The Botanist is a fine-dining haven celebrating locally sourced produce and sustainable seafood
Vancouver is one of the world's most thrilling cities for foodies, with a newly Michelin starred culinary scene that is fast-paced, endlessly innovative and fed by a wealth of superb produce from the lush farmlands beyond the city and the nearby sun-drenched Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys.
For those seeking to experience this vibrant food scene while visiting, finding the perfect hotel is crucial. Accommodations close to The Botanist, for example, offer the added convenience of proximity, allowing guests more time to explore the flavors of the city and less time commuting. Find them here >> http://www.britishcolumbiahotels.net/en/near-ubc-hospital-1799924/.
The cool, clear waters that surround the city are home to an incredible variety of seafood from briny oysters to sweet prawns and tender Dungeness crab. Thanks to its multicultural population, this west coast bounty takes on an exciting new form with recipes, ingredients and techniques drawn from around the world, most notably Asia.
Below our expert shares her tips for the best restaurants in Vancouver. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, bars and attractions, plus how to spend a weekend in Vancouver.If planning a longer trip, plan the ultimate itinerary on Canada's west coast withour expert guide.
The Forage Odyssey in West End
The Forage in West End has become a hit sensation among the locals for its cosy ambience and its unwavering dedication to environmental-friendly fine dining experiences. Few places exemplify the meaning of 'farm-to-table' philosophy as genuinely as Chef Welbert Choi and his crew. Their commitment to zero waste and ingredients sourced locally, including foraged and seasonal options, is commendable. An exclusive array of wines, beers, and spirits from British Columbia flawlessly compliment their menu. The restaurant extends an enticing breakfast and brunch options full of home-crafted preserves and an irresistible 'nutella', scraped right out of the jar. Their dinner menu is an embodiment of exquisite culinary skills with unique items as smoked duck breast with needles of grand fir tree handpicked from the wild. Reservations for the Bison Board are highly recommended to enjoy scrumptious bison offerings like cured bison, bison heart tartare or even a braised bison risotto. These specific items are served in limited portions from Friday through Sunday only.
Get in touch: foragevancouver.com
Booking: Suggested
Price: £-££
If you're looking for a true farm-to-table experience in Vancouver, Chef Welbert Choi and his team at Forage Marutama should be at the top of your list. Their commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients is unparalleled, and it shows in the remarkable dishes they create.
While there may be some waiting time at the city's best ramen shop, don't let it deter you. The queues move quickly, and the experience is simply unmissable, especially for noodle enthusiasts. At Marutama, they meticulously craft 500 4.4-ounce balls of noodles daily, allowing them to rest for a full 24 hours before being served. It's a spectacle in itself, with a machine in the dining area where you can watch the noodles taking shape.
Get in touch: marutama.ca
Price Range:£
Nestled in the Heart of the City - Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard breaks the stereotype of typical hotel eateries. It's nestled within the Sutton Place Hotel, yet stands apart with its extraordinary menu. The celebrated chef, Alex Chen along with his dedicated team, work their magic on western fare right under this sophisticated roof, ornamented with a shining marble raw bar and plush cream-coloured booths. Embracing the seasonal yield of the Pacific Northwest, his artful creations often bring in a new wave of culinary approach and ingredients, yet never cease to impress. The creamy parmesan custard on the asparagus salad promises an irresistible temptation. Treat yourself to a towering platter of assorted seafood and the Haida Gwaii halibut doused in a heavenly kombu seaweed butter sauce would make a sublime second course.
For more Information: boulevardvancouver.ca
Price Index: ££
For a real treat, splurge on a seafood tower at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar Botanist
Head upstairs away from the hubbub of the Fairmont Pacific Rim’sLobby Lounge to the vanilla and pale pink curves and jungle of greenery at the Botanist to find a champagne lounge bubbling over with eclectic offerings, a cocktail bar 'focusing on high-concept creative presentations and chef Hector Laguna’s fine-dining haven celebrating locally sourced produce and sustainable seafood. This may be one of the pricier spots in town, but Laguna’s delicate artistry, confident use of bold flavours and textures which dip into his Mexican heritage, and whisper-light intensely flavoured foams makes their tasting menu worth every penny. House-made pastas are silky and bright, veggies shine as the stars of the plate and dishes dance with decadent cheffy touches such as a wafer-thin, beet-stained crêpe layered in a mille feuille with foie gras, dotted with sustainable local caviar. Unmissable.
Contact:botanistrestaurant.com
Prices:££-£££
Best table: The Garden Room
In Vancouver, food enthusiasts can find a multitude of culinary delights, ranging from fine dining experiences to unique food truck offerings. One standout option is The Botanist, a restaurant that prides itself on their commitment to using locally sourced produce and sustainable seafood. With a menu that showcases the best of the region's ingredients, The Botanist provides a truly exceptional dining experience.
For those seeking a more casual yet authentic Vancouver food experience, Japadog is a must-visit food cart. Having been in operation since 2005, Japadog fuses the flavors of Japanese cuisine with the classic American hot dog, resulting in a delightful fusion that is unmistakably Vancouver. Located at the intersection of Burrard and Smithe, this food cart offers a diverse range of options.
One of their signature creations is the Terimayo, a mouthwatering 100% all-beef sausage topped with delectable teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fried onions, and seaweed. Additionally, Japadog delights customers with their 'Age Ice' - deep-fried sweet buns stuffed with creamy ice cream. Notably, the black sesame or mango flavors are particularly delightful.
Immerse yourself in Vancouver's culinary scene by exploring the vibrant food truck offerings or indulging in the sophisticated flavors of The Botanist. Whichever path you choose, you are sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.
Get in touch: japadog.com
Price Range: £
Thierry Cafe
Tucked within an accessible distance from the heart of downtown, Thierry Café is an inviting, upscale French patisserie clad with a cozy wooden interior. This exquisite café welcomes you with a spectrum of dessert options even after dark. Enjoy the fresh taste of summer with buttery tarts laden with seasonal fruits like fresh strawberries complemented by basil-infused pastry cream or the tangy delight of yuzu sabayon accompanied by fresh local raspberries. An assortment of flaky cookies, beautifully garnished cakes, handcrafted ganache-filled chocolates soaked in dark rum and brioche savarins, making them irresistible not only to taste but also perfect as gift items. They also serve a selected range of espresso-based beverages and homemade, refreshing sodas. Enjoy all of this while you relax on their intimate patio, watching the vibrant night scenes of Vancouver. The café, renowned for its commendable service, has made a mark as a culinary gem in the city.
Reach us at: thierrychocolates.com
Price Indicator:£
For a sweet conclusion to your night, consider a visit to the beloved French patisserie, Thierry Café.
An innovative interpretation of a conventional Chinese brasserie awaits you at Bao Bei, where modern style meets rich cultural background. This slim, attractively set up location, wonderfully complemented by leather cushioned seating and hip bar tables, provides an invigorating atmosphere. The clanking woks in the kitchen is a testament to the time-honored culinary practices employed here. In line with Vancouver's commitment to ethical practices, all meat used in this restaurant are locally sourced, sustainable, and ethically raised. The beef tartare with taro chips served with burnt scallion oil and crispy shallots is an irresistible order, and multiple servings are a must. Additionally, be sure not to miss Helen's locally acclaimed hand-crafted dumplings that are bursting with flavor.
Connect: bao-bei.ca
Reservation Policy: Admittance is first-come, first-serve basis, and seating only occurs when all party members are present.
Cost: moderate
Bao Bei is a funky modern take on a Chinese brasserie
West coast cuisine tends to be light and fresh; something you could eat and contemplate a yoga class later. Not so at St Lawrence, chef JC Poirier’s love letter to the buttery, rich cuisine of Quebec that has been a smash since opening in 2017 and recently scored a Michelin star. Step behind the velvet curtain of this intimate dining space and walk into an authentic French-Canadian experience where the music, wine list and many of the staff are French. St Lawrence only offers a tasting menu experience, and you’ll need to book at least a month in advance (or get lucky with a cancellation), but it’s worth it; as St Lawrence tempts with outrageous decadence; and if it’s on the menu, the flaky Paris-Brest stuffed with duck liver and foie gras mousse is a worthy ‘final meal’ contender. Over-order any extras and resign yourself to unbuttoning that suddenly tight waistband; c’est la vie!
Contact: stlawrencerestaurant.com
Reservations: Essential. Book well in advance.
Prices: ££
Best table:Chef’s counter
Chef JC Poirier's eatery, St Lawrence, stands as a testament to the creamy and luxury-rich dishes that are characteristic of Quebec's cuisine.
On the culinary map of Vancouver, one name stands out prominently, shaping the city's unique gastronomic identity with her relentless collaboration with local farmers, fishers, and forage experts - Chef Andrea Carlson. As a pioneer in the arena of organic, local, and sustainable food philosophy, her work has been fittingly recognized with a Michelin star. Nestled in the vibrant Mount Pleasant area, her elegant wood-and-white-brick dining space, frames the eye-catching dishes allowing them to be the stars. Offering an exclusively multi-course tasting menu that features the best of current and seasonal produce, dining here means embracing the joy of surprise. If you are a fan of Buttermilk Fried Chicken, keep an eye out. If it's not part of the menu on the day of your visit, add it to your order and pair it with the dill powder ranch dip made in-house. The duo is a crowd-pleaser.
Contact: burdockandco.com
Booking: Suggested
Price Range: £-££
Burdock & Co's chef, Andrea Carlson, has shaped Vancouver's fresh, local and sustainable culinary style Published on Main
Published on Main bagged very nearly every award going in Canada in 2022 from the number one spot in Canada’s top 100 restaurants to a one-star award in Vancouver’s inaugural Michelin guide. Sure, getting a reservation may be tricky but if you want to experience Vancouver-style modern fine dining at its best, it’s worth either booking 60-days ahead or showing up at 5pm for a walk-in table – once you’re there, let the team take the lead with the tasting menu and creative drinks pairings from small-batch sake and boutique wine to craft cocktails. The 11-course tasting menu celebrates the best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with plenty of fermented and foraged elements, and lashings of cheffy technique from aerated hay custards to local steelhead trout with Douglas fir-infused crème fraîche.
Contact: publishedonmain.com
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££