16 Best Vancouver Waterfront Restaurants For Amazing Food
Yes, Vancouver is known for its rain, but even on the greyest of days, the city’s waterfront views are stunning.
It’s one of the city’s best assets, and some of the most popular restaurants dot the shoreline.
From casual pubs to award-winning fine dining establishments, there is something for everyone along the city’s shoreline.
Whether you want a quick bite, a romantic date night or somewhere to take the kids for lunch, you will find something that suits your needs on this list.
Read on for our recommendations for the top 16 waterfront restaurants in Vancouver and see if any of them tickle your fancy!
Downtown Vancouver Waterfront Restaurants
1. Five Sails
Five Sails is an award-winning restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. Located on the waterfront in Canada Place, this fine dining eatery has panoramic views of the city and harbor.
The team behind Five Sails are professional chefs who have crafted deliciously prepared West Coast fare; the menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the wine list is second to none.
Whether you’re looking for seafood or steak, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste at Five Sails.
Plus, the scenic surroundings make it hard to resist not spending time here!
2. Teahouse Stanley Park
The Teahouse is one of Vancouver’s most beloved restaurants, and it’s no surprise why.
Located in stunning Stanley Park, The Teahouse offers its diners a beautiful patio overlooking the water, perfect for enjoying a meal during Vancouver’s sunny summer months.
In addition to its scenic location, The Teahouse also boasts an all-time favorite menu, featuring items such as sablefish and halibut that melts in your mouth.
And if that wasn’t enough, the restaurant also has a glass conservatory, cozy fireplace, and stunning views of the mountains and waters of Burrard Inlet.
It’s no wonder The Teahouse has been a favorite in Vancouver for over 40 years.
3. Chang’an
Nestled on the edge of False Creek, Chang ‘An Restaurant offers breathtaking views of the water and city skyline. But it’s not just the location that makes this restaurant special – it’s the food.
Chang ‘An specializes in Shaanxi cuisine, a unique style of Chinese cooking that combines traditional flavors with modern presentation. The result is a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar, all at the same time.
Of course, no visit to Chang ‘An would be complete without trying their world-famous Peking duck. The duck is roasted to perfection and then carved tableside, giving you a front-row seat to the show.
But whatever you do, don’t fill up on the duck – there are plenty of other delicious dishes on the menu that are worth trying as well!
4. Dockside
Looking for a breathtaking spot to enjoy some of Vancouver’s best eats? Look no further than Dockside Restaurant.
This eatery boasts a stunning waterfront patio with views of False Creek, the Vancouver skyline and the North Shore Mountains.
If that’s not enough to tempt your senses, the award-winning food is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Kick back by the fireplace and enjoy a meal or signature cocktail as you take in the peacefulness of this oasis.
5. Lift Bar Grill View
With its stunning views of Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley Park, Lift Bar Grill View is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a drink.
The two-level patio makes full use of the spectacular setting, with an upstairs fire pit for chilly evenings and a downstairs patio that extends over the water.
This eatery offers a delicious menu with influences from all over the world, including Japanese, French, and West Coast dishes.
Whether you’re sipping on cocktails during Happy Hour or watching the sun dip below the horizon, Lift is the perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the city.
6. Cactus Club English Bay
If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset along the water’s edge, there’s no better spot than Cactus Club at English Bay.
The food is excellent, and the outdoor patio is perfect for soaking in the view. Just be prepared to wait in line during peak hours – it’s definitely worth it!
Chef Rob Feenie’s signature butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli is not to be missed; the truffle butter, sautéed prawns, pine nuts, and crispy sage all come together to create a truly stunning dish.
So whether you’re looking for a romantic spot for two or a place to enjoy a meal with friends, Cactus Club English Bay should definitely be at the top of your list.
7. Miku Vancouver
Miku is one of those rare restaurants that completely lives up to the hype. Located on Vancouver’s gorgeous waterfront, Miku offers stunning views to go along with its unbelievable food.
The menu is a perfect mix of traditional Japanese flavors and locally-sourced ingredients, all prepared in the unique Aburi style.
Aburi-style cuisine is all about balance, and Miku’s chefs have perfected the art of creating dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.
The restaurant’s location on the water is also perfect for enjoying beautiful sunsets while indulging in some of the best Japanese food Vancouver has to offer.
Just be sure to make a reservation first – this place is always packed!
8. Cardero’s
Nestled in Coal Harbour, Cardero’s is one of the city’s no-so-best-kept secrets. With a table by the window, you’ll have spectacular views of the marina while you enjoy some of the best seafood in town.
The Roasted Sablefish in a miso sake marinade is definitely a must-try. And if you’re looking for something to share, the Dockside Platter is simply divine.
9. Provence Marinaside
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that will transport you to the French Riviera, look no further than Provence Marinaside.
This Yaletown gem offers a menu of seafood dishes inspired by the cuisine of Southern France, but with a West Coast twist.
The result is a truly sublime culinary experience, and the ambiance of the restaurant is just as impressive as the food.
The breakfast and brunch offerings are particularly noteworthy, with eggs benedict, crepes and omelets that are sure to delight. But lunch and dinner are no slouches either, with West Coast-inspired plates.
And of course, the patio is the best place to enjoy all of these good eats, especially in the morning or midday when it gets the most sun!
Other Vancouver Waterfront Restaurants
10. Ancora
Looking for a delicious meal with a side of stunning scenery? Ancora should be at the top of your list.
This unique restaurant blends the best of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, resulting in a menu that is truly unlike any other in the city.
Whether you choose to dine at the Olympic Village location with its panoramic views of False Creek or the Ambleside location with its stunning views of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable meal at Ancora.
So go and see what all the fuss is about at one of Vancouver’s finest seafood restaurants; you won’t be disappointed.
11. Tap & Barrel
There’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day, and Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing pint paired with some good food.
This pub has a great atmosphere, with a drink menu that features BC craft beer and premium wines.
The views of Burrard Inlet and North Shore Mountains from their ground floor patio are stunning, and their 2nd floor patio offers a different perspective that is just as beautiful.
No matter which patio you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the views while sipping on your favorite drink.
12. Earl’s Ambleside
If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned seafood, Earl’s is the place to be. Located right on the shores of Ambleside Beach, this restaurant offers stunning views of the water along with delicious crab cakes and other seafood treats.
The sticky toffee chocolate pudding is a must-try for dessert lovers, and the patio is the perfect place to enjoy it all while taking in the fresh sea breeze.
13. The Beachhouse
The next time you’re looking for a restaurant with a view, be sure to check out The Beachhouse. Located in West Vancouver, this restaurant offers stunning views of Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park, and the sun setting over the water.
The views from their patio are so good that you’ll have a hard time focusing on your food! But if you can manage to tear your eyes away from the cityscape for long enough, you’ll find that The Beachhouse offers great West Coast cuisine.
Their menu is stocked with seafood staples like calamari and oysters, as well as heartier options like grilled steak and salmon burgers.
And of course, no meal is complete without a fine wine from their extensive list.
14. Pier 7 Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a great place to eat in North Vancouver along the waterfront? You can’t go wrong with Pier 7 Restaurant & Bar.
This upmarket eatery boasts spectacular views of Vancouver and Stanley Park, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a drink (or both!) any time of year.
Pier 7 is also known for its extensive happy hour menu, with food and drink specials starting at just $5.
15. Arms Reach Bistro
Tucked away in Deep Cove, Arms Reach Bistro is a hidden gem that offers peek-a-boo views of Indian Arm.
The bistro has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy the fresh sea air while watching the boats go by.
Serving delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Mediterranean spin, the menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
With its idyllic setting and excellent food, Arms Reach Bistro is definitely worth seeking out.
16. Boathouse Kitsilano
With an open-air terrace and magnificent views of Vancouver’s waterfront, Boathouse Kitsilano is the perfect spot to dine al fresco any time of year.
Located on Kitsilano Beach, the menu features steak and fresh seafood from the coast of British Columbia, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the best of what the province has to offer.
