Discover the top 10 restaurants in Kitsilano, from elegant Japanese fine dining to casual beachside eateries. Explore the best places to eat in Kits and see why this neighbourhood is one of Vancouver’s most desirable places to live.
Kitsilano isn’t just one of Vancouver’s most desirable neighbourhoods for its beaches, parks, and mountain views—it’s also a bona fide culinary hotspot. Whether you’re hunting for high-end dining, casual comfort, or that perfect post-beach brunch, Kits delivers. Here’s a guide to the Top 10 Restaurants in Kitsilano, ranked by Google reviews and local buzz, complete with my take on what makes each spot special.
1. Yuwa Japanese Cuisine
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese
2775 W 16th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.8 ⭐️
If you’re after an elevated dining experience in Kits, Yuwa is pure elegance. Chef Masahiro Omori creates authentic Japanese dishes that balance tradition with west coast flair. Expect melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, seasonal specials like miso sablefish, and a refined omakase-style menu. The ambiance is calm and sophisticated—perfect for date nights or client dinners.
Pro tip: Book early; it’s intimate, and it fills up fast.
Website: yuwa.ca
2. Fable Kitchen
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table Canadian
1944 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.7 ⭐️
Fable Kitchen is the quintessential Kitsilano restaurant—creative, approachable, and rooted in local ingredients. Chef Trevor Bird (of Top Chef Canada fame) crafts a menu that shifts with the seasons: think duck confit, gnocchi with mushrooms, and the kind of brunch that cures all ills. The open kitchen gives it a lively, communal vibe, while the rustic décor feels effortlessly cool.
Pro tip: Grab a counter seat to watch the kitchen in action.
Website: fablekitchen.ca
3. Don at Kitsilano
Cuisine: Modern Asian Fusion
2186 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.8 ⭐️
“Don” might sound unassuming, but inside you’ll find some of the most inventive Asian-inspired plates in the city. Expect dishes like lobster gyoza, truffle chawanmushi, and rice bowls that redefine comfort food. The tasting menu is especially worth it for a special night out.
Pro tip: Go for the chef’s tasting menu—it’s a mini culinary adventure.
Website: eatdon.com
4. Local Public Eatery – Kitsilano
Cuisine: Casual Canadian / Pub Fare
2210 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.4 ⭐️
Steps from Kits Beach, this is the hangout spot for locals. With craft beers, great burgers, and a breezy patio, Local is where Kits residents gather after beach volleyball, dog walks, or Sunday brunch. The vibe is relaxed and social—perfect for soaking up that West Coast sun. And not a bad spot to catch a Football, Hockey, or Blue Jays Game.
Pro tip: Hit the patio for sunset drinks—it’s a Kits classic.
Website: localpubliceatery.com
5. Au Comptoir
Cuisine: French Bistro
2278 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.6 ⭐️
A slice of Paris in Kitsilano. Au Comptoir is beloved for its croque madame, buttery pastries, and seasonal French plates. The café-style space is charming and romantic, with espresso aromas and a rotating menu that’ll make you feel like you’ve hopped a flight to France.
Pro tip: Their brunch is magnifique—get the Gaufre Madame if it’s on the menu.
Website: aucomptoir.ca
6. Octopus’ Garden Restaurant
Cuisine: Japanese Seafood
1995 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.6 ⭐️
This long-standing gem near the beach is perfect for sushi lovers. Octopus’ Garden combines premium seafood, whimsical presentation, and warm service in a cozy, laid-back setting. The omakase is a local favourite for those who want to trust the chef’s creativity.
Pro tip: Ask about the “secret menu”—the chefs love a little improvisation.
Website: octopusgarden.ca
7. Jackson’s Resto Butcher
Cuisine: Steakhouse / Canadian
2214 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.5 ⭐️
Jackson’s is both a restaurant and a butcher shop, meaning the meat is as fresh as it gets. Expect perfectly seared steaks, indulgent burgers, and a wine list built for pairing. The interior blends rustic charm with modern polish, creating a warm, welcoming spot for dinner with friends.
Pro tip: Take home one of their butcher cuts for your next BBQ.
Website: jacksonsrestobutcher.com
8. Maenam
Cuisine: Thai Fine Dining
1938 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.6 ⭐️
Consistently ranked among Vancouver’s best Thai restaurants, Maenam redefines what Thai food can be. The curries, salads, and noodle dishes are beautifully balanced and bursting with authentic flavour. The tasting menu is a great way to sample the breadth of their kitchen’s creativity.
Pro tip: Spice levels can be adjusted—don’t be afraid to go authentic!
Website: maenam.ca
9. Unchai Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai / Southeast Asian
2351 Burrard St, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.6 ⭐️
Unchai offers a more casual but equally delicious Thai dining experience. From pad see ew to green curry, every dish is vibrant, comforting, and generously portioned. It’s a cozy local favourite—simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.
Pro tip: Great for takeout nights or casual weeknight dinners.
Website: unchai.ca
10. Raisu
Cuisine: Japanese Izakaya
2340 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Google Rating: ~4.5 ⭐️
Raisu’s cozy izakaya vibe makes it one of the go-to spots for casual Japanese in Kits. With donburi bowls, house ramen, and creative small plates, it’s ideal for both solo diners and groups. The service is friendly, the portions generous, and the flavours on point.
Pro tip: Order the teishoku set—it’s the best value and variety.
Website: raisu.ca
Why Great Restaurants Matter in Real Estate
When you fall in love with a home in Kitsilano, you’re not just buying a property, you’re buying into a lifestyle. Being steps away from world-class dining, a cappuccino-worthy café, or a sunset patio adds huge appeal.
Ready to live—and dine—in Kitsilano?
Find your dream home steps away from these top spots at welovekits.ca.
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Dining out in Kits: The Top 10 Restaurants You’ll Want Nearby was provided by Regan Pyke, a Vancouver Realtor and a leader in the field of sales, marketing, and real estate investing. Regan can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 778-228-2448.
