Gastown is the most popular area in Vancouver for many reasons. Every corner of this neighborhood is picturesque, and so are all the diverse cuisines you’ll find! So this list of 12 most impressive Gastown restaurants will not disappoint you!
Gastown is the original community that became the center of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, dating back to 1867. Furthermore, Gastown is a National Historic Site.
Today, Gastown is a must-see and one of Vancouver’s most famous tourist sites for a good reason: heritage buildings and cobblestone lanes coexist with modern boutiques and restaurants that stretch 12 blocks in the heart of the city. As a Vancouver native, I take everyone who visits me to Gastown, and no one is disappointed.
1. Amazing restaurants in Gastown: Momo Sushi
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
6-375 Water Street | Sushi/Japanese | $18.50 CAD | Top-notch sushi at a great price |
If you’re in the neighborhood of the iconic Gastown Steam Clock, you should go to Momo Sushi. This popular stop maintains a clean and simple design while providing fantastic food! You can’t go to Vancouver and not eat sushi… It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Vancouver!
This famed sushi restaurant was our first stop on our Vancouver culinary tour. We’ve been back several times since then. My best recommendation is to go after the lunch rush to avoid waiting too long for a seat – this eatery is busy! Rolls, nigiri, sashimi, noodles, Udon, and even a few Korean foods are available on the menu.
Dan’s Bento Box “B” included a variety of delectable foods, including the California Roll, which he enthusiastically recommended. Everything we ate was delicious and filling, not to mention reasonably priced. Lunch at under $20 in this neighborhood is a huge gain, especially since it includes such fresh fish and substantial amounts!
2. Black Frog Eatery
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
108 Cambie St | Pub food | $15 CAD | Comfort food & daily drink deals. Their burgers are also delicious! |
A few feet from the renowned Steam Clock is Black Frog Eatery, one of the top places in Gastown for pub food. It’s a great place for a relaxed, cozy dinner and an ice-cold drink, and it’s decorated with sports memorabilia and big-screen TVs.
We arrived here mid-week, exhausted and desperate for a pick-me-up and a delicious meal. Black Frog provides a variety of foods, ranging from pub fare to healthier options, but we came here for one thing: a large, delicious burger. And exactly that is what we got!
Dan had the traditional beef burger, while I indulged in the Moon Burger, which was covered with melted brie and caramelized onions. Both came with sun-dried tomato mayo, a delicious change from standard mayo. Our burgers were delicious and well-seasoned, and the only thing that could have improved them was an excellent beer.
3. Don’t mis Tacofino Taco Bar restaurants in Gastown
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
15 W Cordova Street | Mexican | $10Â CAD | Authentic Tacos & So-Cal vibes |
Tacofino Taco Bar is in the same building as their famed Burrito Bar. However, the entrance is around the corner in Blood Alley, indicated by a neon taco sign.
I adore the SoCal-inspired design here – the patio is breezy retro with bricks and breezeblocks (ideal for a summer visit to Vancouver), and the style continues inside with strongly geometric patterns and light colors. We came here during their daily happy hour, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m.. We tasted the Jalapeno margaritas, created with Jalapeno-infused Tequila, which are delicious with a spicy kick!
On the food front, I chose Tortilla soup (a personal favorite) and the Pork Al Pastor taco, which was topped with the right taste combination of juicy pineapple, pickled onion, and cilantro. Dan had that as well, but he also had the Crispy Oyster Mushroom taco with Kimchi, which had a lot of flavors and a crispy, crunchy texture in every bite.
Tacofino has several more sites, including one in Kitsilano and the original location on Vancouver Island in Tofino.
4. Brioche Urban Eatery
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
117 Water Street | Italian-inspired | $21 CAD | Rustic café with options for all budgets |
Brioche, a Gastown institution since 2003, delivers a taste of Sicilian culture and cuisine to the neighborhood. With large windows overlooking the famed Water Street, the simple, rustic design creates an informal eating experience.
Though they provide delectable morning delicacies like Pesto Eggs on Toast, we were in the mood for a hefty lunch. We followed the advice of others and arrived a little before the midday lunch rush, and we were delighted we did!
I didn’t have to read far down the menu to realize I couldn’t pass up house-made Gnocchi! They have a few sauces to choose from, and I went with Pesto Cream, which was fresh and savory, and the portion was big. Dan chose the Prosciutto, Tomato, and Bocconcini Panini for a lighter lunch – a tried-and-true combination. Paninis are available on a standard baguette or Sourdough, which was new to us and gave some extra taste – I’d recommend trying it out!
- You can see detail menu at here!
- This is website of restaurant. You can make a reservation here!
- Read more: 7 Iconic Canadian Road Trips for Views, Food, and Adventures
5. Twisted Fork is my favorite restaurants in Gastown
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
213 Carrall Street | Brunch | $23.50 CAD | Filling brunch from a short & sweet menu |
There were many aspects of Twisted Fork that we adored but at the top of the list. The menu is brief and straightforward. I know, I know, variety is the spice of life, but there’s something to be said about a simple menu of reasonably priced, delectable brunch options.
When we last came, there was no room on the patio, so we sat inside – exposed brick, wooden furniture, and amazing views thanks to their large windows. We started with a couple of Mimosas (a brunch staple!) and then settled on something sweet and savory. I had the banana-stuffed brioche French toast, which was very delicious! Dan ate his eggplant Shakshuka, and I stole a nibble to ensure it was amazing, with the softest house-made pita to soak up all the rich, fragrant sauce.
Aside from the meal, their coffee is wonderful and served fresh in a French press! We left here feeling full and ready for a post-meal stroll into old Gastown.
6. Meat and bread
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
370 Cambie St. | Sandwiches | $12 CAD | Straight-to-the-point sandwich joint |
This is a location I could see myself returning to since they follow a simple rule: do one thing and do it well! The team at Meat & Bread elevates sandwiches with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their menu is a minimalist’s dream, with only 5 sandwich selections, a few sides, and even fewer drinks.
I promptly settled on the Beef Cheesesteak with cheddar sauce and garlic aioli – fluffy bread with just the right crunch, succulent beef, and delectable cheesy bliss. Dan chose the Porchetta with crackling and a fresh Salsa Verde – basic ingredients that pop with flavor.
Each sandwich is delivered on a wooden plank with a dollop of sauce for dipping – no frills or elaborate garnishes here.
7. Best restaurants in Gastown: Catch 122
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
122 W Hastings St. | Brunch | $19 CAD | Inventive, delicious brunch dishes |
Great brunch at a charming cafe with a literary name? Please sign me up! With exposed brick, basic chairs, wooden tables, and soft lighting, Catch 122 exudes trendy Vancouver vibes. It’s a good setting for a Sunday brunch date with a friend or two because it’s spacious and bright.
This isn’t your average brunch, though! We came here for the sweets, and I got their Tres Leches Dutch Baby Baked Pancake, served so elegantly that I nearly didn’t want to touch it. The flavor combination of tres leches, dulce de leche, acidic berries, and crunchy candied almonds was fantastic. Dan chose the even more intriguing Cornflakes Crusted Hazelnut Babka French Toast, which hit the mark with various textures and flavors. The drinks include lattes, cocktails, organic juices, and wine and beer options.
8. Rodney’s Oyster House
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
52 Powell Street | Seafood | $27 CAD | Freshly shucked oysters |
We couldn’t build a Vancouver neighborhood food list without mentioning fish! Rodney’s is the place to go if you’re in Gastown and seeking famous, fresh West Coast seafood. It’s also an ideal romantic restaurant for couples or honeymooners visiting Vancouver.
The dining area is spacious and inviting, with a casual seaside vibe and small nautical elements. They serve a range of seafood, but we felt we had to honor the moniker by diving into oysters, beginning with the highly regarded Pan Friend Oysters. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular dish freshly shucked with a light breading and homemade tartar sauce.
We tried their Lobster Poutine, which came with delicious Atlantic lobster, rich sauce, and squeaky cheese curds – a real winner! The New England Clam Chowder is also praised for its flavor and richness, as well as its ability to warm me up on a slightly damp/rainy Vancouver day.
9. Di Beppe Restaurant
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
8 W Cordova St. | Italian | $25Â CAD | Classic, authentic Italian |
We came across Di Beppe while looking for coffee and enjoyed espresso and the views from their cheerful front room. We looked over the menu and decided to return the next day for supper, since why not?!
Their description of themselves as “a youthful Italian restaurant with an ancient Italian character” is spot on – a bright, joyful modern space with a no-fuss, classic Italian food. Although I typically order pasta, we share antipasti and pizza (along with a few glasses of wine, of course!).
We began with Sourdough bread and olive oil, followed by Beef Carpaccio with crispy garlic and mustard aioli. That was an incredible flavor combination! Our pizza was equally impressive: rectangular, with a wonderfully bubbled-up dough that was a little crispy but not so thin that it left you hungry. The huge fennel sausage, onion, provolone, and rosemary pizza was the perfect salty, herby, cheesy trio.
One of the best classic Italian restaurants in Gastown, Vancouver; they’re open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner (and morning coffee, too!).
10. Best restaurants in Gastown for vegetarian: MeeT
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
Inner Courtyard, 12 Water St. | Vegan | $18 CAD | Creative, delicious Vegan food |
We’ve been to a couple of MeeT places and have always been amazed by their inventive, excellent food. We scored a spot in the outdoor dining area, tucked away in a courtyard off Water Street, but there’s also comfy indoor seating if you want.
We started with their vegan cheese dip, which was incredibly creamy and matched well with fresh, warm tortilla chips. We then ordered their house-made pineapple peach soda. As the main course, I ordered the Taco Salad, which was crunchy, fresh, and wonderful with a creamy guacamole sauce, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Dan was suspicious of cashew cheez sauce, but he took a chance on the Mac n’ Cheez bowl, which he enjoyed! I also tasted it and was pleasantly impressed by the creamy cheese consistency, which I’m sure would appeal to any dairy fan. We also got the cauliflower bits simply to test them, and wow, these are amazing!
11. St. Lawrence
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
269 Powell St | Quebecois food | $30 CAD | St Lawrence’s menu changes regularly with special menus |
Our favorite restaurant in Gastown, Vancouver is St. Lawrence. It serves authentic Quebecois cuisine, which is good. We’ve gone here several times and have always been pleased with both the meal and the service.
The restaurant isn’t large, but it seems cozy, with each table feeling somewhat private, and there’s always a fantastic vibe.
The menu at St Lawrence changes regularly, with unique menus prepared to honor specific Quebecois celebrations of the season. You should go here for a nice evening in Gastown; it has some of the best food.
You must get the Oreilles de Crosse, fried pork rinds with maple and Montréal spices. If you’re from the UK, they’re similar to pork scratchings but so much better!
12. Cuchillo
Location | Type of food | Average cost per meal | Why you should try |
261 Powell St | Mexican, Latin | $25 CAD | Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options |
Cuchillo is another fantastic Gastown restaurant, Vancouver. This Gastown Latin American and Mexican restaurant serve delectable cocktails and mezcals. Cuchillo also serves ceviche and tacos, which receive rave reviews!
Is this list of restaurants enough to satisfy you? if you have any comments or suggestions about your favorite restaurant. Leave us a comment!
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