Restaurants in Vancouver
One of Canada's most cosmopolitan cities, eating out in
Vancouver is something of an event and is a popular pastime for
many locals. With eateries of just about every nationality you can
be sure to find something to suit your taste while dining out in
Vancouver.
With a strong emphasis on British, French and Chinese cuisine, the
food in Vancouver is generally quite international with a few
specialities waiting to be discovered. Fish like salmon, halibut
and Atlantic cod are popular as well as wild game, such as venison,
which can be found on most menus. Salt-cured fish, beef, and pork
are also something to be experienced. Those with a sweet tooth
should try the decadent Nanaimo bar, a local dessert which
comprises a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of custard
or vanilla butter icing, covered in chocolate.
Most of Vancouver's best restaurants are situated around the West
End, downtown, Yaletown and Gastown areas. Most restaurants require
reservations and it is customary to tip waiters around 15% as no
service charge is added to restaurant bills.
Renowned for its excellent service and modern French cuisine,
Lumiére is one of Canada's fine dining hotspots. Soft
lighting and crisp white tablecloths set the elegant ambiance,
where sophisticated food and wine take the limelight. With chefs
like Dale Mackay from the famed Gordon Ramsay restaurants creating
magic, patrons are assured gastronomic excellence. Voted Best
Restaurant and Best French restaurant by Vancouver Magazine and
recipient of Dine Out Vancouver's 2008 Best Service award,
Lumiére is a sure bet. For some wine tasting and small eats
head next door to the cosy Tasting Bar and sample some
heart-warming Butternut Squash Risotto with Regianno Parmesan or
Macaroni and Cheese with four cheeses and double smoked Irish
bacon. Open from 5.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 2551 West Broadway
Telephone: (604) 739 8185
| Brix Restaurant |
$$$$$ | International |
Offering a warm ambiance and a diverse menu to complement its
urban environment, patrons at Brix can sample anything from a Four
Cheese Cannelloni stuffed with spinach and sundried tomato,
chipotle roma tomato sauce and a yellow pepper puree to Quebec
Wentzel Duck, cinnamon seared and drizzled with a cracked pepper
blueberry demi glace. Accommodating night owls, Brix also offers a
gratifying late night menu comprising of spring rolls, Seven Spice
Seared Ahi Tuna and oven baked pizza with Chorizo sausage, black
tiger shrimp, fresh pineapple and the likes. Ideal for dinner with
friends or a romantic date. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 1138 Homer Street
Telephone: (604) 915 9463
| Glowbal |
$$$$$ | International |
Situated in the trendy Yaletown, this exciting restaurant serves
inventive and delicious cuisine in a stylish yet sophisticated
setting. With the option of formal fine dining on white linen
tablecloths or funky dining, this restaurant caters to a variety of
people. Try the Kobe meatballs with Truffled spaghetti or the Seven
Spiced rare Ahi Tuna and round off with the warm Brazilian
chocolate coffee cake or the Maple Macadamia but flan. Reservations
recommended.
Address: 1079 Mainland St.
E-mail: info@glowbalgrill.com
Telephone: +1 604 602 0835
| Blue Water Café |
$$$$$ | Seafood |
Serving the largest selection of oysters, lobsters and prawns as
well as delicious steak, the Blue water Café is frequented
by many celebrities, both local and international. With elegant
décor and flawless service it's no wonder this restaurant is
perfect when trying to impress a date, clients or just have a great
evening out with friends. Try the White Sturgeon with red beet agro
dolce, pumpernickel crust, chioggia beets and cauliflower puree, or
the Beef Tenderloin served with porcini mushrooms, green chard and
macaroni gratin with blue cheese - delicious! Reservations
recommended.
Address: 1095 Hamilton St
E-mail: info@bluewatercafe.net
Telephone: +1 604 688 8078
| Villa del Lupo |
$$$$$ | International |
Nestled away in an old mansion located in downtown Vancouver's
Yaletown, this stylish eatery evokes a 30s charm and sophistication
while serving delicious, inventive and expertly presented dishes.
Try the Osso Buco, Filetto di samone or the Filetto di manzoCon
porcini. You won't be disappointed. Open daily for dinner.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 869 Hamilton St
E-mail: info@villadellupo.com
Telephone: +1 604 688 7436
| The Cannery Seafood Restaurant |
$$$$$ | Seafood |
Renowned for its winelist and friendly reception, The Cannery
Seafood Restaurant serves up the freshest fish in Vancouver, with
an eye for presentation. Try their famous Salmon Wellington or
Crispy Skin Rainbow Trout for a faultless and hearty main meal.
Ideal for business lunches, the restaurant has been popular with
locals and foreigners since its inception in 1971 and is enjoyed
for its picturesque views over the waterfront and the North Shore
Mountains. Open for lunch Monday to Friday and daily for
dinner.
Address: 2205 Commissioner Street
Telephone: (604) 254 9606
| Seasons in the Park |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
Wraparound windows afford stunning views of downtown Vancouver
and the surrounding mountains at this sophisticated Canadian
restaurant. Serving up tasty food at reasonable prices, Seasons in
the Park, is a Vancouver gem for both locals and foreigners. Try
the Miso Soy Marinated Black Cod drizzled with pineapple chive
vinaigrette, served with jasmine rice and for dessert, the
much-loved Sunburnt Lemon Tart. A trip for dinner means soft
lighting and the twinkling city lights of Vancouver but for lunch
you can admire the leafy park and snow-capped mountains.
Address: Queen Elizabeth Park. West 33rd Ave and Main Street
Telephone: (604) 874 8008
| Bistro Pastis |
$$$$$ | Café |
A friendly bistro donning classic white tableclothes and
offering one of the city's largest wine selections by the glass,
Bistro Pastis is a great venue for a business lunch, after work
drink or dinner with friends. A crackling fireplace creates a cosy
atmosphere complimented by classic bistro fare with a contemporary
twist, such as Moules et Frites, Traditional Coq au vin and Steak
Tartare. As in any bistro in France there is a Plats du jour option
and menus change regularly. Bistro Pastis is open for lunch and
dinner, Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 2153 W 4th Avenue
Telephone: (604) 731 5020
| Pasparos Taverna |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
A charming Greek restaurant serving good no-fuss Greek food,
Pasparos Taverna is a great place to meet with family and friends.
A family business operating since 1974, Pasparos offers a warm
atmosphere and mouth-watering homemade Greek cuisine, just as you'd
find in Greece. With warm fresh breads, dolmades, roast lamb,
superb Tzatziki, Avgolemono soup and a selection of souvlakia
(kebabs), patrons are spoilt for choice. Combine that with
top-notch service and a good Greek winelist (wine by the glass
included) and you have all the ingredients for a successful
restaurant. Open daily for dinner.
Address: 132 West 3rd Street
Telephone: (604) 980 0331
| Guu with Garlic |
$$$$$ | Japanese |
One of Vancouver's best dining experiences, Guu with Garlic is
part of a unique Japanese Tapas chain that is taking the city by
storm. With a perfect ration of small portioned dishes at
affordable prices, patrons can sample a handful of different dishes
before getting full or feeling the weight on their wallet. The open
kitchen and cheerful waiters add to the electric mood as do the
exotic cocktails and experimental drinks. Recommended dishes
include the duck salad, assorted carpaccio, baked oysters, prawns
and calamari. Don't miss the daily specials sheet on loose-leaf
paper with even more delectable dishes. Open daily for dinner,
reservations recommended.
Address: 1698 Robson Street
Telephone: (604) 685 8678