RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Lumi�re

$$$$$ | French

Renowned for its excellent service and modern French cuisine, Lumiére is one of Canada's fine dining hotspots. Soft lighting and crisp white tablecloths set the elegant ambiance, where sophisticated food and wine take the limelight. With chefs like Dale Mackay from the famed Gordon Ramsay restaurants creating magic, patrons are assured gastronomic excellence. Voted Best Restaurant and Best French restaurant by Vancouver Magazine and recipient of Dine Out Vancouver's 2008 Best Service award, Lumiére is a sure bet. For some wine tasting and small eats head next door to the cosy Tasting Bar and sample some heart-warming Butternut Squash Risotto with Regianno Parmesan or Macaroni and Cheese with four cheeses and double smoked Irish bacon. Open from 5.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: 2551 West Broadway; Telephone: (604) 739 8185

Brix Restaurant

$$$$$ | International

Offering a warm ambiance and a diverse menu to complement its urban environment, patrons at Brix can sample anything from a Four Cheese Cannelloni stuffed with spinach and sundried tomato, chipotle roma tomato sauce and a yellow pepper puree to Quebec Wentzel Duck, cinnamon seared and drizzled with a cracked pepper blueberry demi glace. Accommodating night owls, Brix also offers a gratifying late night menu comprising of spring rolls, Seven Spice Seared Ahi Tuna and oven baked pizza with Chorizo sausage, black tiger shrimp, fresh pineapple and the likes. Ideal for dinner with friends or a romantic date. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 1138 Homer Street; Telephone: (604) 915 9463

Glowbal

$$$$$ | International

Situated in the trendy Yaletown, this exciting restaurant serves inventive and delicious cuisine in a stylish yet sophisticated setting. With the option of formal fine dining on white linen tablecloths or funky dining, this restaurant caters to a variety of people. Try the Kobe meatballs with Truffled spaghetti or the Seven Spiced rare Ahi Tuna and round off with the warm Brazilian chocolate coffee cake or the Maple Macadamia but flan. Reservations recommended.

Address: 1079 Mainland St.; E-mail: info@glowbalgrill.com; Telephone: +1 604 602 0835

Blue Water Caf�

$$$$$ | Seafood

Serving the largest selection of oysters, lobsters and prawns as well as delicious steak, the Blue water Café is frequented by many celebrities, both local and international. With elegant décor and flawless service it's no wonder this restaurant is perfect when trying to impress a date, clients or just have a great evening out with friends. Try the White Sturgeon with red beet agro dolce, pumpernickel crust, chioggia beets and cauliflower puree, or the Beef Tenderloin served with porcini mushrooms, green chard and macaroni gratin with blue cheese - delicious! Reservations recommended.

Address: 1095 Hamilton St; E-mail: info@bluewatercafe.net; Telephone: +1 604 688 8078

Villa del Lupo

$$$$$ | International

Nestled away in an old mansion located in downtown Vancouver's Yaletown, this stylish eatery evokes a 30s charm and sophistication while serving delicious, inventive and expertly presented dishes. Try the Osso Buco, Filetto di samone or the Filetto di manzoCon porcini. You won't be disappointed. Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Address: 869 Hamilton St; E-mail: info@villadellupo.com; Telephone: +1 604 688 7436

The Cannery Seafood Restaurant

$$$$$ | Seafood

Renowned for its winelist and friendly reception, The Cannery Seafood Restaurant serves up the freshest fish in Vancouver, with an eye for presentation. Try their famous Salmon Wellington or Crispy Skin Rainbow Trout for a faultless and hearty main meal. Ideal for business lunches, the restaurant has been popular with locals and foreigners since its inception in 1971 and is enjoyed for its picturesque views over the waterfront and the North Shore Mountains. Open for lunch Monday to Friday and daily for dinner.

Address: 2205 Commissioner Street; Telephone: (604) 254 9606

Seasons in the Park

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

Wraparound windows afford stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the surrounding mountains at this sophisticated Canadian restaurant. Serving up tasty food at reasonable prices, Seasons in the Park, is a Vancouver gem for both locals and foreigners. Try the Miso Soy Marinated Black Cod drizzled with pineapple chive vinaigrette, served with jasmine rice and for dessert, the much-loved Sunburnt Lemon Tart. A trip for dinner means soft lighting and the twinkling city lights of Vancouver but for lunch you can admire the leafy park and snow-capped mountains.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Park. West 33rd Ave and Main Street; Telephone: (604) 874 8008

Bistro Pastis

$$$$$ | Caf�

A friendly bistro donning classic white tableclothes and offering one of the city's largest wine selections by the glass, Bistro Pastis is a great venue for a business lunch, after work drink or dinner with friends. A crackling fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere complimented by classic bistro fare with a contemporary twist, such as Moules et Frites, Traditional Coq au vin and Steak Tartare. As in any bistro in France there is a Plats du jour option and menus change regularly. Bistro Pastis is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: 2153 W 4th Avenue; Telephone: (604) 731 5020

Pasparos Taverna

$$$$$ | Mediterranean

A charming Greek restaurant serving good no-fuss Greek food, Pasparos Taverna is a great place to meet with family and friends. A family business operating since 1974, Pasparos offers a warm atmosphere and mouth-watering homemade Greek cuisine, just as you'd find in Greece. With warm fresh breads, dolmades, roast lamb, superb Tzatziki, Avgolemono soup and a selection of souvlakia (kebabs), patrons are spoilt for choice. Combine that with top-notch service and a good Greek winelist (wine by the glass included) and you have all the ingredients for a successful restaurant. Open daily for dinner.

Address: 132 West 3rd Street; Telephone: (604) 980 0331

Guu with Garlic

$$$$$ | Japanese

One of Vancouver's best dining experiences, Guu with Garlic is part of a unique Japanese Tapas chain that is taking the city by storm. With a perfect ration of small portioned dishes at affordable prices, patrons can sample a handful of different dishes before getting full or feeling the weight on their wallet. The open kitchen and cheerful waiters add to the electric mood as do the exotic cocktails and experimental drinks. Recommended dishes include the duck salad, assorted carpaccio, baked oysters, prawns and calamari. Don't miss the daily specials sheet on loose-leaf paper with even more delectable dishes. Open daily for dinner, reservations recommended.

Address: 1698 Robson Street; Telephone: (604) 685 8678