2025

These Are the Finalists for the Best Upscale, Best Casual and Best New Restaurants in Vancouver

We're announcing three more categories of world-class finalists.

By Vancouver Magazine / January 9, 2025

I know, I know, we’ve kept you waiting long enough. Yesterday we revealed the massive 200-plus list of restaurants that have secured their spot as finalists in the 2025 Vanmag Restaurant Awards, but now there are even more.

These three categories: Best Upscale, Best Casual and Best New have all had some rule adjustments in the past year. Below are the guidelines for these specific awards, and which restaurants our expert judging panel has selected as finalists—all in one fell swoop.

Best Casual

We’re highlighting the city’s best neighbourhood joints! Places where you can drop-in for a meal, or enjoy counter service and take-away. These restaurants might be considered easy eats, but they’re still top of class in our eyes.

Downlow Chicken Shack

Fat Mao

La Grotta del Formaggio

Skewers Souvlaki Pita Bar

Best Upscale

We’re highlighting restaurants beyond those in our ever-competitive Upscale Contemporary category (which refers to “New Canadian” cuisine that may employ multiple styles of cooking/inspirations but is distinctly Vancouver in nature), though they are certainly in the running as well. We will be using the price of dinner for two as a guideline: $250+ (this does not include wine or cocktails). These restaurants exhibit a high level of service, exceptional food and an exquisite environment ideal for the most special occasions.

Best New Restaurant

We’re so lucky to live in a city with such a vibrant food scene that sees incredible, inventive restaurants opening seemingly every month. Because the judging takes place during a specific period of time, we have set a distinct timeline in order to provide our expert panel ample time to dine. The restaurants eligible for this award opened between October 2023 and September 2024.

Elio Volpe

Good Thief

Casa Molina

Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie

Lila

Meo