12 Gastown Vancouver Restaurants Worth The Hype

Gastown is a historic neighbourhood that feels distinct from the rest of downtown. Its cobblestone streets and heritage buildings, many still showcasing their original Victorian architecture, transform our rainy city into a European city. Gastown is also known for boutique shopping, the iconic Gastown Steam Clock, and a diverse restaurant scene. No matter what you’re craving, Gastown restaurants have you covered, and then some.

Restaurants Serving Up Fresh Fish

Tekkaba

Tekkaba is a unique Japanese restaurant offering both Omakase and Izakaya-style dining, designed around a slower, more intentional way of eating. No matter which experience you choose, you’ll connect directly with the chef as he walks you through his handpicked dishes, showcasing the freshest seafood. Reservations are recommended for the best experience.

Water St Cafe

Water St Cafe epitomizes Gastown's old-school ambiance. With exposed brick, twinkling fairy lights, and views directly out to the mountains, it's the best spot to stay warm on a rainy day or for a break while exploring downtown in the evening. Warm up with their menu of Pacific Northwest and Italian-style dishes while tucked into a cozy booth. For an extra special touch, enjoy live music performances on weekend nights. Water St Cafe has been a long-standing favourite in the Gastown community.

Italian and Mediterranean-Inspired Plates

The Greek

If you’re looking for a lively dinner spot with a live DJ on the weekends and deliciously tender lamb, The Greek is the way to go. It’s perfect for both date night and a night out with friends, and they’re best known for their souvlaki platters, which are great for sharing around the table. Plus, if you want to extend your night, The Blarney Stone is right across the street for the perfect pint of Guinness and live music for all.

Di Beppe

At the corner of Water Street is Di Beppe, a cozy cafe overlooking Gastown's center, with views made for your morning espresso and cannoli. Later in the day, the back of the restaurant opens into a lively dining room where Negronis start flowing. The menu is quintessential Italian, with cacio e pepe, classic margherita pizza, and housemade tiramisu stealing the spotlight.

Nuba

If you head down to the basement of the historic Dominion Building and follow the delicious smells of shawarma, you'll find Nuba, a standout in Gastown dining. The space is casual yet intimate, with small tables and generous portion sizes that keep guests coming back. Nuba has you covered for all meals of the day, whether you're craving something sweet at brunch or diving into savoury favourites for lunch and dinner. Start with a round of dips and salads for the table, then dig into crowd-pleasers like their lamb kafta and chicken shawarma.

International Restaurants

Petrichor Social French farmhouse

Petrichor is all about enjoying a meal after a long day of rain, and their Gastown restaurant perfectly captures that mood. Tucked away in Blood Alley, it welcomes you into a warm, intimate atmosphere ideal for a candlelit dinner or a cozy drink at the bar. They’re best known for their French farmhouse-style cooking, featuring small plates with classic French flavours. Be sure to explore their exceptional selection of French wines and take the time to chat with the bartenders to enhance your wine knowledge. It’s a feel-good spot in the Gastown restaurant lineup.

Gringo

Also in Blood Alley is Gringo, a lively Mexican street food stop where the energy is always buzzing. The space is vibrant, with bright lights and a fun atmosphere that sets the tone for a great time. Their menu features classic, delicious Mexican dishes that never disappoint. Choose your taco of choice (the white fish tacos are our favourite), pair it with your favourite margarita flavour, and enjoy the upbeat vibes, all while taking in the cool atmosphere of this must-try Gastown dining spot.

Kozak Ukrainian Restaurant

Kozak is a Gastown restaurant offering home-cooked meals in an elevated dining space that evokes comfort for every diner. They’re best known for their handmade pierogies and hearty dishes, along with an extensive wine list featuring Ukrainian and Eastern European wines. Kozak also stands out for its strong community focus, having hired and supported over 100 Ukrainian refugees since 2020.

L’abattoir

L’Abattoir is one of Gastown's most refined dining spaces, featuring a Michelin-recognized menu of French classics with West Coast influences, tucked down a charming cobblestone street. Once a jail, the restaurant now features a unique interior with exposed brick and warm wood. Their chef's tasting menu showcases West Coast ingredients prepared with French techniques, featuring dishes such as baked Pacific oyster and steak tartare. Whether you're here for an intimate private dining experience or a larger group gathering, L’Abattoir is a cool atmosphere for any occasion.

Elevated Bar and Brunch Food

Arcana Food and Spirits

Arcana is a moody, hidden gem in Gastown dining, exuding an old-world apothecary vibe as you step inside. Beneath the “pet psychic” sign, you'll find a dimly lit lounge with a creative cocktail menu and seasonal comfort bites. Order a round of smoky cocktails and dive into their truffle mac and cheese or duck confit. For an extra touch of mystery, don’t be surprised if you spot an Ouija board on the table or have your palm read. It's the perfect spot to enjoy both intriguing drinks and a unique atmosphere.

Twisted Fork

If you wanna skip the hotel breakfast buffet and see more of Gastown, try the Twisted Fork to satisfy all your brunch needs. With bar seating by the window, it’s the ultimate people-watching spot, and if the weather permits, they’ll open it up so you can sip your coffee and ease into the fresh air. Their menu features comfort classics such as French toast and Shakshuka, making it a highlight on this Gastown restaurant list.

Pourhouse

Pourhouse is where you can discover the art of an exceptional cocktail paired with the perfect dish. Steeped in Gastown history, the space was built in 1910, with the bar crafted from original cedar fir planks. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner, enjoy their specialty burgers, classic cocktails, and signature expertly crafted drinks. With live music on weekends, Pourhouse is the ideal spot to wrap up your weekend on the perfect note.

Where to Stay and Shop in Gastown

To truly experience Gastown's charm, staying in one of its antique hotels is the way to go. The Victorian Hotel, built in 1898, maintains its historic charm with exposed brick in the rooms and cast-iron radiators. It's located right above Locanda dell’Orso, making you feel like a Gastown local, and just a 2-minute walk to the Steam Clock.

For a more spacious option, The Delta Hotel, just five minutes from Gastown, offers larger rooms and amenities such as an indoor pool and gym, and is part of the Marriott family.

Gastown also offers a mix of boutique and vintage shopping, homegoods stores, and cafes. For clothing, check out Maison Kitsuné, Kit & Ace, and F as in Frank. For home goods, visit Old Faithful Shop, and for coffee, don’t miss Revolver, Purebread Bakery, and Café Kitsuné.