West Coast restaurants in Canada
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A
Bridges
You’ll easily spot this bright yellow bistro as you pass over the Granville Bridge on your way here. In summer it offers one of the best sunset patios in town from which to enjoy well-executed classics like seafood chowder, halibut and chips and thin-crust pizzas – the smoked-salmon variety is recommended. Also consider a pitcher of Granville Island Iced Tea (if you have enough friends to finish it). Diners can escape the patio clamor at the quieter, more upscale upstairs dining room (dinner only).
reviewed
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Bishop’s
A pioneer of superb West Coast cuisine long before the ‘locavore’ fashion took hold, modest but legendary chef-owner John Bishop – he’ll almost certainly drop by your table to say hi – is still at the top of his game in this charming, art-lined little restaurant. Served in an elegant, white-tablecloth room, the weekly-changing menu can include stuffed rabbit loin, steamed smoked sablefish and the kind of crisp, seasonal veggies that taste like they’ve just been plucked from the ground. The service here is pitch-perfect, so stay a little longer and indulge in dessert: if you’re lucky, it’ll be sweet fried fig empanada with brown sugar ice-cream.
reviewed
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Corduroy
It’s easy to walk right past this tiny storefront but once you’re inside you’ll be pleased you discovered such a kitsch-cool spot. Slide onto a soft bench seat and peruse the oddball array of alleged artworks – junkshop pictures and carved masks – then order a house beer from the shingle-covered bar: if you’re lucky, it’ll be served in a boot-shaped glass. Interesting brews and tempting cocktails are offered, along with organic dinner treats like root-veggie fries and the excellent Better Than Your Mum’s Meatloaf. There are often live music or open-mike nights during the week.
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Habit Lounge
Since you’re obviously craving a little 1970s retro, don your flares and hit the brown vinyl booths in this cool reproduction resto-bar – preferably with a view of the wall-mounted shagpile carpet. It’s not all about looks, though: there’s a menu of clever reinventions of old-school dishes – try the lamb meatloaf – and a funky little list of disassembled cocktails that come to your table in little ‘bento boxes’ of bottles: you follow the recipe card and shake them together. There’s also an amazing array of 21 Canadian-made whiskies, and a very popular weekend brunch.
reviewed
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Public Lounge Eatery
Oddly tucked between the Main St hubs of E Broadway and 20th Ave, this art-lined, candlelit little spot is worth the walk. Don’t bother trying to find a space on the patio though – it’s not only tiny but traffic-noisy. Instead, duck inside for a small wooden table facing the cheese and charcuterie board or perch at the L-shaped bar with a large bottle of Czechvar from the always-interesting booze list. Start with a plate of tasty tapas – along with the fresh board, the tenderloin steak bites are popular – then fill up on a delectable main of sesame-crusted tuna.
reviewed
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Fraiche
You’ll fall in love with the panoramic shoreline views over the city even before you start eating at this swanky locals’ favorite. But it’s worth removing your gaze from the mesmerizing vistas to focus on your plate. Perfect Pacific Northwest is the approach here, with typical highlights on the seasonal menu including roasted Steelhead or Qualicum Bay scallops served with lobster ravioli. If you fancy a taste of the high life without the price, drop in for lunch when many dishes are under $20, or try the weekend brunch (Dungeness crab cakes recommended).
reviewed
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F
Raincity Grill
This smashing English Bay restaurant was sourcing and serving unique BC ingredients long before the fashion for local Fanny Bay oysters took hold. It’s a great showcase for fine West Coast cuisine; the weekend brunch here is a local legend, and the $30 three-course tasting menu served between 5pm and 6pm is a great fine-dining bargain.Make sure you also check out the wine list: it’s one of the city’s best. If you’re on the move, drop by the take-out window (open 11:30am to 7pm) for $10 fish-and-chips, then hit nearby English Bay beach for a picnic.
reviewed
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Stella’s Bierstro
More of a sit-down restaurant than its bar-esque older brother on Commercial Dr, this inviting bistro-style room combines a wood-lined interior (dominated by an imposing stag painting) and two street-side patios. The more extensive menu includes excellent maple syrup–glazed pork loin chops, while weekends draw locals looking for brunch of the eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros (ranch-style) variety. Befitting its Belgian-beer background, there’s also an outstanding booze menu with continental and Canadian treats a’plenty.
reviewed
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H
Crave
One of Main St’s best neighborhood haunts – especially on its hidden back patio – this often hopping resto-bar is an ideal end-of-day destination. The candlelit tables and darkwood interior trigger a chilled out ambience (the friendly servers and good-value beer pitchers also help) and there’s a menu of nicely tweaked comfort-food classics ranging from organic burgers to braised lamb shank with mashed potatoes. The velvet-soft chipotle-covered baby back ribs, however, is the menu winner.
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Seasons in the Park
After a trawl around the gardens of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, head to this old-school fine-dining joint, making sure your hilltop view overlooks the signature Vancouver vista of glass towers with mountain backdrop. Lucky diners with reservations (to get past the busloads of tourists) can feast on zesty Pacific Northwest cuisine, such as lemon herb-crusted lamb or wild mushroom ravioli. Save room for the delicious sunburned lemon pie.
reviewed
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Social at le Magasin
The downstairs oyster bar will entice you through the door but the upstairs dining room, with its ornate tin ceiling, is worth the climb. It’s recommended for brunch –try the duck confit eggs Benny – but is also a comfortable dinner spot, with West Coast specials including a mouthwatering lamb shank. If you’re on the run, the on-site deli serves bulging gourmet sandwiches ($4 to $9) and heaping bowls of pulled pork chili ($4).
reviewed
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Aurora Bistro
Many foodies come to SoMa for this bistro. Chef Jeff Van Geest takes the region’s best seasonal ingredients and transforms them into instant favorites that would cost much more at more fancily located restaurants. Faves include cornmeal-crusted Fanny Bay oysters and a highly recommended wild maitake mushroom risotto. The BC-only wine selection is tip-top and the cheese dessert selection includes the Stilton-like McLennan Blue Capri goat cheese.
reviewed
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Nu
Tucked under Granville Bridge’s north end, this swish and knowing eatery looks like a decadent 1970s hotel bar – the perfect place to don your gold silk cravat. The menu ranges from French-influenced tasting plates to delectable West Coast mains like Salt Spring mussels and grilled bison. Don’t forget a few cocktails, preferably on the lovely wraparound sunset-facing deck. And consider Sunday’s jazz brunch (from 10:30am, a popular locals’ favorite).
reviewed
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M
Pear Tree
The surprisingly sleek contemporary interior here – belying its inauspicious location and discreet storefront – complements a menu of modernized, continental-influenced West Coast classics. Vancouverites are often shocked to find such a place in the ‘burbs, but they quickly tell their friends about the amazing lobster cappuccinos and salmon with star anise butter sauce. Delectable desserts are also a feature here and the service is excellent.
reviewed
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N
Waazubee Café
This long, Bohemian bat cave is lined with huge painted murals, velvet curtains and recycled metal sculptures – check out that spoon chandelier. An equally eclectic menu (including plenty of vegetarian options) runs from sesame tuna sashimi to grilled portobello mushroom burgers and maple chili-glazed wild salmon. There’s also an impressive wine list and a good selection of BC beers, including Storm Scottish Ale, made just down the road.
reviewed
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Fuel
Despite the bland utilitarian name, this stylish Kits eatery sources exceptional regional ingredients and transforms them with a knowing cosmopolitan flair. Everything is seasonal, so expect regular menu changes – if you’re lucky, the crispy rainbow trout with sidestripe shrimp ravioli will be available. If not, console yourself with some Okanagan cherry tart or a satisfying selection of tasty regional cheeses.
reviewed
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Lift Bar & Grill
Hanging over the seawall in Coal Harbour near Stanley Park, the swanky Lift serves unrivalled views of the verdant rainforest and mist-cloaked mountains from its wraparound windows and heated deck. If you can pull yourself away from the vistas, dip into gourmet comfort dishes such as bison strip loin or prosciutto-wrapped salmon then sidle over to the shiny bar for martinis: ask for a Sticky Granny Smith if you dare.
reviewed
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Q
Observatory
Perched atop Grouse Mountain, the fine-dining Observatory serves up dishes of seared scallops and roasted beef tenderloin with some of the best views in BC – over the crenulated waterfront of Stanley Park and the twinkling glass towers of Vancouver far below. A perfect romantic dinner venue – you wouldn’t be the first to propose here – there’s also an excellent wine list if you suddenly need to console yourself.
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Teahouse
Returning to the name it started with in the 1930s, the former Sequoia Grill is a cheery spot to enjoy contemporary West Coast classics like pan-seared BC halibut and Fraser Valley duck, along with smashing sunset views over Burrard Inlet from its heated patio. A good place for weekend brunch – crab eggs Benedict is recommended – the park’s Third Beach is a few steps away and is ideal for an evening saunter.
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Hart House Restaurant
This handsome Tudor-style mansion with a romantic, old-school dining room overlooks the grassy shores of Deer Lake – a natural oasis in the middle of suburban Burnaby. The creative menu has updated northwest cuisine favorites and the weekend brunch – Dungeness crab cake Benedict is recommended – is especially worth the trek. You can walk off your indulgence on the park trails.
reviewed
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West
This sleek spot is commited to superb seasonal West Coast dining with ultra-attentive service and a great wine selection. Ideal for a romantic night out, menu highlights often include Queen Charlotte halibut and Pemberton Valley striploin, while the pastry chef delivers some of the best desserts in town. Before you leave, ask to try the sliding ladder attached to the wine shelves.
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