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Burnaby Readers' Choice Awards: Here are the city's best restaurants, chosen by you

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Eva Rasciauskas & Simran Singh
April 20, 2023

Burnaby best restaurants

We've got the winners for the first-ever Beacon Readers' Choice Awards!

The day has arrived, Burnaby, because we’re finally announcing the winners of our 2023 Beacon’s Readers’ Choice Awards, presented by Tourism Burnaby.

Since February, we’ve asked you, our readers, to nominate and vote for your favourite restaurants in the city, and you certainly delivered. A huge thank you for all of your enthusiastic participation!

Here are the restaurants that won first place in their respective categories, making them your top picks for Burnaby restaurants.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll also be releasing the top three winners for all categories, so keep an eye out for more results!

Best Overall Restaurant: Cayenne Bistro & Grill

This cozy, understated bistro specializes in East African and Indian fusion cuisine—expect an enticing list of grilled meats, curries and rice dishes dusted with unique Afro-Indian spice blends and sauces (all served, of course, with fluffy naan and rice)

Address: 7677 6th St., Burnaby

It’s common to see a lineup in front of Anton’s Pasta Bar. With a long, rustic Italian menu featuring every type of pasta imaginable, from linguine bolognese to creamy pesto fusilli, it’s not hard to see why!

Address: 4260 Hastings St., Burnaby

Jinya is well known for the quality of its broth, which simmers in-house for a minimum of 20 hours before being assembled into a soup. The end result? A rich, flavourful bowl of ramen paired with your favourite toppings. Each sip feels like a warm hug.

Address: 4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby

Opening their doors in Burnaby over 45 years ago, Me-n-Ed’s has been a local favourite for dine-in and delivery ever since. Some of their pizzas include classics like Margherita and specialty pies like pierogi and dill pickle.

Address: 7110 Hall Ave, Burnaby

Best Chinese Cuisine: Burnaby Palace Restaurant

If you’re on the hunt for authentic Chinese food, look no further than Burnaby Palace Restaurant. Known for their modern take on classic dishes, items like their juicy pork buns and fried spare ribs will keep you coming back for more (hot tip: bring friends, as you’ll want to try a bit of everything!)

Address: 3110 Boundary Rd, Burnaby

Best Thai Cuisine: Chad Thai Restaurant

Inspired by the taste of Thai street food, Chad Thai exemplifies the cuisine’s iconic flavours and textures: sweet, sour, salty, spicy and creamy. Some favourites include their silky cashew chicken and khao gaeng—curry chicken, pork or beef curry on rice.

Address: 4010 E Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Food Court Spot: Thai Express (Metrotown)

A staple in most food courts, Thai Express is a go-to after a long shopping session (when all that remains is a satisfying mall snack, a mandatory stop) With a list of noodle soups, salads, curries and stir-fries, it’s a great option for healthy, quality take-out.

Address: 4820 Kingsway, Burnaby

This classic mom ‘n’ pop restaurant has consistently held top votes for Burnaby’s best fish and chips, winning first place for over 20 years (and counting!) Unlike many fish and chips spots, Cockney Kings gives you the option of steaming, deep frying or grilling your fish at no extra cost.

Address: 6574 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best New Spot: Wild Flour Pizza Co.

We’ve got two words for you: sourdough pizza. If you’ve never tried it, it’s likely you’ll never go back. By incorporating sourdough and unique heritage grains into their recipes, the team at Wild Flour have created a pizza experience like no other.

Address: 2900 Bainbridge Ave #104, Burnaby

Best Fried Chicken: Chicko Chicken (Metrotown)

What’s better than fried chicken? Why, Korean fried chicken of course! Doused in a variety of flavour-packed sauces and spice blends, Chicko’s Chicken is a longstanding favourite in Burnaby for their quality fried chicken and cheesy “shake shake” fries.

Address: 4429 Kingsway #8, Burnaby

This easygoing Japanese restaurant is a mandatory pitstop for all sushi-lovers, praised for its speedy service and decadent options for maki and nigiri sushi. Options range from classic dynamite rolls to more unique rolls like chi-chee chicken cutlet and cuttlefish tempura.

Address: 6611 Kingsway, Burnaby

With a longstanding, quality plant-based menu, Cactus Club is a perfect place to visit in large groups—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or a surf and turf enthusiast, they’ve got it all. Notable options include their Szechuan tofu lettuce wraps and 100% plant-based zen roll, among others.

Address: 4219 B Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby

Best Patio: Riverway Golf Club

Overlooking the cascading green fields of the golf course, the Riverway Golf Club patio is, arguably, the best patio in Burnaby for its serene environment. Chef Jason Mok’s exquisite four-course menu features items like lobster bisque and coffee crunch cake with chantilly cream.

Address: 9001 Bill Fox Way, Burnaby

The Peri Peri Shack is certifiably chicken heaven—their juicy, flame-grilled chicken is marinated in a secret spice blend that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savoury and spicy. Choose your spice level, and dive right in.

Address: 6691 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Indian Cuisine: Saffron Indian Cuisine

It’s so easy to get whisked away just by looking at Saffron’s menu. With endless variations on chicken, lamb, seafood, paneer and more, you'll be drawn in multiple different directions. The good news? There are no wrong answers! Voted the best Indian cuisine, you’re guaranteed to end up with something delicious.

Address: 4300 Kingsway #5, Burnaby

This sleek, modern restaurant is likely to give you a hot pot experience like no other; with premium offerings like geoduck and a thinly shaved wagyu beef mountain, Dolar Shop Station Square is a must-try in Burnaby. They’ve also just opened a new location very close by on Kingsway. Whether you’re a hot pot connoisseur or a complete newbie, you can expect the unexpected.

Address: 6078 Silver Dr, Burnaby/ 4361 Kingsway #4A

This popular brunch chain’s Brentwood location seems like it’s always busy, and for good reason. OEB is known for its rich, hearty brunch offerings. Try their Truffled Square eggs benny, which comes with braised butternut squash and truffle mushrooms. If you want to really treat yourself, try the breakfast poutines, which are delectable and very filling. Don’t forget to get a side of their famous potatoes!

Address: 4525 Lougheed Hwy

Best Greek Cuisine: Sfinaki Greek Taverna

Voted Burnaby’s top destination for Greek food for six consecutive years, Sfinaki is well known for its homestyle specialties and big platters that are perfect for sharing. We’d highly recommend the Meze platter (which gives you an assortment of goodies like spanakopita and keftedes) as well as their souvlaki.

Address: 4061 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Sandwiches: Cioffi’s Cucina

It’s hard to think of anything more perfect than a deli sandwich (aka thick, hefty layers of meat and cheese between two buns) And there’s likely no better place to get one than Cioffi’s Cucina. Sandwiches like their braised oxtail with aged cheddar are worth coming back for again and again.

Address: 4150 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Burgers: White Spot

There’s probably no place as iconic in BC as White Spot, the ultimate greasy spoon breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their burgers, which range from traditional bacon cheddar to gochujang fried chicken, are sure to hit the spot every time you come in.

Address: 4129 Lougheed Hwy / 5550 Kingsway/ 6500 Hastings St/ 7519 Market Crossing/ 4075 North Road

Best Date Night Spot: Atlas Steak + Fish

With its bright, modern lounge and live piano performances, Atlas Steak + Fish is an ideal spot for date nights and special occasions. Expect a lavish list of high-quality seafood, aged steaks, and a striking cocktail list.

Address: 4331 Dominion St, Burnaby

Best Vietnamese Cuisine: The Viet Noodle Guy

There’s only one antidote to a cold and rainy day, and that’s pho. The Viet Noodle Guy offers a wide variety of soups, from traditional pho dac biet (beef brisket) to hu tiu bien (seafood noodle) that are sure to do the trick. Cold and rainy days have never felt so good.

Address: 1902 Rosser Ave, Burnaby

Best Middle Eastern Cuisine: Cazba Persian Grill

Tucked away inside the Amazing Brentwood shopping mall, Cazba Persian Grill is one of the best places to visit in the city for delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Think juicy meat skewers, hot stews and crispy saffron rice (we’ll take them all, thanks!)

Address: 4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby

Best Fine Dining: Hart House Restaurant

You’ll be stunned by the striking exterior of Hart House Restaurant before you go in—a tall, beautiful mansion/cottage hybrid—but that’s only the beginning of the experience. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus consist of luxurious meat and seafood options like fresh Manila clams and seared duck breast, making for a memorable dining experience.

Address: 6664 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby

It’s no surprise that the Cactus Club has become somewhat synonymous with happy hour. Their food menu consists of favourites like crispy yam fries and mini chicken sliders, not to mention drinks…frozen bellini anyone?

Address: 4219 B Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby

Best Bakery: Chez Christophe

Ever since opening its doors in 2013, Chez Christophe has become Burnaby’s top spot for quality baked goods and confectionary items. Serving both traditional sweets and modern twists on familiar classics, there’s no other place we’d rather go to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Address: 4717 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Pastries: Chez Christophe

Home to the classic butter, chocolate and twice-baked almond croissants we all know and love, Chez Christophe also specializes in making croissant cubes—a gorgeous work of laminated dough art—and other enticing pastries like brie and prosciutto danishes and crème salée (a brioche covered with caramelized pastry cream)

Address: 4717 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Cakes: Chez Christophe

The cakes at Chez Christophe are stunning, to say the least. Representing every colour of the rainbow, some options include a deep red choux pastry filled with earl grey and vanilla mousse as well as a full-sized “gianduja cerise” cake with layers of hazelnut chocolate mousse, sponge cake and cherry confit.

Address: 4717 Hastings St, Burnaby

If you’re looking for a vintage milkshake or ice cream experience (think of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease), there’s no better place than Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionary. Voted the best ice cream in Burnaby, it’s also the best spot for a classic ‘50s date.

Address: 4090 Hastings St, Burnaby

Best Cafe: La Foret

There’s way more than meets the eye inside this chic, modern cafe. Offering an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks, decked-out waffles, binsgoo, and a savoury brunch menu, you’ll find just about everything you need and more at La Foret (even dinner, served after 4pm each day!)

Address: 6848 Jubilee Ave, Burnaby

Steamworks Brewery & Taproom gives you the opportunity to taste beer straight from its source. Their taproom, open daily for tasting, is a beer-lovers dream that introduces visitors to new and exciting seasonal flavours and local B.C. snacks for food pairings.

Address: 3845 William St, Burnaby

Best Bubble Tea: Chatime (Kingsway)

With warmer days ahead, we can’t stop thinking about Chatime’s bubble tea menu. From their signature milk teas to specialty drinks like candied winter melon latte and chocolate hazelnut delight, it’s no surprise they’re Burnaby’s top choice for the best bubble tea.

Address: 4700 Kingsway #2264, Burnaby