The Best Restaurants in Kitsilano Vancouver BC

There are lots of awesome restaurants in Kitsilano as well as fun things to do in Kitsilano.

Whether you’re staying in Kitsilano during a Vancouver vacation, or live in the area, this guide will let you in on the best Kitsilano restaurants and places to eat.

Kitsilano is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Vancouver what with being so close to some of Vancouver’s best beaches including Kitsilano Beach, Jericho, and Spanish Banks. It also has great shopping, and festivals and (importantly) there are so many delicious restaurants in Kitsilano!

Whether you’re looking for brunch in Kitsilano, something for lunch in Kitsilano, or a fancier dinner option there’s something for everyone. You can find vegetarian-only restaurants, quick eats, cheap eats, and more.

Over the years of living just across the water in the West End, I’ve narrowed down my favorite Kitsilano restaurants which I’ve shared below. So, whether you’re just visiting, or live nearby and want the best Kits restaurants here are my top picks.

• Best Restaurants in Kitsilano
• Best Kitsilano Bars
• Best Coffee Shops & Brunch in Kitsilano
• Best Lunch in Kitsilano
• Best Place for Dessert in Kitsilano

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

Best Restaurants in Kitsilano

There’s a great variety of cuisine available at restaurants in Kitsilano. You can eat food from all around the world including some delicious sushi in Kitsilano, burgers, French food, Mexican and Italian!

A lot of these are West 4th restaurants, but not all – sometimes you’ve got to leave the main street to find a true gem!

The Naam Kitsilano

The Naam is a Kitsilano institution. It’s been around since 1968 and has long opening hours. Originally, it was created as a gathering place where people could come enjoy “the good life”.

By staying small, they believe they are able to remain true to that original vision, using fresh and pure ingredients while maintaining a warm, homey, and welcoming, family-run atmosphere. Here you’ll find some of the heartiest and most comforting best food Kitsilano provides.

It’s a fully vegetarian menu with omelets, burgers, stir-fries, curries, and more, and plenty of vegan options too.

• Location: 2724 West 4th Avenue

Tacofino Kits

The Kitsilano Tacofino is another outlet of one of our favourite restaurants in Vancouver. We’ve taken pretty much every visitor here over out five years of living in Vancouver.

Tacofino’s burritos and tacos are full of flavour, will fill you up and are the best I’ve come across (and we eat a lot of burritos & tacos!).

Make sure to get one of their margaritas too and if you’re dining with friends, a plate of nachos to share always goes down well.

• Location: 1909 West 4th Avenue

East is East

East is East serves dishes that take you on a culinary journey along the Silk and Spice Road of the far east.

They use natural, organic ingredients and dishes include mezze, curries, and spiced meats. Their Chai Feast tasting menu gets you three main dishes, Dahl (or) Mystic soup and a green salad. It also comes with boulani, hot chutney, and a mix of Afghan and Basmati rice. It’s a great option if you want to try a bit of everything!

• Location: 3035 West Broadway

Green Leaf Sushi Kitsilano

Vancouver is a great city for sushi and this sushi in Kitsilano is one of the most recommended in the area.

Green Leaf Sushi is a casual restaurant with reasonable pricing and great sushi! Their unique tornado omelet is worth a try as is their aburi sushi combo!

• Location: 3416 W Broadway

The Nook Kitsilano

The Nook has a couple of locations around Vancouver and their Kitsilano one is super popular. They serve Italian food including the best Kitsilano pizza, pasta, and antipasti plates. It’s a great spot to go to for a catch-up with your friends.

• Location: 1525 Yew Street

Oddfish Kitsilano

If you love seafood then head to Oddfish Kitsilano! Their menu changes according to the catch of the day and what other ingredients are in season.

The meals are based around fish and vegetables and are meant to be shared. Personally, I love that since it means you get to try a lot of different things!

• Location: 1889 West 1st Ave

Ramen Danbo Kitsilano

There are so many delicious ramen restaurants around Vancouver (especially in the West End!) and Ramen Danbo is one of the best.

At Ramen Danbo you get to choose the noodle thickness, firmness, your broth, and the level of spice. They also have a vegan menu too with a vegan broth and tofu over pork or other meats.

There’s usually a lineup outside but it typically moves quite quickly.

• Location: 1833 West 4th Ave

Au Comptoir

Au Comptoir is a French restaurant that’s quite small with beautiful decor and great service. They cater for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the menu changes regularly.

It’s one of the best restaurants in Kitsilano for dinner. Their burgers are renowned as well as the smoked salmon! And don’t skip out on dessert as their pastry chef makes such delicious treats!

• Location: 2278 West 4th Ave

Maenam

For Thai food in Kitsilano, you should go to Maenam! Their most popular dish is their Pad Thai and their crispy rice salad and yellow, red, and green curries are all great too. If you want a bit of everything get their tasting menu when available!

• Location: 1938 West 4th Ave

Lucky Taco

Lucky Taco is a cute restaurant with a fun, bright colors, and great Mexican food! They claim to be ‘semi-authentic’ and are is one of the best Mexican restaurants near Kitsilano Beach.

You can find tacos, small plates, seafood, and a great list of local beers and tequila and mezcals too.

• Location: 1685 Yew Street

Annalena

When it comes to where to eat in Kitsilano, another great option for French food in Kitsilano is Annalena.

The chefs here put together a delicious tasting menu that changes every month and it’s well worth getting, especially if this is your first visit to Annalena.

Besides the food, make sure to get a cocktail and enjoy a glass of wine alongside dinner.

• Location: 1809 West 1st Ave

Fable Kitchen

Fable Kitchen is renowned for their farm to table menu. Situated on West 4th, this bistro does brunches and dinners that are packed full of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Both their brunches and dinners are worth trying with the menu changing regularly. However, you can expect some seasonal sharing plates for dinner alongside a meat, fish, poultry, and vegetable option for the main.

• Location: 1944 West 4th Avenue

Tachingón

This family-run Mexican restaurant gets amazing reviews with some people saying it’s one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Vancouver!

A bit outside of Kitsilano proper, Tachingón specializes in proper tacos and their menu includes chicken mole tacos, al pastor, and more.

• Location: 2967 West Broadway

Octopus Garden Restaurant

A bit off the main streets in Kitsilano, but super close to the beaches, Octopus Garden Restaurant is an unassuming sushi restaurant that gets rave reviews.

They’ve been around for 30 years and are well known in part) due to their premium sushi. You can also get sparkling sake which is great if you’re celebrating something – or just because!

• Location: 1995 Cornwall Avenue

Farmer’s Apprentice

Connected to Grapes & Soda is the Farmer’s Apprentice, an upscale restaurant with exceptionally good food. It’s a veggie-focused restaurant and menus change frequently according to the will of the seasons and our chefs’ creative inspiration. For something different, give it a try!

• Location: 1535 West 6th Avenue

Best Bars in Kitsilano

Looking for somewhere to get a drink in Kitsilano? Here are some of the best places!

The Cider House

The Cider House in Kitsilano just steps from Kitsilano beach is Vancouver’s very first cider place. They offer flights of cider from 18 taps with the cider coming from local producers.

They also do tasty appetizers and snacks.

• Location: 1602 Yew Street

LOCAL Kitsilano

LOCAL is one of the best pubs in Kitsilano. It’s right by the beach and has a huge outdoor area that fills up quickly during the summer.

Head down early to reserve your spot and watch the sunset over the sea with a cool pint! Doesn’t get much better than that.

• Location: 2210 Cornwall Avenue

The Galley at Jericho Sailing Club

This pub isn’t anything fancy but it’s home to one of the best patios in Vancouver! Just above the Jericho Sailing Club, The Galley does reasonably priced drinks that you can enjoy while looking over Jericho Beach to downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains.

While I wouldn’t say it’s the best restaurant Kitsilano has for food, it’s definitely got one of the best views in Vancouver for a drink!

• Location: 1300 Discovery Street

Bimini’s Beer Hall

Bimini’s Beer Hall is the place to go for a fun night out in Kits. With cheapish drinks, good food and good music it’s ideal for a big group of friends to get together at.

There are TVs showing whatever big sports game is going on and pool tables too.

• Location: 2010 West 4th Avenue

Grapes & Soda Kitsilano

Grapes & Soda is a cool bar that specializes in seasonal cocktails and natural wine. They have a large list of both and also serve charcuterie on the side so that you can have some nibbles while you sip!

• Location: 1541 West 6th Avenue

Coffee, Breakfast, and Best Brunch in Kitsilano

When it comes to brunch in Kitsilano or the best breakfast in Kitsilano, you have a lot of choices! Below are some of the most popular places and a few of the things they’re famous for. There are also some coffee shops in Kitsilano included too for those who, like me, can’t go without a cup every day.

Their There

This cute cafe and marketplace sell products from local producers and cute coffee table style books. Their There also do excellent breakfast sandwiches as well as chicken sandwiches and beef brisket sandwiches for lunch!

They also do great coffee with guest espresso blends that change regularly.

• Location: 2042 West 4th Avenue

Grounds for Coffee

Grounds for Coffee is famous for its cinnamon rolls which are huge and absolutely delicious! If you manage to get there when they’ve just come out of the oven you’re in for even more of a treat!

There’s also seating inside and you can get a coffee to go with your cinnamon bun.

• Location: 2565 Alma Street

Siegel’s Bagels

Siegel’s Bagels are delicious and an absolute must either for breakfast on Granville Island or as lunch.

They have a wide variety of freshly baked bagels in different flavours and make up bagel sandwiches too. Their big breakfast bagel is one of my favourites but their lunch bagels with veggies, meats and/or cheeses are also delicious!

Though my favorite will forever be an everything bagel, their rosemary rocksalt bagel is loved by many.

• Location: 1883 Cornwall Avenue

Lumine Coffee

Fairly new to Kitsilano, Lumine Coffee is in a nicely decorated spot with lots of plants. They serve flaky pastries and other baked goods alongside their coffee and have been getting great reviews.

• Location: 1965 West 4th Avenue

Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe

Expect to wait in line if you choose to come for breakfast at Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe (and you should!). The line usually moves pretty quickly and once you’re inside you’ll get to experience the unusual interior with old artworks, toys, and artifacts covering the walls.

They’re well-known for their Lumberjack breakfast which is a plate of eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, and pancakes, and their bennys are great too. Its one of the best brunch Kitsilano does.

You can also get lunch here if you’re visiting later in the day and looking for one of the best West 4th restaurants Vancouver.

• Location: 2095 West 4th Avenue

49th Parallel Cafe

A bit of a Vancouver classic and known for their blue/teal mugs (at least by me), 49th Parallel Cafe serves up delicious coffee.

Their West 4th location has a beautiful covered patio area and is also home to one of the larger selections of Lucky’s Donuts.

However, the donuts do sell out quickly so for the most choice in flavors, get there early to grab some of the best food in Kitsilano.

• Location: 2198 West 4th Avenue

Kits Beach Coffee

Kits Beach Coffee, as the name suggests, is right next to Kits Beach. There is a good amount of both indoor and outdoor seating and they do baked goods too including cookies and cakes.

• Location: 1945 Cornwall Avenue

Jam Cafe Kitsilano

The ever-popular Jam Cafe (one of the best Gastown restaurants) also has a Kitsilano location.

If you’re looking for a tasty brunch in Kitsilano then you can’t go wrong here. Their biscuit, bacon, hashbrowns and ham ‘Charlie Bowl’ is one of the top picks on the menu, but everything is good!

You will, however, need to wait in line and the lines are usually pretty long! There are no reservations accepted but it’s worth trying at least once if you live in Vancouver.

• Location: 2153 West 4th Ave

Best places for lunch in Kitsilano

Some of the cafes and restaurants in Kitsilano listed above make great options for lunch, but in addition, there are these places that really know how to make delicious lunches!

If you’re looking for the best lunch Kitsilano has to offer, here’s my pick.

Tractor Foods

Tractor is a local chain that serves up delicious salads, sandwiches, and soups. You can get a half or full sandwich along with a market side or build your own salad bowl.

It’s not just leaves, you can get pasta salads, mushrooms, chickpeas, and more.

• Location: 1903 West 4th Avenue

Gobble

Build your own healthy, hearty lunch bowl at this vegan and gluten-free friendly restaurant in Kitsilano. You can pick from their list of signature bowls or build your own from scratch. Get it to take out for a tasty meal at the beach!

• Location: 2017 West 4th Avenue

Kokomo

There are a few Kokomo locations around the city these days and they’re delicious. With a fun interior and vibe, Kokomo serves up delicious bowls and salads, smoothies and wraps. Everything is vegetarian or vegan and loaded with tasty ingredients. They’ve also got acai bowls for those super hot summer days!

• Location: 2028 Vine Street

Best Desserts in Kitsilano

Satisfy your sweet tooth or cool down after a sunny day on the beach with some of these desserts in Kitsilano.

Pie Hole

The Pie Hole does dessert pies that will have your mouth watering. From Key Lime pie to s’mores and, of course, fruit pies this is the ultimate spot for dessert.

You can also stop by here to pick up lunch or dinner as they do meat pies too!

• Location: 1864 West 4th Avenue

Rain or Shine Ice Cream

This is a big statement, but I’m putting Rain or Shine Ice Cream out there as my favorite ice cream in Vancouver.

All the flavours I’ve tried are delicious with my top ones being the malted chocolate honeycomb and ruby raspberry. While I usually get my fix from their truck on English Bay Beach, their Kitsilano location has even more flavors to choose from.

Just be warned you’ll likely have to wait in line as beachgoers head up the hill to West 4th from Kits Beach for the best ice cream around.

• Location: 1926 West 4th Avenue

Mister Ice Cream Bar

Mister Ice Cream Bar in Kits We choose flavor combinations that are unique, and rotate them based on season and demand. You’ll get a creamy, smooth, ice cream made with liquid nitrogen that’s something different. These ice cream bars are delicious and a must-try!

• Location: 1835 West 1st Avenue

Cheesecake Etc.

Love cheesecake? Then you’ll need to go to Cheesecake Etc towards South Granville. Previous diners say it’ll take you back in time with its dimmed lights and jazz in the background. It’s ideal for finishing up a romantic dinner date!

Their original cheesecake is always a good choice, but at least one of you should get their current special.

• Location: 2141 Granville Street

Final thoughts on the best restaurants Kitsilano has to offer

Whether you’re looking for the best Kitsilano beach restaurants, the best breakfast Kitsilano has to offer, to the best dinner out of all the Kits restaurants, this list has hopefully helped you narrow things down.

Kitsilano food tends to be on the healthier end of things and honestly I’m here for it.

Having said that, my favorite is to grab a crispy chicken burrito from Tacofino Kits and then head down to the beach to enjoy it while watching the sunset – you really can’t beat it!

If you’re looking for more things to do in Vancouver, be sure to check out these other guides to where to eat in Vancouver. From the best Gastown restaurants, to where to eat in Yaletown, and the best West End restaurants as well as places to eat on Main Street. I’ve covered the best eateries and things to do across the city in my Vancouver travel guides.

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Hannah