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From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare, which—at the western end of the country—incorporates regiona
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare,
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the wor
From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare, which—at the western end of the country—incorporates regional seafood (notably salmon, halibut, and spot prawns) and locally grown produce. Vancouver is all about "localism," with many restaurants emphasizing the provenance of their ingredients and embracing products that hail from within a 100-mile-or-so radius of the city, or at least from within BC.
With at least 40% of the region's population of Asian heritage, it's no surprise that Asian eateries abound in Vancouver. From mom-and-pop noodle shops, curry houses, and corner sushi bars to elegant and upscale dining rooms, cuisine from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and India (and to a lesser extent, from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia) can be found all over town.
In a city filled with hundreds of sushi spots, it can be hard to pick one to try. Look no further than Minami—the Japanese restaurant's space and menu is just as stylish as the neighborhood it's in. This upscale eatery specializes in Aburi ("flame-seared") sushi, and all their fish is sustainably caught. Try the Oshi Sampler. It comes with two pieces each of their salmon, prawn, and saba Aburi sushi, as well as the Aburi lobster with green onion and yuzu ginger salsa.
1118 Mainland St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2T9, Canada
Executive Chef Frank Pabst focuses his menu on both popular and lesser-known local seafood at his fashionable fish restaurant. You can dine in the warmly lit interior or outside on the former loading dock that's now a terrace. You might start with scallops with a parmesan crust; Dungeness crab salad with shrimp, mango, and pumpkin seed; or a seafood tower (ideal for sharing). Main dishes are seafood-centric, too—perhaps sablefish with a miso sake glaze, or Arctic char with braised leeks and fennel. Ask the staff to recommend wine pairings from the BC-focused list. The sushi chef turns out both classic and new creations. They're pricey but among the city's best.
1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5T4, Canada
Cioppino, the eponymous seafood stew, is the signature dish at this lofty candlelit room. Chef Pino Posteraro impresses with homemade pastas and Italian-Mediterranean dishes such as Haida Gwaii hailbut with confit garlic and Sicilian capers, and roasted rack of lamb with a candied garlic-lemon reduction. More rustic Italian fare, such as veal osso buco and braised beef short ribs, is also an option. In good weather, you can dine on the street-side patio. Note to oenophiles, the wine list runs more than 60 pages.
1133 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5P6, Canada
Serving small plates designed for sharing, this spirited Japanese tapas bar is known for the seared mackerel sashimi. Also worth trying are the ebi mayo (tempura shrimp with spicy mayonnaise), the ishi-yaki (a Korean-style stone bowl filled with rice, pork, and vegetables), and anything on the daily fresh sheet. Sake and Japanese beer are the drinks of choice.
1193 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5P6, Canada
Chicken is the specialty at this classy bistro where the juicy rotisserie-roasted birds are served with potato salad, coleslaw, and biscuits. Other creative comfort foods include Arctic char with an annatto seed crust and lamb shank with cauliflower ragu. And save room for dessert—they always have something worth ordering. The space is interesting, too. Half the restaurant is in a restored historic structure (with details like mosaic tiles and a tin ceiling), while the other side of the dining room is set in a new condo building.
898 Homer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2W5, Canada
This chic dining room at the Opus, Yaletown's most stylish hotel, serves innovative interpretations of Italian classics. The pastas are homemade, the fish is freshly grilled, and dishes like Gorgonzola risotto or the 16-ounce veal chop would do any nonna proud. The best way to dine here is to choose the family-style chef's tasting menu, a multicourse parade of the kitchen's greatest hits (C$60 per person for five courses). Breakfast is a delicious option, too, particularly the buttermilk pancakes served with candied pecans and seasonal fruits.
350 Davie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5Z6, Canada
Because Vancouverites don't live by coffee alone—they're also tea drinkers—look for this tiny Yaletown tea bar that serves 60 of its own blends, including rich, milky "Lat-Teas." If you're feeling under-the-weather, order the "Cold Blaster," a rejuvenating blend of tea, orange juice, honey, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
1116 Homer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2X6, Canada
You can imagine yourself on the Provençal seaside at this airy, modern, Mediterranean-style bistro on Yaletown's waterfront, where the focus is on French and Italian takes on seafood. Among the specialties are a delicious bouillabaisse, grilled halibut, and garlicky wild prawns. The rack of lamb is also popular. The sunny marina-view patio makes this a nice spot for breakfast, lunch, or a summertime dinner. You can enjoy the views over a glass of wine (with both British Columbian and European choices) and a light bite at The Wine Bar next door.
1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2Y3, Canada
This cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Yaletown is a fan favorite, thanks to the homemade pastas and tapas menu. Try the lobster and crab ravioli, the braised veal shank with saffron risotto, or the four-cheese gnocchi. They have plenty of Italian wines and classic cocktails on the menu, too. There are two other locations in Gastown and the West End as well. The West End location also serves brunch.
1127 Mainland St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5P2, Canada
This faux fishing shack in Yaletown has one of the city's widest selections of oysters (up to 18 varieties), from locally harvested bivalves to selections from Ireland, New Zealand, and beyond—they're all laid out on ice behind the bar. Or try the clams, mussels, and other mollusks from the steamer kettles. If you're fishing for an afternoon snack, come in between 3 and 6 pm when a light menu of raw oysters, steamed clams, garlic prawns, and a few additional seafood nibbles are served. There's a second location in Gastown.
1228 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 6L2, Canada
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