Three months is a long time to not have a night off from cooking at home. And if you’re anything like us, there’s a good chance your culinary inspiration is getting a bit stale. Thankfully, Vancouver’s best and brightest restaurants are welcoming local diners back, just in time to reawaken palates across the city. So instead of firing up the can opener tonight, we’ve got a better idea.
Take a minute to remember a local spot you visited that really took care of you and made you think, “I’m in good hands.” That first date when the server had your back with the wine list, when the chef sent your table an amuse-bouche for your anniversary, or the bartender who always remembers that you like a twist, not a wedge. Vancouver cuisine is built on so much more than food. It’s about making connections and creating exceptional moments. Now, with safety measures in place, and doors reopening— it’s a unique opportunity to return the gesture and to show you haven’t forgotten those moments.
If you’re ready to venture out of your home to support your favourite local restaurants, visit our guide of restaurants or check out some of our picks below. Wherever you choose to dine, just know that you’re playing a part in helping the countless people that make Vancouver’s hospitality scene thrive get back on their feet and make their own #VancouverComeBack.
L’abattoir
Gastown
While the French tinged Pacific restaurant was able to pivot successfully to delivery and take out during quarantine, their signature table service was very much missed. Each service touchpoint has been thoroughly thought out and executed without sacrificing charm. We’ve been craving the baked oysters for months now, along with their signature avocado gimlet, oh and probably the best bread bowl in the city.
Savio Volpe
East Vancouver
There’s a reason why this modern Italian eatery continues to make appearances on the “Best of Canada” lists. For us, it’s a toss-up between the freshly made pasta, and the wood fire cooked Striploin with gorgonzola with porcini. Whatever reason you pick for why Savio is so beloved, enjoying a glass from their impeccable wine list while you come to a conclusion couldn’t hurt.
Medina Cafe
Downtown
Probably the first Vancouver restaurant to turn brunch into an event, Medina proves that sleeping late and shuffling towards the warm glow of Belgian waffles is the best way to start a weekend. With a menu of Mediterranean-inspired comfort food, choosing between Fricassée Champignon, Les Boulettes, or Wolves Breakfast (flatiron steak, bacon, saucisson de Paris, andouille and merguez sausage) is easier said than done. For the full experience, get a lavender latte before you go for quiet contemplation about the outstanding meal you’ve just had.
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Credit: @medinacafe
Maenam
Kitsilano
Kitsilano’s destination for contemporary Thai food, Maenam caters to anyone seeking innovative twists on centuries-old recipes. A staple of 4th avenue, Maenam has been adding a kick of spice to the Vancouver food scene since opening in 2009. For well-travelled diners, the smell of black pepper crab (requires 24-hour notice), prawn hot and sour soup or local clams with fresh lemongrass wafting from the kitchen will rival any Chiang Mai food cart.
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Credit: @maenamrestaurant
Di Beppe
Gastown
If you’ve ever yearned to visit the cozy cafes of Florence, Di Beppe gives an authentic and delicious experience without the airfare. Steeped in a 60s-inspired atmosphere, this Gastown eatery is filled with decorative nods to soccer, classic Italian cars, and most importantly, food. You’ll feel like you’re on Mediterranean exchange as you tuck into the delectable slab-style pizza. As hot pies leave the forno on the restaurant side, espresso and fresh cannolis are devoured on the cafe side. Each experience, unique in its own right is worth trying, for happy hour, a date night out, or a little escape from home.
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Credit: @dibepperestaurant
The Acorn
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant has quickly become a plant-based destination for locals. Acorn and it’s sister restaurant The Arbor (just down the block) are at the forefront of this Main Street culinary shift. Voted the number one vegan-friendly restaurant in the world by Big Seven Travel, their creative and inspiring dishes are absolutely worth the acclaim. The lobster mushroom and Espelette pepper bisque alone will keep you in a continuous state of craving.
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Credit: @acornvancouver
Torafuku
Chinatown
The edge of Chinatown is a fitting location for pushing the conventions of Pan Asian cuisine. With Chef Clement Chan’s adventurous interpretations of classic flavours, Torafuku’s stylish open concept dining room will have you coming back repeatedly for their addictive plates.
Chef Chan has continued to grow his following from his stint on Top Chef Canada to one of Vancouver’s best food trucks, Le Tigre, to opening a true gem of Chinatown.
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Credit: @torafukuyvr
Strange Fellows Brewing
East Vancouver
As this East Van brewhouse sits at the foot of the Vancouver craft brewery scene, we’re suggesting this as the first stop in your brewery crawl. Steeped in old-world tradition, but with an added dash of west coast creativity, Strange Fellows makes the most of seasonal ingredients for their brews. Take their Moon Rabbit Saison — brewed with green and red Szechuan pepper, but with the malt of a Canadian Pilsner. Creativity at its finest.
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Credit: @strangefellowsbrewing
Make it a special date night or weekend out in downtown Vancouver with this limited hotel offer. Book a staycation and get up to a $125 Visa Reward Card for each of the first 2 nights. Learn more at StayVancouverHotels.
