Burnaby Metrotown Food Guide: Best Restaurants 2026

Introduction Burnaby is home to over 249,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in British Columbia^[1]. For many of them, and for visitors, the question isn't if there's good food, but where to start in such a sprawling, diverse city. The Metrotown area acts as the de facto downtown, a buzzing hub of transit and commerce, but the real culinary heart of Burnaby beats along its arterial roads and in unassuming strip malls. This guide cuts through the noise. We'll map out the essential Burnaby restaurants, from the legendary Metrotown food courts to the sit-down destinations worth a trip. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch between SkyTrain stops or planning a family dinner, here’s where to eat in Burnaby right now.

Quick Answer: Best Restaurants Burnaby The best restaurants in Burnaby are concentrated in three main areas: the Metrotown mall complex for variety and convenience, the Kingsway corridor for authentic Asian cuisine, and the Hastings Street/Brentwood area for modern eateries and hidden gems. For a fast, cheap, and authentic meal, you cannot beat the Crystal Mall Food Court (4500 Kingsway). It's a labyrinth of Taiwanese, Chinese, and Malaysian stalls where you can get a filling bowl of hand-pulled noodles or soup dumplings for under $15. For a proper sit-down experience, Kingsway is your destination. Restaurants like Happy Tree House BBQ (3377 Kingsway) for Sichuan skewers or Sura (6375 Kingsway) for elevated Korean royalty cuisine are standouts. In North Burnaby, Hastings Street offers a different vibe with spots like Hart House Restaurant (6664 Deer Lake Ave) for fine dining in a historic setting and Cafe Kathmandu (4131 Hastings St) for Himalayan flavors. Your budget will dictate your adventure, from $10 food court plates to $50+ per person dinners.

Metrotown Food Hub: Malls, Courts, and Quick Bites When people talk about Metrotown food, they're usually referring to the dense cluster of options in and around the Metropolis at Metrotown mall. This area is defined by convenience and sheer volume, fed by the Metrotown, Patterson, and Royal Oak SkyTrain stations. It's where you come for shopping, a movie, and a meal without ever needing to go outside. But not all mall food is created equal. The offerings range from standard chain fare to some genuinely excellent hidden counters.

Crystal Mall Food Court: The Authentic Anchor

No guide to Burnaby restaurants is complete without Crystal Mall. Forget everything you know about North American food courts. This basement-level hub is a cultural institution, a loud, crowded, and glorious tribute to Taiwanese and mainland Chinese street food. Wang's Shanghai Cuisine (Stall #32) is famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), best ordered with a side of pan-fried pork buns. Potato Corner (Stall #5) draws constant lines for its seasoned curly fries, a perfect snack. For a hearty meal, Happy Day Cafe (Stall #21) serves massive bowls of beef noodle soup or Taiwanese pork chop over rice. Come early for lunch (before 11:45 AM) to beat the lines, and bring cash, as many stalls still prefer it.

Metropolis at Metrotown Dining: Variety and Chains

Metropolis, the larger mall above the SkyTrain station, offers a more conventional but updated dining scene. The "Food District" on the upper level has seen upgrades, moving beyond fast food. The American Cheesesteak Co. serves a solid, messy Philly sandwich. Pepper Lunch is a consistent hit for its DIY teppan plates where you sizzle your own steak or hamburg right at the table. For a casual sit-down option just outside the mall proper, Earls Kitchen + Bar (4820 Kingsway) is a reliable standby for cocktails, burgers, and salads. It's a different experience from Crystal Mall, focused on comfort and familiarity for shoppers.

Quick Lunch and Coffee Near the Stations

The streets immediately surrounding the SkyTrain stations are packed with quick-service spots ideal for a working lunch. Just south of Metrotown Station, Beta5 Chocolates & Creamery (4096 Hastings St) is a destination for artisan chocolates, cream puffs, and exceptional ice cream (seasonal). For a healthy, fast meal prep-style lunch, many office workers in the area order from The Storm Cafe, which delivers fresh daily meals across Burnaby. Closer to Patterson Station, Breka Bakery & Cafe (6533 Fraser St) is a 24/7 institution for baked goods, sandwiches, and strong coffee, always buzzing at all hours.

Summary: The Metrotown food core delivers unmatched convenience and variety. Crystal Mall Food Court is the essential, authentic experience with meals under $15, while Metropolis offers updated chain and casual dining. The surrounding Patterson and Metrotown station areas are dense with quick lunch and coffee options, making this the most accessible dining zone in Burnaby for transit users.

Kingsway Corridor: The Heart of Burnaby's Asian Restaurant Scene Kingsway is the spine of Burnaby's culinary identity. This long, bustling road is where you'll find some of the best and most authentic Asian restaurants in the region, spanning Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more. The strip between Royal Oak and Edmonds stations is particularly dense. Exploring here is about venturing into strip malls and standalone buildings where the signage might be faded but the flavors are vibrant.

Best Korean BBQ and Restaurants Burnaby

The cluster near Edmonds Station is Burnaby's Koreatown. For classic Korean BBQ where you grill your own meats at the table, Ssangkyeong Jumak (4501 North Rd #111) is a local favorite for its quality marinated meats and lively atmosphere. For a more specialized, premium experience, Sura (6375 Kingsway) offers "royal Korean cuisine" with beautifully presented set menus, though it's at a higher price point. If you're craving a comforting, stew-based meal, Jong Ga Korean Restaurant (4333 North Rd) is famous for its hearty budae jjigae (army stew) and excellent side dishes. These spots are perfect for group dinners where sharing is central to the experience.

Iconic Chinese Restaurants on Kingsway

Kingsway is also a stronghold for Chinese regional cuisines. Happy Tree House BBQ (3377 Kingsway) is a must-visit for Sichuan-style skewers (chuan'r) grilled with cumin and chili, best enjoyed with a group late into the night. For exceptional Hong Kong-style cafe food (aka cha chaan teng), Cafe Gloucester (2897 Kingsway) has been serving classic baked pork chop rice, curry plates, and silky milk tea for decades. Further east, Northern Dynasty (5205 Kingsway) is renowned for its hand-pulled noodles and lamb dishes from Northern China. These restaurants offer a deep dive into specific Chinese culinary traditions beyond the generic takeout menu. For more on the health aspects of these cuisines, see our guide to Anti-Inflammatory Foods at Vancouver Asian Restaurants.

Vietnamese and Other Asian Gems

The Vietnamese presence is strong, with numerous pho shops dotting the corridor. Pho 99 (5262 Kingsway) is a reliable, no-frills spot for a large, aromatic bowl of pho tai (beef noodle soup) at a great price. For something a bit different, Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen (5083 Kingsway) specializes in Vietnamese fish cake noodle soup, a savory and unique dish. This area also showcases the trend of Asian fusion restaurants in Vancouver, where chefs blend traditions. While many are downtown, Kingsway has its own innovators mixing flavors from across the continent. | Restaurant | Cuisine | Specialty Dish | Avg. Cost Per Person | | :---

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| :--- | | Happy Tree House BBQ | Sichuan Chinese | Grilled Skewers (Chuan'r) | $25 - $40 | | Ssangkyeong Jumak | Korean | Tabletop BBQ (Marinated Galbi) | $35 - $50 | | Pho 99 | Vietnamese | Pho Tai (Beef Noodle Soup) | $12 - $18 | | Cafe Gloucester | Hong Kong Cafe | Baked Pork Chop Rice | $15 - $22 | | Northern Dynasty | Northern Chinese | Hand-Pulled Noodles with Lamb | $18 - $30 |

Summary: The Kingsway corridor is Burnaby's authentic Asian dining heart, with over two dozen standout restaurants within a 3-kilometer stretch. Korean BBQ near Edmonds, Sichuan skewers, and classic Hong Kong cafes define the area, offering immersive culinary experiences often found in unassuming strip malls. This is where locals go for genuine flavor, not fancy decor.

North Burnaby and Hidden Gems: Beyond Metrotown While Metrotown and Kingsway get most of the attention, North Burnaby (centered on Hastings Street and the Brentwood area) has developed its own compelling food scene. It's more residential, often less crowded, and home to some of Burnaby's best-kept secrets, from cozy cafes to destination-worthy dinners. The growth around the new Brentwood Town Centre skyscrapers has also spurred a wave of new openings.

Hastings Street Eateries and Burnaby Heights

The Hastings Street corridor through the "Burnaby Heights" neighborhood feels like a village main street. It's packed with independent businesses. Cafe Kathmandu (4131 Hastings St) is a beloved spot for flavorful Nepalese and Indian dishes like momo dumplings and butter chicken. Annie's Dairy Bar (4195 Hastings St) is a seasonal summer icon for soft-serve ice cream. For a proper Italian meal, Anton's Pasta Bar (4210 Hastings St) is famous for its impossibly large portions of pasta (leftovers are guaranteed). This area is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a low-key dinner. For corporate teams in the growing Brentwood offices, services like My Great Pumpkin provide a practical solution for regular office meal subscriptions.

Brentwood's Evolving Food Landscape

The transformation of Brentwood Town Centre into a dense urban hub has brought new restaurant concepts. While the mall itself has a food court and chains, the surrounding streets are seeing growth. It's becoming a spot for modern, design-conscious cafes and casual eateries catering to the new condo residents. The area is still developing its culinary identity but is one to watch for new openings in the coming years, adding a more contemporary layer to Burnaby's food map.

Hidden Gems in Strip Malls

Some of Burnaby's best food is found in the most nondescript locations. Shishako Grill (3433 Brighton Ave #101), tucked away in a Brighton area strip mall, serves outstanding, home-style Japanese teishoku (set meals) in a tiny, family-run setting. Sopra Sotto (5898 Hastings St), hidden in another small plaza, is a fantastic Italian restaurant with fresh pasta and a great wine list that rivals Vancouver spots. Finding these places requires a bit of hunting, but they offer incredible value and quality away from the main drags. They exemplify the depth of Burnaby's restaurant scene beyond its most famous arteries.

Summary: North Burnaby offers a distinct, neighborhood-driven dining scene. Hastings Street in Burnaby Heights is a walkable strip of independent gems from Nepalese to classic Italian, while the Brentwood area is rapidly evolving. The true hidden gems, however, are often found in quiet strip malls, offering exceptional quality and value for those willing to seek them out.

Practical Guide: Getting Around and Making the Most of Burnaby Restaurants Knowing where to eat is half the battle. The other half is navigating Burnaby's suburban landscape. Here’s how to tackle parking, transit, and timing to ensure a smooth food adventure. Burnaby is a car-centric city, but its major food hubs are well-served by transit, making a hybrid approach often the best strategy.

Parking and Transit Tips

Parking: Most strip mall restaurants have free, dedicated parking lots, though they can fill up at peak times. Crystal Mall's parkade is notoriously tight and busy; go early or be prepared to circle. Metropolis at Metrotown has massive paid parking, but validation is often available with a purchase or movie ticket. Street parking on Hastings and parts of Kingsway is metered or has time limits. Transit: The Expo Line SkyTrain is your best friend. Metrotown, Patterson, Royal Oak, and Edmonds stations put you within a 5-15 minute walk of most restaurants mentioned in this guide. The 99 B-Line on Broadway doesn't serve Burnaby directly, but connecting bus routes are extensive. For planning, use TransLink's Trip Planner, a resource endorsed by Destination Vancouver^[2].

Budget-Friendly vs. Splurge-Worthy

Burnaby caters to all budgets. For under $15 per person, focus on food courts (Crystal Mall), pho shops, and Hong Kong cafes. The $20-$35 range opens up most sit-down Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese restaurants, as well as pasta places. Splurges ($50+ per person) would include premium Korean BBQ (Sura), fine dining like Hart House, or large omakase-style meals. Many of the best Asian lunch spots in downtown Vancouver have comparable, often more affordable, counterparts here in Burnaby.

Late-Night and Delivery Options

Burnaby's late-night scene isn't as 24/7 as Vancouver's, but options exist. Breka Bakery (6533 Fraser St) is open 24 hours for baked goods and sandwiches. Happy Tree House BBQ serves its skewers late. Many Korean restaurants near Edmonds are open until midnight or 1 AM on weekends. For delivery, beyond major apps, local services like The Storm Cafe provide prepared meal delivery, which is popular for weekday dinners. For a specific craving, our guide to the Best Bento Box Delivery in Richmond BC highlights a format that is also gaining popularity in Burnaby.

Summary: Successfully navigating Burnaby's restaurant scene requires a plan. Use SkyTrain to access major hubs like Metrotown and Edmonds, but be prepared to drive for hidden gems in strip malls. Budget options abound under $20, while splurges are reserved for premium Korean BBQ or fine dining. Late-night eats are limited but exist, with 24-hour bakeries and late-closing Korean spots leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area in Burnaby for authentic Asian food?

The absolute best area is the Kingsway corridor, specifically between Royal Oak and Edmonds SkyTrain stations. This stretch is packed with authentic Korean BBQ houses (like Ssangkyeong Jumak), Sichuan restaurants (like Happy Tree House BBQ), Hong Kong cafes (Cafe Gloucester), and Vietnamese pho shops. For a concentrated, bustling food court experience, Crystal Mall on Kingsway is unbeatable.

Where should I eat near Metrotown mall?

You have three tiers right there. First, for authentic, cheap eats, go downstairs to the Crystal Mall Food Court. Second, for casual chain and fast-casual dining, explore the Food District inside Metropolis at Metrotown mall. Third, for quick lunches or coffee near the stations, try Beta5 for sweets or the many cafes on Hastings Street just south of the mall.

Are there any good fine dining restaurants in Burnaby?

Yes, though options are more limited than in Vancouver. Hart House Restaurant (6664 Deer Lake Ave) is the standout for fine dining in a beautiful heritage setting, serving modern Canadian cuisine. Sura (6375 Kingsway) offers high-end, multi-course Korean royal cuisine. Sopra Sotto (5898 Hastings St) is an excellent upscale Italian option in North Burnaby.

What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Burnaby?

Many Korean BBQ places (like those on North Road) are great for families because the interactive cooking is engaging. Anton's Pasta Bar on Hastings is famously family-friendly due to its huge, shareable portions. For a more relaxed, casual setting, any of the Hong Kong cafes like Cafe Gloucester are accustomed to families and have broad menus.

Where can I find the best Chinese comfort food in Burnaby?

For classic Chinese comfort food, especially suited to rainy days, head to Kingsway. Northern Dynasty (5205 Kingsway) for warming hand-pulled noodle soups, or Cafe Gloucester (2897 Kingsway) for baked pork chop rice. For a deeper dive into this topic, see our dedicated guide to the Best Chinese Comfort Food for Vancouver's Rainy Season.

Is parking difficult at Burnaby's popular restaurants?

It can be challenging at peak times. Crystal Mall's parkade is small and often full. Major malls like Metropolis have large paid parkades. The great advantage of many strip mall restaurants (which make up a lot of Kingsway's best spots) is their own free parking lots, though these too can fill up on weekend evenings.

What's a good hidden gem restaurant in Burnaby that most people don't know about?

Shishako Grill (3433 Brighton Ave #101) is a true hidden gem. It's a tiny, family-run Japanese restaurant in an unassuming Brighton area strip mall, serving exceptional, home-cooked style teishoku (set meals) that are full of care and flavor, away from the main dining corridors.

References

[1] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food

[2] Georgia Straight, "Food and Drink," 2026. Independent coverage of Vancouver's food, drink, and restaurant scene since 1967. https://www.straight.com/food

[3] Eater Vancouver, "Restaurant Coverage," 2026. Food media coverage of Vancouver restaurant news, guides, and rankings. https://vancouver.eater.com/

[4] Statistics Canada, "Food and Drink Services, Summary Statistics," 2024. Annual revenue and employment data for Canadian food service industry. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2110017001

[5] Government of British Columbia, "Food Safety," 2025. Provincial food safety regulations and restaurant inspection requirements. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/keeping-bc-healthy-safe/food-safety

[6] Destination Vancouver, "Vancouver Restaurants and Dining," 2026. Official tourism guide covering dining categories and neighborhood food scenes. https://www.destinationvancouver.com/restaurants/