I love exploring different neighborhoods and discovering what makes each one unique—and often, that’s the food. Some of the best dining experiences come from stumbling upon hidden gems: local spots that serve amazing dishes, generous portions, and fair prices, yet somehow stay under the radar. These are the places that deserve a little spotlight, so I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite finds that truly deliver on flavor, value, and authenticity.
Zapoteca: Authentic Oaxacan Flavors with Ocean Views in White Rock
Address: 15495 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C7
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 4/5 Location: 5/5
Do not miss this spot! I spent a weekend on the Pier in white rock, and while they have many options, the hidden Mexican restaurant ended up being the best. This was a great spot with excellent food, good service, and some delicious margaritas: authentic Oaxacan flavours and an ocean-view ambiance. The food is standout and a good portion. They have a great selection of tequila.
Recommended Dishes: Fish Tacos, Molcajete del Mar, Birria Quesabirria Tacos and calamari.
Wild Thyme is a Must-Try for Generous Portions and Bold Middle Eastern Flavor
Address: 705 12th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J7
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 3/5
This is a true hole-in-the-wall gem! The dining space is small—no reservations—but that just adds to its charm. The food here is amazing! A hidden treasure you need to check out. The location isn’t super central, and the ambiance is simple, family-style—nothing fancy—but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. Every dish is packed with bold, authentic flavors, and the portions are generous. Honestly, it rivals many restaurants serving similar cuisine. It’s perfect for a night out near the Massey Theatre—grab dinner here before catching a show! You’ll often find the place bustling, with many theatre-goers enjoying the same idea. On top of everything, the hospitality is genuine and warm. Highly recommend you try this spot—it’s simply delicious!
Recommended Dishes: Handmade Breads, Kafta Bread, Chicken and Rice, Kafta and Rice and Chicken Flatbread.
Kook’s Cooks Is the Best Value Around
Address: 2120 Austin Ave, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3R8
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 4/5 Location: 3/5
Kook’s Cooks offers great value for inventive Korean-inspired brunch in a cozy setting, with reliable quality and standout signature dishes. This is a great weekend spot for a laid-back lunch, with good service, a family-friendly vibe, and affordable, hearty food. I love the bulgogi wrap—big portions and delicious! The pizzas and pastas are also fantastic, making it a go-to for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal with great flavors and generous servings.
Recommended Dishes: Bulgoi Wrap, Garlic Pizza and shrimp pasta.
Izba Bistro – True Hidden Gem – Great Authentic food and Portions – Polish and European Comfort Food
Address: 1545 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 1A5
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 4/5 Location: 4/5
If you’re looking for comfort food with big portions at affordable prices, Izba Bistro delivers every time. Expect generous servings and authentic Eastern European flavors that make it perfect for sharing—or for taking home leftovers. This cozy bistro serves up homemade pierogies and schnitzels, savory stews, and hearty soups, offering stick-to-your-ribs dishes that won’t break the bank. If you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal with unbeatable value, Izba Bistro is the place to be. Don’t miss the standout dish: the pork hock, featuring crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.
Recommended Dishes: Pork Hock, Schnitzels, Perogis and Basque Cheesecake.
I have driven by this restaurant many times and was always curious about it. I was really impressed with authentic Polish food, it has generous portions, affordable prices and homemade cooking. The service was good and all all-around great experience. From crispy schnitzel and tender cabbage rolls to flavorful pierogies and a bowl of rich, warming borscht, everything was delish.
Recommended Dishes: Crispy Schnitzel, Homemade Pierogies, Borscht, and Pork Hock.
Jing Tan Grill House: All-You-Can-Eat Feast with Bold Flavors and Great Value
Address: 5960 Minoru Blvd #140, Richmond, BC V6X 3J3, Canada
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 4/5 Location: 5/5
Jing Tan Grill is a fantastic spot in Richmond! The service is attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. For the price, the options are excellent—great quality food with plenty of variety. One of the best parts is the buffet-style selection, which gives you a wide range of dishes to enjoy. If you’re looking for good value and a satisfying dining experience, this place is worth checking out! Service is attentive staff are quick to assist, and ensure your grill stays stocked and everything runs smoothly. It’s not just a meal; grilling at your table adds a fun, social element that makes dining a memorable experience. They have a small buffet that has some delish appetizers to offer and at dinner often have crispy chicken and crab legs.
Recommended Dishes: Classic, Supreme or Deluxe options. Koren Syle Beef belly, Beef Short Ribs, House Special Fried Rice, Beef Belly with black pepper, Pork Shoulder or BBQ eel.
Pasta Polo: Coquitlam’s Go-To Spot for Authentic Italian Comfort
Address: 2754 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam, BC V3B 1B9
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Pasta Polo in Coquitlam is a local favorite for hearty, authentic Italian dishes made from scratch. It is very affordable and they serve good food with generous portions. They have lots of specials and good deals. The warm, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for family dinners, casual nights out, or group gatherings. With its commitment to fresh food and community, Pasta Polo is a must-visit for pasta lovers in the Tri-Cities area.
Golden Boot Caffé: Coquitlam’s Cozy Northern Italian Treasure
Address: 1028 Ridgeway Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3J 1S5
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Golden Boot Caffé in Coquitlam is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. It is moderately priced and great portions and quantity. Pasta is homemade and very delish. From classic dishes like seafood cannelloni and carbonara to standout lasagna and pizzas. Its a spot for both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike. This is a family-style restaurant, laid back atmosphere that has friendly service. The is real comfort food with delicious sauces and homemade pasta.
Sushi Shun: Surrey’s Hidden Gem for Fresh, Generous Sushi
Address: 16780 64 Avenue, Unit #102, Cloverdale, Surrey, BC V3S 3Y2, Canada
Prices: 3.8/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 5/5
This is a great sushi restaurant that has great portions and a standout for quality Japanese cuisine, offering fresh, artfully prepared sushi, premium aburi oshi, satisfying donburi, and light, crisp tempura. With consistently positive reviews—hundreds of diners—it is praised for generous portion sizes, top-notch ingredients, and warm, attentive service. The sushi tastes fresh and the care in presentation—tuna that melts in the mouth, salmon belly that’s buttery, and perfectly crisp tempura. With options like deluxe sashimi, aburi oshi, and specialty rolls, every dish gets better. The specials are great and large portions. A place you can share.
Recommended Dishes: Sushi special …..
My Greek Taverna: Coquitlam’s Go-To Spot for Authentic Greek Cuisine
Address: 946 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 1C9, Canada
Prices: 3.8/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 5/5
My Greek Taverna in Coquitlam, l
This is a local favorite for authentic Greek cuisine, generous portions, and warm hospitality. One of the best greek restaurants known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth roast lamb, flavorful souvlaki, crispy calamari, and classic moussaka, every dish is rooted in traditional recipes and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. The portions are huge—most diners leave with leftovers—making it an excellent value for the quality you receive. This is a good spot that is bustling, full of Coquitlam’s most beloved dinning spots and great food.
Recommended Dishes:
Authentic South Indian Comfort at Manjal – Great Taste, Great Price
Address: 7613 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B6
Prices: 4/5 Quality: 5/5 Location: 4/5
Manjal South Indian Kitchen is my go-to spot for authentic South Indian cuisine! The food is consistently flavorful, the portions are generous, and the prices are refreshingly affordable. Their food is authentic, serving up hearty dosa platters, perfectly spiced uttapams, and comforting thali-style meals—each dish is satisfying without breaking the bank. Most mains sit in the $15–$20 range, which is great value for the quality you get. f you’re craving bold, traditional South Indian flavors with big portions at a fair price, Manjal is a true hidden gem you need to try. Do not miss the South Indian coffiee it is the best !
Recommended Dishes: Dosa, Tossed Chicken 65, Chaats, Sambar, Uthapam and South Indian Coffee.
These are some of my absolute favorites, and once you try them, you’ll keep going back for more! Have a hidden gem of your own? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking for new spots to explore!