5 Must-Visit Restaurants While Travelling to Vancouver

Canada’s West Coast city of Vancouver is causing quite a stir for travellers with fresh cooking concepts, exciting flavours, and adventurous menus. Here, we’re going to look at five of the best dining venues in this down-to-earth British Columbia metropolis.

When you aren’t dining out, there’s plenty to do in Vancouver. Of course, today, it’s even easier to find something nearby, thanks to those smart devices we carry around in our pockets. They even provide instant entertainment for those moments when we’re sitting back in our hotel rooms. There’s streaming TV and music from the likes of Netflix and Spotify. And there are plenty of online gaming at sites like CasinoWings.com. So, don’t worry. There’s no time for getting bored. Now, let’s look at those five best diners, shall we?

The Acorn

If the idea of seasonal produce given the royal treatment appeals to you, you’ll love this cosy SoMa venue. The veggie-dominant menu is a vegetarian and vegan’s dream. But then meat-eaters will be more than satisfied with the dishes also catering to carnivorous tastebuds. As the ingredients are about as fresh as you can find, the menu frequently changes. The smashed peas and beer-battered halloumi are regular features, with other dishes making an appearance including kelp and stinging nettle glaze. Cocktails also provide fresh ingredients, with more obscure biodynamic options on the wine list.

L’Abattoir

This much talked about West-coast inspired French bistro was built on the site of the first jail ever to exist in the city. There’s a lovely atrium, elevated dining room, bar and lounge, and, fortunately, no carcasses leaning down from the ceiling. While you don’t need to proclaim yourself the biggest meat eater in the west to feast on these hearty entrées, a healthy appetite for meat would serve you well, as these are the most tantalizing options on the menu.

Bishop’s

The concept of food brought straight from the farm to the dining table may no longer be ground-breaking (seeing as it’s not 1985 and John Bishop hasn’t just opened a restaurant that he named after himself). But it’s still a great concept at this popular eatery that lies along the hippest food corridor on the West Side. Then there’s the bold and contemporary art that belongs to the owner. The loft-style venue isn’t cheap. But then, the delicious food showcases just why British Columbia’s finest organic produce, meats, and seafood is worth every cent. Both the entrées and mains change on a weekly basis. If you have room for dessert, you’ll definitely want to try the rosemary and rhubarb pan cotta with brown sugar crumble.

Hy’s

You’ll find plenty of creative and trendy restaurants in Vancouver, but sometimes, you just might have a craving for something old school. Hy’s is a traditional steakhouse bathed in deep reds, wood, and leather. Locals like to visit this posh venue for deal-making dinners and special occasions. The steaks are perfectly cooked and come with such classic sides as creamed spinach. The service is excellent and timeless. You should pay this venue a visit, even if you only feel like drinking a cocktail in the lounge.

Botanist

As the name implies, this high-end Fairmont Pacific Rim restaurant is inspired by botany. The airy and bright setting matches the photogenic dishes that make good use of locally-sourced ingredients. The bar is a sort of lab, where the cocktails are made up foraged ingredients, the odd burst of smoke, and eye-popping colours. The tasting menu offers delectable surprises. And you should definitely take home a house-made fougasse. Botanist is definitely a candidate for Restaurant of the Year.

Created by Vancouver Magazine in partnership with CasinoWings.com.