What Food To Try in Vancouver and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Vancouver for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Vancouver cafes and restaurants
$18.9
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$83
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $48.29
$9.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.06
What to Try in Vancouver
Must-try Dishes
Canadian Breakfast - Canuck Breakfast (hearty spread) - A filling plate with eggs, bacon, and hash browns topped with gravy or cheese curds. Locals enjoy it at brunch spots, often savoring it post-hike on weekends.Fish Taco - Taco de Pescado (crispy delight) - Fresh local fish, battered and fried, tucked into a soft corn tortilla with cabbage and spicy salsa. Street vendors serve these during lunchtime, making them a popular grab-and-go option.
Beef Brisket - Brisket (smoky tenderness) - Succulent beef brisket smoked for hours until tender, served with barbecue sauce and sides like coleslaw. Many locals indulge in this dish during dinner on casual Fridays, pairing it with craft beers.
Pacific Salmon - Salmon Poke Bowl (fresh medley) - Diced raw salmon, marinated, and mixed with rice, avocado, and seaweed. Popular at family gatherings, it embodies the spirit of coastal Vancouver's seafood scene.
Vancouver-style Sushi - Sushi (unexpected fusion) - Unorthodox rolls like the "California roll" featuring local crab fill this crunchy delight. Locals often skip the soy sauce and simply enjoy the freshness on chilly evenings.
Wild Mushroom Risotto - Risotto ai Funghi (creamy richness) - Arborio rice slow-cooked with local wild mushrooms and finished with herbs and cheese for a luxurious mouthfeel. It's a favorite at seasonal farm-to-table restaurants, especially in fall.
Caesar Salad - Caesar (local twist) - Romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy dressing with added Vancouver shrimp and crispy bacon bits. This substantial salad is a common lunch choice among locals, especially during the summer when the greens are freshly harvested.
Butternut Squash Soup - Zuppa di Zucca (velvety goodness) - Smooth pureed butternut squash, seasoned with ginger and topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoyed as a light dinner option in fall to warm up after a chilly day out.
Desserts & Drinks
Matcha Latte - 抹茶ラテ (green tea latte) - A creamy blend of finely ground green tea leaves and steamed milk, often topped with a light froth. Locals love grabbing this at cozy cafes in the morning, especially on cloudy days when the greenery of the matcha brightens their spirits.Butter Tart - 버터 타르트 (sweet pastry) - A deliciously sticky tart filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often adorned with raisins or pecans. This pastry is a favorite during family gatherings or holiday seasons, and it's best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream (seriously, it’s totally worth it!).
Caesar - Caesars (spicy cocktail) - A unique cocktail made with vodka, Clamato juice, and a host of spices, garnished with a celery stick and lime. Locals often enjoy this as a hearty brunch staple, especially during weekend get-togethers—just be careful not to assume it’s like a Bloody Mary!
Boba Tea - 波霸奶茶 (bubble tea) - This sweet and refreshing drink features a blend of milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls, served iced for that perfect summer treat. You’ll see people enjoying boba tea while strolling through local markets or parks, and don't fall into the trap of asking for it without specifying your sweetness level (trust me!).
Ice Cream Sandwich - 아이스크림 샌드위치 (frozen dessert) - A delightful combo of two cookies enclosing a scoop of artisanal ice cream, often featuring unique local flavors like matcha or lavender. Perfect during those hot summer days, and you'll find them at beachfront vendors—just be ready for the melting challenge!
Food and Groceries in Vancouver
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.98 |
| Bananas | $1.43 |
| Oranges | $3.69 |
| Potatoes | $3.23 |
| Apples | $3.89 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.91 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.92 |
| Imported Beer | $3.27 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $15.09 |
| Milk 1L | $2.11 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.66 |
| Chicken | $13.01 |
| Cigarettes | $14.4 |
| Rice | $3.72 |
| Local Cheese | $13.32 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The bustling food scene in Vancouver truly comes alive during breakfast hours, especially on weekends when many locals gather at their favorite brunch spots. You’ll often see long lines forming outside popular diners by 9 AM, signaling prime eating times. It’s a social event as much as a meal, with groups of friends catching up over stacks of pancakes or eggs bennies.
While restaurant prices can vary greatly depending on the district, a standard brunch can range from around $15 to $25 CAD in places like Kitsilano or Commercial Drive. Head to the West End, and similar meals might nudge upwards, especially at spots closer to the shoreline, where you could pay around $20 to $30 CAD for something a bit more upscale. Don’t let the prices deter you, though—many local cafes offer hearty options for about $10 CAD if you grab a seat at a less popular time.
Payment customs here are pretty straightforward. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it's a good habit to carry some cash, especially when you find yourself at a food truck or smaller vendor. Tipping is customary; locals generally leave around 15-20% of the bill, and it's not uncommon to see tip jars at cafes, which is a nice nod to smaller operations.
A common dining habit among Vancouverites is the love for sharing meals. You'll often notice people ordering several dishes to enjoy a taste of everything. This communal approach keeps the atmosphere lively and encourages conversation, making dining about connection just as much as nourishment.
When it comes to dining districts, places like Granville Island and Gastown offer vibrant food experiences, particularly on weekends. These areas can get quite busy, especially during lunch hours, so if you want to avoid the rush, consider going for a late lunch around 2 PM.
Oh, and before I forget, if you plan to dine in any popular restaurants, especially those known for brunch or dinner, a reservation is a smart move—locals often book weeks in advance during peak season. Some eateries have also adopted walk-in only policies during peak hours, which might leave you waiting.
As the seasons change, you might find that local farmers' markets influence menus significantly. With fresh produce in abundance during the summer months, expect to see vibrant salads and vegetable dishes, while those hearty winter offerings transition to comfort foods like stews and warm bowls. This seasonal approach truly reflects the character of Vancouver’s food culture, with establishments adapting to what’s locally available.
While restaurant prices can vary greatly depending on the district, a standard brunch can range from around $15 to $25 CAD in places like Kitsilano or Commercial Drive. Head to the West End, and similar meals might nudge upwards, especially at spots closer to the shoreline, where you could pay around $20 to $30 CAD for something a bit more upscale. Don’t let the prices deter you, though—many local cafes offer hearty options for about $10 CAD if you grab a seat at a less popular time.
Payment customs here are pretty straightforward. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it's a good habit to carry some cash, especially when you find yourself at a food truck or smaller vendor. Tipping is customary; locals generally leave around 15-20% of the bill, and it's not uncommon to see tip jars at cafes, which is a nice nod to smaller operations.
A common dining habit among Vancouverites is the love for sharing meals. You'll often notice people ordering several dishes to enjoy a taste of everything. This communal approach keeps the atmosphere lively and encourages conversation, making dining about connection just as much as nourishment.
When it comes to dining districts, places like Granville Island and Gastown offer vibrant food experiences, particularly on weekends. These areas can get quite busy, especially during lunch hours, so if you want to avoid the rush, consider going for a late lunch around 2 PM.
Oh, and before I forget, if you plan to dine in any popular restaurants, especially those known for brunch or dinner, a reservation is a smart move—locals often book weeks in advance during peak season. Some eateries have also adopted walk-in only policies during peak hours, which might leave you waiting.
As the seasons change, you might find that local farmers' markets influence menus significantly. With fresh produce in abundance during the summer months, expect to see vibrant salads and vegetable dishes, while those hearty winter offerings transition to comfort foods like stews and warm bowls. This seasonal approach truly reflects the character of Vancouver’s food culture, with establishments adapting to what’s locally available.