Dining
- kristinakinakin
- Jan 10, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Fluxwerx compiled a list of our dining recommendations in Vancouver:
Fluxwerx Favourites
Blue Water Cafe (Yaletown)Blue Water Cafe is Vancouver’s definitive destination for seafood, widely known for its excellence in celebrating the extraordinary flavours of BC. Consistently awarded “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Vancouver and recognized for its unparalleled service, an evening at Blue Water Cafe is truly an unforgettable experience.
Miku (Waterfront) Located steps away from Canada Place and the cruise ship terminals, Miku specializes in Aburi, or flamed-seared sushi, which was developed nearly a century ago in Japan. The act of applying fire directly to sushi enhances the natural flavours and textures of the fish, creating a new and exciting culinary experience.
Nightingale (Coal Harbour)Nightingale is where modern Canadian cuisine gets social. Their approach to dining introduces simple seasonal dishes — packed with natural flavour — that focus on quality, excellence and fun. Served up in a lively space, their fresh crudo and charcuterie, creative house-made pastas, pizzas, crisp salads and seasonal veggie dishes can be enjoyed with friends old and new; paired with local craft beers, complementing wines or cocktails from the buzzing bar.
Botanist (at the Fairmont Pacific Rim)Executive Chef Hector Laguna's menu depicts the culinary abundance and botany of the Pacific Northwest region - locally grown produce, sustainable sourced seafood, and organic agricultural methods from backyard suppliers.
ElisaA steakhouse reimagined. Meet Elisa, located in the heart of Vancouver’s Yaletown — a unique take on the signature steakhouse experience featuring a Grillworks Infierno wood-fired grill. It’s in this spirit of hospitality that Elisa offers a dining experience unlike any other.
Vegan / Vegetarian
Heirloom (South Granville)Located in a beautiful heritage building, Heirloom offers a contemporary dining experience coupled with a creative current menu. All products are sourced locally and organic whenever possible. You will find a full list of thoughtfully crafted cocktails, a respectable wine list and a selection of local craft beers. The unique charm that the room boasts makes for a perfect setting to enjoy all day.
Chickpea (Mount Pleasant)Chickpea started as a Food Truck in a downtown parking spot at Howe and Cordova attracting wandering tourists and the hungry Vancouver business crowd. Their popularity grew, and they are now serving Vancouverites delicious plant based comfort food with a Mediterranean twist from their Main Street restaurant.
Acorn (Mount Pleasant)Looking for refined vegetable-forward cooking that showcases the best of what’s grown and foraged in British Columbia? The Acorn is fine dining that puts plants first; dishes are heartily built around singular ingredients, and what’s current and fresh. If you’re new to the West Coast, take advantage of the restaurant’s forest-centric cooking (you’re unlikely to find candied lichen elsewhere) and its truly British Columbian ingredients, like blushy salmonberries and Haida Gwaii kelp.
Exotic Flavors
Vij's Restaurant (Cambie Village)Vikram Vij opened his first restaurant in 1994, and over the past 20+ years, has become one of the most well-known and recognized restaurants not just in Vancouver, but across Canada. Mixing Indian influences, flavours and cuisine, with sustainable, locally produced ingredients has ensured Vij’s has remained in the Top Ten lists of restaurants in this country and around the world. Renowned New York Times food writer Mark Bittman said of Vij’s that it was: Easily among the finest Indian restaurants in the world.
Kirin Restaurant (Downtown)The Kirin tradition began in 1987 right in the heart of Vancouver, one block north of fashionable Robson Street and in close proximity to most hotels. Known for their Northern Chinese cuisine and unsurpassed service, the unique dining space opens up into a four storey atrium.
Ahn & Chi (Mount Pleasant)What began as a pop up shop evolved into an iconic noodle shop on Main Street. For 33 years, the restaurant was the first and longest standing Pho speciality house in the city, formally known as Pho Hoang Vietnamese Restaurant. It evolved into Anh and Chi - a vibrant, cultured and hip hub to eat, drink and connect. It represents the countless brothers and sisters, across several generations, who shared their talent, passion, and a vision for Vietnamese fare.
Guu Original on Thurlow (Downtown)Guu Original on Thurlow is where the Izakaya boom all started. The Thurlow location is not only the first Guu to open but, it was the very first Izakaya in Vancouver. Established in 1993 as “Raku” (then changing to “Guu” in 2000), this Guu location offers the most authentic izakaya experience, offering classic dishes like Yaki Udon & Oden.
Menya IttoOpened in Spring 2022, this is the first North American location of the number-one-rated, famous shop from Tokyo. Menya Itto is widely known as the “The King of Tsukemen.” Be prepared to wait patiently for such noteworthy dishes including dipping ramen, hot ramen bowls, unique broth, and velvety house-made noodles.
Brunch & Happy Hour
Tip: Most brunch spots in Vancouver will have long lines by mid-morning, so we recommend going early, or making a reservation.
The Parlour (Yaletown)The Parlour opened over six years ago, in Vancouver’s historic Yaletown. The Parlour is a place of convergence for East Coast edge and West Coast hospitality. Welcoming those seeking a stylishly laid-back atmosphere, they pair innovative cocktails, craft-brewed beers and quality wines with an inventive menu. The menu features handcrafted pizzas and has an elegant twist on authentic comfort cuisine.
Chambar (Downtown / Stadium)The room is buzzy and beautiful, its historic wood and exposed brick details playing nicely against the contemporary art and light fixtures. When it comes to beverages, Chambar may be best known for its extensive cocktail and beer lists (including some of Belgium’s best and strongest brews), but it also has an impressive selection of bubbles. Stop by for brunch, or as a happy hour destination.
Medina (Downtown)Since opening in 2008, Café Medina has carved out a niche as a truly exceptional breakfast, lunch and weekend-brunch destination that effortlessly blends eclectic bistro fare, connoisseur-savvy coffee and sweet nourishment via the city’s best Belgian waffles.

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