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 A fusion of international flavors |
1215 Bidwell Street Vancouver, BC V6G 2K7 Canada +1 604 689 8822 http://www.balthazarvancouver.... |
This massive downtown restaurant is the perfect place to don black and sport the mod doo. Everything about the place oozes cool, with earthy tones and enough sex appeal to bring out the hip crowd. Although being seen is a big draw, the menu backs up the atmosphere with an eclectic offering of appetizers, wood fired pizzas and upscale a main menu that includes creative spins of seafood and steaks. The 'Bordello Room' bar area has expands the chill out ambiance with an intimate space warmed by a fireplace, shrouded in soft red lighting and dotted with comfy chairs and sofas. It serves what so many other city restaurants have gone gaga over - fusion tapas. There are a wide variety of choices, from Asian-inspired seafood picks to vegetarian creations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Top Malaysian with reasonable prices |
820 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J8 Canada +1 604 731 6333 http://www.bananaleaf-vancouve... |
This Malaysian restaurant on the west side has consistently placed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Vancouver. There is something to suit everyone on the extensive and varied menu, but they are most famous for their crab. Appealing dishes range from mild to hot to spicy with plenty of seafood, meat, chicken and vegetarian options. Entrees like Asian chicken curry and certain shellfish dishes should be tried. Simple Malaysian accents like bamboo plants and large fans adorn the bright and pleasing colour scheme. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Abdullah Luqman |
 Photo: Aaron Pulkka |
 Photo: Allen |
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New Millennium Nibbling Bar |
941 Davie Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9 Canada +1 604 683 1246 http://www.bin941.com/ |
Here is a concept: serve artfully-crafted and savoury appetizer dishes to loads of hungry, hip people in a tiny and crowded Downtown space. The result? Instant success. Partnered with its uptown incarnation, Bin 942, this youthful establishment is packed full with old benches, church pews and 'found objects'. The tapas menu includes treats like Coconut-Steamed Mussels and Crab Cakes sprinkled over with burnt-orange chipotle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Elegant west coast dining |
2183 West Fourth Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7 Canada +1 604 738 2025 http://www.bishopsonline.com/ |
Elegant, intimate and one of the city's top restaurants, this spot is perfect for a quiet evening out with friends or a romantic dinner. This quiet, spare décor may at first seem unimpressive, but the gourmet West Coast cuisine and famously personalized service make it glitter. It was good enough for Clinton and Gorbachev when they were in town. The menu changes weekly, but past selections have included Saltspring Island Mussels steamed in Sake, and Roasted Duck Breast with Navy Bean Cassoulet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tapas original since 1971 |
1277 Howe Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R3 Canada +1 604 684 8815 |
This downtown Spanish restaurant began serving tapas, the popular small-plate shareables, in 1971. It has lots of brick walls and wood accents, while prints of Picasso's Don Quixote, wind swept beaches, and even a bull's head adorn the walls. There are three dining areas, with Spanish embellishments highlighting each. Try the piquant Patatas Bravas and the locally famous and thirst-quenching Sangria. Choose from the wide selection of cold and hot tapas, from simple White Rice to Spiced Rabbit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Premier seafood destination |
2-1600 Howe Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9 Canada +1 604 681 1164 http://www.crestaurant.com/ |
This restaurant's award-winning, Pacific Ocean-inspired creations impress critics, gourmands and newbie visitors alike. It also has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Its hip, spare, neutral decor features a two-storey glass window that gives every diner magnificent views. Among the delicacies offered are a variety of caviars (30 gram Iranian Caviar Tasting, CAD275), and fresh oysters at the raw bar with wasabi-infused salmon caviar (CAD4.50) or Caspian caviar, crème fraiche and gold leaf (CAD8). Roasted Dungeness Crab Stuffed Turbot (CAD37.50) is among the entree selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kelly Groves  |
 Photo: Kelly Groves |
 Photo: Frances Schamberg |
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115 to-die-for flavours |
1033 Venables St Vancouver, BC V6A 3R9 Canada +1 604 251 3211 http://www.lacasagelato.com/ |
"I'll give you a taste of my lychee gelato if you give me a lick of your wasabi sorbetto." You might find yourself uttering those words after visiting this popular 20-year-old ice cream parlour. Choose from over 198 flavors including yam, blackbean and white chocolate, along with more traditional choices that are heaped into a big, crunchy waffle cone. The sweet tooth's dream also makes cakes, truffle, pies and other items for take-home treats. A cone goes for around CAD3. Another location: 1377-4380 No.3 Road, Richmond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ranger Gord |
 Photo: Mike Ewanus |
 Photo: Leah R - willrad.com |
 Photo: Argus Panopte |
 Photo: Karen Go |
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Charming and contemporary |
1154 Robson St Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5 Canada +1 604 688 7338 http://www.cincin.net/ |
This popular Italian restaurant is a favourite among both locals and tourists, and you may even spot a visiting celebrity or two trying out one of the joints famous pizzas. Located above Robson Street, the chic establishment has an open kitchen with a wood burning oven and grill as the centerpiece. Start out with a sampling of appetizers: a platter of smoked trout, Gaeta olives, prosciutto, grilled baby octopus and eggplant caviar (CAD17.50 per person). Critics consider the fresh pasta here to die for, but anything that comes out of the oven (think pizza) or of the grill (rare ahi, veal, ostrich) will be the highlight reel of any dining experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cindy Li cindyli.com |
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Inexpensive and tasty Lebanese dishes |
1128 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5 Canada +1 604 732 7487 http://www.habibis.com/ |
Repeatedly a feature on Vancouver critics' "best of" lists, this cafe offers vegan and vegetarian classics like crispy Falafel sandwich (CAD5) and three kinds of hummus (CAD6.50). The bright and welcoming room is filled with a casual and chatty clientele. This winner of Vancouver Magazine's gold award for best Middle Eastern/African creates an array of tapas-style dishes, including Baba Ganoush (CAD7) and a goat cheese and tomato dish called Shinkleesh (CAD6.50). There is a small wine and beer list, as well as Lebanese coffee and tea. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cuban tastes and creative ambience |
1212 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4 Canada +1 604 253 9119 http://www.havana-art.com/ |
This hip spot is the embodiment of local flavour mixed with Cuban verve. The combination restaurant, gallery and theatre is a regular haunt for people who enjoy the thriving area of the Drive. The walls are decorated with aged framed photographs and covered with graffiti from visitors invited to leave their impressions with a knife. Some menu selections include Sugar Crusted Sirloin Steak, Caribbean Jambalaya, and Guava Glazed Ribs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: angela wan |
 Photo: Lauren Isaacson |
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Zen and the hip art of sushi |
2059 West Fourth Avenue Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3 Canada +1 604 734 4990 |
Located on Vancouver's West Fourth Avenue in Kitsilano, this cool spot offers finely prepared Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on sushi. The Tuna Sashimi melts in the mouth and the Yam Tempura Roll has gained a cult-like status among regular patrons. It has very elegant, spare, and hip decor. Its look has been called 'Zen Deco', a combination of Zen interpretation and Art Deco design. The establishment is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot place for oysters |
777 Thurlow St (Corner of Robson & Thurlow) Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5 Canada +1 604 669 1940 http://www.joefortes.ca |
One hundred years ago, a large bartender named Joe Fortes became the first lifeguard at Vancouver's English Bay. Now this attractive seafood and chop house that bears his name is one of downtown's top dining spots. Oysters are the specialty (the fresh shucked and pan-roasted varieties) at the upscale haunt. The dozen or so fresh fish entrees are also popular, with cedar-plank salmon topping the daily list. The wine list is award-winning. Dinner for two costs CAD50-75. Reservations are recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegant and charming |
100-909 Burrard Street (Near Barclay) Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2 Canada +1 604 669 4298 http://www.lecrocodilerestaura... |
Noted in the May 1995 Paris Saveur, this restaurant is a favourite among local and international critics. It is a sophisticated eatery, with walls painted in deep yellows and offset by French artwork. Ornate furniture and fixtures contribute to the opulent feel. Known for its Alsatian cuisine and presentation, the dishes are considered as much art as meals. Samples from the basic menu include Ris de Veau Pôelé with garlic, spinach and calvados (CAD22.95) and Atlantic Salmon grilled with a spinach and saffron sauce (CAD20.95). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: McPig |
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Top-rated French cuisine |
2551 West Broadway Relais Gourmand Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9 Canada +1 604 739 8185 http://www.lumiere.ca/ |
Looking for impeccable service, an atmosphere of quiet minimalism and a reputation as one of the nation's favorite restaurant? This is it. The quiet spot offers sophisticated French cuisine, made with fresh ingredients by young and inspired chef/owner Rob Feenie. The tables d'hôte are the way to go. The Seafood Menu includes the chef's signature dish: Sake and Maple Syrup Marinated Sablefish, served with potatoes and leeks, Shimiji mushrooms and a soy and Hijiki broth. The Chef's Tasting Menu includes an imaginative Pear and Rosemary Sorbet, with an accompanying flight of six wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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24-hour healthy vegetarian |
2724 West 4th Avenue East of Macdonald Street Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1 Canada +1 604 738 7151 http://www.thenaam.com/ |
If a vegetarian could spend eternity in Utopia, they would probably live here. Opened in 1967, this homey place in Kitsilano features live music, a private patio, and an extensive, healthy menu. Fulfill your veggie fantasies with items like Popeye Pita Pizza, with spinach, onions, feta and mushrooms. Sample ethnic specialties or old standards like veggie and tofu burgers. It has been voted one of the top places in the city to get 'indifferent and surly service', but it is still packed every night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alex taylor |
 Photo: Steve Schmidt |
 Photo: Bhupinder Singh & Gu |
 Photo: Satoru Kikuchi |
 Photo: BreakfastinVancouver |
 Photo: Oscar Becerra |
 Photo: Derek Reeve |
 Photo: Brandon Milner |
 Photo: jess thrift |
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Dining in Stanley Park |
5601 Stanley Park Drive Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4 Canada +1 604 669 2737 http://www.pointgroup.ca/ |
Spending the day touring around Stanley Park is bound to work up appetites. Built on the historic park's lookout, this popular and long-standing café offers incredible views of the city, mountains and ocean. It also houses a gift shop and patio dining. Seafood is a highlight on the menu - enjoy salmon dishes (Bamboo Steamed Salmon Fillet) or try the Drunken Prawns sautéed with Brandy, Garlic, Cream and Chives. The brunch menu offers fresh fruit salads and light pasta dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: hakim_81 |
 Photo: Mark Stahl |
 Photo: Tom Lemos |
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Taste of the West Coast |
1193 Denman Street Vancouver, BC 10117 Canada +1 604 685 7337 http://www.raincitygrill.com/ |
This fine West End restaurant serves the spirit of Vancouver on your plate. Tables are set with crisp white linen and sparkling silverware and tall windows provide year-round views of English Bay. All the primary ingredients on the menu come from British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and California. The menu changes with the seasons but some of the current top selections are the grilled bison tenderloin and the lightly smoked skeena wild salmon. The list of extensive Pacific Northwest wines includes hard-to-find small production and estate wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Boris Mann |
 Photo: Courtney Greene |
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Indo-American fusion |
986 West Broadway (near Oak) Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K7 Canada +1 604 736 8330 |
This popular eatery with two locations is often voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the city. It fuses North American and Indian cuisine in an east-meets-west mélange. The decor is a pastiche of the refined and the kitschy. Sample Chilled Minted Mango and Fresh Ginger Soup before trying dumplings stuffed with Tandoori Chicken and caramelized shallots. Appetizers start at CAD3.99 and entrees are a uniform CAD10.99. Alternate locations: 1795 Pendrell St, downtown, and 3365 Cambie St, near 18th Ave W. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Hip and eclectic diner |
2095 West 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3 Canada +1 604 732 6810 http://www.sophiescosmiccafe.com |
Every inch of canary yellow wall space in this cafe is covered with vintage toys, souvenirs, photos and mementos. Arrive early if you plan on enjoying breakfast—it is rumoured to be the best in the city—as line-ups usually snake down the street by 9am. A bottle of their own hot sauce (CAD5) goes on everything (even eggs)! Other menu choices include a spicy Falafel Burger, and the tender Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and steamed veggies is delicious. The hip, laid-back clientele enjoys lunches that average around CAD7, and dinners at CAD9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joopbie |
 Photo: Jane Ng |
 Photo: gravegirl |
 Photo: Aaron Gustafson |
 Photo: Aaron Gustafson |
 Trendy hang-out |
891 Homer St Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2 Canada +1 604 687 6107 |
This large concrete building in the downtown core is a prime and popular watering hole for young Vancouverites. The food is creative West Coast cuisine with international flavours and fusions thrown into the mix. The spicy fries are notable. There is an extensive wine and beer menu, with several prime local brews on tap. Along with the young staff's carefree attitude, art installments line the high grey walls, and massive, dripping candles establish the industrial-tinged eatery as a hip and funky place to be. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ryan McBride |
 Photo: burnthatsucker |
 Photo: Marc Williams |
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For your sweet tooth |
866 Denman St (near Haro) Vancouver, BC V6G 2L8 Canada +1 604 682 1292 http://www.trueconfections.ca/ |
This self-indulgent local favourite is renowned for generous portions and an array of rich choices. The interior is flooded with natural light from large windows, and offers plush seating and booths. The menu boasts a wide selection of New York-style cheesecakes with crumb crusts, and the portions are all huge, super-tall slices of heaven. Fruit pies, made fresh and complemented by a light pastry, are among the favourites. A serving of apple pie a la mode is about CAD10. Second location: #6 3701 West Broadway, Vancouver, +1 604 222 8489. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lisa Inversin |
 Photo: Greg McMullen |
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Raved-about Indian fusion cuisine |
1480 West 11th Avenue (Near Hemlock) Vancouver, BC V6H 1L1 Canada +1 604 736 6664 http://www.vijs.ca/ |
The experience starts the moment you're greeted at the door by the gracious owner, Vikram Vij, and when the knowledgeable and amiable staff welcomes you with a complimentary cup of Chai (tea). Since the critically acclaimed menu changes seasonally, you'll have to rely on your taste buds to guide you through. The vegetarian dishes (such as roasted mashed eggplant, local squash and tomato curry with daal) are always flavorful and beautifully presented. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lipgloss Junkie |
![Vij's Restaurant photo by [willa bradshaw]](pictures/71123_1.jpg) Photo: [willa bradshaw] |
 Photo: Kurtis Kolt |
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Romantic Italian |
869 Hamilton Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z7 Canada +1 604 688 7436 http://www.villadellupo.com/ |
This intimate, romantic downtown spot is a favourite of critics and food lovers. The two-level restaurant is housed in a Victorian-style building, with private dining on the ground floor and a fully stocked bar above. Large bay windows detailed with stained glass offer city views and the open fireplace sets a welcoming atmosphere. The Ahi Tuna is seared rare and served with sauteed spinach and stuffed gnocci. Set menus include three magnificent courses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Raj Taneja |
 Photo: Raj Taneja |