Gold: Suyo Modern Peruvian
Suyo isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration. Maybe it’s the buzzing energy, the wildly inventive cocktails or that first bite of arroz con pato (our judges swore it’s the best duck in the city). Whatever it is, stepping inside feels like an event, which is why it earned gold this year in its category. “Stunning,” said one judge, calling it the perfect mix of “modernity and class with the neighbourhood vibe of Main Street.” Chef Ricardo Valverde’s modern Peruvian menu delivers knockout flavours, from citrus-forward ceviches and delicate tiraditos to a beef tartare-lomo saltado hybrid that just works. And the drinks? Max Curzon-Price, Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards’ Bartender of the Year for 2024, shakes up some of the city’s best cocktails—often with elaborate backstories (and the occasional chicken heart garnish). “The best in the city!” raved one judge.
3475 Main St.
suyo.ca
Silver: Chancho
Chancho takes silver, still ruling as the city’s go-to for fall-apart tender slow-cooked pork, zippy salsas and scratch-made heirloom corn tortillas.
2096 Commercial Dr.
chancho.ca
Bronze: El Gato Gab Gab
2650 Main St.
elgatogabgab.com
And the bronze medal goes to El Gato Gab Gab, the buzzy new Mexican cocktail bar from Boxset Collective, dishing out West Coast-inspired dishes like chicken skin chilaquiles with a delicate onsen egg, charcoal-grilled rainbow trout tacos and carnitas ribs with sticky fish sauce caramel.
Honourable Mentions
Baja Racing
3364 Cambie St.
bajaracingsportsbarbc.com
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial Dr.
lamezcaleria.ca
