A Guide to Some of B.C.’s Underrated Restaurants

Discover B.C.’s hidden culinary gems with our guide to underrated restaurants that are beloved by locals for their straightforward, delicious food. From an unassuming diner to a cozy Italian spot, these eateries prove that great meals don’t always have to come with fancy frills.

Has your algorithm also been saturated with foodies taking us on their latest culinary adventure? We certainly aren’t lacking in options, and within Vancouver’s city centre, you can see the restaurants with queues out the door, their glass-paned entranceways covered in award stickers. While there’s a lot that goes into rating these restaurants and excitement for new doors opening, there are also many hidden gems that don’t get the same press but are cherished by regulars and new customers alike. We’ve rounded up some of B.C.’s hidden gems– spots that may not have all the polish we tend to associate with Vancouver’s food scene, but ones that turn out honest-to-goodness good food, full stop.

BT Cafe, Vancouver

Unassuming and easy to miss among the many stores that front the road along Kingsway, BT Cafe is a beloved spot for those in the know. They serve good portions of Hong Kong fare, with selections from the typical Cantonese down to Western dishes such as stir-fried flat noodles, baked spaghett, luncheon meat and egg sandwiches, and of course, the quintessential Hong Kong milk tea. What’s great is it’s good and satisfying at such reasonable prices. The store has been been around since the 2010s and with very little to almost no social media presence, you know it’s good when it  continues to retain its high rating and return customers for the past decade. 

Roadrunner Restaurant, Langley

Nobody ever says no to the appeal of a greasy spoon restaurant, and Roadrunner in Langley fits the bill for anyone craving decent, filling food. Known for its iconic diner brunch, this restaurant offers the top value for its money with organized, quick, and friendly service. Described by its fans as something straight out of a small-town diner, Roadrunner serves everything from croffle bennies and cheese omelettes to homemade burgers and is reliably open 7 days a week.

Chimac Korean Pub & Fried Chicken, Victoria

Though the name Chimac might hint at the popular Korean pairing of chicken and beer (chicken and maekju), this place has a good deal more to offer. Inside the bricked walls of Chimac is an atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a cozy pub in Itaewon, South Korea. There’s the wooden interiors and partitionings, posters of celebrities endorsing soju and a string of lights at the bar. Their menu selection is also a refreshing change from the usual fish and chips at the harbour. With late hours, Chimac is a perfect place to take refuge from the cold and be served with a hot bowl of their tasty spicy seafood soup and a plate of corn cheese on the side.

Salsa & Sabor, Kelowna

The small strip on Rutland, Hollywood Road is home to Salsa & Sabor, a little hidden spot in Kelowna. The family-owned restaurant is rated 4.8 out of 5 with a warm, welcoming vibe. Their menu consists of a delightful array of Mexican, Cuban, and Colombian dishes. Colombian empanadas made of fried corn crust and stuffed with mashed potatoes and your choice of cheese chicken or beef. The tacos and enchiladas are popular—all made with fresh ingredients. Another must try is their specialty of Birria Beef stew. Portions are generous, and the homemade salsas are likely to become a favourite for anyone who comes through. 

Pasta Lupino, Whistler

Nothing can quite ever remain hidden in a small tourist town like Whistler, and Pasta Lupino has firmly established itself among tourists and locals since 2000, yet it still offers an unassuming, cozy Italian dining experience. It’s one of those places you don’t forget when you find it. Known for its homemade pasta and sauces, this restaurant is one that will bring on thoughts of little Italian eateries on the hills. The friendly service and intimate setting make it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal after a day of adventure. Highlights on the menu include a comforting meal of etheir meat or veggie  lasagna, both layered in spinach and ricotta cheese and topped with their fresh tomato and basil sauce. For  travelers who want to bring a bit of Lupino home with them, the restaurant even has a small deli section with fresh pasta and sauces to take away. It’s honest-to-goodness Italian cuisine whipped up in the best possible way, the sort no person could ever grow weary of.