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PRICE
GUIDE
Below
$30 = [$]. $30–$50 = [$$]. $50–$70 = [$$$]. $70+ =
[$$$$].
ASIAN
Hoshi
Sushi [$$$$] On the
ground floor of Granville Island’s Sandbar Restaurant, in this cozy
18-seater corner with a view of the courtyard, you can find menus
to rival Tojo’s – at a relative bargain price. Order the $60
omakase, roughly translated from the Japanese as “I’m in your
hands,” belly up to the bar, and watch the chef at work. Hoshi
himself fashions innovative takes on the standard roll, standout
fresh fish – the buri kama, or seared yellow tail cheek, is superb
– and the occasional flight into fine-dining fantasy, like a
perfectly composed nabe broth surmounted by a single Ise ebi, or
crayfish. Most of this isn’t on the menu, and while Hoshi will make
you impeccable prawn-and-asparagus tempura or a real-crab
California roll should you insist, his genius comes out in the
dishes he invents. 1535 Johnston St., Granville Island.
604-669-9030, vancouverdine.com/sandbar/menus_sushi.html
Imperial Chinese
Seafood Restaurant [$$] Dim sum here
will run you twice what it might in one of those humbler Chinatown
joints. But in surroundings like this, a high-ceilinged, spacious
room off the lobby of the splendid heritage Marine Building, the
sticker shock barely stings. Dim sum here comes on little trays,
and the usual suspects are joined by the occasional sophisticated
standout. A banana-and-shrimp fritter was so good my guest ordered
a second plate. Try a glass of the fabulous watermelon juice, thick
and densely pink. Sticky rice is a bit musty, and given the
intended tourist market, the servers could speak better English.
But these are quibbles. 355 Burrard St.. 604-688-8191,
imperialrest.com
Octopus’
Garden [$$] Since 1993,
innovative starters, sushi, and rolls have been the mainstay at
this Kitsilano favourite. Bluefin tuna and Kobe beef are available
upon request, and ask your server about the omakase course that
allows you to explore adventurous culinary preparations by Chef
Sado. The menu claims to offer “the finest selection of sake in
town.” 1995 Cornwall Ave. 604-734-8971, octopusgarden.ca
Pho
Hoang [$] Service here is
indifferent and the glass-brick décor exudes coolness rather than
warmth, but the hot, scented broth of the deep bowls of pho, or
beef noodle soup, more than compensates. 3388 Main St.
604-874-0832.
Posh [$] At the
all-you-can-eat sukiyaki place on Broadway, reams of used dishes
are strewn across abandoned tables. In the lipstick-red booths
along the wall, Asian families continue to devour giant platters of
vegetables and sleek black boxes of sliced raw meat, all cooked up
in pans of bubbling broth on the gas hotplate at the centre of each
table. The $9.88 lunch at Posh is the bargain of the century, with
a truly intimidating list of 35 menu items including pork or beef
and introducing the timid Westerner to such delicacies as black
fungus, chayote, and konjac roll. For first-timers, the restaurant
offers a sampler platter heaped with produce. The beef is veined
with fat and reliably gorgeous, the pork uninteresting, but the
real surprises are in the textures of the vegetables, from squashy
winter melon to crunchy, violet-tinged lotus root. Posh’s décor,
and its name, work to invoke modern, sleek luxury. The reality is
considerably less sophisticated, but when gluttony looks this good,
and comes in this cheap, who is to argue? 1788 W. Broadway.
604-737-7674, 303-posh.com
Prima Taste
Restaurant [$$] Authentic
Singapore food in a modern, attractive room with an agreeable
ambience that marries the best of old and new Singapore. 570 Robson
St. 604-685-7881, primataste.com
Zen
Sushi [$$] Zen
incorporates the traditional roots of Japanese cuisine with West
Coast influences, using quality ingredients. 2232 Marine Dr., West
Vancouver. 604-926-0667, zensushi.ca
BRITISH
The Irish
Heather, GastroPub [$$] Sean and Erin
Heather mark 11 years as proprietors of this friendly, casual and
comfy two-level neighbourhood hangout. Bangers and Mash are
top-rate with tasty pork bangers from the British Butcher, fish and
chips served with gutsy coleslaw and malt vinegar, whiskey-soaked
smoked salmon, blueberry bread pudding and hearty cheese plates.
217 Carrall St. 604-688-9779, irishheather.com
CARIBBEAN
The
Reef [$] A cute tiki bar
faces onto the dining room floor, which is still sporting the comfy
aquamarine booths from Frenchies, now offset with bamboo walls and
painted wooden tables. The food is delicious, especially when
topped with the house-made jerk and hot sauces, available by the
bottle for home-use as well. We try the cheekily-named Jamaica Me
Crabby Benny, a citrus-Hollandaise-capped totem of poached eggs,
Caribbean salt cod and crab cake on an English muffin nestled on a
pile of perfect crunchy ’browns, and the hearty Island of Eggs,
eggs on rice ’n’ peas with salsa and cheese. Both dishes prove a
sunny vacation for the palette. Try the brunch on weekends and
select breakfast items weekdays until 3 p.m. 1018 Commercial Dr.
604-568-5375, thereefrestaurant.com
FRENCH
Cassis
Bistro [$$] Cassis is that
sort of Gallic café where you might find Sartre. Add cool jazz and
you’ve got a dead ringer for a side street Paris café. Diners carry
on the Franco-feel. Settled side-by-side on a banquette, a couple
whispers tête-à-tête. An artsy-looking fellow in black turtleneck
sips a tumbler of water with lemon. A group of well-heeled ladies
do lengthy lunch. Wines by the glass are good, many fewer than 10
bucks. The salad Niçoise is a jumble of organic greens, black
olives, tender beans, pepper-crusted fresh tuna and a golden-yolk
egg, sliced and cooked perfectly. Rustic fare – Coq au Vin, Daube
de Boeuf, grilled flatiron steak. All in all, Cassis delivers a
decent plate and a great buzz. And it’s the ideal spot for brushing
up on Colette. 420 W. Pender St. 604-605-0420, cassisvancouver.com
Chez
Michel [$$$] A warm and
casual French ambience. Their reputation for freshness and quality
has been developed through years of devotion to customer
satisfaction. A diversified menu is complemented by carefully
selected wines from countries throughout the world. 1373 Marine
Dr., West Vancouver in Ambleside. 604-926-4913, chezmichelvancouver.com
Elixir [$$$] A cozy
Parisian bistro ambience – white tablecloths, tiled floors and
Toulouse-Lautrec prints – with a sophisticated menu that matches a
clientele of Yaletown urbanites, celebrities, and film industry
types. Weekday breakfasts are often bustling. The Poached Eggs
Catalan is inventive and terrifically flavourful. 350 Davie St.
(Opus Hotel) 604-642-0557, elixirvancouver.ca
Le
Gavroche Restaurant [$$$$] A good
choice for intimate dining. Established in 1979, Le Gavroche is set
in a gently refurbished two-storey Victorian house with fireplace,
an upstairs terrace and a sweeping view of Vancouver’s Coast
Mountains and harbour. 1616 Alberni St. 604-685-3924, legavroche.com
Jules [$$] A
handsome room with one exposed brick wall and bare wood tables. The
salade de chèvre, with goat’s cheese melted onto dressed beets, and
steak frites are fine. 216 Abbott St. 604-669-0033, julesbistro.ca
La
Vallée [$$$] An alluring
intimate dining rendezvous and getaway treasure, ideal for a quiet
gathering or romantic dinner for two. The Braised Prime Beef Short
Rib, served with a matignon of vegetables, is a single shank, from
which the flesh softly unfolds and falls off at the touch of a
fork. The Tangle of Organic Mesculin Green Salad is a delicate mix
of mild, bitter, tart, and peppery flavours from a variety of
small, tender leafy greens and lettuces with a touch of house
balsamic vinaigrette. Service is congenial, courteous, and
attentive. The ambiance could be enhanced by mellow jazz standards,
rather than the house-type background music, setting the mood for
two people to fall in love. Executive Hotel Vintage Park, 1379 Howe
St. 604-696-6980, lavalleerestaurant.com
LATIN
La
Bodega [$$] Since 1971,
this downtown staple has been famous for their traditional Spanish
tapas, whether for cozy dinners for two or boisterous parties of
10. Daily specials are worth checking out, but old favourites
include Calamares, a bowl of perfectly crunchy fried baby squid,
and Mejillones Frescos, tasty mussels in a light, peppery wine
sauce. The service is friendly and casual, and the quaint
checked-tablecloth ambiance suggests that there might be snuggling
stray dogs canoodling over spaghetti and meatballs out back. 1277
Howe St. 604-684-8814/5, labodegavancouver.com
Century
Restaurant & Bar [$$$$] Located in
the Century House heritage building, built as a bank in 1911, the
turn-of-the-century design inspired the Latin theme of
barrel-vaulted ceilings, original Victorian chandeliers and a
marble staircase. Chef Remi DuBois’ refined, modern approach to
Latin cuisine results in Dungeness crab “burritos,” various
paellas, fresh seafood and grilled and roasted meats. The bold
flavours of these dishes are complemented by an almost all-Latin
wine list. 432 Richards St. 604-633-2700, centuryhouse.ca
Havana [$$] This
funky restaurant transports you to the country Hemingway fell in
love with. The décor illustrates the contrast between the Cuban
capitol’s affluent past and the faded glory and decaying
architecture of today. Distressed, burnt-orange and gold-speckled
walls splashed with graffiti and black and white photos of Havana
in its heyday give its namesake a worn yet comfortable feel. From
its signature savoury, black bean soup to the Carne Havana, a
grilled sirloin with Dominican Chimichurri and salsa verde, Chef
Trevor Booth’s menu sent my taste buds into overdrive. 1212
Commercial St. 604-253-9119, havanarestaurant.ca
Me
& Julio [$] Brunch dishes
start off traditional, with hints of Mexico popping up in the
details, such as pickled Poblano peppers with the Huevos Revueltos
or the Pan Tostado à la Francesca (French toast), banana-flambé
drizzled with coconut syrup alongside fresh fruit. The basics are
solid as well, with fresh jams and delicious chili red nugget
potatoes. What lacks in quantity is made up for with fresh
ingredients and Southern-inspired sides like cornbread with the
Huevos Benedictos (eggs benny). Still finding its rhythm in terms
of service, but, all in all, its new Tropical Brunch is a cheerful
addition to the Drive’s breakfast roster. 2095 Commercial Dr.
604-696-9997, meandjulio.ca
Zocalo [$]
Contemporary Mexican fare in an eclectic, funky room. Try the
huevos con chilaquiles or huevos divorciados. There
is obvious care in these dishes evidenced by homemade tortillas,
cornbread and chorizo. Closed Mondays. 2115 Main St. 604-677-3521,
zocalorestaurant.ca
MEDITERRANEAN
Al
Porto Ristorante [$$$] Beautiful
surroundings and a warm welcome await those who cross through the
iron-gated doorway. Spacious but filled with cozy retreats to enjoy
the expertly executed cooking, cuisine that literally defines the
flavours and culture of Italy. 321 Water St. 604-683-8376, alporto.ca
Araxi [$$$$] A
culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi holds
an international reputation for excellence in food, wine and
hospitality. Extensive menus by Executive Chef James Walt celebrate
locally grown ingredients from the nearby Pemberton Valley Farms in
addition to showcasing fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. 4222
Village Square, Whistler. 604-932-4540, araxi.com
Bay
Moorings [$$] With an
all-season heated patio for pizza, Greek, Italian. 6330 Bay St.,
West Vancouver at Horseshoe Bay. 604-921-8184, baymooringsrestaurant.com
Beecher Street
Café [$$] Chic dining in
the casual atmosphere of a quaintly elegant 1930s heritage home.
The signature Seafood Penne – fresh fish, prawns, scallops, and
baby shrimps in a lemon-pepper dill cream sauce is a hit, as is the
succulent Cajun Seared Tuna appetizer. Pasta and meat dishes, as
well. 12302 Beecher St., Crescent Beach. 604-538-1965, beecherstreetcafe.com
La
Buca [$$] The kitchen
shines with Italian flavour at this 32-seat joint that jumps. Osso
bucco with saffron risotto is clearly the favourite “main.” Alone,
tête-à-tête or with a group of friends, you are made to feel
welcome, comfortable and satiated – without breaking the bank.
Reservations recommended. 4025 MacDonald St. 604-730-6988, labuca.ca
Cafe Il
Nido [$$$] Its motto
remains: “Everyone leaves happy.” Cuisine: pizza, Greek, Italian.
780 Thurlow St. 604-685-6436, cafeilnido.net
Capones
Restaurant & Live Jazz Club [$$] Live jazz
seven nights a week, an extensive wine list, tapas and signature
entrées with a West Coast flair, plus scrumptious pizza and pasta
dishes. 1141 Hamilton St. 604-684-7900, caponesrestaurant.net
CinCin
Ristorante + Bar [$$$$] Italian inspired wood fired cucina,
Executive Chef François Gagnon creates Italian-inspired dishes from
the heritage wood-fired oven, grill and rotisserie. Outstanding
desserts demonstrate the Michelin star-studded pedigree of
acclaimed Pastry Chef Thierry Busset. 1154 Robson Street,
Vancouver. 604.688.7338. www.cincin.net
<http://www.cincin.net/>
Don
Francesco [$$$] Warmly
Italian, with floor-to-ceiling windows, across from The Sutton
Place Hotel. 850 Burrard St. 604-685-7770, donfrancesco.ca
Il
Giardino [$$$$] The
yellow-painted heritage house is a warren of terra cotta-coloured
rooms and passages, along with a lavish interior courtyard. The
mains here are massive. Osso buco, served with risotto, and the
grilled steak were equally accomplished. Happy chatter drifted in
from the courtyard. Customers came in, were hailed by friends
already at table, and sat down as if in someone’s living room. The
key to Il Giardino’s longevity: treat ’em like regulars, and give
them lots to eat. 1382 Hornby St. 604-669-2422, hotelvilladelia.com/restaurant_ilgiardino.cfm
Gusto di
Quattro [$$$] Cozy and
comfy dining, an anecdote to the chill and damp of winter, with
dishes like spaghetti and meatballs (polpette), a perfect al dente
tangle of noodles sauced modestly with tomato and porcini goodness
and three beefy polpette atop. A well-groomed young staff pays
attention to detail. 1 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver.
604-924-4444, quattrorestaurants.com
The Italian
Kitchen [$$$] It’s all
about flash and splash, from the luxe leather seating and 60-foot
marble bar to the swish clientele. Yummy-looking grilled
vegetables, pastas, and veal scaloppini. Baby spinach and
watercress salad is crisp and fresh. A medley of calamari rings in
tomato and basil “fondue” is meltingly tender. Chicken saltimbocca,
however, fails to “jump in the mouth” as the name of the dish
suggests. Panzanella little resembles its fruity olive oil-drenched
Tuscan bread, tomato and cucumber cousin. My wine is corked. Hardly
a seamless experience, but still worth a visit for drinks, starters
and sandwiches, particularly if you’re in the mood for an urban
buzz. 1037 Alberni St. 604-687-2858, theitaliankitchen.ca
Marcello Pizzeria
& Ristorante [$$] In a lovely
and lively Old-World atmosphere, there’s no need to go to Naples to
get a taste of Italy. Lunch and romantic dinners of authentic
pizza, pasta and gnocchi from a wonderful open kitchen with a large
wood-burning oven. 1404 Commercial Dr. 604-215-7760.
La
Notte Ristorante Italiano [$$] Casual dining
in a Tuscan atmosphere. Pasta selections, pizza and veal
specialties. 3307 Dunbar St. 604-222-4033, vancouverrestaurantguide.net/van_west/la_notte/index.htm
Quattro on
Fourth [$$$] In the heart
of Kitsilano, with crimson-washed walls, rustic wrought-iron
chandeliers and candlelight casting a glow on rich mahogany tables
and a hand-painted floor. Italian cuisine. 2611 W. 4th Ave.
604-734-4444, quattrorestaurants.com
Senova [$$$] Warm
tones in a 60-seat dining room, an open-kitchen bar and a 40-seat
patio. European hospitality and southern Mediterranean cuisine with
a focus on the Iberian Peninsula – the food and wine of Portugal,
Spain and Southern France. 1864 W. 57th Ave. 604-266-8643, senova.ca
Villa del
Lupo [$$$] Situated in
an ornate heritage mansion, the menu in this discrete, private
setting celebrates fresh, healthy and subtly exquisite-tasting
foods. 869 Hamilton St. 604-688-7436, villadellupo.com
SEAFOOD
Blue Water
Café & Raw Bar [$$$$] Known for
innovative and brilliantly executed West Coast seafood dishes
prepared seasonally and responsibly by Executive Chef Frank Pabst.
Housed in a handsome brick-and-beam heritage warehouse conversion
in the heart of Yaletown. 1095 Hamilton St. 604-688-8078, bluewatercafe.net
C
Restaurant [$$$$] A high
ceiling gives the dining room an atrium feel, and the spacious
seawall patio is a promise of summer to come. The main-course
halibut was perfectly composed: crusty fish, smooshed potatoes,
chewy little morel morsels and a slick of creamy, peach-hued sauce.
A fine place to celebrate. 1600 Howe St. 604-681-1164, crestaurant.com
Dundarave Fish
Market [$$] This popular
little neighbourhood eatery and retail market hums along with
seafood lovers packing the patio and hunkering down in its cozy
interior. There are plenty of fish dishes, much of it local, and
plenty of ways to cook it. Spices and accents are mainly
Asian-influenced. 2423 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-922-1155, dundaravefishmarket.inknoise.com/main
The Fish House in
Stanley Park [$$$] The moment
you arrive, you can’t help but relax. Look out onto English Bay or
the gardens and forests of Stanley Park. Enjoy exceptional seafood,
the fresh oyster bar and flaming prawns. Sample from a selection of
micro-brewed beers, an award-winning wine list and martinis. 8901
Stanley Park Dr. 604-681-7275, fishhousestanleypark.com
A
Kettle of Fish [$$$] From B.C.
salmon to Nova Scotia lobster to Mahi Mahi from the sunny waters of
Hawaii, every seafood item on the menu is guaranteed fresh and
prepared with care. 900 Pacific St. 604-682-6661, andersonrestaurants.com
STEAK
Morton’s, the
Steakhouse [$$$$] Specializes
in classic, hearty fare, serving generous portions of USDA prime
aged beef, as well as fresh fish, lobster, veal and chicken
entrées. 750 W. Cordova St. 604-915-5105, mortons.com
WEST
COAST
Altitudes
Bistro [$] Ten appetizers,
a couple of soups, a few salads and hot and cold sandwiches.
Majestic scenery from the 120-seat patio atop Grouse Mountain. 6400
Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver. 604-998-4398, grousemountain.com/
grousemountain-dining-altitudes-bistro.cfm
Argo
Café [$] Some places
that call themselves greasy spoons serve you an anemic little pile
of sliced deli turkey bolstered with – ugh – cheese. The Argo’s
version features real meat, correct tomato-bacon-mayo proportions
and a tousled heap of the best thin-cut French fries in town. A
side of gravy, thick and rich, blows most places out of the water.
Cream of mushroom soup features sliced shitakes, this at $1.50 for
the small. The Argo is tucked away next to a labour exchange at the
industrial bottom of Ontario Street, so it’s not the sort of place
people stumble on. An efficient staff works hard to get you in and
out in an hour. This is the kind of café where construction workers
wolf down giant bowls of pasta in one minute aqua-upholstered
booth, shopping bag-laden suburbanites cheerfully nosh burgers in
another. 1836 Ontario St. 604-876-3620.
Avenue
Grill [$] The house
special Benedict with avocado and shrimp benefits from free-range
eggs and what my companion declares possibly the best Hollandaise
in Vancouver. I’m inclined to agree. At $12.95, the plate isn’t a
bargain but if you’re not eating like this every week, the extra
couple of dollars doesn’t seem excessive. Home fries are spiced
with sage and rosemary but suffer the fate of their fellows most
everywhere, being more mush than crunch. A three-pancake order is
cheerfully cut down to two for the seven-year-old in attendance but
is still costly at $8-plus. 2114 W. 41st Ave.,
604-266-8183.
The Beach House
at Dundarave Pier [$$$] A beachfront
landmark with views from every table, where a large fireplace
illuminates a Japanese motif above and radiates a rosy glow. From a
menu of pasta, seafoods and meats, service is courteous, caring and
well-paced. Marine Dr. and 25th St., West Vancouver. 604-922-1414,
atthebeachhouse.com
Beyond Restaurant
& Lounge [$$$] Breakfast,
lunch, tapas, dinner or late-night libations in this chic
multi-leveled 300-seater, with each area and tier having its own
persona. Hints of Asia and India influence a menu of fish and fowl.
The kitchen is farm-supplied with a focus on organic and seasonal.
1015 Burrard St. 604-684-3474, beyondrestaurant.com
Blue Canoe
Waterfront Restaurant [$$$]Nothing beats
the charm and quaintness of Steveston’s waterfront. The historic
village’s newest eatery has an outdoor wrap-around patio to watch
the fishing vessels and tugs parading by and fishermen selling
their wares. The blue crab cakes are oven-baked and served with a
refreshing fruit salsa. For entrées, the pesto-rub chicken
sandwich, grilled and filled with garlic confit, poached apples,
double cream Brie and watercress greens, was served with hand-cut
fries. The blackened wild salmon burger, pan-seared and chockfull
of sautéed cipollini onions, caper-garlic aioli and house greens,
is to die for. 140–3866 Bayview St., Richmond. 604-275-7811,
bluecanoerestaurant.com
Boneta [$$$]
Eclectic’s the word for both the airy décor and the tight
menu, displayed via PowerPoint above the open kitchen. While the
confit tuna salad was OK, the grilled mackerel and tomato chutney
was spot-on. 1 W. Cordova St. 604-684-1844, boneta.ca
Cactus Club
Café [$$$] Hip young
servers without attitude and a classy, unfussy décor. The new
steel-and-glass CC at Bentall 5 downtown has rolled out some of Rob
Feenie’s new items, innovations that are subtle but significant.
Tuna tataki is about a dozen slices of buttery sashimi-grade loin
atop tangy Asian slaw in ponzu vinaigrette. Garnished with juicy,
peeled orange, diced avocado and mango, and micro cilantro leaves,
the starter is an absolute showstopper. Tender, barely-battered
fried calamari gets punched up with crunchy julienne red pepper and
jalapeño. Service, never obsequious, is impeccable throughout. 558
Burrard St. 604-682-0933, cactusclubcafe.com
Café Deux
Soleils [$] Generous
portions and a limited kids’ menu make this a popular breakfast
spot. Soups, salads and veggie entrées are still available through
the evening. 2096 Commerical Dr. 604-254-1195, cafedeuxsoleils.com
Café Presto
Panini [$] Folks who file
into this hole-in-the-wall Italian-style café opposite Vancouver
Law Courts aren’t here for the
décor but for what could be the
best panini in town. Since 1988 Zoran Jungec has been cramming
thick foccacia “tiles” with all sorts of
fresh and yummy things:
Italian sausage, prosciutto and sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant and
mozzarella, asparagus and Brie, black bean and avocado. 859 Hornby
St.
604-684-4445, prestopanini.ca
Chill Winston
Restaurant & Lounge [$$] Chef John
Jesten’s freestyle food from an island kitchen, cocktails at the
bar, a spacious room and large outside patio. 3 Alexander St.
604-288-9575, chillwinston.ca
Crave [$$] The
tables are comfortable, if a bit cramped. The food, however, is
fantastic, with a brunch menu ranging from an Egg White Frittata to
Pancakes and French Toast with a few inventive Bennies to round out
the mix. My Dungeness Crab Cake Benny had delicate Hollandaise
drizzled over free-range organic eggs that hit the mark
beautifully. My companion dined on the Turf and Eggs, whose AAA
steak served with potatoes and savoury sautéed mushrooms encroached
on entrée territory. Crave’s strongest asset is its ingredients.
The buttery potatoes that line the brunch dishes will melt in your
mouth. Service was friendly but slowish. 3941 Main St.
604-872-3663, craveonmain.ca
Delilah’s
Restaurant & Bar [$$$] The menu is
prix fixe; small dinners include an appetizer and entrée ($33) or a
full four-course dinner of soup, appy, entrée and dessert ($45).
All dishes are available á la carte, as well. There’s ample choice
of fish and foul entrées, though it’ll cost you $5 extra to sup on
turf such as the Grilled Beef Tenderloin or Dijon Roasted Lamb
Loin. The food is mostly continental with a few twists, such as the
Cajun-spiced Catfish Fillet served buttery soft with spot prawns.
For all its opulence, Delilah’s is about comfort and fun, with
service that is warm and personable. Comox at Denman. 604-687-3424,
delilahs.ca
Diva at the
Met [$$$$] One of
Vancouver’s premier dining locations, a unique blend of
international styles with a generous dash of Pacific Northwest
flavours. 645 Howe St. (Metropolitan Hotel) 604-602-7788, metropolitan.com/diva
The
Foundation [$] Vegetarian
fare, including sandwiches and desserts, is served on
Formica-topped kitchen tables in this retro diner. 2301 Main St.
604-708-0881.
Fuel [$$$] Chef
Robert Becham’s high-end regional fare utilizes cooking techniques
from around the world suited to each dish. Ninety-nine per cent of
everything is made in-house with fresh ingredients. 1944 W. 4th
Ave. 604-288-2700, fuelrestaurant.ca
GoldFish Pacific
Kitchen [$$] Glam
surroundings, upscale food, free valet, free wireless, and bargain
prices in Yaletown? In a “Sex in the City” sleek room, replete with
black/white flowered Phillipe Starck chairs, flat screen TV and
tall brown suede banquettes, the deal here is the Gold Plates, a
different special Monday to Friday for $10. Friday’s Seafood
Fricassee is a generous bowl of halibut, cod, salmon, bay scallops,
shrimp and clams swimming in coconut milk (no scrimping here)
arrived, wafting Thai basil – more cioppino than fricassee. Seafood
stews tend to be overcooked, but not the case here with each
component perfectly poached. A bit pricey, the inaccurately named
Grilled Short Ribs were three tender morsels, marinated and
slow-baked in dense Hoisin chili sauce. 1118 Mainland St.
604-689-8318, goldfishkitchen.com
Hart
House [$$$] An idyllic
lakefront heritage estate to retreat from the bustle and enjoy some
of the best in food, wine and service. 6664 Deer Lake Ave.,
Burnaby. 604-298-4278, harthouserestaurant.com
Japadog [$] The best
hotdog stand in the city. Bratwurst dressed with mayonnaise, onions
and slivers of nori is a favourite. Northwest corner, Burrard and
Smithe.
Lee’s
Donuts [$] The best donuts
in Vancouver, possibly the world. The finest of Lee’s flavours is
the Chocolate Crunch, a perfectly composed combo of sweet, starch
and crunch – a ticket to bliss at just over a dollar. Granville
Island Market, 1689 Johnston St. 604-685-4021.
Lift [$$$] A
dynamic, urbane and sophisticated oceanfront restaurant/lounge on
the Coal Harbour seawall with views of Stanley Park and the North
Shore mountains. Progressive West Coast Canadian cuisine and a
contemporary wine list. 333 Menchions Mews. 604-689-5438, liftbarandgrill.ca
Little
Nest [$] This airy room
is dotted with mid-century modern loungers and mismatched tables
and chairs. A pancetta scramble comes with tasty cherry-tomato
salsa and a flat Georgian baguette anchors the satisfyingly meaty
ham and cheese. Food here manages to be fresh, sophisticated and
child-friendly. 1716 Charles St. 604-251-9994, littlenest.ca
The Mountain
Club [$$] From the
people who brought The Ocean Club to West Vancouver, an almost
identical menu with selections from “earth” and “ocean.” Cool and
elegant with a spacious patio. Whistler Town Plaza, 40–4314 Main
St., Whistler. 604-932-6009, themountainclub.ca
Narrow
Lounge [$] Descend a set
of concrete stairs and walk into a bar/lounge that you’d see
anywhere in the hippest part of London or New York City. Just like
the funky surroundings, the menu offers up dishes with names like
The Hippie Parents, an organic green salad with the most addictive
maple-balsamic dressing, the Greasy Spoon Grilled Cheese, a twist
on a childhood favourite with lots of cheddar, bacon, tomato, as
well as The Guru – veggies in a coconut-tomato curry with basmati
rice. Close quarters encourage kibitzing with your fellow diners
and the full-length bar is a great spot for artists to discuss
their latest projects. Open daily, 5 p.m. to midnight. 1898 Main
St. 604-488-4740, narrowlounge.com
Nice Café [$] Instead of $12 plates drizzled with artisanal
syrup, the new Nice offers credible Bennys, vegetarian or non-, for
under $6. The extensive menu includes breakfast sandwiches,
old-school bacon-and-egg standards, and standout hash browns, with
many meals coming in shy of the $5 mark. The Nice doesn’t have much
in the way of décor, and service can be spotty, but hip Main
Streeters don’t seem to care. Every seat was full when we arrived
on that lazy Sunday, and everybody in the place, staff included,
seemed to be in their 20s. 154 E. 8th Ave. 604-874-4024.
Nu
Restaurant & Lounge [$$$] Stylish and
casual fine dining in a room of virtually 360 degrees of
floor-to-ceiling glass, under the south end of the Granville St.
Bridge at False Creek. Small plates, appetizers and specialties
such as lamb cheeks, beef short ribs, duck, halibut, salmon and
steaks. Classic cocktails and an innovative wine list. 1661
Granville St. 604-646-4668, whatisnu.com
O’Douls
Restaurant & Bar [$$$] Standard
breakfast fare kicked up a notch via excellent service. The
breakfast tab for two ($50-plus with tip) is as rich on the wallet
as the silky citrus Hollandaise on the Pacific smoked salmon Benny.
Granted, two golden yokes, poached perfectly soft, run over the
wild fish and into hot wilted spinach. An omelet, stuffed to near
bursting with grilled veggies, goat cheese and spinach, fares very
well. The seemingly bottomless carafe of coffee shows up often,
always hot, always fresh. 1300 Robson St. 604-661-1400, odoulsrestaurant.com
The Ocean
Club [$$] West
Vancouver-born and bred Chef Doug Scott delivers the best of local
ingredients, featuring handcrafted cocktails, a Wine
Spectator-awarded Pacific Northwest wine list, and elegantly
casual food in a sexy, hip environment. Open Late. No Minors.
105–100 Park Royal, West Vancouver. 604-926-2326, theoceanclub.ca
Parkside [$$$$] Chef
Andrey Durbach serves deeply-flavoured, lusty dishes he calls “food
for adults.” 1906 Haro St. 604-683-6912, parksiderestaurant.ca
Raincity
Grill [$$$] West Coast
fare but with a twist: the 100-Mile Diet, and centres their menu
accordingly on game, fish and fowl as well as organic vegetables
all sourced from B.C., Alberta, Washington State and Oregon. We
nibble on a small but rich and delicious Parfait of Fraser Valley
Duck appetizer while waiting for our entrées, and we can’t resist
munching on the complimentary fresh Seared B.C. Spring Salmon
served with a trio of roast tomato, tomato cous cous and tomato
glaze. 1193 Denman St. 604-685-7337,
raincitygrill.com
Rugby Beach Club
Grille [$] Affordable
prices in an “Upscale Sporty Casual” ambience, with Monday Lobster
Nights and Seafood Sundays. Try the Roasted Pear Gorgonzola Salad.
950 W. Broadway. 604-736-2438, rugbybeachclub.com
Roundel
Cafe [$] Around since
the ’60s, the current co-owner Dena Sananin recently took over this
modest café, cleaned up and refurbished. A fine spot to while away
an hour, savouring the quiet with an upscale version of diner fare.
2645 E. Hastings St. 604-253-2522.
Saltaire [$$$] An
imaginative menu of seafood, tapas, pastas, chops and wood-fired
pizzas. A heated patio on the terrace for a panoramic view of
English Bay. 235–15th St., West Vancouver in Ambleside.
604-913-8439, saltaire.ca
Slocan
Restaurant [$] Green Naugahyde
booths or wood-chaired dining room for (mainly) good ol’ bacon (or
sausage or ham), eggs perfectly done, any way you want ’em, and
spuds, mashed and hashed crisp-golden brown. There are nine kinds
of three-egg omelets, including veggie-stuffed. Non-egg lovers can
chow down on a fluffy stack of pancakes or grilled mushrooms or
tomatoes on toast. Want dinner for breakfast? If the gravy is
ready, order a hot beef, burger or turkey sandwich or the liver and
onions. Since 1974, and from 5:30 a.m., this friendly,
squeaky-clean Greek-run eatery has placated the energetic early
riser. 2715 E. Hastings St. 604-254-9114.
Slickety Jim’s
Chat ’n’ Chew [$] Pretty good
food from a great breakfast menu divided into veggie and non-veggie
items. The room itself is a riot of dada bric-a-brac. 2513 Main St.
604-873-6760.
Steamworks [$$$] Since
1995, a favourite of locals and visitors for lunch, a drink after
work or dinner. The Gastown Brewing Company, located onsite, uses
steam to fire its kettles for a great-tasting brew. Executive Chef
Andreas Scharfetter recommends the wild B.C. salmon dishes. 375
Water St. 604-689-2739, steamworks.com
Sunset
Grill [$] An extensive
brunch menu, served until 4 p.m. every day of the week, includes
Huevos Rancheros, Spanish Omelets and a stellar list of Eggs
Benedict. If you’re feeling Tolkien, try the Hobbit Benny: perfect
sunny poached eggs on back bacon and sautéed mushrooms draped in
smooth Hollandaise sauce made in-house. As the true mark of a good
breakfast joint, the Sunset Grill boasts a dozen sides available to
plump up your breakfast. If you can’t commit to a full Kits Combo
of eggs, pancakes and meat, try an order of the Buttermilk
Pancakes, fluffy and golden perfection. Casual and laid-back, with
quick, simple service true to its pub-style nature, inside can feel
a bit dark with the half-dozen TVs and bar décor, but brunch on the
patio on a sunny afternoon is damn hard to beat. 2204 York
Ave. 604-732-3733, sunsetgrillvancouverbc.com
Suvai [$$] Little
wider than a building corridor, this charming 30-seat-only gem
buzzes daily for dinner, lunch and weekend brunch. We like the
simple décor, from taupe walls napped with local art, sleek dark
wood, and comfy upholstery to the plain napery and cutlery. And the
place is as clean as polished silver. The tight menu offers four
mains, including the much-lauded ginger-star anise beef short ribs,
and a daily fish special. A composed salad of warm baby yellow
beets and creamy chèvre abed crunchy tatsoi, radicchio and curly
endive, is misted with orange vinaigrette. Rosy, pan-seared
Dungeness crab and shrimp cakes sub for a mini-main. Ruby trout –
flesh moist, skin crackly – over Thai black rice in gentle
ginger-coconut broth teases all the taste buds. A linguine tangled
with arugula, shallot confit, pine nuts and feta is a competent nod
to the vegetarian. 2279 W. 41st Ave. 604-261-4900.
Sylvia’s [$$] A
Vancouver landmark of 96 years, the feel is a bit of tradition and
bit of modern comfort. Delicate, creamy dill Hollandaise
complements the smoked salmon in the West Coast Eggs Benedict.
French Toast, served with a stewed Grand Marnier blueberry sauce so
thick it’s practically jam, is thick, fluffy and light like French
toast ought to be and is served with maple syrup, piping hot, in a
porcelain mini-carafe. The details, such as the dainty little
coffee cups on matching saucers or the fresh select fruits tucked
onto every dish, make Sunday brunch at Sylvia’s a far cry from a
diner breakfast. 1154 Gilford St. 604-681-9321, sylviahotel.com
Templeton [$] This
classic ’50s retro diner has an authentic soda fountain, bar,
stools, and booths with jukeboxes. The breakfast menu offers, for
the most part, fresh, natural ingredients in such dishes as the
Truckers Breakfast: Three free-run eggs any style with a side of
rosemary potatoes and choice of, say, organic turkey sausage and
multigrain toast. Service is snappy. 1087 Granville St.
604-685-4612, thetempleton.com
Theresa’s [$] Order at
a counter whose corrugated-tin façade is about the only nod to
stylishness in the place, which is seriously mellow. Menu items,
nearly all pegged at $5, are yummy and come in reasonably generous
portions. 1260 Commercial Dr. 604-676-1868, theresaseatery.com
Uncle Fatih’s
Pizza [$] A narrow
red-checked space by the Broadway Skytrain Station, serving budget
pizza at $1.50 a slice that would not disgrace finer
establishments. 1685 E. Broadway. 604-707-0744, unclefatihspizza.com
WaaZuBee
Café [$] With
over-melted candle sconces and Mexican prayer candles adorning each
table, the atmosphere is moody, funky and a bit Goth all rolled
into one, perfect for chatter after work over appies and wine. The
tasty lunch menu is packed with luxe sandwiches piled with
top-notch ingredients and plenty of representation of earth, air
and water proteins, with veggie and Portobello mushroom burgers
thrown in for good measure. The local favourite, the signature
Chicken WaaZuBwich is an open-faced garlic-mayo slathered delight
of grilled chicken and melted Brie on a toasted baguette. Service
is friendly, if a bit slow. 1622 Commercial Dr. 604-253-5299, waazubee.com
West [$$$$]
Superb dishes showcasing modern interpretations of classic
combinations by Executive Chef Warren Geraghty. Pastry Chef Rhonda
Viani conjures equally compelling desserts. Martinis and cocktails
are pressed-to-order and the highly acclaimed wine collection is
housed in a magnificent, temperature-controlled wall of wine. 2881
Granville St. 604-738-8938, westrestaurant.com
PRICE
GUIDE
Below $30 = [$].
$30–$50 = [$$]. $50–$70 = [$$$]. $70+ = [$$$$].
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