Omakase (pronounce it “oh-mah-kah-seh”) at Tojo’s is an iconic Vancouver culinary experience. Order with hot, then cold sake!
Grab a dozen of their homemade frozen croissants for buttery, flaky pastries from your oven in the morning.
Our choice is "Mermaid's Choice": burnt caramel, fleur de sel, hint of rosemary.
Taste a flight of three sakes for $5, then pick up a bottle of their Junmai Nama Genshu sake for an evening of take out sushi.
Pick up Vista D’Oro artisanal preserves- they make an indulgent accompaniment to cheese (or morning pancakes!) and are pretty hostess gifts. (Turkish Fig with Walnut Wine is our favourite!)
Make sure to order your wine by the bottle not by the glass- having them decanted in West’s gorgeous collection of elaborate Riedel decanters is part of the experience.
Book a private wine tasting in their beautiful cellar for little more than the cost of the wines. They’ll select wines to your budget and after your tasting, pack them up for you to take home.
If you love Chef Dale McKay’s pulled pork sandwich, you can find his recipe online at www.ensemblerestaurant.com
Keep your eyes peeled for Hollyood A-listers staying in one of the 164 luxe homes at La Grande Residence, the hotel’s 18-storey residential apartment complex.
Skip the croissants, go straight for the macarons. The berry ones have a whole berry hidden inside!
P.S. It’s never too early for desserts either... which is why you must order their tapa dessert trio to top off weekend brunch! Make sure to include the Espresso Banana Lollipop.
It’s never too early for champagne & oysters - so we love the half shell special for weekend brunch: a dozen oysters for $12.
Don’t miss their exotic sashimi selection: try Matsu (butterfish), Tai (sea bream) and Aji (Japanese mackerel).
Must try: risotto. Ingredients are seasonal, but every version divine. (Chanterelles, thyme & mascarpone is our favourite.)
Get their shao bing (sesame flatbread sandwich)- braised meat, pickled onion, salted chilies & cilantro.
Order a bourbon margarita with a chili salted rim- perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty, spicy.
The line-ups out the door are worth it! Tip: order a take-out lavender latte at the coffee bar to stay warm while you wait.
We love the Opéra à la noisette: dark chocolate ganache, coffee buttercream, praline crunch and hazelnuts.
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. = happy hour. Order a trio of the cold and hot tapas... and offer to share with the next table.
Don’t miss their seasonal spot prawn menu— sashimi, aburi sushi, and the perfect sake accompaniment: deep-fried prawn heads!
A little birdie told us that the proper pronunciation of Giovane is “ZHOE-vah-nay”. So much prettier than all the other versions we’ve heard on the street!
The decor is quiet and minimalist, but the West Coast cuisine never fails to impress. If John is in the house, he’ll stop by and say hello himself!
Ask about their VIP Monday Wine Tastings. Tastings are in the $35 range, and cover over a dozen wines accompanied by a generous selection of fine cheese and charcuterie.
Our favourite spot for high-tea with the ladies. Ask for the classic Creamy Earl Grey (with a hint of vanilla) and extra Devon cream for your pastries.
Great brunch menu: try the Helmers Potatoes and Ham Hock Hash with poached free range eggs and hollandaise.
No reservations, always a line-up but worth the wait. The lamb popsicles in fenugreek creamy curry sauce are a must-try- it's one of Vij's signature dishes.
The desserts here are divine, especially the "Crepes aux Chocolat, Mousse Noisette, Chocolat Chaud".
One of the best appetizers on their menu (and on any menu) are their signature crab cakes.
One of the most stylish spots for steak in Vancouver. For something different & decadent, try the Beef Wellington- tender beef wrapped in puff pastry stuffed with mushrooms & foie gras mousse.
Blue Water's West Coast Sablefish is one of our favourite mains. And of course, we always order the oysters!
The best seats in the house are right at the bar... where you can order one of the best Caesars in the city.
It's true- mimosas are a must with brunch here! While we love their eggs benedicts, their paninis are also worth a try.
Only Coast could turn the humble brussel sprout into a signature, must-try dish! If you love them as much as we do, you can find the recipe on their website here: http://bit.ly/ziITud
Traditional, quality sushi tucked away in a tiny space in Kerrisdale. The best orders are from their sashimi list, including the toro, sockeye salmon, seared salmon.
Come hungry & with a friend. Then order the pasta platter: spaghetti & kobe meatballs, braised veal cannelloni, pappardelle with lamb sausage & rigatoni pomodoro...
If you're here for dinner, make sure to come back for brunch and to try their brioche French Toast with Maple Blueberry Compote.
The bread alone is worth a visit. Bacon brioche, anchovy pastry twist and sesame crisp flatbread... homemade and complementary.
If you like caviar, you must try their sustainable, 5-course Northern Divine Canadian Caviar menu.
If you're here for coffee, but never ordered one of their delicious danishes, you must give one a try. It won't be your only time - we promise!
One of the most consistently smooth, complex and enjoyable espressos in Vancouver. If you're not typically an espresso drinker, this is the place to give it a shot.
Remember to save room for Billy Miner Pie. It's a slice of mocha ice cream, chocolate crust, hot fudge & caramel heavan.
We love the warmth of this Italian Mediterranean restaurant and its "cucina naturale" philosophy. The Pappardelle with four hour-braised veal cheeks and porcini is a must-try.
If you're in the mood for Ishi-Yaki (hot stone cooking right at the table), but not in the mood for meat, try the Kinoko Meshi. Hot stone bowl rice, mixed mushrooms, and iwanori, mixed tableside.
You can pick up a bottle of their infamous lobster oil in their retail store. It's fabulous with balsamic and bread.
