C (1600 Howe St.; tel. 604/681-1164): The creativity of the chef, the quality of the ingredients, and the freshness of the seafood all combine to make this contemporary restaurant overlooking False Creek the best place in Vancouver for innovative seafood.
Cin Cin (1154 Robson St.; tel. 604/688-7338): For maximum buzz, dine at this Robson Street star on a Friday or Saturday night. It's a lively people-watching spot where the Italian menu is divided into Old World and New, and tutto tastes terrific.
Coast (1257 Hamilton St.; tel. 604/685-5010): "Catch it, cook it, eat it" is the motto of this superlative Yaletown restaurant. Fresh fish from around the world is cooked to elegant perfection in a beautiful space created with light wood and a dramatic center-island chef's kitchen.
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House (777 Thurlow St.; tel. 604/669-1940): In the heart of the Robson shopping area, Joe Fortes has the best oyster bar in town and prepares its fresh fish the old-fashioned way, without a lot of culinary intervention.
Raincity Grill (1193 Denman St.; tel. 604/685-7337): Vancouver is loco for local fish, meat, produce, and wine. Raincity was one of the first and continues to be one of the best purveyors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients all assembled into dishes that show off the region's bounty, season by season.
Tojo's Restaurant (1133 W. Broadway; tel. 604/872-8050): The most sublime sushi in B.C., maybe in all of Canada. Just remember to take out an extra mortgage and practice your so-what-if-you're-a-movie-star-I-don't-care look.
West (2881 Granville St.; tel. 604/738-8938): For dazzling fine dining that utilizes the freshest local seasonal ingredients, you can't go wrong with this stellar restaurant in Kitsilano. It's the culinary highlight of the entire region.
Best Spot for a Romantic Dinner: Raincity Grill, 1193 Denman St. (tel. 604/685-7337), with its low ceiling, crisp linens, windows overlooking English Bay, and fabulous food, is a place that makes you want to linger.
Best Pacific Northwest Cuisine: West, 2881 Granville St. (tel. 604/738-8938), is the best -- for an all-round, upscale, Pacific Northwest dining experience. But don't just take my word for it. This storied West Side eatery has won Vancouver magazine's "Best Restaurant" award for 4 years running.
Best View: For a combination of top-notch food and a killer view of mountains, Burrard Inlet, and Stanley Park, try Lift, 333 Menchions Mews (tel. 604/689-5438).
Best Chinese Cuisine: The best Vancouver Chinese remains Sun Sui Wah, 3888 Main St. (tel. 604/872-8822). It's definitely worth the trip.
Best Brunch: Head across Burrard Inlet to West Vancouver and the Beach House at Dundarave Pier, 150 25th St., (tel. 604/922-1414), the place where West Vanners go to enjoy the terrific view and the yummy weekend brunch.
Best Spot for a Sustainable Meal: Raincity Grill, 1193 Denman St. (tel. 604/685-7337), was one of the first Vancouver eateries to source all its products locally and responsibly. The "100 Miles" menu features food harvested, caught, or grown within 100 miles of Vancouver.
Best Newcomer: Italian Kitchen, 1037 Alberni St. (tel. 604/687-2858), serves up Italian food trattoria-style in an atmosphere that's both welcoming and glamorous.
Best Japanese: If you're looking for the best sushi and sashimi in Vancouver, Tojo's Restaurant, 1133 W. Broadway (tel. 604/872-8050), is the place to go. It's expensive, but you'll be treated to the freshest fish and most exquisitely prepared seafood delicacies in B.C.
Best Outdoor Dining: For unsurpassed ocean views, reserve a table under the trees at Sequoia Grill at the Teahouse in Stanley Park, Ferguson Point (close to Third Beach; tel. 604/669-3281). This patio also doubles as the best place to watch the sunset.
Best Oysters: Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House, 777 Thurlow St. (tel. 604/669-1940), has become a Vancouver institution, and if you order one of the seafood towers, you'll see why. Or try a few freshly shucked oysters before your grilled salmon or halibut, and you'll go away happy.
Best Vegetarian: Annapurna, 1812 W. 4th Ave. (tel. 604/736-5959), has flavorful food, a cozy little room, and the most reasonable wines in town. Who says you have to sacrifice when you're a veggie eater?
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
