Tianna ClarkeGastown’s dining scene has ruined me—in the best possible way. I still dream about the mouthwatering duck confit I had at L’Abattoir, and don’t get me started on the decadent cocktails at The Diamond.
One night, I even tried to tackle a three-course feast at two different restaurants because I couldn’t decide between them. I didn’t regret a single bite, but my waistband wasn’t so forgiving.
If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with bold flavors, cozy vibes, and maybe a little overindulgence, keep reading to discover Gastown’s best restaurants—you won’t want to miss a single one!
1. Savor Culinary Masterpieces at L’Abattoir
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Website
Address: 217 Carrall Street
Contact details: +1 604-568-1701
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 5pm to 11pm
If you’re searching for an exceptional French dining experience in Gastown, L’Abattoir is an absolute must-visit.
This restaurant combines top-notch service with exquisitely prepared dishes to create a dining experience that’s nothing short of unforgettable.
The menu features carefully crafted French cuisine, including chef-designed set menu options that will delight your palate. We can’t recommend the baked oysters enough—they’re beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
Their happy hour is a fantastic opportunity to sample some of their standout dishes at a more approachable price. And don’t skip the wine—their sommelier is a true gem, expertly guiding you to pairings that elevate every bite.
Whether you’re sitting down for a meal or just grabbing a drink at the bar, L’Abattoir never fails to impress with its inviting atmosphere and impeccable offerings.
Pro tip:
The default tipping options start at 19% and go up to 25%, so be prepared.
2. Relish Bold Flavors at the Salt Tasting Room
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Website
Address: 227 E Pender Street
Contact details: +1 604-428-7062
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12pm to 3pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 2pm
Tucked away in an unassuming alley, this hidden gem opens into a cozy tasting room that feels like a warm hug. With red brick walls, soft dim lighting, and a long, minimalist space, the ambiance is both inviting and chic.
The counter, decorated with colorful piggy banks doubling as adorable table reservation markers, adds a playful touch that instantly charms.
This is the perfect spot to try something new. You can let the server work their magic with expertly curated wine pairings or choose your own adventure from their impressive selection.
Each pairing is thoughtfully accompanied by a charcuterie plate featuring high-quality cheese, meats, and condiments, along with a basket of bread and crackers to round it all out.While it’s on the pricier side, the experience is worth every penny.
The quality speaks for itself, and if you’re in search of a perfectly paired charcuterie and wine experience, this spot delivers like no other. It’s indulgence done right!
Pro tip:
Don’t expect to leave stuffed. This is modest, shared plates, but delicious!
3. Discover Local Charm at Al Porto Ristorante
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Website
Address: 321 Water Street
Contact details: +1 604-683-8376
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 10pm
- Saturday: 4:30pm to 9:30pm
Nestled in a charming alley in Gastown, this delightful restaurant is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort.
Offering a fantastic deal, you can enjoy a salad and soup to start, followed by a choice of pizza, pasta, or risotto as your main course, all for just $24-$27—and they even throw in a bread basket with oil and vinegar.
The atmosphere leans a bit fancy, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night. Pair your meal with one of their stellar wine selections, and you’re in for a treat.
Now, let’s talk pasta—because it’s nothing short of amazing. Their seafood linguine is a must-try, with generous portions that will leave you fully satisfied.
The bone marrow from the osso buco is perfectly cooked and indulgent, while the pescatore impresses with its incredible variety and freshness.
This is one of those places that keeps you coming back for more, and we can’t recommend it enough. Dress up, dig in, and enjoy every bite!
Pro tip:
The entrance is on a side street, so it feels like you’re going somewhere that few people go.
4. Indulge in Gourmet Creations at Pidgin
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Website
Address: 350 Carrall Street
Contact details: +1 604-620-9400
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5pm to 10pm
PiDGiN strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The food is as stunning in presentation as it is in flavor, offering a bold fusion of Asian and Western cuisine that’s both exciting and satisfying.
As a Michelin-recommended restaurant, PiDGiN delivers a dining experience that lives up to its reputation. The tasting menu is a must-try, with an impressive variety of dishes that will keep you guessing—and delighting—with each new course.
Standout dishes include the unforgettable foie gras rice bowl and the crispy, flavor-packed chicken wings. For dessert, the beignets are simply divine and not to be missed.
If you’re ordering à la carte, don’t skip the scallop and bison dish—it’s a true culinary masterpiece. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but for the creativity, quality, and experience, it’s worth every penny.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in something extraordinary, PiDGiN is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Pro tip:
Brandon and his team were amazing. Definitely follow their sake recommendations; they know their stuff!
5. Treat Yourself to Comfort Food at Kozak
Media credit: kozakukrainianfood
Website
Address: 1 W Cordova Street
Contact details: +1 778-955-9135
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9:30am to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9:30am to 11pm
- Sunday: 9:30am to 9pm
Kozak offers an authentic glimpse into Ukrainian cuisine, delivering hearty and flavorful dishes that leave you feeling comforted, not weighed down. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels like a warm hug, especially on a chilly, rainy day.
Their borscht is a standout—perfectly balanced, well-seasoned, and brimming with the natural flavors of fresh ingredients and spices. It’s the ultimate comfort food when the weather turns gray.
Beyond the borscht, their lamb stew, skewers, and cottage cheese pancakes are equally delightful. And don’t forget to browse their selection of sourdough and pastries, which are just as tempting as the main menu.
If you haven’t visited Kozak yet, do yourself a favor and go. Unless your expectations are impossibly high, this spot will absolutely win you over with its authentic flavors and cozy charm.
Pro tip:
It’s a bit of a loud atmosphere in this very open floor plan, so we recommend you get seated in the corner.
6. Dive Into Fresh Seafood at Momo Sushi
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Website
Address: 6-375 Water Street
Contact details: +1 604-683-7632
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 9pm
Let’s get one thing straight: Momo Sushi isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a destination for sushi lovers. Whether you’re a fish fan or not, this place has something for everyone.
For the vegetarians and meat eaters, there’s a solid selection of dishes, but for the sushi enthusiasts, the specialty rolls are where the magic happens. The ingredients are always fresh, and the presentation is pure art.
Expect your food to arrive in about 10-15 minutes, though it might take a bit longer depending on what you’ve ordered.
The restaurant has limited seating, but with the service being lightning-fast, tables turn quickly, so you’ll never wait too long.
The atmosphere? It’s got that cool, basement-level vibe that adds a bit of mystery and charm to the experience.
Pro tip:
There is a parking lot about 2 minutes from the restaurant (restricted to vehicle size and mass). If you do not have permission to park there, your car will most likely be towed.
7. Experience Rustic Elegance at Meet
Media credit: meetgastown
Website
Address: Inner Courtyard, 12 Water Street
Contact details: +1 604-696-1111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12pm to 9pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 9pm
MeeT is a hidden gem in the heart of eclectic Gastown, offering creative vegan cuisine that will win over even the most skeptical eaters. With a lively vibe, trendy music, and modern décor, it’s the perfect spot for a drink or a fun date night.
We popped in for brunch and sampled the steak tostadas, waffles, sunshine benny, and gnocchi—every dish was flavorful and satisfying, with drinks that were as refreshing as they were tasty.
It’s rare to find such a wide variety of high-quality vegan and vegetarian options, and MeeT nails it every time.
The Korean fried chicken is an absolute must-try, especially with its spicy sauce that wraps around the crispy chicken.
The Big Yum Bowl is another winner, particularly perfect for hot weather. On a sunny day, it’s an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a fan of sweet noodles, you might want to skip the Thai noodles, as they lean towards a sweeter flavor.
8. Explore Global Tastes at Nuba
Media credit: nubatown
Website
Address: 207 W Hastings Street
Contact details: +1 604-688-1655
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30am to 10pm
- Sunday: 11:30am to 9pm
Nuba in Gastown serves up some of the best Lebanese food we’ve ever had. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely the place to grab a bite!
The menu is designed for sharing, offering a sampler-style experience that’s more than enough food for a group. While the individual entrée portions are small, similar to tapas, the generous servings ensure you’ll leave full without breaking the bank.
We highly recommend the dip platter, featuring hummus, baba ganoush, and more, all served with a side of soft, warm pita bread.
The cauliflower dish is another standout, bursting with flavor. And let’s not forget the cocktails—they’re perfectly balanced and complement the meal beautifully.
If you haven’t been yet, make sure to stop by Nuba for a satisfying and flavorful Lebanese feast!
Pro tip:
If you are sensitive to loud music, you should absolutely bring earplugs. The music is quite loud.
9. Feast on Hearty Dishes at Steamworks Brewpub
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Website
Address: 375 Water Street
Contact details: +1 604-689-2739
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 12am
- Friday: 11:30am to 1am
- Saturday: 11am to 1am
- Sunday: 11am to 12am
Steamworks Brewery is the perfect spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy some great food with a view. With its large windows and unique vibe, it’s an ideal place to spend time with friends or enjoy a meal solo.
We recommend trying their poutine, calamari, salad, and fish & chips—each dish is delicious and satisfying. Of course, you can’t miss out on sampling their craft beers, which perfectly complement the food.
The service is quick, with drinks arriving right away and food coming out about 10 minutes later.
The poutine here is authentic, with crispy fries, savory gravy, and gooey cheese curds that will hit the spot every time.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, especially during big games, Steamworks Brewery is the place to be!
Pro tip:
Don’t take our word for it; try the Beeramisu and leave a review with your thoughts.
10. Revel in Cozy Vibes at Purebread Bakery + Coffee
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Website
Address: 159 W Hastings Street
Contact details: +1 604-563-8060
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 4pm
Purebread is a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates top-notch baked goods. Located in a charming building with rustic furniture that perfectly matches its age, this bakery feels like a warm embrace the moment you walk in.
They bake fresh pastries every day, and trust us, everything is worth trying. The variety is mind-blowing—probably around 40-50 different items, each one as tempting as the last.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick treat or planning to sit down and enjoy your time, there’s plenty of space to relax with friends or even get some work done.
From savory to sweet, Purebread’s offerings never disappoint. We tried a bunch of items, and each one was absolutely fantastic. If you haven’t been yet, get there soon—you won’t regret it!
Pro tip:
Arrive early as they tend to sell out of popular items quickly.
