The best spots to eat in Richmond on a layover at YVR Airport
Got a layover at YVR? If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right spot. Richmond, B.C., is home to some of the best Asian food in North America, and there are plenty of other great cuisines and dishes to try here, too!
If you’ve got more than three hours to spare before your next flight, you’ve got time to venture into Richmond, the city just south of Vancouver where YVR Airport is located and a destination worth visiting in its own right.
We spoke to our friends at Tourism Richmond to get their top 10 picks for authentic, delicious and unique spots to eat while you’re on a layover at YVR. Covering everything from dumplings and Korean BBQ to tacos and baked goods, these restaurants offer a true taste of place, representing Richmond’s diverse population and culinary excellence.
And, they’re all within a 10-minute walk of a station on the Canada Line, the light rail train that terminates right inside Vancouver International Airport’s Main Terminal.
Hugo’s Churros & Tacos
9-minute walk from Templeton Station
Located in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet village, Hugo’s serves up classic Mexican tacos on house-made tortillas. With plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, beverages ranging from margaritas and micheladas to Mexican hot chocolate, and freshly made churros and ice cream for dessert, there’s something for everyone. A quick meal in the cute and casual interior is the perfect break on a shopping trip.
The Story Café
3-minute walk from Bridgeport Station
Nestled in a creatively transformed 30-year-old warehouse, The Story Café is a modern bar and café that offers a relaxed ambiance for enjoying comfort foods like pizza, pasta, burgers, brunch, desserts and coffee. The owner’s love for music, coffee and vintage collectibles infuses the space with a unique decor that blends nostalgic elements with a contemporary vibe.
The Jade Seafood Restaurant
9-minute walk from Bridgeport Station
Listed on the Dumpling Trail, the Jade Seafood Restaurant is a Cantonese gem renowned for its innovative seafood and acclaimed dim sum crafted by award-winning chefs. Perfect for a luxurious meal during your layover. Don’t miss the crab or the spot prawns when in season.
Pho 37
5-minute walk from Capstan Station (expected opening mid-2024)
Pho 37 is a popular Vietnamese eatery serving pho and other Vietnamese classics in an airy, energetic venue with luxurious styling. Expect freshly-made dishes, quick service and generous portions.
SURA Korean BBQ
7-minute walk from Aberdeen Station
Photo courtesy of Tourism Richmond
Located inside Aberdeen Centre, SURA Korean BBQ serves up authentic Korean BBQ with tableside grilling. Known for its quality meats and side dishes, SURA has a popular lunch set menu that offers a wide selection of dishes for a reasonable price.
Little Fox Bakehouse
3-minute walk from Aberdeen Station
Little Fox Bakehouse is a boutique bakery celebrated for its innovative pastries and cakes, which are all made and baked on-site using traditional French techniques. Specialties include flaky croissants, decadent pastries, rich cakes, cookies and cream puffs.
HK BBQ Master
10-minute walk from Lansdowne Station
Featured in Chef David Chang’s 2019 Netflix series Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, HK BBQ Master is renowned for its Cantonese-style barbecue meats, including succulent roast pork, barbecued duck and soy sauce chicken. Each dish is carefully prepared using high-quality meats to ensure tenderness and reduce oiliness.
R & H Chinese Food
8-minute walk from Lansdowne Station
Listed on the Dumpling Trail, R & H is a quick-service eatery known for its extensive selection of popular Chinese dishes, with a special emphasis on delicious, handcrafted dumplings. It’s a perfect stop for those looking for a fast, satisfying meal.
4 Stones Vegetarian Cuisine
7-minute walk from Richmond–Brighouse Station
Photo courtesy of Tourism Richmond
Also listed on the Dumpling Trail, 4 Stones excels in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, featuring innovative meat substitute dishes inspired by Taiwanese flavours. Their menu caters to all vegetarian types, with highlights including Kong Pao dishes, Tomato Veg Beef Brisket, Wonton Noodle Soup and Taiwanese Cut Buns. Dine in and counter service are both available.
John 3:16 Malaysian Delights
7-minute walk from Richmond–Brighouse Station
Photo courtesy of Tourism Richmond
John 3:16 serves authentic Malaysian food in a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the roti canai, fluffy layers of steaming fried bread served with a curry dipping sauce, or the chicken satay, satisfying skewers of grilled chicken served with peanut sauce.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Richmond
Where to eat local food before security at YVR Airport
Looking for delicious local food right at YVR for a bite before your flight? Within the terminal, you can stop at Japadog, located before security in the Domestic Food Court. A Vancouver original, this beloved street food vendor combines traditional hot dogs with Japanese-style toppings like seaweed, teriyaki sauce, grated radish, pickled ginger and even fried noodles!
Or, tuck into some Ocean Wise, wild-caught fish and chips at Pajo’s Fish & Chips, a Richmond institution since 1985. Find them before security in the International Food Court. In addition to some of the best fish and chips around, Pajo’s also offers fish tacos, burgers and vegetarian options.
For dessert, grab some decadent pastries at the always popular Purebread bakery, also in the International Food Court, or a 100% plant-based tea latté and silky oat milk ice cream at Paragon Tea Room, tucked inside the Hudson location in the Domestic Food Court.
Looking for more things to see, do and eat in Richmond during a layover at YVR? Learn all about upcoming events and find suggested itineraries on Tourism Richmond’s website.
YVR Airport is on a journey to transform our food and beverage offerings to reflect the incredible cuisine of our city and region. Watch for more exciting openings and announcements coming soon!