Ask for Luigi is an italian restaurant in Strathcona, Vancouver.
Ask for Luigi in Railtown since 2013 is J-C Poirier's Italian handmade-pasta room, the same kitchen behind St Lawrence, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022.
Signature dishes: Tagliatelle bolognese, Cacio e pepe
Must order: Handmade pappardelle with rabbit ragu, the kitchen's reference pasta plate.
Tip: No reservations; walk-in line from 17:00. The bar opens 30 minutes earlier.
Address: 305 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4
Dachi on East Hastings is a counter-style izakaya since 2018 with a deep sake list and seasonal fish, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 and Vancouver Magazine top.
Signature: Daily fish crudo, Wood-grilled skewers
Order: Fish crudo from the daily list, then yakitori skewers with a glass of sake.
Tip: Tock reservations open 30 days out; the counter walks in for the early seating.
Save On Meats on West Hastings is the Downtown Eastside diner since 1957, a butcher shop counter and the city's reference dive-diner since the 2011 reboot.
Signature: S.O.M burger, Diner breakfast, House sausage
Order: The S.O.M burger with a chocolate milkshake at the diner counter.
Tip: Buy a sandwich token at the counter to gift to someone outside; redeemed for a meal anytime.
Dachi on East Hastings is a counter-style izakaya since 2018 with a deep sake list and seasonal fish, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 and Vancouver Magazine top.
Signature: Daily fish crudo, Wood-grilled skewers
Order: Fish crudo from the daily list, then yakitori skewers with a glass of sake.
Tip: Tock reservations open 30 days out; the counter walks in for the early seating.
Bestie on East Pender since 2014 is a 25-seat German sausage and beer counter, Vancouver Magazine Best Casual Restaurant 2018 and a Chinatown anchor.
Signature: House-cured Currywurst, Schweinshaxe, House pretzel
Order: Currywurst with the house mustard plate and a German Pilsner.
Tip: Walk-in counter only; cash-priced after-work specials between 17:00 and 18:00.
Kintaro Ramen on Denman is Vancouver's first Sapporo-style ramen shop since 1999, the city's original tonkotsu counter and a Robson corridor staple.
Signature: Miso ramen, Shoyu ramen
Order: Rich miso ramen with the fatty pork toppings, the kitchen's reference bowl.
Tip: Counter only; line up before 12:00 or after 14:00 to avoid the lunch queue.
The Acorn on Main Street since 2012 is Vancouver's reference vegetarian dining room, Canada's 100 Best top 30, the calendar Plant-Forward leader.
Signature: Beer-battered halloumi, Mushroom focaccia
Order: Beer-battered halloumi with crisp rice salad, the kitchen's longest-running menu plate.
Tip: Reservations on Tock open 30 days out; the bar walks in for halloumi and a natural-wine glass.
Nuba Gastown on West Hastings is the second branch of Vancouver's reference Lebanese kitchen since 2004, halal-certified, family-run by the Sabbagh family.
Signature: Najib's Special falafel, Crispy cauliflower, Beef kafta
Order: Najib's Special with crispy cauliflower; the family-style mezze plate covers the bar.
Tip: Multiple locations across Vancouver; this Gastown branch takes walk-ins at the bar plus reservations on OpenTable.
