablefish or the duck confit as a main. Finish with a sweet treat from the seasonal dessert selection — the lemon tart is highly recommended.
Source: The Teahouse instagram
How to get there
The Stanley Park Teahouse is a fifteen-minute drive from the city. From Downtown Vancouver, follow BC-1A northwest into Stanley Park, then turn left onto Stanley Park Drive. Sit back and enjoy the forested scenery and shoreline of Vancouver’s largest urban park. As you cross the lagoon, look to the right for a view of the seawall and Brockton Point, where you’ll find Vancouver’s famous totem poles.
Choose an SUV with 4WD when you book your rental car on Turo for smooth handling through the park in case of snow or drizzle. Parking is available at the Third Beach parking lot, just next to the restaurant.
Nearby things to do in Vancouver
Stroll the Seawall: The Stanley Park Seawall is a must-do for every Vancouver itinerary, offering breathtaking views of some of British Columbia’s most famous landmarks like Vancouver Harbour and Lions Gate Bridge. Walking or cycling the seawall can be enjoyed year-round, but wrap up warm — it can get windy!
Vancouver Aquarium: Visiting the largest aquarium in Canada is a great option if you’re looking for indoor things to do in Vancouver during winter. Learning about marine life and meeting the resident seals and sea otters makes a great day out if you plan to visit Vancouver as a family.
Brockton Point: A stroll through the surrounding forest of Stanley Park isn’t complete without a visit to its iconic totem poles and Brockton Point Lighthouse. Walk off your meal (or work up an appetite) with this quintessential British Columbia experience.
3. Ask For Luigi ($$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Vancouver during winter
Earning a mention in the Vancouver MICHELIN Guide, Ask For Luigi is a cozy Italian-Canadian restaurant known for its friendly ambiance, generous portions, and outstanding wine list and cocktails. Diners looking for gluten free options will love the pasta menu. Highly recommended for a winter meal with friends!
What to order
Start with the burrata with seasonal vegetables. When it comes to Luigi’s house-made pastas, you can’t go wrong (the entire pasta menu boasts gluten free options), but the rigatoni Bolognese and radiatore verde & mushroom trifolati are popular choices. For dessert, the olive oil cake is a must-try.
Source: Ask for Luigi instagram
How to get there
Located on the border of Gastown and Japantown, the restaurant is a five-minute drive from Vancouver’s downtown core. Take Cordova, Hastings, or Pender east to the restaurant and enjoy the bustle of the city en route.
Street parking is available in the neighbourhood, and a compact SUV will make the drive a breeze in winter conditions. Secure your rental car on Turo and opt for a model like the Jeep Compass to navigate parking and city traffic with ease.
Nearby things to do in Vancouver
Gastown: From its cobblestone streets to its iconic steam clock, Gastown oozes history and charm. Book one of the popular tours to learn about the area’s history or grab a drink at one of the craft breweries while you wait for your table.
Rogers Arena: Is there a more quintessential Canadian experience than catching a hockey game after dinner? Head into town and cheer on the Vancouver Canucks for a memorable night of fun in the heart of Vancouver.
Vancouver Lookout: Ride the glass elevator to the top of Vancouver Lookout for a panoramic view of Vancouver’s landmarks including Coal Harbour, Gastown, Stanley Park, Vancouver Harbour, and the downtown core.
4. Chinatown BBQ ($)
Why is it a must-visit place in Vancouver during winter
Known for its warm atmosphere, hospitality, and generous portions, Chinatown BBQ is a cozy and cheerful reflection of Vancouver’s Chinese food scene. If you’re looking for good places to eat in Vancouver that reflect the authentic, delicious foods of Chinatown, this Vancouver restaurant is a must-visit.
What to order
Classic, melt-in-your-mouth meat platters like roasted pork, BBQ pork, or roasted duck are a must-try at Chinatown BBQ. Enjoy them with a plate of perfectly cooked gai lan. Need to warm up with a hot drink? The restaurant’s lychee black tea is a fan favourite.
Source: Chinatown BBQ instagram
How to get there
Chinatown BBQ is a quick drive from downtown — head east down Pender Street and you’ll be at the restaurant in five minutes. Take in the sights as you cruise through the Chinese cultural centre of Vancouver, a designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Street parking is available near the restaurant and is accessible with a rental car. Opt for a small SUV to navigate winter streets for a smooth and comfortable journey through the heart of the city.
Nearby things to do in Vancouver:
Dr Sun-Yat Sen Garden: If you need a break from the bustle of the city, a visit to this classical Chinese garden could be just what you need. Available to explore year-round, the garden offers guided tours of its beautiful grounds and architecture.
Vancouver Art Gallery: Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery is a great option if you’re looking for indoor things to do in Vancouver during winter. The gallery is home to an impressive photography collection and the work of some of Canada’s most famed artists, like Emily Carr.
Chinese Canadian Museum: Learn about British Columbia’s history of Chinese heritage and immigration with an eye-opening visit to this museum. It’s an ideal indoor activity in winter to slow down and appreciate Vancouver’s cultural landscape before or after you dine in the city.
5. The Fish Counter ($)
Why is it a must-visit place in Vancouver during winter
Known for serving the freshest fish in town, The Fish Counter is a casual neighbourhood spot in North Vancouver with additional locations on Main Street and Commercial Drive. It’s one of the best places to eat in Vancouver when you need to warm up with quality comfort food and makes the perfect lunch break on a winter day exploring British Columbia sights like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
What to order
Ordering the fish and chips is a no-brainer when it comes to dining at The Fish Counter. Thanks to its light and crispy batter, it’s rumoured to be the best in Vancouver, if not in British Columbia! The crab and shrimp baguette and BC bouillabaisse are also popular choices.
Source: The Fish Counter instagram
How to get there
The Fish Counter is a fifteen minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, located near the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge on the North Shore. Follow BC-1A through Stanley Park and cross the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver, then continue onto Capilano Road up to Ridgewood Drive. Take in the stunning views of the North Shore Mountains and the surrounding English Bay on the way.
There is plenty of street parking available in North Vancouver, making it easy to access the restaurant with your Turo vehicle. Opt for a small SUV like a Nissan Rogue to navigate the city streets comfortably in the winter weather.
Nearby things to do in Vancouver
Shipyards Skate Plaza: Head to the North Vancouver shipyards for some winter fun! This indoor rink offers skate rentals, hot drinks, and food trucks for a day of ice skating by the waterfront.
Cypress Mountain: Looking for outdoor things to do in Vancouver? Hop into your rental car and cruise to the top of Cypress Mountain to enjoy a day of snowboarding, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing just outside the city.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Walking the Capilano Suspension Bridge is often considered the best thing to do in Vancouver. Head through North Vancouver and work up an appetite exploring the city’s local rainforest and taking in epic views of the granite cliffs and canyons.
Off the beaten track
Renting a car unlocks the freedom to explore beyond Vancouver’s downtown core, taking you to hidden gems that are harder to reach by transit. Venture into the suburbs and local mountains to discover culinary treasures like Baan Lao in Richmond or the comfort food of My Greek Taverna in Coquitlam.
With Turo, you can escape the tourist hotspots and experience these off-the-beaten-path favourites, each offering a unique taste of Metro Vancouver’s diverse food scene.
Whether you’re searching for the best Vancouver restaurant for haute cuisine or looking for the perfect place to grab lunch on a day trip to the mountains, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore further and make the most of your foodie adventure.
Baan Lao: Dine at this acclaimed restaurant in Richmond for a culinary journey through Thai favourites created with farm-fresh ingredients, complete with wine pairings and serene coastal views.
My Greek Taverna: Fuel up on hearty Greek classics like lamb souvlaki and calamari at this casual dining spot in Coquitlam, ideal as a lunch or dinner stop on your way to the provincial parks near Vancouver.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vancouver a foodie city?
Absolutely! Vancouver is recognized as one of the best food cities in the world, and was the second city in Canada to get its very own MICHELIN Guide. Vancouver’s culinary landscape is a reflection of Canada’s diverse cultures, especially East Asian cuisine, and the city is renowned for its variety of brunch spots, food trucks, and markets like the one on Granville Island. If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver, eating your way around town won’t disappoint!
What food is Vancouver known for?
Vancouver is most famous for its seafood, and especially its sushi. The BC roll was invented here, and some credit Vancouver with the origins of the California roll as well. West coast oysters, Dungeness crab, and spot prawns are also must-tries. The city is also renowned for its Chinese cuisine. If you’re looking for good food places in Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with a dim sum restaurant.
Does Vancouver have a MICHELIN star restaurant?
There are ten MICHELIN star restaurants in Vancouver, and the number is bound to grow. Highlights include Kissa Tanto, Burdock & Co, and St Lawrence — to name a few. In total, the Vancouver MICHELIN Guide includes 75 restaurants, so if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Vancouver, you’ll be spoiled for choice in British Columbia’s culinary gem.
Is it worth visiting Vancouver in winter?
Definitely! With Whistler Blackcomb just 90 minutes away, Vancouver is a popular winter destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, but you don’t have to go that far to hit the slopes. Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain are less than half an hour away from Vancouver’s downtown area, offering plenty of winter activities and breathtaking views from the North Shore Mountain range.
Not a skier? No worries! Vancouver’s dramatic landscapes offer outdoor activities for all skill levels, including ones that the whole family can enjoy. Iconic landmarks like the Capilano Suspension Bridge are easily accessible from Vancouver’s downtown area when you rent a car on Turo.
Of course, exploring the best places to eat in Vancouver can be enjoyed year-round! From concept restaurants to traditional Chinese cuisine, exploring Vancouver’s food scene is a great way to discover the city during the winter season. Add the convenience of driving between stops and you’re ready for a delicious winter escape.
Ready to start planning your foodie getaway? Find the perfect Vancouver rental car on Turo. Browse winter-ready SUVs and luxury models to make each dinner out even more memorable.
Bon appetit!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this winter foodie road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of food and travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
