We’ve been asked a number of times, Where are your favorite dinner haunts stretching from Abby to Vancouver? So…here they are. Plus, we’ve added a couple of “Next on our list” eateries, as well as one restaurant off the beaten path. Our current favorite eats!
#1- Chambar 562 Beatty Street Vancouver (Crosstown) http://www.chambar.com/
Why we love it: This Belgian gem serves some amazing food!! With their motto of “An unpretentious fling with fine dining!”, we think this restie scores high in fresh and flavorful cuisine, a warm and glowing vibe, and attentive service. Don’t let the menu entry titles scare you….
Go on…try it! Moules Frites ~~Mussels and fries! There are 3 different ways they are prepared and each one is just as good as the next. If you’re with a group, order all 3 as appetizers. With ingredients such as white wine cream, tomato coconut cream and smoked bacon, you won’t regret it~
Chambar's Moule Frites
#2. Trattoria Italian Kitchen- 1850 West 4th Ave (Kitsilano) http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria
Why we love it: Super casual vibe…can go with adults or kids…and food that gives “flavorful” new meaning! A full restaurant speaks volumes..and good service, in spite of being a full house, seals the deal. If you’re looking for good Italian food, you’re at the right place.
Go on…try it! Start out by sharing one of the Mozzarella Bar selections. My favorite: the Burrata, with prosciutto, olive oil and sea salt. This mozza is the best! For dinner: their pizzas are rustic and delicious!
#3. Vij’s –1480 West 11th Ave (Kitsilano) http://www.vijs.ca/
Why we love it: Our first disclaimer..be prepared to wait! But if you are craving Indian food with a modern twist, it’s well
worth it. Spices and ingredients I have never before tasted and wow… party in my mouth!
Go on…try it! Lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry ..seriously amazing! **Try next door Vij’s Rangoli for shorter waits but equally as delicious food. Their Cauliflower, Spinach, Onion and Potato Pakoras are yummy!
Vij's Lamb Popsicles
#4. Gotham Steak House- 615 Seymour Street, Vancouver http://www.gothamsteakhouse.com/
Why we love it: Sometimes a good steak is in order, and we think that Gotham has cornered this market in Vancouver.
Think moody, masculine vibe…the dark warmth gets you ready to enjoy the rich meal that’s ahead. When my husband gets to pick, this is where we are headed!
Go on…try it! Their garlic sautéed prawns or jumbo shrimp cocktail are delish appetizers. For dinner, it’s a toss up between the Porterhouse and the Bone In Rib Eye…portions are big, so prepare to share!
#5. Pearl Urban Bistro – 14955 Marine Drive Whiterock http://www.pearlurbanbistro.ca/
Why we love it: Their use of fresh, local ingredients. Flavorful food in a relaxed atmosphere right next to the ocean…sound tempting to you? Delicious seafood!
Go on…try it! Start with their Prawn Bisque and follow it with the Seared Halibut
The urban dining room at Pearl
#6. Bacchus Bistro at Domaine De Chaberton – 1064 216 Street, Langley http://www.domainedechaberton.com/Bacchus%20Bistro.html
Why we love it: Love the rustic, unpretentious feel of this bistro. Perfect for both lunching with the ladies, or a quiet date! During the summer months, enjoy the patio which overlooks the vineyards. The menu changes according to what is seasonally available with local ingredients.
Go on..try it! The Tomato and Brie Tart or Stuffed Crepes will start your dinner off on a good note. Look for their delicious daily specials to enjoy
#7. Restaurant 62 – 2001 McCallum Road, Abbotsford http://www.restaurant62.ca/
Why we love it: The cozy, intimate vibe transports you out of Abbotsford. Known for getting much of their ingredients from local farmers, you’re guaranteed to be served fresh food that features seasonal specialities. Great selection of wines to pair with your meal.
Go on…try it! Abbotsford heirloom tomato and Québec buffalo mozzarella caprese or the Roasted Yarrow pumpkin and cream soup..love the local twist!
Chef Jeff Massey at Restaurant 62
And if you’re heading off the beaten path..and travelling east, you’ll be glad you stopped at:
#7. Bravo – 46224 Yale Road East, Chilliwack http://www.bravorestaurant.ca/
Why we love it: It’s unexpected! A warm, yet lively atmosphere with delicious urban food. There commitment to fresh ingredients…these former Vancouverites have brought some of the big city to the country.
Go on…try it! Love their port braised bison short-rib with truffled mash potatoes. AND…you cannot go without trying one of their martinis! An extensive list to choose from and they are soo good!
***Restaurants we can’t wait to try:
~Campagnolo – 1020 Main Street Vancouver http://www.campagnolorestaurant.ca/
The talk: don’t let the location scare you off…go for authentic, rustic Italian food
~ Salt Tasting Room – 45 Blood Alley, Vancouver (Gastown) http://salttastingroom.com/
The talk: Choose from 10 meats, 10 cheeses, and 10 condiments for your own custom tasting plate
~ Maenam – 1938 West 4th Ave, Vancouver (Kitsilano) http://maenam.ca/main.html
The talk: Authentic Thai food with twists on centuries old recipes
Can I tell you how hungry I am after writing this?????? Melba toast ain’t gonna cut it..
