History buffs will delight in Vancouver’s interesting past by exploring some excellent sites and museums, and foodies can savor outstanding cuisine at top-shelf eateries, fine-dining establishments, and bastions of modern romance. Here are some excellent restaurants to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or celebrating a special occasion.
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
Situated along the picturesque seawall in False Creek, Ancora Dining and Patio is an elegant restaurant with contemporary décor that serves Peruvian and Japanese cuisine with a particular focus on West Coast sustainable seafood. Designed for comfort, the restaurant features high ceilings and windows, cozy booths in aquatic tones, and airy fishing net–inspired chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Diners can enjoy Ancora’s five-course tasting menu, which features signature plates of Peruvian and Japanese dishes such as sablefish with dashi braised daikon and Dungeness crab causa topped with huancaina sauce. Other delights on the menu include Peruvian ceviche, fresh sashimi, and oysters, and the spacious dining room and patio boast beautiful views of the city’s waterfront landscape. Ancora Dining and Patio is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9, Canada, Phone: 604-681-1164
L'Abattoir Restaurant
Hailed as one of the top spots in Vancouver for romantic dining, L'Abattoir is a great place to enjoy sublime cuisine and classic cocktails and explore the bustling nightlife of the surrounding Gastown District. Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building between historic Gaoler’s Mews and Blood Alley in the heart of Gastown, the restaurant boasts an industrial-chic setting with a dark and sexy atmosphere and serves an innovative menu of Pacific Northwest fare with French accents that pay homage to neighborhood’s colorful history. Owner and chef Lee Cooper also present an eclectic wine program and innovative cocktail menu to pair with the cuisine, and the restaurant is open for daily for dinner and weekend brunch.
217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada, Phone: 604-568-1701
Miku Waterfront Restaurant
Boasting beautiful views of the Burrard Inlet, Miku Waterfront presents gourmet Aburi cuisine in an elegant and refined atmosphere. Situated next to the Vancouver landmark Canada Place on West Hastings Street in Coal Harbour, Miku features a stylish dining room, casual lounge, and full-service bar, as well as a stylish sushi bar serving handmade sushi and sashimi, private dining spaces, and a charming waterfront patio with spectacular views. Executive chefs Kazuya Matsuoka and Kazuhiro Hayashi use the highest quality fresh, regional ingredients and sustainable seafood choices to prepare the inventive menu of Japanese cuisine. Innovative desserts created from scratch by the pastry team offer the perfect ending to an exceptional culinary experience. Miku Waterfront Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
70-200 Granville Street, Granville Square (Canada Place Way and Howe Street), Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1S4, Phone: 604-568-3900
Bistro Absinthe
Bringing a taste of France into the heart of Vancouver, Bistro Absinthe is a family-owned and operated restaurant that focuses on flavorful French fare made from locally sourced ingredients. Designed and decorated in a French-bistro style, the 22-seater eatery is situated on the lively Commercial Drive and boasts a friendly and inviting ambiance. The bistro serves a prix-fixe menu that consists of three starters, three mains, and three desserts that changes daily, as well as an a la carte menu with dishes such as pan-seared scallops, slow-braised lamb shank and tuna tartare. Absinthe Bistro offers a selection of French, Canadian, Spanish and Argentinian wines, as well as a range of aperitifs, digestives, and handcrafted cocktails.
1260 Commercial Drive, V5L 3X4, Vancouver, B.C, Phone: 604-566-9053
Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
Nestled in Vancouver's only Relais and Chateaux property, the luxurious Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge is an elegant restaurant with richly upholstered furniture, dark wood hues, an imported Venician light fixtures that create a romantic glow. Overlooked by a large canvas depicting Bacchus, the Greek god of wine and revelry, the elegant dining room is the perfect place to savor gourmet French-inspired cuisine and fresh, West Coast seafood against a backdrop of live entertainment nightly from the piano bar. The bar serves classic cocktails, imported spirits, and craft beers, and a curated selection of wines from around the world. Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada, Phone: 604-608-5319
Bishop's
Tucked away in a chic duplex in the charming neighborhood of Kitsilano away from the busy cultural hub of downtown Vancouver, Bishop’s is an intimate, modern and airy restaurant with a loft-like atmosphere that serves inspired cuisine with seasonal locally sourced British Columbian ingredients. Known for its regionally sourced West Coast continental cuisine, Bishop’s serves up delicious dishes that reflect the seasons of British Columbia such as locally sourced seafood and prime cuts of meat. The restaurant also serves a curated selection of wine by the glass and an outstanding range of vintages by the half-bottle. Bishop’s is open for dinner every night of the week.
2183 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7, Canada, Phone: 604-738-2025
Botanist
Inspired by the beauty of nature, Botanist presents an exceptionally romantic dining experience in the heart of Vancouver. Adorned with lush greenery, natural elements, soft peach banquets and touches of brushed gold, the beautifully appointed dining room sets the scene for an elegant fine dining affair with a menu to match of fresh, exquisitely prepared and presented cuisine. Making the most of the Pacific Northwest's bounty, Executive Chef Hector Laguna creates an innovative menu of locally and seasonally driven cuisine, which is accompanied by a range of sustainable, biodynamic and organic wines and an inventive cocktail program. Botanist is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
1038 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Phone: 604-695-5500
Brix & Mortar Restaurant
Located inside a 1912 heritage building of Yaletown, Brix & Mortar is a beautiful dining space with warm exposed brick walls, glass-covered patios surrounded by lush green vines, and glittering glass chandeliers that offers a cozy, intimate and very romantic ambiance for a special dinner. An innovative menu of made-from-scratch Canadian-inspired fare cuisine features dishes such as Wild Salmon served with artichokes and pickled celery, and Tagliatelle with smoked mushrooms, pine nuts, and pecorino pepito. The wine list features top-shelf picks from around the world, along with local labels from British Columbia and diners can relax on one of the glass-covered patios for alfresco dining in the summer. Brix & Mortar Restaurant is open for dinner, seven nights a week.
1138 Homer Street, Vancouver, Phone: 604-915-9463
CinCin Ristorante and Bar
CinCin Ristorante + Bar is based at the top of a winding terracotta stairway that leads upward from Robson Street and offers a warm and welcoming space in which to enjoy outstanding Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Featuring crisp white table linens, a lively kitchen, and a wood-fired oven that creates a warm glow, the restaurant serves an innovative menu of seasonal dishes prepared with well-sourced ingredients, such as homemade soups, fresh salads, small sharing plates, and hearty entrées. Acclaimed Chef Andrew Richardson creates the menus, which are accompanied by a hand-curated selection of craft cocktails, a renowned grappa collection, and an award-winning wine program. CinCin Ristorante + Bar is open for seven nights a week.
1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Phone: 604-688-7338
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill
Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill is owned and operated by chef/owner Giuseppe “Pino” Posteraro and serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a comfortable, relaxed setting. The restaurant features two large patios which offer guests the opportunity to enjoy alfresco dining while watching Yaletown passersby. An open kitchen showcases the local chef preparing seasonal Mediterranean fare using locally sourced ingredients, and a warm and welcoming dining space exudes a pleasant and romantic ambiance. Using a classical style of cooking known as Cucina natural, Chef Posteraro is renowned for signature dishes such as tagliolini al granchio, gnocchetti of saffron and lemon with lobster, and scaloppine ai Funghi. Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada, Phone: 604-688-7466
Five Sails
Located at the Pan Pacific Hotel and open seven days a week for dinner, Five Sails Restaurant boasts breathtaking views over Vancouver, an award-winning menu of West Coast and outstanding service to provide a five-star dining experience. Experienced husband and wife team Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers present a creative menu of modern classics made with locally sourced organic products and ingredients, as well as seasonal small plates, accompanied by an impressive wine list and range of cocktails, beer, and spirits. The restaurant features an elegant bar and lounge with a fireplace, cozy elevated banquettes, and an exclusive private dining room for private functions.
Suite 410 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3E1, Phone: 604-844-2855
Giardino Restaurant
Giardino Restaurant is a classy, Tuscan-style restaurant with vaulted ceilings and a charming Florentine-styled courtyard, sidewalk patio and bar that serves authentic Italian cuisine in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Located on Hornby Street steps away from the beloved Il Giardino, the Tuscan-inspired restaurant helmed by Umberto Menghi features high ceilings, hand-painted artworks, wooden beams, and beautiful Tuscan tiles, and take diners on a traditional Tuscan adventure with the bold and vibrant flavors the Italian region is famous for. A seasonal outdoor garden patio features fresh seasonal flowers and lush greens, which are used in dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash and Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Cannelloni Alla Fiorentina, and Oven-Roasted Pacific Sablefish. Giardino Restaurant is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday.
1328 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W5, Canada, Phone: 604-669-2422
Hawksworth Restaurant
Located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Hawksworth Restaurant is an award-winning dining spot that offers a master class in fine dining. Featuring a stunning granite and leather bar and lounge, cozy, intimate seating, elegant chandeliers, and several private dining spaces, the restaurant serves delicious Northwest Pacific style cuisine prepared with the highest quality of local and regionally sourced ingredients. Classically romantic dishes include foie gras parfait, grilled sea bass, yarrow meadows duck breast, and wild mushroom pappardelle. An impressive wine list accompanies the award-winning cuisine with vintages from around the world, craft beers and microbrews on tap, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. The Hawksworth Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.
801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada, Phone: 604-673-7000
Jules Casual French Bistro
Located on Abbott Street in the heart of Gastown, Jules Casual French Bistro is a cozy restaurant with an elegant bar and airy patio that serves French bistro classics in a quaint and romantic ambiance. Exuding a charming bistro setting reminiscent of Paris, the café serves a variety of authentic French cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients in the French style of simplicity. Start with shareable appetizers like escargots with parsley and garlic butter or homemade country-style paté followed by entrées of seafood linguini and Brome Lake duck leg confit. Jules Casual French Bistro also offers an extensive selection of fine wines from the region and further afield, and craft beers and is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday and brunch on the weekends.
216 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada, Phone: 604-669-0033
Kissa Tanto
Nestled in a quaint historic building in Chinatown with a chic dining space inspired by 1960s Tokyo jazz café, Kissa Tanto is a stylish restaurant that serves Italian-Japanese cuisine and classic cocktails in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Set on the second floor of the building with lovely views over Chinatown, the restaurant presents a menu of delicious cuisine that highlights the delicate flavors of Japan and the hearty warmth of Italian fare that come together to create a unique culinary fusion. Think crisp, exotic salads, elegant Crudo and cruda, playful pasta, and rich, tender meats, accompanied by tiny glasses of cold or hot sake, chilled glasses of beer, tall colorful cocktails, and fine wines. Kissa Tanto is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
263 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada, Phone: 778-379-8078
Le Crocodile
Le Crocodile is a long-standing fine-dining destination that presents fine French cuisine prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Michel Jacob in an elegant and romantic space. Renowned for the unique details like little crocodile shaped chocolates presented to guests, along with impeccable service, world-class wines, and out-of-this-world cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional produce. The Chef's tasting menu features signature dishes such as grilled asparagus and seafood salad, wild mushroom ravioli, duck confit leg and halibut, and rum baba with house-made vanilla ice cream. Le Crocodile is open for lunch and dinner daily.
909 Burrard St #100, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2, Canada, Phone: 604-669-4298
Les Faux Bourgeois
A favorite among Vancouverites for sublime cuisine, fine wines and impeccable service, Les Faux Bourgeois is a popular restaurant with couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot for dinner. The French-inspired menu features signature starters of escargots de Bourgogne, country-style pork paté with homemade bread, and a variety of sweetbreads, along with entrées of mussels in white wine, canard confit, and coq au vin. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of fine wines from around the world, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails. Les Faux Bourgeois is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
663 E 15th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6, Phone: 604-873-9733
Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca
For excellent Italian cuisine and impressive service in a warm and welcoming environment, head to Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca, which serves a creative menu of authentic Italian cuisine and casual wines in a cozy and romantic setting. Nestled in a beautifully restored 160-year-old heritage home, Lupo features an elegant dining room with an open fireplace, modern art-adorned walls, and a cozy enclosed front porch. The menu is equally romantic and full of delicious dishes of mouthwatering antipasto plates of octopus, foie gras parfait, homemade pasta, fresh salads, entrées of tender lamb osso buco and pillowy ricotta gnocchi. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of regional and imported wines, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails. Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
869 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R7, Canada, Phone: 604-569-2535
Provence Marinaside
Located along Yaletown’s seawall, Provence Marinaside brings a touch of Southern France to the heart of Vancouver. Boasting beautiful ocean views, the stylish waterfront spot serves a menu of classic Canadian West Coast fare accompanied by a wide range of sommelier-selected fine wines from around the world. Diners can relax in the elegant formal dining room or on the outdoor patio, which boasts spectacular views of the marina and savors fresh seafood, prime cuts of meat, fresh salads, homemade soups, and housemade pasta dishes. Marinaside hosts live jazz every Wednesday evening and is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, Phone: 604-681-4144
Salmon n' Bannock Bistro
Vancouver's only First Nations restaurant, Salmon n' Bannock Bistro is an intimate eatery that specializes in Native Canadian fare such as wild fish, free-range game meat, and freshly baked bannock. Using traditional and locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood to prepare every dish, the small casual bistro celebrates the rich bounty of the region and prides themselves on being a gathering place for the community to come and enjoy great food and drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Salmon n' Bannock Bistro is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday.
1128 W Broadway #7, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5, Canada, Phone: 604-568-8971
Seasons in the Park
For some of the most breathtaking views in Vancouver, head to Seasons in the Park, which is one of the city’s top restaurants for romantic dining. Known for its relaxed ambiance, impeccable service, award-winning cuisine, globally sourced wines, and of course, the spectacular views, Seasons in the Park promises an unforgettable dining experience. Located in the Queen Elizabeth Park on Little Mountain, the restaurant features a beautifully appointed dining room and an outdoor patio with a hanging chandelier and crackling fireplace. The menu boasts traditional ‘date-night’ dishes like lobster and steak and delicious wood-fired pizzas, and the comprehensive wine bar is a wine-lover’s delight with a wide array of vintages from around the world.
33rd Avenue, Vancouver, Phone: 604-874-8008
Teahouse in Stanley Park
Based at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, the Teahouse in Stanley Park is a cheerful, welcoming spot that offers an array of New Canadian cuisine and fresh seafood, along with classic cocktails and fine wines. Surrounded by towering trees, the historic seaside landmark boasts a beautiful location with spectacular views, making it ideal for date night or celebrating a special occasion. Diners can enjoy exceptional cuisine and fine wines in the formal dining room or on the outdoor patio next to the fireplace against a backdrop of panoramic vistas. The Teahouse in Stanley Park has three distinct rooms with unmatched views for private dining, and the restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada, Phone: 604-669-3281
