Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Vancouver

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Vancouver? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street

4.8

4.8 (1533)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mediterranean

Mount Pleasant

About the restaurant

Our food consists of thoughtfully prepared recipes that will take you on a culinary journey along the ancient Silk route.

As evening descends upon the vibrant city of Vancouver, Chai Lounge comes to life like the courts of the eastern Raja's. Imagine a warm, dreamy and visually arresting venue where global sounds cascade the room over the din of lively conversations. Spicy scents waft from the kitchen followed by an abundance of delicious trans-himalayan cuisine.

Chai Lounge is our landmark location. There is no place like it in Vancouver,and visitors from near and far marvel at the ornate carpets, ceiling mandala's, and the nature-inspired furnishings.
The large central stage features a rotating line-up of world class musicians and dancers.

Top review

Nicole

Dined 5 days ago

Just a beautiful restaurant all around. Vivacious atmosphere. Great food that was so full of flavor. Many vegetarian options and nice tea selection too. Live music.

JOEY Bentall One

4.7

4.7 (495)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. JOEY Bentall One offers a trendy and upbeat atmosphere in the heart of the business district downtown. It is set against brick mosaic, reclaimed neon signage and dramatic chandeliers, with a bar opening to the patio. As the official test kitchen for JOEY Restaurants, be the first to try the latest menu items here.

Top review

Jonathan

Dined on May 15, 2025

Food was very good and always a great atmosphere when we visit. Usually stop once per trip as the value is amazing and every dish tastes amazing!

The Lobby Lounge and RawBar

4.7

4.7 (141)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Sushi

Coal Harbour

About the restaurant

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar offers a blend of design, art, music and fashion with the craft of cocktails and cuisine. Recognized as a MICHELIN Guide recommended destination in 2022, 2023, & 2024, the internationally recognized cocktail program provides a bespoke experience inspired by world travel and the stories it tells, expertly designed by a roster of some of the nation’s best bartenders, it represents a program that elevates Canada’s cocktail culture to the next level.

The RawBar offers a variety of the freshest, sustainable sushi in the city. The RawBar menu is designed around showcasing the most seasonal, flavourful and high-quality ingredients paired with skillful presentation.

Top review

Janet

Dined on Feb 6, 2025

Always a fabulous environment for my business meetings and connections. Always feel like a VIP!

Peya

4.7

4.7 (16)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French / Indian

Hastings / Sunrise

About the restaurant

Peya means Lover, Drink, Sip in Hindi, which resonated with our vision of 'Come for a drink, a bite, an indulgence, an experience- for the lovers of flavour and craft, and for moments most loved'. The restaurant is a celebration of tradition and innovation, rooted in the warmth of Indian hospitality and the precision of French gastronomy.

Top review

AlmiraVIP

Dined on May 14, 2025

Food was extraordinary. Very stylish restaurant, love the design

The Flamingo Room

4.6

4.6 (30)

CAN$30 and under

Latin American

Commercial Drive

About the restaurant

Escape to The Flamingo Room, your Miami oasis in Vancouver. Experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with tropical cocktails, live music, and playful bites in the heart of Commercial Drive. Imagine a colorful space where laughter blends with the sounds of local musicians and comedians. Relax in plush banquettes, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and savor shareable plates inspired by South Florida. Whether you're looking for a lively night out with friends or a cozy evening of entertainment, The Flamingo Room offers something for everyone. Join us and discover a taste of Miami right here in Vancouver.

Top review

Clement

Dined on May 9, 2025

Great room! Great service! Great ambiance! Good entertainment but hard to hear each other when the music is being played.

Guu Original Thurlow

4.5

4.5 (370)

CAN$30 and under

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

*Please note that our patio is not allowed to serve any alcoholic drinks due to the license we have.

Guu Original on Thurlow is where the Izakaya boom started. It’s not only the first Guu to open, but is the very first Izakaya in Vancouver.

Established in 1993 as “Raku” & changed to “Guu” in 2000, this Guu offers the most authentic Izakaya experience, offering classic dishes like Yaki Udon & Oden. This is as close you’ll get to the real deal….unless you fly to Japan.

We keep seats for walk-in customers as well. No available seats on OpenTable do not mean we are fully booked. Please be aware that the time-limited per table is two hours during peak hours.

Top review

RAFFAELE

Dined 4 days ago

If you need a place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a tasty meal with a great vibe, this is one of Vancouver’s best spots. The staff is friendly and welcoming—just order from their ousume menu, sip a fresh beer, and let the atmosphere fill your soul.

LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY - Gastown

4.3

4.3 (6)

CAN$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Gastown

About the restaurant

Gastown has a distinct character that brings you back in time with its cobbled streets, exposed brick, famous Steam Clock & beautiful streetlights. It's one of the many reasons we love being part of this iconic neighborhood rich in history & landmarks. Some may even consider our patio a landmark.. or maybe that's just us.

As our Test Kitchen, this is where we get to have some fun, feeling out new flavors & seasonal creations that you can try out exclusively before anyone else.

Top review

Chris

Dined on May 10, 2025

The food was terrific and our server, Emma, was charming and efficient. She gave us great service and some tips for walking around the Gastown neighborhood. Thank you!

The Rec Room - Granville

4.2

4.2 (29)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Canadian

Yaletown

About the restaurant

The Rec Room redefines the meaning of fun with exciting arcade games, attractions, mouth-watering eats and live entertainment all packed under one roof. We’re Canada’s premier “eats & entertainment” hot spot!

For reservations of parties of 13 guests or more, please call the venue directly. We kindly request our guests refrain from making multiple reservations for a single large party. While we will do our best to accommodate large groups, we cannot guarantee multiple reservations will be seated together.

Top review

Clauzi

Dined on May 4, 2025

Unfortunately we dont remember the name of the servers, but they were fantastic. So much fun to have my birthday party there. Highly recommend.

Reflections The Garden Terrace - Rosewood Hotel Georgia

4.2

4.2 (38)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Reflections The Garden Terrace returns as Vancouver’s premier rooftop restaurant after a full renovation and reimagination. Celebrating the lush landscapes of the city, Reflections envelops guests in vibrant greens, natural wood tones, and abundant plantings. The entire space is bathed in year-round sunlight, thanks to the new, fully retractable roof. Indulge in global tapas, weekend brunch, garden-inspired cocktails, and wines from British Columbia and beyond. Our beverage program has been crafted from the regions of the province to take guests on a curated mixology journey.

Top review

Shelly

Dined 3 days ago

I enjoyed my last visit so much that i had to come back and again everything was excellent. Food delicious, cocktails-perfect flavours and the service was very friendly. Loved the vibe and music

Discover more

Experience

End The Evening With A Final Toast

Experience

Father's Day Brunch

Monarca

4.0

4 (286)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mexican

Gastown

About the restaurant

The name refers to the ancient Mexican monarchy honouring the influence both his parents made on his culinary style. While his mother inspired our sister restaurant, Ophelia, the familial tradition has continued here at Monarca where you’ll find playful dishes and a lively atmosphere inspired by Chef Higareda’s father.

Francisco’s father lived near the famous Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico’s Michoacán region. Chef Higareda spent several summers here with his family enjoying the local Tlahualiles (defeated warriors) Festival. The festival celebrates the feast of Santiago Apóstol, patron saint of Sahuayo. The battle depicted in the festival is still debated today in Mexico and refers to military conflicts before, during, and after the arrival of the Spanish. It’s a memory he cherishes from his childhood.

Top review

Armand

Dined on May 4, 2025

Went to Monarca with a group of friends and we were blown away. The food is next-level — authentic Mexican with a creative twist, every dish was bursting with flavour and beautifully plated. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in what they serve. The vibe is what really sets Monarca apart. A live DJ was spinning smooth house beats all night, creating the perfect atmosphere — lively, stylish, and full of good energy. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for hours, sipping cocktails and enjoying the moment. Service was on point and the space has a unique design that adds to the overall experience. Monarca is exactly the type of restaurant/lounge hybrid that Vancouver needs more of. We’ll definitely be back — often!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Vancouver

Explore more Diners' Choice lists