There are very few restaurants in Vancouver that are open 24 hours a day, serving up healthy food that will satisfy those around the clock cravings you may be having, but The Naam is a reliable option. Located along Kitsilano's West 4th Ave, it has been a Vancouver vegetarian institution for many years now. The strong following they have built includes everyone from vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers who are all looking for a veggie fix. The menu has a wide array of choices with items like veggie bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, enchiladas, burritos, nachos and plenty of other options for your mouth to water over. They also have massive breakfast menu that will give you the sustenance you need to get on with your day. Although all items are vegetarian, they can also cater to vegan diets.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: The Naam Restaurant will have your kids eating their vegetables without even knowing it. And, the sesame fries and miso gravy are a tasty treat.
Natasha's expert tip: The portion sizes are quite large so come hungry!
Before we get into the details, we have to warn you that you may become seriously addicted to Phnom Penh. The secret is out in Vancouver and locals and visitors alike are lining up for Phnom Penh's Cambodian and Vietnamese goods. This restaurant calls the East Side home and has a following that's obvious from the line-up. The deep fried chicken wings are a masterpiece. The light and crispy batter keeps the wings juicy and the sauteed garlic and green onions add extra flavor. Dip them in the lemon and pepper sauce and we dare you to stop at just one. After a few bites, you'll understand the long lines during peak hours. While the chicken wings are a fan favorite, there are so many other delicious dishes to try here.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: For the adventurous little eaters in your life, Phnom Penh offers a very casual environment and a delicious menu to introduce them to new dishes.
Natasha's expert tip: Go during off peak hours and avoid a wait.
This brilliant blue corrugated steel shack beside False Creek regularly serves up a variety of fried fish including cod, salmon and halibut. Each serving is accompanied by crispy chips and a tangy slaw with a hint of Asian dressing. On any given day you'll find devotees lining up to order and sit at the outdoor picnic tables that create the "dining room" - even when the temperature dips! The secret? The light, non-greasy batter uses local beer from the Granville Island Brewery and the freshest of fish. The daily soups are nothing short of delicious and will warm you up on a rainy Vancouver day. Although Go Fish! is a popular summer eatery, they are open all year.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: This informal restaurant is perfect for a sunny day. With a park nearby, there's plenty of space for kids to run around.
Natasha's expert tip: During the week, it's less busy. Weekends can find up to an hour wait during peak hours.
Bella Gelateria has two locations in Vancouver and while they're known for their amazing gelato, this Yaletown location serves delicious Italian fare you can enjoy before indulging in a scoop or two. On the menu you'll find everything from salads and appetizers to pastas and pizzas. They also offer gluten friendly pasta and bread options. A visit to Bella Gelateria isn't complete without tucking into one of the Neapolitan style pizzas. These thin crust beauties are adorned with fresh produce from local farmers and are great for sharing (or having all to yourself.) Make sure to save room for dessert! The gelato and sorbetto are not to be missed. Set along Yaletown's Seawall, Bella Gelateria overlooks False Creek. On a warm day, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the views. When the weather isn't as favorable, take it inside and enjoy the crisp, modern space.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Bella Gelateria combines two of any kids favorite things: pizza and gelato.
Natasha's expert tip: If you don't want to sit down and eat a full meal, you can grab some gelato to go and enjoy it on a nearby bench that overlooks False Creek.
For over 25 years, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House has been one of Vancouver's favorite seafood restaurants. With over 20 kinds of oysters to choose from, you may want to order a couple dozen. If oysters aren't your thing, you'll still have plenty to choose from on their classic menu. With the freshest seafood, exquisite service and only steps from Robson Street, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is solid choice to dine at. Old school charm is brought out through rich decor of dark woods, crisp linens and shiny silverware. The rooftop patio is the perfect spot to sit back and relax while you enjoy something cold with your meal. The service at Joe Fortes is some of the best in the city; you'll be well taken care of here.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Joe Fortes offers a kid's menu, highchairs, booster seats, and they have a baby changing table in their wheelchair accessible washroom.
Natasha's expert tip: The patio is one of the best in Vancouver on a warm summer day. It's the perfect oasis above Robson Street.
Fable Restaurant is a farm-to-table concept and a labor of love for Top Chef Canada contestant, Trevor Bird. The menu boasts fresh, local and seasonal ingredients that are used in each dish. The selection is well thought out and you won't be overwhelmed by too many options, but you may struggle deciding on which dish to choose because it all sounds delicious. A no-fail starter is their "canned tuna" made with fresh albacore that's slowly poached in olive oil with hits of preserved lemon and chervil. This has been on the menu since they opened, but many other dishes change with the seasons. Fable is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Fable Restaurant offers a special kids menu during brunch for kids 10 and under.
Natasha's expert tip: The pancakes from the kids menu are some of the best in the city!
Exceptional fine dining and stellar service are the hallmarks of this excellent restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. Special features include a contemporary raw bar, a pastry chef that creates pure magic in the kitchen, and a solid wine and cocktail program. YEW has a seafood heavy menu that's promotes sustainability. The menu changes seasonally so you're always in for a new treat. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always be sure that there's an abundant amount of choice when it comes to the types of seafood. The bar and lounge area makes for an inviting place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a cocktail by the fire.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: When mom and dad want a special meal, but can't get a sitter, YEW seafood + bar has everyone covered.
Natasha's expert tip: Breakfast starts at 6:30am and is perfect for you early birds.
When it's warm and comforting food you want, Burgoo has you covered. This casual eatery offers four locations around Vancouver and North Vancouver, so a cozy meal is never too far. Known for their soups, Burgoo's soup and sandwich combo is a crowd pleaser. Also on the menu are starters like salmon cakes and fondue that are great for sharing, while chicken pot pie and beef bourguignon can be enjoyed as a main. Burgoo is also great for families and kids will be more than happy to tuck into a meal here.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Burgoo Bistro's grilled cheese sandwich may just be the best in Vancouver.
Natasha's expert tip: The sandwiches are quite large and depending on your little one's appetite, a sandwich could easily be shared.
Owned by the Glowbal Group, Trattoria brings a bistro vibe to West 4th Avenue in Kistilano. On the menu, you'll find everything from salads and antipasti to pizzas, pastas and main dishes. The family-style options are perfect if you're going in as a group and want to try a couple of different dishes. For children eight and under, they offer a special "bambini" menu with dishes all under $8. Trattoria is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located on West 4th Avenue means Trattoria is easy to get to by bus. If you're driving, there's street parking out front.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: Serving delicious Italian fare, Trattoria is suitable for the entire family. They even offer family nights, when kids under eight eat free.
Natasha's expert tip: They have three locations: Kitsilano, Park Royal in West Vancouver, and in Burnaby.
These tasty pizzas are made with only the best organic, free-range and local ingredients and are baked to perfection! Enjoy toppings like organic all-beef pepperoni, certified organic rosemary lemon pulled chicken, kale, butternut squash, freshly cut bocconcini cheese, and more. If you're not in the mood for pizzas, they also serve pastas, salads, soups and a handful of appetizers. For children, they have a kids menu with plenty of options that will please the small tummies in your party. They're also open for brunch and lunch and the brunch flatbreads are delicious and a nice twist on a traditional pizza.
Recommended for Family Friendly because: On Sundays and Mondays kids can make their own pizzas for $6.95 at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
Natasha's expert tip: If you can't make it to the restaurant, head to a nearby grocery store and they will likely carry Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.'s frozen pizzas that are a delicious alternative.