DineSpin

Best What's Hot in Vancouver

Find the best what's hot restaurants in Vancouver, BC. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Vancouver's food scene right now is split between obsessive owners who've been quietly perfecting one thing for decades and newer spots that are cracking the code on experience-plus-food fusion. What's hot here isn't flashy—it's places where the owner is still in the kitchen, or still reading every review and actually giving a damn. Here are ten restaurants that have earned their moment.

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Best What's Hot in Vancouver

1.

Don at Kitsilano

92/100

Six tables, handcrafted epoxy tables with dried flowers embedded in them, and Asian fusion dishes composed like they're meant to sit on Instagram—but the real story is the warmth. They hand-write cards for special occasions and remember what you're celebrating. The kitchen is creative but small; portions reflect premium pricing more than generosity, and occasional seasoning swings suggest the chef is still hunting consistency.

Pro tip: Go for anniversaries or celebrations where the personal details matter more than portion size. Avoid walk-ins entirely—the six-seat capacity fills instantly, and the open kitchen design means your clothes will smell like the space for hours after.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, exquisite flavors, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Every dish is thoughtful, beautifully plated, and full of flavour.

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as warm, friendly, attentive, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond for guests.

Service was very friendly, staff is quite efficient

Vibe98

The restaurant's atmosphere is overwhelmingly lauded for its beauty, coziness, and unique, artistic decor, creating a memorable and intimate dining experience.

Atmosphere was great

💰Value75

While most diners find the experience worthwhile, a few note that portions can be small for the price, and some items like bread are considered expensive.

Portions are on the smaller side

📍 2186 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 4S2, Canada
4.6$$$VancouverMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking creative and artistic cuisineIntimate date nights
2.

Eivan Restaurant and Bar

95/100

The ghormeh sabzi and eggplant stew here are made from scratch with the kind of care that reads immediately—they taste like someone's grandmother is still in the kitchen. The vibe is elegant without the pretension, and the service feels genuinely warm rather than performed. Portions are debated (some diners find them modest), but the quality and presentation justify the ask if you're there for the food and not the deal.

Pro tip: Order the stews and let them guide the night—they're the technical showcase. Avoid peak weekend hours if small portions concern you; seated tables move slowly enough that consistency in execution becomes visible.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Persian flavors, fresh ingredients, and excellent taste, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Amazing food and atmosphere

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, professional, and welcoming, contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.

Great food, great service

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, cozy, stylish, and relaxing, creating a pleasant and inviting ambiance.

Nice modern vibe

💰Value85

Portions are generally considered generous and the pricing fair, offering good value for the quality of food and experience.

Portions were generous

📍 1615 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J5, Canada
4.9$$North VancouverPersian
Ideal for
Authentic Persian food enthusiastsCasual and special occasion diningDiners seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere
3.

Saan Saan Cafe and Restaurant

92/100

This gluten-free Hong Kong cafe in Chinatown is run by three siblings who've somehow cracked the code on pastries that rival non-GF counterparts—which sounds simple until you've had most gluten-free baked goods. The space is a transported HK nostalgia moment, everything is made fresh daily in-house, and the staff treats you like family. The neighborhood has visible challenges, but diners see this as part of the authentic revitalization effort.

Pro tip: It's Friday through Sunday only, and popular items sell out. Get there early if you want the full pastry selection. The curry fish balls at $16 are dividing—order strategically based on your portion-price tolerance.

🍽️Food95

The Hong Kong-inspired menu, particularly the baked goods and pastries, is well-regarded for its deliciousness and authentic flavors, with many noting it's hard to believe they are gluten-free.

The cookies were unreal

👋Service95

Staff and owners are frequently described as remarkably friendly, attentive, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.

Cosmo’s so attentive!

Vibe95

The cafe's atmosphere is a major highlight, with diners frequently celebrating its beautiful, cozy, warm, and nostalgic Hong Kong-inspired decor.

Modern blends perfectly with iconic Chinese decor

💰Value85

While prices are not explicitly detailed, the quality and taste of the food, especially given the gluten-free nature, suggest good value for money.

Reasonable prices

📍 227 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2S7, Canada
4.8$$VancouverChinese
Ideal for
Gluten-free diners seeking authentic HK treatsThose looking for a cozy, aesthetically pleasing cafeVisitors wanting a taste of nostalgic Hong Kong flavors
4.

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant

92/100

This is a decades-old institution that earned its reputation through consistency and genuine hospitality—the lamb is tender enough to question why other restaurants bother with tough cuts, and the service (especially server Farhad) treats allergy questions like they matter. The floor seating and live belly dancing transform dinner into an event. Arrive knowing this isn't a casual meal; it's a cultural experience that works because the owners have refined it over forty years.

Pro tip: Reserve ahead and arrive ready for floor seating—mobility challenges make this difficult, but everyone else should embrace the full experience. Peak times fill quickly, and the parking isn't clearly marked from the street.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, perfectly cooked meats, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Food is absolutely perfect

👋Service98

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and professional, with specific recognition for servers like Farhad.

Service was great as well

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as unique, traditional, cozy, and enchanting, with special mention of the floor seating areas.

Incredible experience

💰Value85

While some find prices on the higher side, most diners feel the generous portions and overall experience offer good value.

Great value for your money

📍 1833 Anderson St #202, Vancouver, BC V6H 4E5, Canada
4.5$$$VancouverAfghan
Ideal for
Experiential diningGroups and celebrationsThose seeking authentic Afghan cuisine
5.

COFU Chinatown

92/100

COFU Chinatown offers an excellent plant-based Japanese dining experience, lauded for its creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented cuisine. The serene atmosphere and attentive service contribute to a memorable occasion, making it a standout destination for both vegans and non-vegans.

Pro tip: Amazing night at COFU Chinatown in Vancouver. The food was not only flavourful, it was a great experience.

🍽️Food95

The plant-based Japanese cuisine is well-regarded for its creativity, fresh ingredients, and outstanding flavor profiles, often exceeding expectations even for non-vegans.

Flavourful, it was a great experience

👋Service90

Service is generally described as attentive, warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often making first-rate recommendations and contributing to a special dining experience.

Staff were very attentive

Vibe95

The restaurant's Japandi-inspired minimalist design, warm atmosphere, and beautiful interior create a serene, luxurious, and special ambiance.

Beautiful interior

💰Value85

While some reviews hint at high-end pricing, the overall reception suggests that the quality, creativity, and experience justify the cost.

Surprisingly reasonable price

📍 488 Gore Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2Z6, Canada
4.8$$$VancouverJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsVegans and vegetarians seeking elevated diningDiners looking for a unique culinary experience
6.

Botanist

92/100

Botanist offers an excellent dining experience in Vancouver, celebrated for its artistic and delicious food, impeccable service, and stunning ambiance. It is particularly recommended for special occasions and tasting menus, though it comes at a higher price point.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, service, and ambiance make for an unforgettable dining experience.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, creative presentation, and delicious, unique flavors, with many dishes described as works of art. The tasting menu is a particular highlight.

Food was AMAZING and reasonably priced

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as top-notch, attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond to make occasions special.

Service was beyond amazing.

Vibe95

The restaurant's ambiance is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated, with lush greenery and a refined atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

The ambiance is stunning

💰Value75

While generally considered expensive, many diners feel the quality of food, service, and overall experience justifies the cost, though a few found portions small for the price.

Quite expensive, but definitely worth it.

📍 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada
4.6$$$$VancouverMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsTasting menu enthusiastsThose seeking an elegant atmosphere
7.

Sula Indian Restaurant, Commercial Drive

92/100

Sula Indian Restaurant is a well-regarded establishment on Commercial Drive, celebrated for its excellent Indian cuisine, warm and inviting ambiance, and outstanding service. It is well-regarded for its flavorful dishes, beautiful decor, and attentive staff, making it a top choice for both casual and special occasions.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, service, and ambiance make this a highly recommended Indian dining experience.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its vibrant, authentic flavors, balanced spices, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes highlighted as first-rate.

Flavours were vibrant and authentic

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as top-notch, with staff being attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and special.

Incredibly attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome

Vibe95

The restaurant's ambiance is consistently lauded as beautiful, cozy, warm, modern, and well-decorated, often enhanced by elements like indoor gardens and water features.

Cozy, warm, and modern atmosphere

💰Value85

While generally considered good value, mentioned it being overpriced for the taste, but this is an isolated comment.

Great prices, great service.

📍 1128 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2, Canada
4.4$$VancouverIndian
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking authentic Indian flavorsThose who appreciate a beautiful ambiance
8.

Jägerhof Restaurant

88/100

Jägerhof Restaurant offers an authentic and lively German dining experience in North Vancouver, celebrated for its cozy atmosphere, frequent live music, and delicious, hearty food, particularly schnitzel. While generally well-regarded, some diners note issues with portion sizes, noise levels, and occasional service inconsistencies.

Pro tip: Amazing ambience, and if you are lucky to be there for live music it is a an absolute treat!

🍽️Food88

The food is generally known for its authentic German flavors, with schnitzel and pork hock frequently highlighted as delicious and well-prepared. Some diners noted smaller portions and occasional blandness, but overall, the quality of ingredients and taste is a strong point.

The schnitzel is still very tasty

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, with staff often going the extra mile. However, noted slow service, and another mentioned a potentially passive-aggressive tone from a host.

Excellent service!

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as amazing, cozy, authentic, and lively, significantly enhanced by live music, particularly piano and accordion performances, creating a unique European ambiance.

Amazing ambience

💰Value75

While many find the food delicious, some diners noted smaller portions and higher prices, particularly with added charges for substitutions. The overall value is considered decent but not outstanding for all diners.

Portions are noticeably smaller

📍 71 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E5
4.7$$North VancouverGerman
Ideal for
Authentic German food loversThose seeking a lively atmosphere with live musicDate nights and special occasions
9.

Brix and Mortar

88/100

Brix & Mortar is a highly-regarded restaurant in Vancouver, celebrated for its stunning ambiance, excellent food quality, and attentive service, making it a top choice for special occasions and romantic evenings. While generally outstanding, minor issues with service pacing and occasional upselling have been noted.

Pro tip: First-rate service, incredible food, and a beautiful ambiance—can’t wait to r

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes highlighted as top-notch.

Food was incredible

👋Service85

Service is largely described as top-notch, friendly, and attentive, with many staff members well-regarded, though a few instances of rudeness and upselling were noted.

Service was fantastic

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, romantic, cozy, and elegant, making it ideal for special occasions.

Atmosphere was magical

💰Value80

Portions are generally considered generous, and prices are seen as reasonable, especially for the quality and experience provided.

Prices were very reasonable

📍 1137 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6M5, Canada
4.4$$$VancouverAmerican
Ideal for
Anniversaries and romantic dinnersWeddings and special eventsCelebrating milestones
10.

New Fuji

88/100

New Fuji offers a vibrant dining experience with a strong emphasis on unique, fusion Japanese cuisine and a lively retro atmosphere. It is well-regarded for its excellent food and service, though some guests note smaller portion sizes and occasional waits.

Pro tip: Amazing food and great atmosphere, with attentive and friendly staff.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its unique fusion Japanese flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes described as outstanding or life-changing.

Food was amazing from start to finish

👋Service92

Service is frequently highlighted as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and accommodating, with staff often going above and beyond.

Staff was attentive and friendly

Vibe95

The restaurant's retro decor, lively atmosphere, and unique ambiance are consistently lauded as a major draw.

Vibe and décor were great

💰Value70

While many find the food delicious, some diners note that portions can be small, leading to a perception of less value for the price.

Portions to be unexpectedly small

📍 1815 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 4M6, Canada
4.5$$$VancouverJapanese
Ideal for
Date nights — lively ambiance and unique dishesGroups celebrating special occasions — accommodating staff and festive vibeFoodies seeking creative Japanese fusion — innovative menu items

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