VC09 - Restaurant Guide

Araxi
Whistler Village Square, Whistler, BC.
1-604-932-4540
A culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi enjoys a long-held international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Executive Chef James Walt draws from carefully sourced local ingredients from nearby Pemberton Valley farms, where he collaborates frequently with local growers. His seasonally rotating menus also feature the freshest seafood catches direct from fishermen. The extensive wine collection is comprised of over 1,500 labels and ‘seamless’ service is directed by Steve Edwards. The Bar is the mountain’s popular gathering place and in the summer season the heated patio is the nexus of Whistler’s village life, wrapped by stunning mountain vistas.

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
845 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
604-608-5319
This beautiful room, cosily panelled and discreetly lit, is part of the elegant Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver’s finest boutique hotel. Executive Chef Lee Parsons is one of the city’s most talented chefs, evident in the slow-cooked textures and concentrated flavours of the finished plate. Great service. Received Gold for “Best Bar/Lounge in Vancouver,” Silver for “Best Formal French Dining” from Vancouver Magazine’s 2009 Restaurant Awards. A first-rate rendezvous. Travel + Leisure Magazine “Top 500 World’s Best Hotels” 2009, Condé Nast Traveler “Gold List” 2009, and Condé Nast Johansen’s “Most Excellent Spa Hotel (USA & Canada).” 2009.

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar
1095 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC.
604-688-8078
Awarded Gold for ‘Best Seafood’ by critics in Vancouver Magazine’s annual Restaurant Awards, Blue Water Cafe is celebrated as the city’s definitive destination for seafood. From the dynamic ‘East meets West’ kitchen and raw bar, ‘Chef of the Year’ Frank Pabst and ‘Cut Master’ Yoshi Tabo craft captivating seafood dishes using the freshest wild fish. Enhanced by one of the country’s finest wine collections and intuitive service from Stephan Cachard’s all-star team, Blue Water Cafe is housed in a handsome brick and beam warehouse conversion in the heart of historic Yaletown. Heated patio. Valet Monday - Saturday.

C Restaurant
1600 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC
604-681-1164
As the founding restaurant in the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, C pushes the boundaries of the restaurant industry. By deconstructing supply lines and dealing directly with fishermen, Executive Chef Robert Clark ensures the products being served are of the highest quality and sustainably harvested. This commitment to our oceans, paired with the culinary expertise of Chef de Cuisine Quang Dang keeps C Restaurant consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the city.

Cactus Club Cafe
Downtown Vancouver locations:
• 357 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-685-8070
• 1136 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-687-3278
• 1530 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, 604-733-0434
• 575 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, 604-714-6000
Addictive Menu Offerings - Unmatched Commitment to Service - Ambiance of Casual Elegance. Our globally inspired menu is crafted with local and fresh ingredients by Canada’s only Iron Chef, Rob Feenie. Unwind in an upscale yet casual atmosphere while being entertained by our first class team. Each location has a unique personality with defining features - experience original art collections to sultry urban lounges. Affordable luxury is what we do best.

Charm Modern Thai
1269 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
604-688-9339
In historic Yaletown, Thai-born executive chef Tipnari Kulriwanich creates authentic Thai cuisine with a creative modern twist using only the freshest, most authentic ingredients and spices. Charm delivers innovative Thai flare and fare, catering to all the senses, and balances flavours, temperatures and textures with warm hospitality and a pristine sense of modernism. Modern decor and rich intimate ambiance make this a gathering experience unlike any other in the city. Open for lunch and dinner until late, Charm Modern Thai is walking distance from most Vancouver hotels, a must visit for locals and visitors alike.

CinCin
1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC.
604-688-7338
Located above bustling Robson Street, the city’s fashionable and vibrant shopping district, CinCin excels in Italian inspired wood-fired cuisine, award-winning wines, and true hospitality. From the open wood-fired kitchen, the ingredient-driven menu — representing the local ocean, farms and ranches — sets the table with distinctive dishes embracing the sensuality of the Mediterranean, while outstanding desserts demonstrate the Michelin star-studded pedigree of acclaimed Chef Patissier Thierry Busset. CinCin’s highly-awarded wine collection is deep and global with rare vintages and boutique finds, as well as an extensive by-the-glass and half-bottle selection. Heated terrace.

Cioppino’s
1129/1133 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
604-688-7466
Chef and owner Giuseppe (Pino) Posteraro; recipient of Vancouver’s 2008 “Chef of the Year” presents his award-winning restaurant featuring cucina naturale, combining the best of Italy and the Mediterranean with the best locally produced ingredients. An extensive wine list featuring many rare vintages and excellent service ensure a memorable dining experience. Cioppino’s and Enoteca both have patios for al fresco dining and to accommodate private parties there are six wine rooms of varying sizes.

Diva At the Met
645 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC
604-602-7788
Located downtown in Vancouver’s intimate Metropolitan Hotel, Diva at the Met attracts locals and guests from around the world. Diva combines a unique blend of international styles with a generous dash of Pacific Northwest. Meticulous service melds with an ambience that is simultaneously elegant and casual, achieved through a refreshingly different design: tiered seating, Waldorf-style open kitchen, pin-spot lighting and an airy, natural-lit bar and lounge.

Dockside Restaurant & Brewing Company
1253 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
604-685- 7070
Located on the waterfront just minutes from the Granville Island Public Market, Dockside Brewing Company offers four venues to cater to your every mood. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the restaurant or appetizers by the fireplace in the lounge. Try a fabulous dessert at the bar or sit back with a frosty beverage on the patio. Dockside’s spectacular views along with their exceptional food guarantee a good time.

Five Sails
“R” Level @ 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
604-844-2855
Fresh and fabulous cuisine, breathtaking views! Chef Ernst Dorfler and his wife, Gerry Sayers invite you to experience their unforgettable combination of spectacular views of Vancouver, expertly prepared continental cuisine and gracious hospitality in their beautifully renovated Five Sails Restaurant located at the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver. Proprietors with a passion for excellence, this Culinary Olympic gold medal, world champion chef and wife team offer modern classics with European flair inspired by the West Coast region, a wine list featuring both old world wines and some intriguing local finds and an elegant, contemporary new interior that is both warm and inviting.

Fuel Restaurant
1944 West Fourth Avenue, Vancouver, BC
604-288-7905
Fuel Restaurant provides expert service and incredible regional cuisine in a comfortable setting. Executive Chef Robert Belcham sources exceptional seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, while specializing in butchery and unique offerings such as whole roast items and house made charcuterie. Sommelier Tom Doughty has assembled a collection of special vintages and esteemed producers for the Fuel wine list, chosen specifically with the food menu in mind. These unique offerings create a truly unparalleled dining experience for guests. Fuel Restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 12:00pm – 2:30pm and for dinner seven days a week starting at 5:30pm.

Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
615 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC
604-605-8282.
Dark walls with gold art deco accents are the backdrop to a crowd intent on the see-and-be-seen scene. Canadian prime steaks top the dinner choices, but what separates Gotham from the herd of high-end steak-houses is uncomplicated seafood preps (black and blue ahi tuna). The cocktail bar roars long and loud late in the week. Choose from two private dining rooms for dinner meetings or parties. The serious wine list is tilted to rich reds but is especially well-versed in California cabs.

Hy’s Encore Steak House
637 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
604-683-7671
By day, a den for Howe Street dealmakers; at night, the clubby rooms reveal a mixed crowd from event diners to hip Gen Xers. All enjoy Vancouver’s best steaks, from delicate, char-broiled filets to titanic porterhouses. Don’t forget to start with the signature cheese bread and Caesar salad, made tableside by one of the friendly waiters. The wine list is long and deep on older burgundies and California cabs.

Indigo Bistro
1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
604-893-7150
Located Downtown, Indigo’s Chef Omar Halabi’s creations set a mood for this funky “bistro moderne,” where accommodating service is a fine art. Pan seared halibut with a smoked cod brandad and grilled beef tenderloin are favourites. The pan-seared crab cakes rival Boston’s. Seating is colourfully warm, with crimson, violet, lemon and avocado tones. Exotic flower displays sprout everywhere from Martha Sturdy vases. Lunchtime clientele are mostly nearby professionals while dinner brings a variety of urban diners.

La Terrazza
1088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
604-899-4449
At La Terrazza, horns are replaced by the chime of a wine glass; traffic lights replaced by twinkling lights and soft candlelight. Just a few minutes from downtown lies La Terrazza … a perfect getaway for that special dinner or a casually elegant stop for some of Vancouver’s finest Italian food. Close to concerts, events and sporting venues. La Terrazza, escape to a perfect getaway right in downtown Vancouver…Cambie and Pacific in Yaletown. Private entrances and complimentary parking available.

Las Margaritas Restaurant & Cantina
1999 West Fourth Avenue, Vancouver, BC
604-734-7117
One of Vancouver’s favourite Mexican Restaurants, Las Margaritas has been voted as having “the best Margaritas in Vancouver” and the best Mexican food by the readers of Vancouver Magazine, Georgia Straight and The Westender. Sample from the largest Tequila collection in BC! Las Margaritas’ innovative Mexican menus are inspired by northern Mexico, Baja and southern California. Las Margaritas is fun, casual and child-friendly and offers one of the best patios in Vancouver.

Lift Bar-Grill-View
333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver, BC
604-689- 5438 (LIFT).
Lift Bar-Grill-View is a dynamic, sexy and sophisticated oceanfront restaurant situated on the seawall in Coal Harbour, Vancouver. It boasts unique architectural design inclusive of upper and main deck patios with two outdoor fireplaces, vanishing glass walls, and a 32-seat luminous bar. LIFT hosts progressive West Coast Canadian cuisine specializing in ‘whet plates’ and a notable contemporary wine selection. Bronze recipient for Best New Restaurant Design 2005 from Vancouver Magazine’s 16th Annual Restaurant Awards, and silver from Stars of Vancouver Reader’s Choice Awards 2005 in the category of “Best New Restaurant.” A new level of cuisine.

Marcelo Pizzeria & Ristorante
1404 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
604-215-7760.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a warm Mediterranean décor welcome you to Marcello Ristorante and Pizzeria. Sumptuous Italian cuisine, highlighted by Vancouver’s best thin-crust pizza baked in a fiery wood oven, and a smart wine list make this a local favourite. A recently updated menu includes seafood pastas and pizzas and delicious new appetizers.

Monk McQueen's Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar
601 Stamps Landing on the False Creek Waterfront, Vancouver, BC
604-877-1351
Located in the heart of False Creek, where the best view in the city is the view from Monk’s waterfront patios. Monk McQueen’s boasts a huge main floor patio and an upstairs private group event dining room popular for weddings and corporate groups. We specialize in fresh seafood with a trendy Pacific Northwest flair. Using only the best, Our Executive Chef builds energy into the menu with fresh flavors and colours.

Monk’s Grill
4555 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
604-932-9677
Fresh market ingredients and the imagination of Chef Steve Chavas take this contemporary steakhouse to a higher level. Built on the best location on the best ski hill in North America ...Monk’s Grill has been creating ambitious meals for serious restaurant goers for the past 17 years. Food, service, atmosphere & view, slopeside at Blackcomb Mountain.

Moxie's Classic Grill
Vancouver Locations:
• 1759 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, 604-678-9973
• 1160 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-678-8043
• 808 Bute Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-696-9986
• 180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-684-8434
The dark wood interior, river-rock fireplace and granite bar-top welcome you at Moxie’s Classic Grill. An extensive menu with diverse choices offers something for everyone. Must-try items include the ahi tuna crisps, roasted rack of tender New Zealand lamb with a Dijon and herb crust, almond crusted wild salmon or the famous white chocolate brownie.

Nu Restaurant + Lounge
1661 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
604-646- 4668
Nu Restaurant + Lounge is where everything is geared to surprise and delight the eye; dishes are subtly inventive and exceptionally refined. NU is the place to enjoy Vancouver from early afternoon to late night - and anything in between. Teetering above the water, NU wows with its spectacular view, while it’s farm to table philosophy and casual yet refined ambience keeps everyone happy. NU is Vancouver’s answer to everything in between.

O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar
1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
604-661-1400
O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar has been a tradition on the Vancouver dining scene for over 30 years and according to The Vancouver Sun “….it’s never been better”. In its current incarnation, Chef Chris Whittaker focuses on the new classics, locally sourced and sustainably prepared. The wine list is extensive and user-friendly and complemented by the city’s finest live jazz, 7 nights a week.

Pink Pearl Chinese Seafood Restaurant
1132 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
604-253-4316
Competent cooking and big portions have made Pink Pearl an institution. Try steamed live rock cod, a large plate of prawns with crispy snow peas in black bean sauce, Peking duck wrapped in a traditional rice-flour dough, west-coast crab deep fried and sautéed with five spices, and delicately seasoned snow-pea shoots draped in a crabmeat sauce creamy with egg white.

Raincity Grill
1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC
604-685-7337
As a celebration of everything Vancouver, it only makes sense that Raincity Grill is committed to serving local fare. Raincity Grill has defined Pacific Northwest cuisine, pioneering the concept of the 100-Mile Menu by showcasing the unique ingredients of our local waters and backyards – year round. Overlooking English Bay in the heart of Vancouver’s West End, take in the ever-changing seasons of Vancouver by way of the view and the food of Raincity Grill.

Regional Tasting Lounge (R.TL)
1130 Mainland Street, Vancouver, bc
604-638-1550
Located in Yaletown, a modern yet intimate room to challenge the palate with cuisine from three distinct regions of the world at once. Share dinner plates from regions as noble as the Middle East, France and Portugal, and discover new regions every 3 months. Well known for amazing classic cocktails that make you feel fabulous and more than 30 wines by the glass and tasting flights, reflecting featured regions at any time.

Sala Thai
102-888 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
604-683-7999
At Sala Thai Thai Restaurant, you will experience the very best of Thailand’s unique culinary offerings. Dishes are as rich as they are varied. Only the finest ingredients are used, and every care is taken to ensure these authentic, classic recipes are prepared to perfection. You will also appreciate the exquisite décor of the settings and the impeccable standard of service. Indeed Sala Thai is a masterpiece of Thai culinary art.

Samba Brazilian Steak House
1122 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC
604-696-9888
Samba Brazilian Steak House is Vancouver’s first and only Brazilian steakhouse and a must visit for any meat lover. Come in and see why this steakhouse has garnered a following of fans for their Rodizio de Churrascaria. Be prepared to be pampered by Samba’s impeccable service and attention from the hostess to your server to the Passadores. Enjoy the crafted showmanship of the Passadores’ tableside work as they carry swords of meat to your table and serve you your choice of all types of meats. Samba also offers an award-winning salad bar and hot buffet with over 14 different choices every day of the week. Eat Well, Live Well, Be Happy. Enjoy live Latin music and a Brazilian dance show all in a festive atmosphere. Winner of Best Latin American and voted Best Brazilian Steakhouse.

The Shore Club
688 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC
604-899-4400
Soaring ceilings, cool blues and greens, and stunning original art make The Shore Club a study in classic elegance. Enjoy a signature cocktail and live piano and vocals in the spectacular main floor bar and lounge. Then head up the winding staircase and find an intimate corner table, or watch the night unfold from a seat at the open kitchen. Specialty dishes include classic lobster bisque, salmon Wellington, saffron-scented bouillabaisse, as well as some juicy cuts of Canadian prime beef for the steak lovers. Extensive wine list features interesting labels from around the world.

Thai House
• 1116 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-683-3383
• 1766 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, 604-737-0088
• 180 West Esplanade, Vancouver, BC, 604-987-9911
• 129-4940 No. 3 Road, Vancouver, BC, 604-278-7373
• 1018 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC, 604-685-8989
• 1119 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-408-7788
The Thai House Restaurant Group has evolved into one of Vancouver’s most recognizable and reputable restaurant chains by offering award winning authentic Thai cuisine and introducing innovative Thai fusion entrees and tapas plates. Established since 1986, the award winning Thai House Restaurants have been consistently setting the standard by offering the very best in their quality of food through creative and careful attention to detail and their attentive and impeccable service. Enjoy a selection of traditional Thai dishes prepared from market fresh spices and imported ingredients or sample some of their innovative and creative signature dishes.

Un Wine’d
1180 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC
604-682-5225
Enjoy the best of urban dining and casual nightlife. UnWine’d Dining Lounge offers a mix of comfort and style, where the finer details are never overlooked. Relax on one of our two patios, or pick an intimate corner by the fireplace. Sample our impressive wine list with over 20 wines by the glass. Enjoy choices from our stylish menu featuring sharing plates, cheese and charcuterie, house made pastas and flavourful mains. Whether an intimate dinner for two, or a group gathering for 30, this is the ideal location to Sip, Savour and UnWine’d.

Voya
1177 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC
604-639-VOYA
The chic 80-seat restaurant and lounge is located lobby-level at Loden in Vancouver’s downtown Coal Harbour district. Led by Executive Chef Marc-Andre Choquette, Voya’s delectable bites are served in an atmosphere of retro glamour. From lamb shank to fish cakes, the menu features fresh, local and organic ingredients, always true to the season. Voya’s sommelier seeks out new wines from around the globe, highlighting smaller, family estates. Voya is a member of Green Table and Ocean Wise.

West
2881 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
604-738-8938
‘The Jewel in Vancouver’s culinary crown,’ West’s outstanding regional cuisine and seamless service has garnered much critical acclaim both locally and internationally. Executive Chef Warren Geraghty sources pristine regional ingredients to deliver superbly conceived dishes, while Pastry Chef Rhonda Viani conjures equally compelling desserts. Maître d’ Brian Hopkins gracefully choreographs West’s service team in the elegant dining room, where a magnificent, temperature-controlled ‘wall of wine’ houses the restaurant’s extraordinary collection of hard-to-find bottles at every price point. Valet Monday - Saturday evenings.