The Top Three Splurges and Steals for Your West Coast Adventure

Vancouver’s food scene is a delicious balancing act. It’s where five-star dining meets late-night bakery runs and you’ll fine secret sushi spots that locals swear by. From waterfront splurges to wallet-friendly finds, this city serves up flavour in every corner. Ready to eat your way through both sides of the menu? Let’s dig in… one bite (and budget) at a time.

If you’re the kind of traveler who plans your itinerary around where you’ll eat next (hi, we should be friends), then Vancouver is your playground. Between glossy waterfront patios, low-cost sushi joints, and late-night bakeries that are somehow always packed, this city knows how to feed you right… no matter your budget.

Here’s my little love letter to six spots that hit every craving, from buttery indulgence to late-night carb therapy.

High Rollers (But Worth Every Penny):

1. Homer Street Café and Bar

Let’s start with a modern classic where rotisserie chicken is treated like art and cocktails come with personality. The room itself feels like stepping into an old-world brasserie, all tiled floors and brass details, but the food? Contemporary, comforting, and a little bougie in the best way.

Order this: The rotisserie chicken (duh) and the beef tartare, a side of the truffle mac and cheese if you’re feeling fancy - and never, I mean NEVER… forget to order dessert.
Vibe: Cozy date night meets French café chic.
Wallet impact: Moderate, but no regrets.

2. Minami

If sushi is your religion, consider Minami the cathedral. This Yaletown spot takes aburi (flame-seared) sushi to another level - each bite perfectly balanced, beautifully plated, and frankly, emotional. The service? Impeccable. The cocktails? Dangerous.

Order this: Aburi salmon oshi and the Zen tasting menu if you’re ready for an experience.
Vibe: Sleek, romantic, and where you’ll spot at least three first dates happening around you.
Wallet impact: Pricey, but so is therapy - and this is cheaper and more delicious.

3. Cardero’s

It’s impossible to talk about Vancouver dining without a nod to the waterfront. Cardero’s gives you exactly what you want: ocean views, fresh seafood, and that unmistakable “I’m definitely on vacation” feeling. The patio is a scene, but the food holds its own.

Order this: The seafood platter or blackened sablefish - both perfection. If you are feeling a little electric, get the sizzling shrimp (everything about this dish makes me incredibly happy).
Vibe: Nautical, bustling, and filled with people pretending they own a boat.
Wallet impact: Expect to drop a small stack, but you’ll leave with sunset photos and a satisfied grin.

Budget Bites (AKA: Your Wallet’s Happy Hour)

4. Breka Bakery & Café

Breka is the 24-hour hero Vancouver didn’t know it needed. Open all the time, it’s perfect for 2 a.m. croissant cravings, 7 a.m. caffeine emergencies, or that mid-afternoon “I deserve cake and/or doughnuts" moment.

Order this: The strawberry cheesecake, or the Chia seed pudding and spinach feta puff, and any latte within reach. If you are here during the fall get the Pumpkin Spice doughnut holes (I would get 3, so you have some for later).
Vibe: Students, night owls, and locals who clearly know what’s up.
Wallet impact: You’ll leave full and still have change for parking (a Vancouver miracle).

5. Torafuku

This spot turns comfort food into something clever. Think fusion flavors, casual energy, and a soup that makes you forget every bad takeout experience you’ve ever had. The name literally means “lucky fortune,” and honestly... It fits.

Order this: The beef noodle soup (it’s available at lunch ONLY). If you head there for dinner and want to feel boujee but also feel very fortunate, their tasting menu is $79 and offers 7 courses - have I mentioned they are also a Michelin Recommended restaurant?!
Vibe: Hip, playful, and perfect for a chill night with friends.
Wallet impact: Mid-range but generous portions. You’ll leave both full and smug about the value.

6. Tom’s Sushi

A hidden gem that feels local and loyal. Tom’s Sushi is the kind of place where you order too much, promise you’ll stop after the next roll, and then order one more anyway. Simple, affordable, and ridiculously fresh.

Order this: Anything and any sashimi set. I love a Negihama roll, and a house roll.
Vibe: No frills, no fuss, just great sushi that doesn’t break the bank.
Wallet impact: Low-mid, depending on how ambitious you get with the menu (and you will).

Vancouver might be famous for its mountains and rain, but if you ask me, the real view is whatever’s on your plate. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Minami or devouring a croissant at Breka at 1 a.m., you’ll taste the city’s soul in every bite - equal parts creative, cozy, and quietly cool.

Until next bite,
Kelsey (your unofficial food tour guide with no self-control around carbs)

Eat Your Way Through Vancouver’s Food Scene