The sheer energy and color at this spot always put a grin on my face. Step into the ultra-stylish, dimly lit world of Kissa Tanto, where 1960s Tokyo jazz cafe cool meets incredible Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine. This Chinatown hotspot blends cultures beautifully, creating dishes that are both familiar and thrillingly new. Elsewhere in Metro Vancouver, Richmond’s elegant “Royal Thai” restaurant Baan Lao rejoins the list again and the far more casual Richmond seafood superstar The Fish Man appears. Is repped by Wild Blue (Whistler), Pluvio (Ucluelet), and Marilena (Victoria). Vancouver is a globally admired city, not eatingvancouver.ca least of all for its many restaurants, and an important aspect of its restaurants’ high reputation is a readiness to accommodate families and kids of all ages.
- Don’t overlook the cheffy takes on Mexican bar snacks like chicken skin chilaquiles and pork jowl chicharron.
- Start your Saturday with some buttermilk fried chicken and waffles or crème brulee French toast.
- Boozy coffees and mimosas are also on offer if you’re looking for something a little extra with your breakfast or brunch feast.
Homer Street Cafe and Bar
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spot to do so then I highly recommend Heritage Asian Eatery. The stunning 1920’s dining room features 30 foot ceilings and a famous rooftop patio. It’s one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a happy hour cocktail. Bao Bei, meaning precious, is located in Chinatown offering amazing service and absolutely delicious authentic Chinese food. I instantly felt welcomed in its cozy atmosphere with charming decor. This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Vancouver if you’re looking for an authentic dinner spot.
For comfort food and killer brews – try Tap & Barrel • Shipyards in North Vancouver
Last year, Cioppino’s chef/owner Pino Posteraro stunned the audience at the awards when he took his time at the podium to announce the closure; this year he focused on thanking his family. Natty wine lovers gather here to celebrate what happens when grapes meet naturally occurring yeasts. An urban winery in the heart of Mount Pleasant, la Fabrique St-George utilizes grapes from the different wine regions in B.C. Unfined, unfiltered, and additive-free, these wines are as natural as it gets.
Offering one of the best waterfront views in Vancouver, The Boathouse at Kits Beach is a prime choice for private dining by the sea. Specialising in seafood, the menu features dishes such as the succulent crab-stuffed prawns, tender grilled halibut, and their renowned seafood pasta. With a capacity for 60 guests, the private dining space offers a cozy atmosphere with unbeatable ocean views. The Boathouse is perfect for enjoying a sunset dinner with friends or hosting a memorable group celebration in one of Vancouver’s most iconic locations. Located in trendy Yaletown, Dovetail is a vibrant spot perfect for celebrating a birthday or special event. This contemporary Canadian restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients.
Cafe Medina is a charming bistro serving gourmet coffee and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, complete with Belgian waffles. Les Boulettes, spicy lamb meatballs in tomato stew, and Fricassée, with braised short ribs and roasted potatoes, are breakfast favourites. Their Seafood Tower is an absolute delight for seafood lovers, and the Albacore Tuna Tataki is a simple yet impactful dish. A top recommendation for first-timers is their traditional Shio ramen, complemented with a Soft-Boiled Egg.
Try steak and potatoes with a juicy 9 oz MacLeod’s leap ribeye under red wine jus or a gull burger composed of organic house ground beef, caramelized onion and melting brie. Pair these delights with one of the gull cocktails, such as the chamomile high club, a harmonious blend of chamomile-infused tequila with hints of lemon and violet. Round up your friends for happy hour at one of Vancouver’s oldest pubs or enjoy elegant private dining with your colleagues in one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Take a culinary trip to Florence and sample mouthwatering Tuscan food at a beautiful Italian restaurant. Or experience traditional Shaanxi Chinese cuisine that’s designed to be enjoyed family-style. These 13 hotspots are the best restaurants for groups Vancouver has to offer.
Grab three of your “I’ll eat anything” friends and bring them to this not-new-but-still-buzzy bistro. The best way to explore the pun-filled chalkboard menu is to order the “I Want It All” experience designed to feed four people. For $89 CAD per person, you’ll get the whole menu, i.e. 12 dishes starring ingredients sourced from local fishers and farmers, like sea urchin served on squid ink brioche and an apple-pistachio pastry for dessert. If you’re not in town with a group, try the tasting menus designed for two people ($178 CAD for the table) or solo diners ($89 CAD).