This year our lineup of the best new Vancouver restaurants ranges from the high-end to the very casual, but all reflecting how Vancouverites like their food these days in different categories, such as Canadian, French, Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, breakfast & brunch, desserts, and cafe.
Botanist
Botanist – photo by @foodologyca
The luxury Fairmont Pacific Rim’s new in-house restaurant is entirely inspired by the luscious greenery of the Pacific Northwest, from the interiors, the cocktails to their signature dishes. Their idea of “Deep Cove” in their cocktail lab showcases Island Gin, sea buckthorn, and blue algae, and served on a log of driftwood.
[Canadian]
1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9; (604) 695-5500 or www.botanistrestaurant.com
breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; brunch on Fridays and Saturdays
Dolpan Seoul BBQ
Dolpan Seoul BBQ – Photo by @eatingwithkirby
A snapshot of the busy foodie nightlife in Seoul, Korea, this new BBQ joint boasts an energetic ambiance, and some flashy and flavourful creations, such as the Green Tea Pork Belly on the grill, the Egg “Vacano” erupting in a stone bowl, and endless refills of kimchi and japchae.
[Korean]
779 Sexmith Road, Richmond; (604) 273-9220 or www.dolpanbbq.com;
lunch and dinner daily.
The Gray Olive Cafeteria
Gray Olive Cafeteria – photo by @foodologyca
The new go-to brunch spot in Burnaby Heights has attracted foodies with creativity. Many find the long narrow dining room stylish, reminiscing small bistros in Europe. The style continues on their menu as well, with comfort fare carefully prepared and presented with local seasonal ingredients.
[Breakfast & Brunch]
4190 Hastings Street Burnaby; (604) 566-9664 or www.thegrayolive.com;
breakfast and lunch daily.
L’Eclair de Genie
l’eclair de genie – photo by @pickydiner
The lavish French dessert chain has opened their 25th boutique shop in Vancouver, first in Canada . Chef Christophe Adam‘s éclair sensation has over 250 unique varieties. In addition to the classic flavours such as Salted Caramel, Chocolate Grand Cru, and Vanilla Pecan, they carry exotic flavours such as Matcha and Yuzu, as well as Maple Cream just for the Vancouverites.
[Desserts]
1210 Robson Street Vancouver; (604) 428-3318 or www.leclairdegenie.ca
10 am – 10 pm daily.
Mak N Ming
mak n ming – photo by @foodgressing
A top 5 winner of EnRoute’s best new restaurants in Canada, this intimate Kitsilano room is decorated with wood, marble and leather elements. Chef’s tasting menu is the only option, and the seasonal creations showcase local ingredients prepared in a mix of Japanese and French techniques.
[Japanese, French]
1629 Yew Street Vancouver, 604-737-1155 or www.maknming.com;
dinner daily.
Fayuca
Fayuca – photo by @pickydiner
The excitement of Northern Mexican cuisine on Pacific coast has reached Vancouver from the bold and vibrant stretch between Baja and SoCal. The smoky flavour on fish machaca or grilled cauliflower is just as sexy as how premium mezcal tastes here. “Lamb Belly Barbacoa, Charred Avocado, White Onions, and Chile De Arbol” – what a song to seduce foodies.
[Mexican]
1009 Hamilton St., Vancouver; 604-689-8523 or www.fayuca.ca;
dinner daily, lunch & happy hour Mon – Fri.
Shu Tao Hot Pot
Shu Tao Hot Pot – photo by @joanne_xq_
The high-end Sichuan hot pot restaurant has an elegant interior with striking Chinese accents. Just look at the details on main entrance assembled with traditional wooden doors and brass lion knockers. The experience becomes even more exquisite over the premium ingredients like Angus short ribs, kurobuta pork, and lobster sashimi, simmered in one of those ten carefully calibrated hot pot soups, complemented by a tremendous sauce bar full of flavourful choices.
[Chinese, Hot Pot]
5960 Minoru Boulevard Unit 140 Richmond; (778) 789-9919;
dinner daily.
St Lawrence
St Lawrence PHOTOS BY DARRYL DYCK/THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Chef-owner Jean-Christophe Poirier has brought his Québécois and brasserie specialties to Railtown, after conducting the mega success at Ask For Luigi. He told Nuvo, “When people ask me what Quebec’s food is, I say that it reflects the Québécois people: excessive, bold, and full of personality. ” Many have found true comfort from his creations, such as the classic spoon-coating sauces, whipped up with a sumptuous dosage of cream, butter, and bone broth simmered for hours.
[French]
269 Powell St., Vancouver; 604-620-3800 or www.stlawrencerestaurant.com
dinner Mon-Sat
Peaked Pies
Peaked Pies – photo by @foodgressing
Endorsed by true Aussie folks, many have found their authentic meat pies deletable and comforting. The gravy and the toppings are the local touches to this Australian delicacy. Try the “Butter Chicken” for a more exotic taste, and a ginger beer to go with it.
[Australian, Fast Food, Bakery]
975 Denman Street, Vancouver; (778) 379-5612 or www.websitepeakedpies.com
breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Nemesis Coffee
Nemesis – photo by @foodgressing
In a city known for many coffee connoisseurs, it’s agreed that one of the best coffee shops in the city is one of the newest. Nemesis Coffee stands out in Gastown in its own league. Featuring rotating European and Canadian coffee roasters, a single espresso is pulled with triple Mythos grinders and a Synesso MVP espresso machine, and filter coffees are exclusively brewed by the cup. The food prepared in-house here shines just as much. Try the chic and tasty Ducks and Waffle for the savoury, or the rich and creamy Lemon Posset with Beets and Black Coffee Granola for the sweet.
[Cafe] 302 W Hastings Street;8 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm, Sat-Sun
Please let us know what you think. Email us at info@foodiepulse.com or visit @vanfoodiepulse
