VANCITYALLIE’S 1ST ANNUAL VANCOUVER RESTAURANT GUIDE (AND CONTEST!)
Restaurants and food are hot topics in Vancouver. Everyone has an opinion, a favourite, a “must-try”, and a “must-avoid”. There are few topics in Vancouver that spark people’s passion, outrage and emotions as much as food. It’s easy to see why: it’s a true foodie town with a multitude of options from different cuisines, different neighbourhoods, different price ranges, and different styles.
I’m running an awesome contest this week and giving away over $100 in gift certificates to some of the best restaurants in BC and some amazing cookbooks. Scroll down to enter.
The Georgia Strait’s Best of Vancouver voting is going on right now! Want to vote for me? Simply go here and vote for VancityAllie under “Best Local Blog” and “Best Local Twitterer”. and it inspired me to create my own restaurant guide… especially after having so many people ask me for my suggestions. Keep in mind that these are just my personal opinions based on my experience after being born and raised, and living in Vancouver for 20+ years. So here are my “Best of Vancouver” restaurant suggestions…
My Favourite Fine Dining Restaurant (and Favourite Restaurant of all time): West Restaurant
Why: Impeccable food, service, and drinks. One of the best managed restaurants in thecity, not to mention amazing food. Ask for the “Chef’s Table”.
What to Order: Any dish is fantastic… but the Pea Agnolotti from their currentsummer menu is to DIE for. One of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. Ask to add bacon.
What to Avoid: Nothing!
My Favourite Weekday Brunch: Cafe Medina
Why: Really unique, interesting selection… everything from waffles to curries, to adventurous skillets.
What to Order: No matter what you get, you should get at least one waffle. Order it with some maple syrup, dark chocolate sauce and/or one of the other interesting sauces such as raspberry compote or raspberry caramel. Mmmm! Don’t forget to order a side of bacon… they smoke and slice it there.. it’s thick cut with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. DELICIOUS! The daily curry is also very good.
What to Avoid: The salads. They aren’t bad… but they also aren’t all that exciting!
My Favourite Lunch Spot for Under $10: Grounds for Appeal at the Law Society Building (845 Cambie St)
Why: Amazing butter chicken, veggie curries, and daily specials at prices you’ll be stunned at. They do take-out and sit in as well. Come a bit before or after the lunch rush as they can be quite busy.
What to Order: Definitely the butter chicken. Comes with a full plate of rice and lots of delicious naan. They also make amazing chai tea.
What to Avoid: I’m not a huge fan of the sandwiches or salads.
My Favourite Out-of-Town Restaurant: Araxi
Why: Amazing local cuisine, Chef James Walt sources much of the food from “100 mile” producers such as from Pemberton. He lives on a farm there and really understands the quality and flavours of local food.
What to Order: Chef Walt’s soup creations are always incredible. When Elk/Venison is on the menu, it is not to be missed… as well as any beef or pork dish. If you get a chance to try the souffle, you will not be disappointed! Don’t forget to chat with Araxi’s Sommelier/Manager, Steve Edwards about the wine… ask him for his favourite Mesclat! He is one of the most knowledgeable sommeliers in the country.
What to Avoid: Nothing!
My Favourite Weekend Breakfast/Brunch: Tomato Fresh Food Cafe
Why: Located at Broadway and Bayswater, Tomato gets quite busy on weekends, but never as much of a lineup as you would see at some breakfast diners. It’s a great bright open space, and the food is always very fresh. It’s also one of the few breakfast places that uses free-range eggs.
What to Order: I love getting the french toast there with bacon, and Allan loves the classic Bacon & Eggs. Don’t forget to try a chocolate milkshake!
What to Avoid: We’re not crazy about the Eggs Benny.
My Favourite Cocktails: West Restaurant
Why: David Wolowidnyk is one of the city’s best bartenders, if not the best… His attention to detail, creativity, and extensive knowledge is unsurpassed in my opinion. David W. is the bar manager, but the other bartender, David is also quite good as well.
What to Order: The Noyeau Glacé — a jewel of a drink with interesting flavours including apricot, ginger vodka, lemon, other fruit juices and topped with chamomile flowers. Amazing (it’s actually my favourite drink to have when I’m sick)! It’s also worth trying whatever his seasonal “fizz” drink is, but David W. is so creative he will be able to come up with something new for you every time. Like simple sour apple martinis? Yep, he can do them to perfection as well.
What to Avoid: Well, they have a proper absinthe contraption. Whether you choose to avoid or not could be a good or bad thing 
My Favourite Malaysian: Tropika (Cambie Street)
Why: Fast service, no fuss, and extensive menus. Food is always served hot with lots of flavour. We like the Cambie street location vs. the Robson or Richmond ones.
What to Order: You must order the Malay bread! Also good are the satays, fresh lime soda drink, Sambal beans, Tropika homestyle chicken, and the lemon chicken.
What to Avoid: The fish curries, the Haianese chicken.
Best Place to Take Someone on a Date: Hapa Izakaya on Robson
Why: Great ambience, delicious food, fun vibe, just the right amount of lighting, and the tapas aspect makes it easy to keep the date as short or as long as you like.
What to Order: The “Hello Kitty” drink is the perfect cocktail to suggest for your female date, and there are plenty of different beers for the guys. All the tapas are good, but I highly recommend the sushi, gindara (baked sablefish), beef short ribs, and the grilled asparagus when it’s on the menu.
My Favourite Japanese: Tojo’s
Why: Although quite pricey and considered “Japanese fine dining”, Tojo’s has been a long-time Vancouver legend for their creative food, traditional Japanese methods and flavours, and gorgeous dining room.
What to Order: The Chef’s Omakase menu is a must if you are brave. You set your price, and the Chef creates a unique menu for you based on your preferences and what’s seasonal/fresh. Myself, I always order the sablefish or Halibut cheek. It’s amazing. If you like beef, the tenderloin is incredible. The cocktails are also very good, from the lychee to the asian pear flavourings.
What to Avoid: The chicken dishes. They are a bit boring.
My Favourite Indian: Handi’s North Shore (Honourable Mention to Vij’s)
Why: You can’t get better Indian food than Vij’s in Vancouver. However, the no-reservations policy and lining up the door every day is a lot to deal with on a regular basis. The flavours are very traditional and the spices are subtle and complex. That being said, if you’re looking for a good Indian take-out or a great Indian experience, we like Handi’s on the North Shore. They also have a restaurant on Dunbar. The food is rich, flavourful, and always good.
What to Order: Butter chicken is amazing, so are the lamb curries, the vegetable curries, and the naan. Definitely order a mango lassi, they make one of the best in the city.
What to Avoid: The desserts.
My Favourite Dessert: Cheesecake etc.
Why: Amazing, creamy cheesecakes in a quaint little room with live piano music on weekends. If you like “creamy” soft cheesecakes, this is the place to go. If you’re looking for firm NY-style cheesecake, this might not be the place for you. It’s busy, so try to come early or don’t go if you’re in a rush.
What to Order: The chocolate cheesecake, make sure to add strawberries and dark chocolate sauce. There is no replacement. This is the only way to go here.
What to Avoid: Everything else. OK, the other desserts are good, but not as good. 
My Favourite Fish’n'Chips: Pickwick’s Fish and Chips on Granville (Marpole)
Why: Okay, so fish and chips is probably the most hotly debated cuisine in Vancouver. EVERYONE is picky and has their own style. Pickwick’s is my personal favourite. Crispy, hot, fresh, and just the right amount of batter with great pieces of fish. What to Order: You just can’t go wrong with two piece Halibut/Cod and chips! Note that the Granville St location is the best, the downtown one doesn’t even compare.
What to Avoid: Anything that isn’t deep fried fish and chips.
My Favourite Milkshake: White Spot
Why: It’s chocolatey, always consistently good, and a good price.
What to Order: The chocolate milkshake
What to Avoid: N/A
My Favourite After Bar/Clubbing Snack: Megabite Pizza (Honourable mention to Fritz for Poutine)
Why: Cheap, greasy, and delicious. Great crust and toppings. Not to mention close to the clubbing districts downtown with multiple locations.
What to Order: Any of the pizzas! Don’t forget to squeeze a little “white ranch” sauce on top… it’s popular with the regulars.
VANCITYALLIE’S WORST OF VANCOUVER LIST
Worst Pizza: Whole Foods Cambie
Why: The pizza staff here knead every last bubble out of their dough consistently until it is rock-hard cardboard. It’s also extremely expensive. They generally let the pizzas sit out too long as well. Too much greasy cheese, not enoguh sauce, bland sauce, not enough herbs, and terrible, terrible dough/crust. I’ve tried it over 10 times, and have been constantly disappointed.
Most Overrated: Go Fish on Granville Island
Why: Long line-ups, bland and lacklustre batter, and overpriced. I realize I am probably going to take some heat for this one
Worst Buffet: UBC Golf Course
Why: Overpriced, bland, and food tends to be quite soggy.
Most Trying-To-Hard-to-be-Trendy: Society (Yaletown)
Why: Expensive prices, tacky decor and slow service. I’ve eaten here a couple times and the crowd itself is a bit pretentious. The food is made with a heavy hand… too much cheese/butter/salt in many dishes. Avoid the mac and cheese… the truffle oil is completely overdone and a poor substitute for real truffles at those prices.
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VANCITYALLIE’S BEST RESTAURANTS IN BC GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY CONTEST
Grand Prize: $50 gift certificate to West Restaurant in Vancouver and a copy of the West Restaurant Cookbook and Blue Water Cafe Cookbook
How to Enter: Leave a comment on this post by Tuesday, July 20th 2010 at 10:00 PM PST.
Additional Entries: Tweet “I entered to win a $50 gift certificate to West Restaurant & 2 cookbooks from @VancityAllie … RT to win! http://tinyurl.com/2buhqgs/”
Prize will be drawn randomly on Tuesday night and the winner will be e-mailed details on how to claim the prize.
Best-of-Whistler Twitter-Only Prize Pack: $50 gift certificate to Araxi Restaurant in Whistler and a copy of the Araxi Cookbook
How to Enter: Tweet “I entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Araxi Restaurant & a cookbook from @VancityAllie … RT to win! http://tinyurl.com/2buhqgs/” by Tuesday, July 20th 2010 at 10:00 PM PST
Prize will be drawn randomly on Tuesday night and the winner will be e-mailed details on how to claim the prize.
———————
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
After 65 comments and over 250 retweets on Twitter…
For the Grand Prize: Comment #33 Vinci Au!
For the Twitter-Only Prize Pack: @kumii
Disagree? Agree? Have a suggestion for the “Best of” or “Worst of”… ? Just leave a comment here and you’ll automatically be entered into the Grand Prize contest.
Tags: annual, Araxi Restaurant, Best of Vancouver, BOV, contest, dine-out, dining, eating, fine dining, food, gift certificate, giveaway, guide, Restaurant, Vancouver, West Restaurant
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July 14th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Thanks for another awesome post Allie. I’ll be sure to check out your recommendations. That way, I can blame you if I’m disappointed
July 14th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Nice picks! I’ve never heard of Grounds for Appeal before. I’ll try their food one of these days.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I like Tropika, but I much prefer the one on Robson Street to the one on Cambie. I’ve had consistently poor service at Cambie and consistently watery Laksa. But there’s not a single person I know who actually agrees on a common favorite Malaysian restaurant: from Tropika to Banana Leaf to Cafe D-Lite to Hawker’s Delight to Tamarind Hill (my personal favorite), someone loves each one the best.
Tojo’s is on my must-go list. My best friend who manages the River Cafe in Calgary (probably the highest end place there) says they treat their employees like gold, and would come back to work there.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Nice write up Allie. Haven’t tried some of the places but will keep them in mind now.
Why am I not surprised that West made your #1 spot?
Will have to try Tropika, based on your recommendation. The one time that I tried the Robson Street location was so disappointing that I never returned. How does it compare to Banana Leaf on Cambie? I love that spot. I am surprised that Tomato Cafe made your list. The two experiences that I’ve had there have left me completely underwhelmed but maybe I’m missing something? There are so many good brunch places in Vancouver that that would be a hard one to choose.
Completely agree with your comments about Society…ugh.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Terrific list, Allie! I’ll definitely try some of these. I especially like the extra list of places to avoid. Now I’m hungry, though.
I tried to get into Vij’s the other night but decided to go next door instead when I found the wait was 2 hours. Fortunately I’m close to Dunbar so I’ll try out Handi’s there.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Oh I am totally with you on the West thing. One of my favourites as well!
And trying Araxi is definitely on the list for this summer sometime.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Ooh, yes please! I’ve been to Blue Water Cafe and CinCin, but not West or Araxi.
I’m also with you on Handi’s, it’s fantastic.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Great post! Not sure I agree with all of your “worsts” … I have a few contenders who are worse than the ones you mentioned. Good call on Grounds for Appeal.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
LOVE West and Cafe Medina! Try Nu (under Granville bridge) for their Sunday brunch, if you haven’t already!
July 14th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
This is awesome! I’m actually going to BC in a few weeks!!
July 14th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Justin and Amy, you’re right, Thai food is definitely a hard one to pick since everyone is has their fave. I specifically avoided the “thai” category and just left in the Malaysian part, because my favourite “thai” isn’t necessarily Tropika.
Under “What to Order” you’ll see I don’t recommend any curries… I think Banana Leaf and Maenam are far superior for the traditional thai curries. I think the malay bread and satays are unsurpassed at Tropika, and the homestyle chicken is amazing too… but not the place to go if you’re looking for a curry
Amy, yes, definitely need to be picky about what is ordered from Tomato.. we really like the french toast and bacon & eggs so we order that consistently… it’s one of my faves in Vancouver at a pretty good price. I’ve heard the other dishes aren’t as good. Plus I really like the free-range part. I think DB Bistro is really good too, but a bit too expensive to have weekly.
Loving hearing everyone’s thoughts on food in Vancouver!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Nice list.
Maenam is great for Thai food. If you REALLY like hot food, order the Green Halibut Curry with yoghurt or something else milky on the side to dampen the heat if you can’t take!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
DB isn’t too much if you are just going the simple bacon and eggs ($12 or $13). Personally, DB is one of my favourite brunch places. The scrambled eggs are amazing, and it has the bonus of being right next door to Thomas Haas!
For Thai, I think hands-down that Maenam is the best. Sooo good! And the staff know me there now which makes it even nicer to return to.
July 14th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Good call on Go Fish for overrated fish n chips!. Long long lines for nothing too special in my opinion.
July 14th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Ooo! Now I feel hungry all over again. Would love to win the gift certs!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
So many restaurants on your “must try” list I haven’t tried! Definitely gonna save up and try West one day
July 14th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Great recommendations – thanks for sharing!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Thanks so much for these recs! This will definitely come in handy as my husband and I are taking the train to Vancouver next week! Hopefully we can check out some of your recs.
I know you had a Japanese restaurant rec on your list, but what are your favourite places for sushi?
We’ll be staying in the Vancouver west area hotels, which is pretty close to most things…Do you have any sushi recs?
Btw, I retweeted your contest on Twitter!
I’m @ http://twitter.com/LoquatPieFTW & also http://twitter.com/nNoela
Thanks!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Nice post.
Would be curious to know what you think the best coffee in town is as well.
Another hotly debated subject.
July 14th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Thanks a LOT for making me hungry! And yes I am absolutely entering the contest!
July 14th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
i would love to win a gift certificate! i have some friends and family coming to visit me here in van soon, would be a great opportunity to take them out on the town!
great best of vancouver list – been a few, definitely added some to my must try list now!
July 14th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Great list! Now hope I can win a GC to West
July 14th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Amazing list! I totally agree! Especially Hapa Izakaya… Been there on many dates, and gets great way to try new things!!
July 14th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
This really makes me want to get back up to Vancouver. It’s been a few years. The Tomato Fresh Foods Cafe sound like a place I’d like to try.
Your writing & photos are always so fun & beautiful, it’s been a joy to follow you! Thanks
July 14th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Thanks for the recommendations!
July 14th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Hi! I’m excited to have stumbled on your blog and will now be following! Great ideas here … But I haven’t tried a lot of the places you’ve listed. Have you tried Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler? I love that place
July 14th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Your blog is an inspiration to all budding bloggers out there! Thanks for the great ideas on where to eat.
July 14th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I just moved to Vancouver! I love your blog – can’t wait to try out some of these restaurants.
July 14th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Great write up! These all sound so yummy!
July 14th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
i already voted for you before you asked! i wish i could vote again but one person per ballot.
love your idea of doing an annual guide to the best and worst, which is so unique and unusual b/c typically food reviewers and even food bloggers don’t do a run down of the worst. love your honesty about it.
i used to love tomato when they were on cambie st, but i found after they moved to kits, things just wasn’t the same. I had terrible service there once where we waited for 40 minutes with no menus, no water, nothing. we left.
looking forward to our lunch dates coming up, since both spots are on your “best” list =D
July 14th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Definitely with you on Cafe Medina!
July 14th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I love Go Fish! But I usually go when it’s not as busy or raining, the fish curry soup is delicious.
Re: sushi you missed all the good Kerrisdale restaurants (Ajisai)
Malaysian – my bf’s family is from Malaysia and thinks Banana leaf is more authentic although my Mom prefers Tropika, the Robson location
July 15th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I’ve always wanted to try West
Such gleaming reviews–esp from you, haha. Sounds delicious.
July 15th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Looks good
July 15th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Great post, I also love the cocktails at West definetely the best in the city
July 15th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I’ve never tried the pizza at Whole Foods before, but I really like the sushi bar and the deli and soups section at Whole Foods in West Van. It’s great for a quick bite or for picnics on the weekends.
July 15th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Thank you for the post Allie! Hope wedding planning is going well. Have you tried Pajo’s fish and chips in Steveston? I think they are the best.. but we can agree to disagree right?
July 15th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for the reviews Allie! I was always looking for great restraunts here in vancouver but never knew where to look! I will be referring back to this page for a while! Thanks
July 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
I’m fairly new to where the good eats are in Vancouver, but I do love to have a delicious delicious meal. I’m glad to hear recommendations from a local who knows. I will definitely try these out, thanks!
July 16th, 2010 at 12:32 am
Great post! I’ll be checking out some of your recommendations
July 16th, 2010 at 3:43 am
Best Vegetarian Restaurant – The Naam. Then again, I hear Foundations on Main is pretty sweet too.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
This post is making me hungry!! Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll have to check them out.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I actually went to West for the first time a couple weeks ago and had the Pea Agnolotti. One of the best things about Vancouver is the restaurants!!
July 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Great prizes!
July 16th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Thanks for the recommendation for Handi’s – I live in North Van and haven’t been yet!
July 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Nice list. Totally agree with Cafe Medina! Worth the line up. And their raspberry caramel latte is incredible.
July 16th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I agree with you on Hapa and Tojo’s; they both get a bad rap on dinehere.ca and other sites sometimes, but they are both unique and cool; especially when someone else is paying!
July 16th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I LIKE FOOD AND FOOD LIKES ME
also facebook has blocked your link because they say you’re phishing or something. how DARE you allie.
July 16th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I love a lot of the places you have listed here Allie; I have always wanted to try Cafe Medina:) Will let you know what I think.
July 16th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I totally agree with you on Cafe Medina. I love their waffles and the sauces. Their use of ingredients to create their dishes is pretty unique. Would have to add that their teas and coffees are delicious as well.
July 16th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I was reading an article on the best food in Vancouver on Canada.com, West and Cafe Medina both made their list too. Can’t wait to try them!
July 16th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
i add a 2nd vote to your favourite ‘weekend breakfast/brunch’ choice of Tomato’s.
July 16th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Thanks Allie, I’ll definitely be using this entry as a reference for my next food outings!
July 17th, 2010 at 7:18 am
Couldn’t agree more about Araxi! Such a great restaurant and a wonderful staff! Truly one of the best in Canada and in Whistler. Haven’t yet tried WEST, but would love to
July 17th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Thanks for your suggestions.. Always interesting. I love the West as well. I had a great experience at Le Crocrodile (http://lecrocodilerestaurant.com/). And I loved the Cheese plate at Le Gavroche.
I know you make amazon martinis, any place in town you recommend?
July 17th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
I definitely want to try both breakfast places… those waffles with the different toppings look awesome!
July 18th, 2010 at 8:25 am
Agree on the fish n chips but Go Fish make the best fish tacos I’ve managed to find in the city! Why is there such a dearth of great Mexican food here?? Something I struggle with I have to say
July 18th, 2010 at 10:10 am
I think you need one more category in your “best-of” list so that you can include Uncle Fatih’s!
July 18th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Awesome picks!! Thanks for all your hard work!! Please enter me in the contest!
Thanks
princess.ella@live.ca
July 19th, 2010 at 2:17 am
Love this list. I am really looking forward to trying out Grounds for Appeal, now. That’s the only one on the list I haven’t hit up yet.
PS. Keepin’ my fingers crossed that I stand a chance to win that gift certificate (and/or a cookbook). West is by far one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
July 19th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Allie, your post is so nice. I liked your photo from Cafe Medina). wish I have breakfast like this one
July 20th, 2010 at 8:52 am
I used to go to Cheescakes Etc. all the time. I remember when they used to make the best home made iced tea. It was a different flavour each night.
July 20th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I absolutely LOVE the drinks at West!! Great place to gather the girls and converse
July 20th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Mmmm! All that food looks and sounds delicious! I’m so in need of a girls night out!
July 20th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Agree with overrated (Go Fish). Was great at one time, but anything with a long lineup becomes overrated eventually.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
After 65 comments and over 250 retweets on Twitter…
For the Grand Prize: Comment #33 Vinci Au!
For the Twitter-Only Prize Pack: @kumii
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Thanks Allie
What an amazing prize. Cheers, Vinci
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Why don’t you check out http://www.inthemo.com/ ? It looks like you could have a lot to add (& potentially gain). Plus, it is freeee!
October 14th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Thank you Allie, for writing this list- we just got back from Vancouver, it was mostly a gastronomical trip:) and we tried a few places from your list – awesome, thanks so much again!