Your guide to Dine Out Vancouver 2026

Dine Out Vancouver offers locals the chance to try food at more affordable fixed-menu prices. The event has its detractors, but it’s an opportunity for those who don’t eat out often or can’t afford it to try a wider variety of places that might be too costly otherwise.

I went through the 450+ participating restaurants, so you don’t have to. These places are ones I’ve visited, as well as spots I’ve heard from others are great. This is part one of my list, and I’ll share part two later. The list is in no particular order.

Lila

I visited Lila in December, and I was impressed, especially after a lacklustre meal at Vij’s in the summer. It’s a vibrant menu, with dishes that push Indian dining in a modern direction (a review is coming sometime this year).

• The price for a set menu is $55 and includes an appetizer, main and dessert. 

The Mackenzie Room

It’s been over five years since I last visited the Mackenzie Room, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt. But it’s a memorable meal, a team executing at a high level in a lovely, intimate space. It’s perfect for a next date night.

• The price for a set menu is $70 per person for a two-person dinner and includes five items.

Maenam

Vancouver’s best Thai spot for a reason, Maenam is an institution and must be visited for anyone who loves Vancouver’s dining scene. 

• The price for a set menu is $65 per person for a two-person dinner and includes an appetizer, meal, and dessert, along with wine pairings or $38 per person. It’s an extensive list of meal options!

The Acron

I love the Acorn for both the vegetarian food and the fact that chefs from my favourite restaurant of 2025, Nero Tondo, came from there. It’s a Vancouver institution for a reason. 

• Their dinner menu is $70 and includes eight dishes. 

Chez Céline

I have not been, but those who’ve visited love it. Plus, we need more Québécois restaurants in Vancouver. 

• Their dinner menu is $65 per person (minimum two) and includes four dishes meant to be shared. You can add more people as well, and the restaurant will increase the portion sizes.

Delara

My last visit to Delara was over 1.5 years ago, but I love everything about this Persian restaurant. Frankly, we need more restaurants from that region of the world. 

• Dinner menu $56 per person, with appetizer, entrée and dessert. 

Fiorino

This was my go-to restaurant when I lived in Chinatown, a spot I’d always take friends. While the prices were a little high, I appreciate the regional focus on Venetian food rather than generic Italian. 

• Dinner menu $39 per person, with appetizer, entrée and dessert. 

Gary’s

Gary’s calls itself “a nice place”. I’d change that to an excellent place. It was my favourite new restaurant of 2024, though to be honest, I didn’t manage to visit as many places as I would’ve liked. 

The French-inspired restaurant should be on everyone’s list, and can be a lovely date night for you and your partner. 

• Dinner menu $70 per person, with snack, small dish, large dish and dessert.