Kelly RainierAs I dropped by some Filipino restaurants in the city, I figured I’d grab some lumpia, maybe a plate of adobo, and call it a day. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a culinary adventure so epic it would leave me dreaming of lechon and tinola.
From melt-in-your-mouth pork belly to desserts like ube halaya, these restaurants blew my mind (and my taste buds). Let’s just say I’m now on a first-name basis with a few servers, and I may or may not have tried to smuggle extra garlic rice home.
If you’re ready to dive into some seriously drool-worthy dishes, keep reading—because Vancouver’s Filipino food game is on fire, and I’ve got the ultimate guide for you!
1. Kulinarya Filipino Eatery
Kulinarya offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re reminiscing about the Philippines or simply looking for a warm, family-run spot, this restaurant delivers.
Its intimate setting is ideal for sharing delicious plates with friends or family. The menu is full of Filipino classics, beautifully presented and packed with flavor.
The Vegetable Spring Rolls are crisp and fresh, while the Crispy Pata has a bold taste. Their Kare-Kare, a peanut-based vegetable stew, is rich and comforting, but the Garlic Fried Rice steals the spotlight—garlicky, flavorful, and irresistibly good.
Despite its small size, the restaurant has a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. Given the limited space, reservations are a good idea, even for small groups.
The quality of the dishes and attentive service justify the slightly higher prices, making it a worthwhile treat. Nevertheless, we recommend dining here if you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or just curious to try something new.
Accommodating staff
“The food was pretty good, but it was the service that we liked most about the place. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating and made sure we were well taken care of.”
-Mr. Manalastas, Google Review
Cozy interior to share meals
“The interior has that cozy feeling you get from family run restaurants. It’s also perfect for friends and family because of their large variety of sharing plates!”
-Ms. Annika, Google Review
2. Alloz Grill
Alloz Grill is a tiny, unassuming spot run by a friendly Filipino couple who have mastered the art of comfort food. With only three seats and a cozy vibe, it’s a no-frills haven for a flavorful, intimate meal.
Tucked away on a quiet street, this hidden gem thrives on local love and word of mouth—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
For just $16, you get a plate piled high with garlicky fried rice, two eggs, and perfectly crispy pork belly (lechon) that’s juicy and full of flavor. Their turo-turo (point-point) style setup makes it easy to choose whatever looks good.
From tender, crunchy pork belly and chicken to squid cooked just right, each dish is a hit. The dinuguan (pork blood stew) and Bicol Express (spicy coconut pork stew) are rich, bold, and packed with authentic Filipino flavors.
Weekend brunch runs until 2 PM, so you can indulge in their hearty breakfast menu at your own pace—perfect for late risers craving something special.
Best place to get brunch
“Alloz Grill may just be the single best place to get brunch in Vancouver. The place is run by a very wholesome filipino couple that clearly knows how to do things right.”
-Mr. Shaaban, Google Review
Great portions and really good food
“Great portions, reasonably priced, really good food. I ordered the barbecue platter for a get together and my guests loved it. Their breakfast meals are also fantastic.”
-Mr. Richards, Google Review
3. Hapag Ihaw-Ihaw Restaurant
Hapag Ihaw-Ihaw is a cozy, family-run restaurant that feels like a home away from home. The welcoming staff make every visit enjoyable with their friendly and attentive service.
While the prices may lean higher, the portions and flavors make it worthwhile. Their menu highlights Filipino comfort food at its best, with dishes like crispy pata—golden, perfectly fried pork hock that’s as indulgent as it is delicious.
The pork skewers and beef pares, served with rice and soup, are hearty and satisfying. The pares offer a unique twist on the classic, with deeply marinated, savory flavors that stand out.
For dessert, the ube cheesecake is rich and creamy with a vibrant, New York-style flair, and their halo-halo has earned a reputation as one of the best around—a refreshing treat for any sweet tooth.
Ultimately, we think that Hapag Ihaw-Ihaw is a great place if you’re new to Filipino cuisine. Don’t skip the crispy pata—it’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich flavors of Filipino cooking.
True hidden gem
“A true hidden gem! Never in my life have I tasted chicken this tender and juicy. These chunky pieces were grilled to perfection.”
-Mr. Beaver, Google Review
Reasonably priced
“Their Chicken Inasal and Pork Bbq are very good, especially when served with their garlic rice. The combo menu items are reasonably priced for lunch.”
-Ms. Wendy, Google Review
4. Symphonie Restaurant
Symphonie Restaurant is a hidden treasure tucked away on the bottom floor of a commercial high-rise in downtown, offering a cozy mom-and-pop vibe and a menu that satisfies both Canadian and Filipino cravings.
For breakfast lovers, their longganisa (Filipino sausage) with eggs and rice is a standout. The eggs are cooked just the way you like—over easy is a fan favorite—and paired with the savory sausage, it’s a comforting dish.
If you’re after something lighter, their all-day breakfast menu includes a simple yet satisfying combo of two eggs, sausage, and toast, all at budget-friendly prices.
Lunch at Symphonie is equally impressive. Their sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, pack a big flavor. The club sandwich, often hailed as the best in town, is an absolute steal at just $9.
Add to that their daily specials, which shake up the menu with fresh, delicious options, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to stop by.
One of the restaurant’s best features is its customizable approach to flavors. With a variety of condiments on hand, you can tweak your meal to suit your taste perfectly.
Symphonie’s friendly owners and loyal regulars add to the charm, making it a go-to spot for affordable, flavorful food. We cannot recommend them enough if you’re looking for one of the best Vancouver Filipino restaurants.
Reasonably priced
” Very reasonable prices for downtown of a big city and most importantly super nice owners. Highly recommended!”
-Mr. Dang, Google Review
Good food
“Good food!..only place open early that serves a good meal super thankful they were open”
-Mr. Eshan, Google Review
5. Plato Filipino
This cozy spot is a Filipino food haven, serving up an impressive variety of authentic dishes that’ll transport you straight to the heart of the Philippines—all while being budget-friendly.
Our top picks include the crispy, golden perfection of their Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly) and the tangy, bold flavors of Papaitan, a sour soup packed with goat or cow meat and innards that’s a must-try for adventurous eaters.
For dessert, we say go for the classic Halo-Halo (a shaved ice treat piled with colorful, sweet toppings) and the crunchy, caramelized delight of Turon (banana-jackfruit spring rolls.
If you’re looking for a refreshing treat, get the Buko Pandan. It’s made of coconut and pandan-flavored gelatin in creamy sweetened milk.
But it’s not just about the food—the ambiance is a tribute to Filipino culture, with traditional music softly playing in the background and décor that radiates warmth and nostalgia.
Convenience is key here, too! With a prime location just a short walk from the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain station and another branch near the New Westminster SkyTrain station, satisfying your Filipino food cravings is always within easy reach.
Food is always delicious
“The food is always delicious, and no matter what I order, be it a combo meal or one from their à la carte…”
-Ms. Madriago, Google Review
Great flavors
“I ordered the Tapsilog with a side of Dinuguan. Great flavours and decent pricing. Small seating area but I was lucky enough to nab a seat. I think labels on dishes might help people in the line decide faster.”
-Mr. Flormata, Google Review
