Discover the most charming and inviting restaurants in Vancouver, curated by Alex Charters. We’re talking warm atmospheres, jazzy vibes, and places that inspire you to snap photos in the restroom because they’re just that cute.
Adorable Dining Spots in Vancouver
Continue reading for Alex Charter’s guide to the cutest and most delicious places to eat in Vancouver, covering everything from coffee to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks or hidden speakeasies.
Charming Breakfast Eateries in Vancouver
Arbutus Coffee
I genuinely swoon every time I walk past Arbutus Coffee. I take this route every morning on my way to work, and I just adore it. Just look at it! The antique-looking sign and the striped awning create the quintessential backdrop for a romantic scene where you’re daydreaming by the window when a captivating stranger strolls by and stops to take your photo. You end up getting married outside the café, and your first dog is named Arbutus.
But seriously, it’s a lovely place. I can’t understand why there aren’t more neighborhood cafés like this.
Mon Pitou
Mon Pitou is French (obviously), so you can expect it to be stylish. It features clean lines, ornate frames, and delightful pastries.
During my brunch visit, I was captivated by our server’s fashionable outfit. I had to resist the urge to reach out and touch his trousers (because when pants are this exquisite, they deserve to be called trousers). Later, I discovered that our server is actually one of the café’s founders! I encourage you to check out their About page, which is just charming.
Charming Lunch Eateries in Vancouver
The Red Accordion
The Red Accordion feels like a cozy English pub. You might expect it to be surrounded by a lantern-lit cobblestone street, but instead, it’s wedged between some unattractive gray buildings and directly across from a bleak concrete parking lot. This little red house seems almost out of place, but its interior is equally surprising.
Upon entering this gingerbread-style house, you’ll traverse uneven floorboards and climb a crooked staircase to discover a vibrant collection of art (which rotates as they are for sale!), leather armchairs, velvet sofas, and mismatched seating throughout the whimsically curated second floor. They offer delicious farm-to-table food and a fantastic selection of cocktails that make the unusual location worthwhile.
They also serve brunch and dinner!
Charming Dinner Eateries in Vancouver
The Acorn
The name “The Acorn” is vegan brilliance—it conjures images of the Bearstein Bears’ treehouse or a tiny toad and frog donning acorns as hats while sharing a tea party.
This quaint spot on Main Street serves some of the city’s best vegetarian cuisine! Earthy ceramic plates showcase stunning seasonal dishes packed with flavor. Many ingredients are locally sourced or “wild-crafted.” While foraging for your own food is undoubtedly cool, having it beautifully prepared and served with a cocktail adorned with tiny wildflowers floating on top? Yes, please!
If my recommendation doesn’t convince you, perhaps Michelin’s endorsement will.
The Mackenzie Room
The Mackenzie Room exudes an effortlessly cool vibe. Picture a perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance, with vintage brass chandeliers and charming fine china plates—some even come from the chef’s grandmother’s collection.
The menu is designed for sharing, and the sea urchin with squid ink brioche is a transformative experience.
Two apt descriptions of this place: “like a cabin in the woods of Central Park” and “it’s funky, it’s lively, and all the cool kids are talking about it.”
This restaurant should also be recognized for its adorably designed bathrooms. I found myself waiting outside just to see how each one was uniquely decorated, and I was not disappointed.
St. Lawrence
Back to French cuisine, because it’s undeniable that the French have mastered the art.
The food and décor here are divine, exuding an air of humble elegance. Picture Mr. Laurence taking the March sisters here, sparing no expense (if you don’t understand the reference, read Little Women, then check out the movie adaptations).
Cracked antique plates line the walls, and the aroma of caramelizing butter fills the air. Dining here makes you feel like an old Hollywood star as if paparazzi should be outside capturing the moment of you laughing with a glass of champagne in hand.
But be prepared—it’s not budget-friendly!
Pepino’s Spaghetti House
While the French may have style, Italians truly understand comfort.
From the moment you step into Pepino’s Spaghetti House, you’re enveloped in warmth. The dark wood, plush seating, and walls adorned with stunning frescoes of the Italian coast create an inviting environment. Unlike the French, there’s nothing pretentious here—it feels cozy and welcoming.
When I visited in early December, the restaurant was beautifully adorned with red bows, green garlands, and holly—truly a holiday delight. The food here ranks among the best in the city. The gnocchi feels like biting into a cloud (well, not literally, but you get the idea). My friend Amy exclaimed, “This is the best gnocchi I’ve ever had!” after just one bite.
Charming Spots for Drinks and Small Bites in Vancouver
Blnd Tger (Laowai)
A hidden bar in Chinatown? Need I say more? Well, I will. Located behind a dumpling façade, you must order a special off-menu item (the #7) to gain entry through the “freezer” door.
This narrow bar is designed to evoke a 1920s Shanghai speakeasy vibe, featuring live music with a sultry jazz singer and piano atmosphere, dark green velvet booths, fringed lamps, and a cocktail menu that resembles an art book. Each cocktail is presented with its own two-page spread, including a story, poem, and illustration.
Even better, no phones allowed. No phones means no pictures! Even the bathrooms deserve recognition for their decor. When I got home, I found myself searching for blue crane wallpaper.
And don’t miss out on the dumplings—they’re fantastic.
Accommodation Map for Vancouver, BC
Planning a trip to Vancouver, BC? Use this interactive map to explore various accommodations available in the area.
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