Vancouver Restaurants

  1. 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 and prosciutto-wrapped salmon then sidle over to the shiny bar for martinis: ask for a Sticky Granny Smith if you dare.

    Read more about Lift Bar & Grill

  2. Metro

    This chic West Coast eatery near the Tourist InfoCentre offers a galloping romp through contemporary Canadian fusion cuisine. Its unusual pay-by-the-ounce approach to meat and fish can be pricey if you want to sample a few different flavors. If you're put off by the giant 50-item selection, head to the swanky oyster bar and shuck your way through a few, complemented by a fruity bottle of BC wine.

    Read more about Metro

  3. 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 - right down over the crenulated waterfront of Stanley Park and the shiny towers of Vancouver. The views are almost as good and the atmosphere is more laid-back at the adjacent Altitudes Bistro, which offers pub-style food in a casual ski lodge setting.

    Read more about Observatory

  4. Pear Tree

    The surprisingly chic contemporary interior here 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. Make sure you leave a trail of breadcrumbs from your downtown hotel or you might be stuck amid the strip malls forever.

    Read more about Pear Tree

  5. 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.

    Read more about Seasons In The Park

  7. 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. Recommended for brunch - try the duck confit eggs Benny - it's 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 and heaping bowls of pulled pork chili.

    Read more about Social At Le Magasin

  8. Stanley's Park Bar & Grill

    Overlooking the gardens and close to the Malkin Bowl outdoor theater, this new casual bar and restaurant in the Tudor-style pavilion building has the park's biggest patio. The interior is all about rustic chic and the menu is a smorgasbord of high-end comfort food such as prime rib burgers and salmon ciabattas. Equally good for an end of day beer, the bar's regional microbrews include the recommended Red Truck Lager.

    Read more about Stanley's Park Bar & Grill

  9. West

    This multi-award-winning favorite - a regular winner in local 'Restaurant of the Year' contests - combines crisp, friendly service with the kind of exquisite dishes that make you happy to unleash your credit card. While Pacific Northwest treats such as bison and pork cheeks are delicately prepared and architecturally presented, it's the seafood that wins the day: try the blackened lingcod with tiny chanterelles and you'll be in foodie heaven.

    Read more about West

  10. Advertisement