Burnaby Metrotown Food Guide: Best Restaurants 2026

Last reviewed: April 2026. Data current as of this date.

In Burnaby the best meal of your week is just as likely to be a $12 bowl of hand-pulled noodles in a Crystal Mall stall as anything with a white tablecloth. I've spent a lot of time tracking down which spots near Metrotown and along Kingsway are actually still open — so below is my hand-checked shortlist (verified June 2026), with anything I couldn't fully confirm flagged as "approx — confirm" rather than guessed. A few longtime favourites have closed, and I've called those out so you don't drive there for nothing.

Restaurant	Area (Burnaby/Metrotown)	Cuisine	Signature Dish + Price (CAD)	Notes
Hart House Restaurant	Deer Lake (6664 Deer Lake Ave)	Modern Canadian / fine dining	Seafood & seasonal tasting plates (~$45–60+ pp, approx — confirm)	Heritage Tudor mansion on Deer Lake; closed Mondays. Burnaby's fine-dining anchor.
Anton's Pasta Bar	Burnaby Heights (4260 Hastings St)	Italian	Penne Antons; famously huge portions ($18–25 pp, approx — confirm)	Note: address is 4260 Hastings (original guide said 4210). Long lines, very generous plates.
Sopra Sotto Pizzeria	Willingdon Heights (4022 Hastings St)	Italian	House-made pasta + wood-fired pizza (Dine Out menu ~$45 pp)	Note: address is 4022 Hastings (original guide said 5898). House pasta, wood oven.
Pho Hong Vietnamese Restaurant	Kingsway (5975 Kingsway)	Vietnamese	House Special Pho (~$17.50–19.99)	Open 24 hours. The reliable Kingsway pho pick — I could not confirm a "Pho 99" on Kingsway.
Arisu Korean BBQ	Edmonds (7328 Edmonds St)	Korean BBQ	Tabletop grill combo sets; Bibimbap ~$9.95 (approx — confirm)	Use the Edmonds St location (now rebranded "Sakura Sushi & Arisu BBQ," still open 2026) — the North Rd (4501) location reads as CLOSED on Yelp (2026).
Kawawa Japanese Restaurant	Maywood (4700 Kingsway #E15)	Japanese / AYCE sushi	All-you-can-eat sushi (price approx — confirm)	Note: address is 4700 Kingsway #E15, near Metrotown (not inside the mall). Solid AYCE selection, no sashimi limit.
ZUBU Ramen	Metrotown (4575 Central Blvd)	Japanese ramen	Tonkotsu / creamy chicken ramen, house-made noodles (~$16–20, approx — confirm)	Open daily ~11am–10pm. My go-to ramen near the mall.
North King Noodle House	North Burnaby (4621 Hastings St)	Northern Chinese	Hand-pulled noodles (~$13–18, approx — confirm)	Opened Dec 2023; closed Mondays. Replaces the spot near the old Paul's.
Chef Rong Noodle House	Crystal Mall (2382-4500 Kingsway)	Sichuan / Chinese noodles	Hand-pulled & Sichuan noodles (~$10–15, approx — confirm)	Inside Crystal Mall food court; cash often preferred.
Xu's Wonton House	Crystal Mall (4500 Kingsway)	Shanghainese / wontons	Wontons & dumplings (~$10–15, approx — confirm)	Took over the stall that was Wang's Shanghai Cuisine (now closed).
Koya Japan	Metropolis at Metrotown (4820 Kingsway #329)	Japanese teppan (quick-serve)	DIY teppan rice/noodle plates (~$10–14, approx — confirm)	Quick-serve teppan in the mall — note: Pepper Lunch left Canada entirely (closed May 2026).
Big Way Hot Pot	Kingsway (multiple, e.g. 7-4300 Kingsway)	Build-your-own hot pot	Pick-your-own hot pot bowl (~$13–20, approx — confirm)	Marrow-bone broth simmered 8+ hrs; bubble tea too. Several Kingsway locations.
Bubble World	Central Burnaby (4300 Kingsway)	Taiwanese cafe	Taiwanese rice/noodle plates + bubble tea (~$12–18, approx — confirm)	Note: address is 4300 Kingsway on Burnaby's "Bubble Tea Way" (not inside Metropolis mall). Fuller food menu than the bubble-tea-only spots.
Sui Sha Ya (Metrotown)	Metrotown (4820 Kingsway)	Japanese / AYCE	—	CLOSED (~June 2025). The Sekai Udon Bar that replaced it now also reads as CLOSED on Yelp (2026). Don't go here for AYCE.

A few honest flags before you head out:

• Sura "royal Korean cuisine" is not in Burnaby on Kingsway — it's Downtown Vancouver / Richmond (Aberdeen). I removed it from the Burnaby list.
• Cafe Gloucester (baked pork chop rice) is at 3338 Cambie St, Vancouver, not on Kingsway in Burnaby — it's a Vancouver pick, so I left it off.
• Cafe Kathmandu rebranded to Momo Hut and is on Fraser St in Vancouver, not Burnaby Hastings.
• Dinesty Dumpling House (4501 Kingsway) and Jong Ga Korean (4333 North Rd) both show as closed on Yelp as of 2026 — call ahead before you count on either (approx — confirm).
• "Northern Dynasty" / "Happy Tree House BBQ" / "Shishako Grill" I could not confirm as currently operating at the stated addresses, so I left them out rather than guess.

References: Yelp, TripAdvisor, OpenTable, restaurant websites and Bite of Burnaby 2026 listings, cross-checked June 2026. Prices marked "approx — confirm" should be verified directly with each restaurant before publishing.

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, with Korean BBQ houses near Edmonds, Vietnamese pho spots, and Chinese noodle stalls anchoring the corridor. 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 Anton's Pasta Bar (4260 Hastings St) for famously huge Italian plates. 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. Xu's Wonton House — which took over the stall that was the long-running Wang's Shanghai Cuisine (now closed) — serves wontons and dumplings worth seeking out. Alongside it, Chef Rong Noodle House turns out hand-pulled and Sichuan-style noodles in the same food court. 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. For DIY teppan plates where you sizzle your own rice or noodles right at the counter, Koya Japan (4820 Kingsway #329) is the quick-serve pick — note that Pepper Lunch left Canada entirely (closed May 2026), so don't go looking for it. 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, from independent cafes to grab-and-go counters. 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.

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, Arisu Korean BBQ (7328 Edmonds St) is my reliable pick for tabletop grill combo sets — use the Edmonds St location, as the older North Rd spot reads as closed. One note on a restaurant other guides list here: Sura "royal Korean cuisine" is not in Burnaby on Kingsway — it's a Downtown Vancouver / Richmond spot, so I've left it off this Burnaby list. Jong Ga Korean Restaurant (4333 North Rd) shows as closed on Yelp as of 2026, so call ahead before you count on it. These Koreatown 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, much of it concentrated inside Crystal Mall (4500 Kingsway). Chef Rong Noodle House serves hand-pulled and Sichuan-style noodles in the food court (cash is often preferred), while Xu's Wonton House turns out Shanghainese wontons and dumplings from the stall that used to be Wang's Shanghai Cuisine. A note on two spots other guides place on Kingsway: Cafe Gloucester (baked pork chop rice) is actually at 3338 Cambie St in Vancouver, not Burnaby, and I couldn't confirm a "Northern Dynasty" currently operating at the stated Kingsway address — so I've left both off rather than guess. The Crystal Mall stalls 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 Hong Vietnamese Restaurant (5975 Kingsway) is my reliable, no-frills pick for a large, aromatic bowl of pho — and it's open 24 hours (I couldn't confirm a "Pho 99" currently operating on Kingsway, so I went with Pho Hong instead). For something a bit different, Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen (4883 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.

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, cafes, and bakeries. For a proper Italian meal, Anton's Pasta Bar (4260 Hastings St) is famous for its impossibly large portions of pasta (leftovers are guaranteed). One correction for anyone working off an older list: Cafe Kathmandu has rebranded to Momo Hut and now operates on Fraser St in Vancouver, not on Burnaby's Hastings — so don't look for it in the Heights. 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. Sopra Sotto Pizzeria (4022 Hastings St), tucked into a small plaza in Willingdon Heights, is a fantastic Italian spot with house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a great wine list that rivals Vancouver venues (its correct address is 4022 Hastings, not the 5898 some older listings show). 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 combo sets, 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. Pho Hong (5975 Kingsway) runs 24 hours for a late bowl of pho. 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 Arisu on Edmonds St), Chinese noodle stalls, and Vietnamese pho shops (like Pho Hong). 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 the many independent 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. Sopra Sotto Pizzeria (4022 Hastings St) is an excellent upscale Italian option in North Burnaby with house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza.

What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Burnaby?

Many Korean BBQ places (like Arisu on Edmonds St) are great for families because the interactive tabletop 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, Bubble World (4300 Kingsway, on Burnaby's "Bubble Tea Way," not inside the mall) has a broad Taiwanese menu that works well for groups with kids.

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

For classic Chinese comfort food, especially suited to rainy days, head to Crystal Mall on Kingsway. Chef Rong Noodle House (4500 Kingsway) for warming hand-pulled and Sichuan noodle soups, or North King Noodle House (4621 Hastings St) in North Burnaby for Northern Chinese hand-pulled noodles. 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?

Sopra Sotto Pizzeria (4022 Hastings St) is a true hidden gem. It's tucked into an unassuming Willingdon Heights plaza, serving house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza with a wine list that rivals Vancouver spots, away from the main dining corridors.

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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/