World City Guide

Restaurants

We have selected 25 restaurants, which we have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

Restaurant charges are subject to the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and an additional liquor tax (10%), which are usually added to the bill at the end. Restaurant bills do not usually include a service charge, so a tip is expected. The standard is 15%, with 20% given for good to exceptional service.

The prices quoted below are for a three-course meal for one and for a bottle of house wine or equivalent; they do not include taxes or tip.

Gastronomic

C Restaurant
This contemporary seafood restaurant serves inspirational cuisine in three dramatically designed spaces – a double-storey glass-fronted main dining room, an intimate mezzanine above for private dining and an outdoor patio with fantastic views over False Creek. The menu is extensive and luxurious, including a raw bar with oysters and some Asian-inspired salads, a taster box for C$35, as well as normal starters and mains, such as scallops wrapped in octopus and bacon. The wine list is also extensive and highly regarded, with a few dozen available by the glass. No lunch October to April (except pre-Christmas).

2-1600 Howe Street
Tel: (604) 681 1164. Fax: (604) 605 8263.
E-mail: info@crestaurant.com
Website: www.crestaurant.com
Price: C$60. Wine: C$38.

Le Crocodile
A highly professional standard of service and sophisticated European atmosphere make this Alsatian restaurant an ideal location for a special event or celebration in Downtown Vancouver. The Franco-German influence is evident in the meals prepared by chef-owner Michel Jacob. A particular favourite menu meal is the savoury onion tart served with chilled Alsace Edelzwicker in green-stemmed glasses. Closed Sunday, no lunch on Saturday.

100-909 Burrard Street (entrance on Smithe Street)
Tel: (604) 669 4298. Fax: (604) 669 4207.
E-mail: lecrocodile@telus.net
Website: www.lecrocodilerestaurant.com
Price: C$65. Wine: C$35.

Diva At The Met
This is a sophisticated restaurant, based in the Metropolitan Hotel, with an airy, spacious interior and a relaxed and refined atmosphere. Under the direction of Vancouver-born Executive Chef Ray Henry, Diva specialises in Pacific Northwest cuisine prepared with the finest local ingredients. Popular main courses include cinnamon smoked breast of duck, smoked Alaskan black cod, or duo of Canadian beef (roasted beef tenderloin and glazed short rib). Diva boasts the most extensive cheese selection of any Vancouver restaurant and one of the world’s leading pastry chefs, Thomas Haas, whose upside-down chocolate souffl with milk chocolate glaze and pistachio ice cream is out of this world. The wine list also comprises some of British Columbia’s best offerings. Weekend brunch available.

The Metropolitan Hotel, 645 Howe Street
Tel: (604) 602 7788. Fax: (604) 643 7267.
E-mail: reservations@divamet.com
Website: www.metropolitan.com/diva
Price: C$70. Wine: C$45.

Lumire Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is located 10 minutes’ drive from Downtown in Kitsilano. With attentive service, Lumire offers modern French cuisine with Asian influences, alongside classics like foie gras and caviar. The three eight-course (and ‘Signature’ 12-course) menus change seasonally but might include roasted wild black bass in a casserole, with black trumpet and yellow foot mushrooms, or black truffles and seared Alaska scallops with leek and mascarpone ravioli, accompanied by a specially chosen wine flight. The Tasting Bar is New York chic and offers selections of small menu items for C$12 per dish; the seafood one is especially not to be missed. The restaurant is closed on Monday and does not serve lunch, but the same owner’s cheaper next-door bistro, Feenie’s (tel: (604) 739 7115; website: www.feenies.com), is open for lunch and weekend brunch.

2551 West Broadway, Kitsilano
Tel: (604) 739 8185. Fax: (604) 739 8139.
E-mail: lumiere@relaischateaux.com
Website: www.lumiere.ca
Price: C$100 (eight courses). Wine: C$55.

Tojo’s Restaurant
Hidekazu Tojo is known as the man who invented the BC Roll (barbecued salmon skin and cucumber) and inside-out crab and avocado (often called the Californian Roll), two dishes that are now as vital to the area’s sushi kitchens as wasabi. The cuisine is rooted in classical Japanese cooking with a heavy emphasis on innovation, organic ingredients and local Pacific Northwest specialities. Vegetarian sushi and cooked food are also available as are teriyaki, tempura, sashimi, sushi and various rolls. Omakase (the chef’s arrangement) is the best way to enjoy Tojo’s – at a price of C$50, C$75 or C$100 (or more), Tojo-san will create a very special entire meal based on your preferences, his inspiration and market-fresh ingredients. The window views are of the North Shore Mountains framing the Downtown area – but for those preferring chat to vistas, the sushi chefs will provide cheerful banter and private tatami rooms are available. Closed Sunday. Not open for lunch.

202-777 West Broadway
Tel: (604) 872 8050. Fax: (604) 872 8060.
E-mail: info@tojos.com
Website: www.tojos.com
Price: C$40. Wine: C$24.

Business

Aqua Riva
This spacious restaurant, dominated by bold murals and a curved bar, has a window-wrapped vibrant setting, with mountain and harbour views. Just a five- to 10-minute walk from the major Downtown hotels, Aqua Riva is a highly regarded rotisserie and grill kitchen with a daily changing menu. Specialities include wood-roasted halibut, spit-roasted leg of lamb and fresh salmon from the grill. High-profile political figures often choose to dine here. No lunch at the weekend.

200 Granville Street
Tel: (604) 683 5599. Fax: (604) 683 7551.
E-mail: dinner@aquariva.com
Website: www.aquariva.com
Price: C$50. Wine: C$27.

Bacchus Restaurant
Located in the city’s Wedgewood Hotel, this award-winning restaurant aims to offer a ‘truly Epicurian experience’ complemented by live entertainment in the elegant piano lounge. The restaurant is also known for its exceptional weekend brunches and traditional afternoon tea (C$21), also served at the weekend. Famous people who have put in an appearance include Al Pacino, Hilary Swank and Robin Williams. The cuisine is French and fairly meat-based, with dishes such as coq au vin or grilled fillet of aged Angus beef with pomme galette and truffle jus.

Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby Street
Tel: (604) 608 5319. Fax: (604) 608 5348.
E-mail: info@wedgewoodhotel.com
Website: www.wedgewoodhotel.com
Price: C$60. Wine: C$34.

Caff d Medici
The atmosphere is businesslike by day and romantic by night in this elegant Italian restaurant, with beautiful tapestries and oil paintings, Italian-style moulded ceilings, chandeliers, a tiled floor and a marbled bar. Caff d Medici has won many awards for quality service and has an outstanding wine list. Staff provide a personalised service by always being on hand and happily making recommendations. The food is colourful and rich and the menu covers antipasto, salads, soups, pasta and main courses, such as rack of lamb with a porcini mushroom crust or osso buco over braised lentils. The desserts, such as tiramisu or chocolate torte, are exquisite. No lunch at the weekend.

109-1025 Robson Street (Robson Galleria)
Tel: (604) 669 9322. Fax: (604) 669 3771.
E-mail: yourhost@caffedemedici.com
Website: www.caffedemedici.com
Price: C$60. Wine: C$29.

Chartwell
Based in the Four Seasons Hotel, this first-class restaurant has been designed to resemble Sir Winston Churchill’s summer home, Chartwell, with oak panelling, scenic murals and warming fireplaces. The menu varies quarterly but the wines and the ‘seasonal producer’ dinners (when local farmers showcase their fresh produce) are considered to be some of the best in the city. Sample dishes include roasted lamb loin with sauted vegetables, Nova Scotia lobster in a cassoulet, and Arctic char with celery-root tortelloni and garlic spinach. Open for dinner only.

Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia Street
Tel: (604) 844 6715 or 689 9333 (hotel). Fax: (604) 684 4555.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/vancouver
Price: C$60. Wine: C$24.

Hermitage Restaurant
Herv Martin, chef and owner of this restaurant, serves up some traditional French meals that include duck confit, steak tartare and pheasant. Patrons can dine outside on a private patio or enjoy the cosiness inside. Among the fine linen-clad tables, surrounded by antiques, guests can select from a wine list consisting of over 350 wines. No lunch at the weekend.

Robson Galleria, 115-1025 Robson Street
Tel: (604) 689 3237. Fax: (604) 689 3274.
E-mail: info@thehermitagevancouver.com
Website: www.thehermitagevancouver.com
Price: C$50. Wine: C$30.

Morton’s of Chicago: The Steakhouse
Its menu is famed for its signature USDA prime, aged beef, as well as its fresh seafood and fish, including the whole-baked Maine lobster that is flown in on a daily basis. Hand-picked vegetables, elegant desserts and crisp salads are also offered. Rich mahogany red panelling, artwork and pristine white tablecloths, together with fine wines and food displays, set the tone. Morton’s caters for special occasions and business meetings in two private ‘boardrooms’ (capacity 30 and 40, can be combined) at no extra charge. Open for dinner only.

750 West Cordova Street
Tel: (604) 915 5105. Fax: (604) 915 5131.
E-mail: cm.mvc@mortons.com
Website: www.mortons.com
Price: C$75. Wine: C$45.

Trendy

Bin 941
Although it’s labeled a tapas parlour, many of the dishes from Gord Martin’s open kitchen are the full meal deal and you may not always want to share - the filo-wrapped beef Wellington comes as a small work of art, and the smoked sable fish and flash-grilled ahi tuna are equally good examples of a cuisine that has far more of a West Coast flavour than Spanish. The dcor is full of eclectic touches, enlivening the small space – perhaps a bit too dark and cosy for stuffier diners (another drawback being that you may have a bit of a wait for a table) but well worth it for the adventurous. Open until 0200. There’s a sister restaurant, Bin 942, south of False Creek at 1521 West Broadway (tel: (604) 734 9421).

941 Davie Street
Tel: (604) 683 1246. Fax: (604) 683 1206.
E-mail: gord@bin941.com
Website: www.bin941.com
Price: C$26. Wine: C$35.

The Cannery Seafood Restaurant
Established in 1971, this award-winning restaurant on the docks of Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet east of Downtown is proud of its highly acclaimed seafood and extensive selection of wines. Magnificent views of the mountains and harbour have made this one of the city’s institutions. The eclectic dcor, constructed from aged or antique materials and seagoing memorabilia, resembles a rustic fish cannery. Yet it is still very elegant, with fine linen, china, silver and crystal. The Pacific Northwest menu exhibits international influences and is dominated by fresh fish, such as seared Albacore tuna or seared Pacific salmon, but there are meaty dishes, such as aged beef tenderloin, as well as a purely vegetarian choice. Reservations are recommended and free parking is available (use the intercom at the McGill Street or Clark Drive gates to gain entry to the port). No lunch at the weekend.

2205 Commissioner Street
Tel: (604) 254 9606 or (877) 254 9606. Fax: (604) 254 1820.
E-mail: info@canneryseafood.com
Website: www.canneryseafood.com
Price: C$50. Wine: C$32.

Cin Cin Ristorante & Bar
This Italian restaurant has long been the recipient of many awards. Cin Cin is elegant dining but the original murals give it a warm, slightly rustic, feel. The seasonal menu comprises classic Italian dishes with strong French and Mediterranean influences, focused around the wood-fired oven and grill. Dishes depend on the season and can be as extravagant as the ‘AAA’ beef tenderloin, with simmered young carrots, tomato confit, potato gratin and a port and wine sauce, for C$39.50; however, Cin Cin also does pizzas from C$18.50. Reservations are advisable and no lunch is served at the weekend.

1154 Robson Street
Tel: (604) 688 7338. Fax: (604) 688 7339.
E-mail: cincin@direct.ca
Website: www.cincin.net
Price: C$57. Wine: C$35.

Herons Restaurant & Lounge
An oasis of calm and tranquillity, this stylish restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with tremendous views of the North Shore Mountains and Vancouver Harbour. Executive Chef Ian Rennie prepares regional cuisine with the freshest, finest products available and also utilises the hotel’s 2,100-square-foot herb garden. Two signature dishes are his red lentil crusted ahi tuna and seared duck breast with fig and thyme gnocchi with black current jus. Famous diners have included Bryan Adams and Erin Brockovich. In addition to dinner, there is a weekday lunch buffet (C$21), la carte lunch on Saturday and brunch on Sunday (C$32).

The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, 900 Canada Place Way
Tel: (604) 691 1818. Fax: (604) 691 1999.
E-mail: thewaterfronthotel@fairmont.com
Website: www.fairmont.com/waterfront
Price: C$45. Wine: C$32.

Raincity Grill
Situated in Vancouver’s West End, this urban bistro overlooks the beach, the park and English Bay. Its upscale modern decor gives it a casual atmosphere and welcoming attitude. The Pacific Northwest menu changes seasonally and focuses on game, poultry, seafood and organic vegetables sourced from sustainable growers/producers in the region (British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State and Oregon). Reservations are recommended. No lunch but there is a weekend brunch.

1193 Denman Street
Tel: (604) 685 7337. Fax: (604) 685 7362.
E-mail: info@raincitygrill.com
Website: www.raincitygrill.com
Price: C$50. Wine: C$32.

Budget

The Naam
Winner of a great many awards, this 24-hour restaurant in Kitsilano specialises in vegetarian fare at very reasonable prices. Seated within the casual wooden interior, diners can choose from a range of foods that include salads, soups, Mexican dishes, stir fries and vegetarian burgers – ideally accompanied by sesame fries with miso gravy. There is also a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

2724 West Fourth Avenue, Kitsilano
Tel: (604) 738 7151.
Website: www.thenaam.com
Price: C$20. Wine: C$18.

Old Spaghetti Factory
Established in Vancouver in 1970, this highly popular restaurant in Gastown is decorated in the style of a living museum – with historic artefacts adorning the walls. Cheerful and friendly staff serve up a great selection of fantastic pasta dishes – all accompanied by a salad or soup, sourdough bread, garlic butter, roasted coffee or hot tea and spumoni ice cream (chocolate, vanilla and pistachio flavour) at no extra charge. Dishes like New York steak or breast of chicken make for alternative choices.

53 Water Street, Gastown
Tel: (604) 684 1287. Fax: (604) 684 8035.
E-mail: admin@oldspaghettifactory.ca
Website: www.oldspaghettifactory.ca
Price: C$20. Wine: C$17.50.

Pink Pearl Restaurant
An award-winning Cantonese restaurant near Chinatown, Pink Pearl features tanks of fresh fish, which inevitably end up forming a large part of the menu. Service comes complete with a smile and good dim sum is served daily. Other treats include stuffed dumplings, fried white turnip cakes and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. This is a good place for a family meal and there is free parking as well. Open 0900-2200 daily.

1132 East Hastings Street
Tel: (604) 253 4316. Fax: (604) 253 8525.
E-mail: info@pinkpearl.com
Website: www.pinkpearl.com
Price: C$23. Wine: C$22.

Sophie’s Cosmic Caf
One of the best spots in the city for breakfast, this Kitsilano favourite presents a rather kitsch take on the traditional diner, with brightly painted walls, pink vinyl booths separated by walls with old Coke bottles as railings and all sorts of memorabilia on the walls. Though often busy weekend mornings, it’s worth queuing (if arriving after around 1000) for a fry-up, Belgian waffles or eggs Benedict. It is also good for lunchtime classics like burgers and club sandwiches, whereas dinner might be oyster stew followed by roast chicken. Open 0800-2100 daily.

2095 West 4th Avenue (near Arbutus Street)
Tel: (604) 732 6810. Fax: (604) 732 9417.
Website: www.sophiescosmiccafe.com
Price: C$27. Wine: C$18.

Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant
Consistently voted the best in the city by food critics at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, this posh Cantonese restaurant in a modern interior is a well-known place for its daily dim sum. The roast squab is particularly notable. Also on offer is fresh seafood, such as abalones, rock cods, geoducks, lobsters, prawns and giant Alaska king crabs. Diners select a live creature out of the fish tank and then choose the cooking style for their dish.

3888 Main Street (at 23rd Avenue)
Tel: (604) 872 8822 or (866) 872 8822. Fax: (604) 876 1638.
Website: www.sunsuiwah.com
Price: C$25. Wine: C$24.

Personal Recommendations

The Fish House Restaurant in Stanley Park
Consistently praised, this wood-panelled restaurant is surrounded by lush gardens and forests (visible through the picture windows and from the patio seating) and very much lives up to its reputation as a ‘tranquil oasis in the city’. The chef, Karen Barnaby, has published a series of cookbooks and the menu changes three times a year. Dishes of note are the grilled ahi tuna steak diane with classic green peppercorn sauce, flaming prawns, and seafood cornucopia, a mix of market-fresh goodies with dipping sauces. Desserts, such as chocolate lava cake, add to the sense of sheer indulgence. Famous diners have included Sharon Stone and Robert De Niro. Sunday brunch available.

8901 Stanley Park Drive
Tel: (604) 681 7275. Fax: (604) 681 3137.
E-mail: info@fishhousestanleypark.com
Website: www.fishhousestanleypark.com
Price: C$45. Wine: C$32.

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
This San Francisco-style restaurant has the traditional atmosphere of an American brasserie. Joe Fortes proudly boasts ‘Vancouver’s Best Oyster Bar’ and serves up to a dozen fresh choices daily. Its mahogany and brass furnishings give it the comfortable feel of a gentleman’s club. Specialities include locally caught Pacific Northwest seafood and selected local meats grilled to perfection. An la carte brunch is offered at weekends and the restaurant’s roof garden dining claims to be the best in the city.

777 Thurlow Street
Tel: (604) 669 1940. Fax: (604) 669 4426.
E-mail: joefortes@joefortes.ca
Website: www.joefortes.ca
Price: C$42. Wine: C$30.

Provence Marinaside
As the name suggests, there is an obvious Provenal influence in the cuisine here and the ‘Marinaside’ is reflected in the floor to ceiling windows looking across False Creek and in the emphasis on seafood on the menu. The casually elegant dining space is well suited to the young professionals of the nearby Yaletown district, who have already made it popular since its early 2002 opening. Antipasti, including a spicy merguez sausage with fennel in tomato sauce, provide a prelude for the excellent bouillabaisse with gruyre or seafood linguine topped with clams, mussels, grilled fish and prawns. For those who like to share, the rack of lamb or seafood platter are both worth lingering over. Weekend brunch available.

1177 Marinaside Crescent
Tel: (604) 681 4144. Fax: (604) 692 0720.
E-mail: marinaside@provencevancouver.com
Website: www.provencevancouver.com
Price: C$42. Wine: C$28.

Vij’s
Regularly topping the best Asian restaurant in Vancouver lists, Vij’s is not the place to go for a standard curry but is worth it for experimental Indian dishes using top local produce and homemade yoghurt, cheese and ghee. The no-reservation policy means there may be a wait, but chai and snacks are served in the lounge to whet the appetite. The regularly changing menu might include jackfruit in black cardamom and cumin curry or quail cakes for starters, followed by pomegranate-glazed chicken, seared striped bass or pork tenderloin filled with khoa cheese and potatoes in porcini cream curry. Open daily from 1730. They also have a caf, Vij’s Rangoli, next door, which has a short lunch menu to eat in or take away.

1480 West 11th Avenue
Tel: (604) 736 6664.
E-mail: contact@vijs.ca
Website: www.vijs.ca
Price: C$40. Wine: C$35.