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	PRICE GUIDE Below $30 = [$]. $30–$50 = [$$]. $50–$70 = [$$$]. Above $70 = [$$$$]. ASIAN Hoshi Sushi [$$$$] On the ground floor of Granville Island’s Sandbar Restaurant, in this cozy 18-seater corner with a view of the courtyard, you can find menus to rival Tojo’s – at a relative bargain price. Order the $60 omakase, roughly translated from the Japanese as “I’m in your hands,” belly up to the bar, and watch the chef at work. Hoshi himself fashions innovative takes on the standard roll, standout fresh fish – the buri kama, or seared yellow tail cheek, is superb – and the occasional flight into fine-dining fantasy, like a perfectly composed nabe broth surmounted by a single Ise ebi, or crayfish. Most of this isn’t on the menu, and while Hoshi will make you impeccable prawn-and-asparagus tempura or a real-crab California roll should you insist, his genius comes out in the dishes he invents. 1535 Johnston St., Granville Island. 604-669-9030, vancouverdine.com/sandbar/menus_sushi.html Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant [$$] Dim sum here will run you twice what it might in one of those humbler Chinatown joints. But in surroundings like this, a high-ceilinged, spacious room off the lobby of the splendid heritage Marine Building, the sticker shock barely stings. Dim sum here comes on little trays, and the usual suspects are joined by the occasional sophisticated standout. A banana-and-shrimp fritter was so good my guest ordered a second plate. Try a glass of the fabulous watermelon juice, thick and densely pink. Sticky rice is a bit musty, and given the intended tourist market, the servers could speak better English. But these are quibbles. 355 Burrard St.. 604-688-8191, imperialrest.com Octopus’ Garden [$$] Since 1993, innovative starters, sushi, and rolls have been the mainstay at this Kitsilano favourite. Bluefin tuna and Kobe beef are available upon request, and ask your server about the omakase course that allows you to explore adventurous culinary preparations by Chef Sado. The menu claims to offer “the finest selection of sake in town.” 1995 Cornwall Ave. 604-734-8971, octopusgarden.ca Pho Hoang [$] Service here is indifferent and the glass-brick décor exudes coolness rather than warmth, but the hot, scented broth of the deep bowls of pho, or beef noodle soup, more than compensates. 3388 Main St. 604-874-0832. Posh [$] At the all-you-can-eat sukiyaki place on Broadway, reams of used dishes are strewn across abandoned tables. In the lipstick-red booths along the wall, Asian families continue to devour giant platters of vegetables and sleek black boxes of sliced raw meat, all cooked up in pans of bubbling broth on the gas hotplate at the centre of each table. The $9.88 lunch at Posh is the bargain of the century, with a truly intimidating list of 35 menu items including pork or beef and introducing the timid Westerner to such delicacies as black fungus, chayote, and konjac roll. For first-timers, the restaurant offers a sampler platter heaped with produce. The beef is veined with fat and reliably gorgeous, the pork uninteresting, but the real surprises are in the textures of the vegetables, from squashy winter melon to crunchy, violet-tinged lotus root. Posh’s décor, and its name, work to invoke modern, sleek luxury. The reality is considerably less sophisticated, but when gluttony looks this good, and comes in this cheap, who is to argue? 1788 W. Broadway. 604-737-7674, 303-posh.com Prima Taste Restaurant [$$] Authentic Singapore food in a modern, attractive room with an agreeable ambience that marries the best of old and new Singapore. 570 Robson St. 604-685-7881, primataste.com Zen Sushi [$$] Zen incorporates the traditional roots of Japanese cuisine with West Coast influences, using quality ingredients. 2232 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-926-0667, zensushi.ca BRITISH The Irish Heather, GastroPub [$$] Sean and Erin Heather mark 11 years as proprietors of this friendly, casual and comfy two-level neighbourhood hangout. Bangers and Mash are top-rate with tasty pork bangers from the British Butcher, fish and chips served with gutsy coleslaw and malt vinegar, whiskey-soaked smoked salmon, blueberry bread pudding and hearty cheese plates. 217 Carrall St. 604-688-9779, irishheather.com CARIBBEAN The Reef [$] A cute tiki bar faces onto the dining room floor, which is still sporting the comfy aquamarine booths from Frenchies, now offset with bamboo walls and painted wooden tables. The food is delicious, especially when topped with the house-made jerk and hot sauces, available by the bottle for home-use as well. We try the cheekily-named Jamaica Me Crabby Benny, a citrus-Hollandaise-capped totem of poached eggs, Caribbean salt cod and crab cake on an English muffin nestled on a pile of perfect crunchy ’browns, and the hearty Island of Eggs, eggs on rice ’n’ peas with salsa and cheese. Both dishes prove a sunny vacation for the palette. Try the brunch on weekends and select breakfast items weekdays until 3 p.m. 1018 Commercial Dr. 604-568-5375, thereefrestaurant.com FRENCH Cassis Bistro [$$] Cassis is that sort of Gallic café where you might find Sartre. Add cool jazz and you’ve got a dead ringer for a side street Paris café. Diners carry on the Franco-feel. Settled side-by-side on a banquette, a couple whispers tête-à-tête. An artsy-looking fellow in black turtleneck sips a tumbler of water with lemon. A group of well-heeled ladies do lengthy lunch. Wines by the glass are good, many fewer than 10 bucks. The salad Niçoise is a jumble of organic greens, black olives, tender beans, pepper-crusted fresh tuna and a golden-yolk egg, sliced and cooked perfectly. Rustic fare – Coq au Vin, Daube de Boeuf, grilled flatiron steak. All in all, Cassis delivers a decent plate and a great buzz. And it’s the ideal spot for brushing up on Colette. 420 W. Pender St. 604-605-0420, cassisvancouver.com Chez Michel [$$$] A warm and casual French ambience. Their reputation for freshness and quality has been developed through years of devotion to customer satisfaction. A diversified menu is complemented by carefully selected wines from countries throughout the world. 1373 Marine Dr., West Vancouver in Ambleside. 604-926-4913, chezmichelvancouver.com Elixir [$$$] A cozy Parisian bistro ambience – white tablecloths, tiled floors and Toulouse-Lautrec prints – with a sophisticated menu that matches a clientele of Yaletown urbanites, celebrities, and film industry types. Weekday breakfasts are often bustling. The Poached Eggs Catalan is inventive and terrifically flavourful. 350 Davie St. (Opus Hotel) 604-642-0557, elixirvancouver.ca Le Gavroche Restaurant [$$$$] A good choice for intimate dining. Established in 1979, Le Gavroche is set in a gently refurbished two-storey Victorian house with fireplace, an upstairs terrace and a sweeping view of Vancouver’s Coast Mountains and harbour. 1616 Alberni St. 604-685-3924, legavroche.com Jules [$$] A handsome room with one exposed brick wall and bare wood tables. The salade de chèvre, with goat’s cheese melted onto dressed beets, and steak frites are fine. 216 Abbott St. 604-669-0033, julesbistro.ca La Vallée [$$$] An alluring intimate dining rendezvous and getaway treasure, ideal for a quiet gathering or romantic dinner for two. The Braised Prime Beef Short Rib, served with a matignon of vegetables, is a single shank, from which the flesh softly unfolds and falls off at the touch of a fork. The Tangle of Organic Mesculin Green Salad is a delicate mix of mild, bitter, tart, and peppery flavours from a variety of small, tender leafy greens and lettuces with a touch of house balsamic vinaigrette. Service is congenial, courteous, and attentive. The ambiance could be enhanced by mellow jazz standards, rather than the house-type background music, setting the mood for two people to fall in love. Executive Hotel Vintage Park, 1379 Howe St. 604-696-6980, lavalleerestaurant.com LATIN La Bodega [$$] Since 1971, this downtown staple has been famous for their traditional Spanish tapas, whether for cozy dinners for two or boisterous parties of 10. Daily specials are worth checking out, but old favourites include Calamares, a bowl of perfectly crunchy fried baby squid, and Mejillones Frescos, tasty mussels in a light, peppery wine sauce. The service is friendly and casual, and the quaint checked-tablecloth ambiance suggests that there might be snuggling stray dogs canoodling over spaghetti and meatballs out back. 1277 Howe St. 604-684-8814/5, labodegavancouver.com Century Restaurant & Bar [$$$$] Located in the Century House heritage building, built as a bank in 1911, the turn-of-the-century design inspired the Latin theme of barrel-vaulted ceilings, original Victorian chandeliers and a marble staircase. Chef Remi DuBois’ refined, modern approach to Latin cuisine results in Dungeness crab “burritos,” various paellas, fresh seafood and grilled and roasted meats. The bold flavours of these dishes are complemented by an almost all-Latin wine list. 432 Richards St. 604-633-2700, centuryhouse.ca Havana [$$] This funky restaurant transports you to the country Hemingway fell in love with. The décor illustrates the contrast between the Cuban capitol’s affluent past and the faded glory and decaying architecture of today. Distressed, burnt-orange and gold-speckled walls splashed with graffiti and black and white photos of Havana in its heyday give its namesake a worn yet comfortable feel. From its signature savoury, black bean soup to the Carne Havana, a grilled sirloin with Dominican Chimichurri and salsa verde, Chef Trevor Booth’s menu sent my taste buds into overdrive. 1212 Commercial St. 604-253-9119, havanarestaurant.ca Me & Julio [$] Brunch dishes start off traditional, with hints of Mexico popping up in the details, such as pickled Poblano peppers with the Huevos Revueltos or the Pan Tostado à la Francesca (French toast), banana-flambé drizzled with coconut syrup alongside fresh fruit. The basics are solid as well, with fresh jams and delicious chili red nugget potatoes. What lacks in quantity is made up for with fresh ingredients and Southern-inspired sides like cornbread with the Huevos Benedictos (eggs benny). Still finding its rhythm in terms of service, but, all in all, its new Tropical Brunch is a cheerful addition to the Drive’s breakfast roster. 2095 Commercial Dr. 604-696-9997, meandjulio.ca Zocalo [$] Contemporary Mexican fare in an eclectic, funky room. Try the huevos con chilaquiles or huevos divorciados. There is obvious care in these dishes evidenced by homemade tortillas, cornbread and chorizo. Closed Mondays. 2115 Main St. 604-677-3521, zocalorestaurant.ca MEDITERRANEAN Al Porto Ristorante [$$$] Beautiful surroundings and a warm welcome await those who cross through the iron-gated doorway. Spacious but filled with cozy retreats to enjoy the expertly executed cooking, cuisine that literally defines the flavours and culture of Italy. 321 Water St. 604-683-8376, alporto.ca Araxi [$$$$] A culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi holds an international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Extensive menus by Executive Chef James Walt celebrate homegrown ingredients from the nearby Pemberton Valley Farms in addition to showcasing fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. 4222 Village Square, Whistler. 604-932-4540, araxi.com Bay Moorings [$$] With an all-season heated patio for pizza, Greek, Italian. 6330 Bay St., West Vancouver at Horseshoe Bay. 604-921-8184, baymooringsrestaurant.com Beecher Street Café [$$] Chic dining in the casual atmosphere of a quaintly elegant 1930s heritage home. The signature Seafood Penne – fresh fish, prawns, scallops, and baby shrimps in a lemon-pepper dill cream sauce is a hit, as is the succulent Cajun Seared Tuna appetizer. Pasta and meat dishes, as well. 12302 Beecher St., Crescent Beach. 604-538-1965, beecherstreetcafe.com La Buca [$$] The kitchen shines with Italian flavour at this 32-seat joint that jumps. Osso bucco with saffron risotto is clearly the favourite “main.” Alone, tête-à-tête or with a group of friends, you are made to feel welcome, comfortable and satiated – without breaking the bank. Reservations recommended. 4025 MacDonald St. 604-730-6988, labuca.ca Cafe Il Nido [$$$] Its motto remains: “Everyone leaves happy.” Cuisine: pizza, Greek, Italian. 780 Thurlow St. 604-685-6436, cafeilnido.net Capones Restaurant & Live Jazz Club [$$] Live jazz seven nights a week, an extensive wine list, tapas and signature entrées with a West Coast flair, plus scrumptious pizza and pasta dishes. 1141 Hamilton St. 604-684-7900, caponesrestaurant.net CinCin [$$$$] A winding stone staircase leads the way from Robson Street to this celebrated Vancouver dining room. Executive Chef Mark Perrier’s ingredient-driven seasonal focus delights the palate with creative dishes infused by Mediterranean influences. Outstanding desserts demonstrate the Michelin star-studded pedigree of acclaimed Pastry Chef Thierry Busset. 1154 Robson St. 604-688-7338, cincin.net Don Francesco [$$$] Warmly Italian, with floor-to-ceiling windows, across from The Sutton Place Hotel. 850 Burrard St. 604-685-7770, donfrancesco.ca Il Giardino [$$$$] The yellow-painted heritage house is a warren of terra cotta-coloured rooms and passages, along with a lavish interior courtyard. The mains here are massive. Osso buco, served with risotto, and the grilled steak were equally accomplished. Happy chatter drifted in from the courtyard. Customers came in, were hailed by friends already at table, and sat down as if in someone’s living room. The key to Il Giardino’s longevity: treat ’em like regulars, and give them lots to eat. 1382 Hornby St. 604-669-2422, hotelvilladelia.com/restaurant_ilgiardino.cfm Gusto di Quattro [$$$] Cozy and comfy dining, an anecdote to the chill and damp of winter, with dishes like spaghetti and meatballs (polpette), a perfect al dente tangle of noodles sauced modestly with tomato and porcini goodness and three beefy polpette atop. A well-groomed young staff pays attention to detail. 1 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. 604-924-4444, quattrorestaurants.com The Italian Kitchen [$$$] It’s all about flash and splash, from the luxe leather seating and 60-foot marble bar to the swish clientele. Yummy-looking grilled vegetables, pastas, and veal scaloppini. Baby spinach and watercress salad is crisp and fresh. A medley of calamari rings in tomato and basil “fondue” is meltingly tender. Chicken saltimbocca, however, fails to “jump in the mouth” as the name of the dish suggests. Panzanella little resembles its fruity olive oil-drenched Tuscan bread, tomato and cucumber cousin. My wine is corked. Hardly a seamless experience, but still worth a visit for drinks, starters and sandwiches, particularly if you’re in the mood for an urban buzz. 1037 Alberni St. 604-687-2858, theitaliankitchen.ca Marcello Pizzeria & Ristorante [$$] In a lovely and lively Old-World atmosphere, there’s no need to go to Naples to get a taste of Italy. Lunch and romantic dinners of authentic pizza, pasta and gnocchi from a wonderful open kitchen with a large wood-burning oven. 1404 Commercial Dr. 604-215-7760. La Notte Ristorante Italiano [$$] Casual dining in a Tuscan atmosphere. Pasta selections, pizza and veal specialties. 3307 Dunbar St. 604-222-4033, vancouverrestaurantguide.net/van_west/la_notte/index.htm Quattro on Fourth [$$$] In the heart of Kitsilano, with crimson-washed walls, rustic wrought-iron chandeliers and candlelight casting a glow on rich mahogany tables and a hand-painted floor. Italian cuisine. 2611 W. 4th Ave. 604-734-4444, quattrorestaurants.com Senova [$$$] Warm tones in a 60-seat dining room, an open-kitchen bar and a 40-seat patio. European hospitality and southern Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on the Iberian Peninsula – the food and wine of Portugal, Spain and Southern France. 1864 W. 57th Ave. 604-266-8643, senova.ca Villa del Lupo [$$$] Situated in an ornate heritage mansion, the menu in this discrete, private setting celebrates fresh, healthy and subtly exquisite-tasting foods. 869 Hamilton St. 604-688-7436, villadellupo.com SEAFOOD Blue Water Café & Raw Bar [$$$$] Known for innovative and brilliantly executed West Coast seafood dishes prepared seasonally and responsibly by Executive Chef Frank Pabst. Housed in a handsome brick-and-beam heritage warehouse conversion in the heart of Yaletown. 1095 Hamilton St. 604-688-8078, bluewatercafe.net C Restaurant [$$$$] A high ceiling gives the dining room an atrium feel, and the spacious seawall patio is a promise of summer to come. The main-course halibut was perfectly composed: crusty fish, smooshed potatoes, chewy little morel morsels and a slick of creamy, peach-hued sauce. A fine place to celebrate. 1600 Howe St. 604-681-1164, crestaurant.com Dundarave Fish Market [$$] This popular little neighbourhood eatery and retail market hums along with seafood lovers packing the patio and hunkering down in its cozy interior. There are plenty of fish dishes, much of it local, and plenty of ways to cook it. Spices and accents are mainly Asian-influenced. 2423 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-922-1155, dundaravefishmarket.inknoise.com/main The Fish House in Stanley Park [$$$] The moment you arrive, you can’t help but relax. Look out onto English Bay or the gardens and forests of Stanley Park. Enjoy exceptional seafood, the fresh oyster bar and flaming prawns. Sample from a selection of micro-brewed beers, an award-winning wine list and martinis. 8901 Stanley Park Dr. 604-681-7275, fishhousestanleypark.com A Kettle of Fish [$$$] From B.C. salmon to Nova Scotia lobster to Mahi Mahi from the sunny waters of Hawaii, every seafood item on the menu is guaranteed fresh and prepared with care. 900 Pacific St. 604-682-6661, andersonrestaurants.com STEAK Morton’s, the Steakhouse [$$$$] Specializes in classic, hearty fare, serving generous portions of USDA prime aged beef, as well as fresh fish, lobster, veal and chicken entrées. 750 W. Cordova St. 604-915-5105, mortons.com WEST COAST Altitudes Bistro [$] Ten appetizers, a couple of soups, a few salads and hot and cold sandwiches. Majestic scenery from the 120-seat patio atop Grouse Mountain. 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver. 604-998-4398, grousemountain.com/ grousemountain-dining-altitudes-bistro.cfm Argo Café [$] Some places that call themselves greasy spoons serve you an anemic little pile of sliced deli turkey bolstered with – ugh – cheese. The Argo’s version features real meat, correct tomato-bacon-mayo proportions and a tousled heap of the best thin-cut French fries in town. A side of gravy, thick and rich, blows most places out of the water. Cream of mushroom soup features sliced shitakes, this at $1.50 for the small. The Argo is tucked away next to a labour exchange at the industrial bottom of Ontario Street, so it’s not the sort of place people stumble on. An efficient staff works hard to get you in and out in an hour. This is the kind of café where construction workers wolf down giant bowls of pasta in one minute aqua-upholstered booth, shopping bag-laden suburbanites cheerfully nosh burgers in another. 1836 Ontario St. 604-876-3620. Avenue Grill [$] The house special Benedict with avocado and shrimp benefits from free-range eggs and what my companion declares possibly the best Hollandaise in Vancouver. I’m inclined to agree. At $12.95, the plate isn’t a bargain but if you’re not eating like this every week, the extra couple of dollars doesn’t seem excessive. Home fries are spiced with sage and rosemary but suffer the fate of their fellows most everywhere, being more mush than crunch. A three-pancake order is cheerfully cut down to two for the seven-year-old in attendance but is still costly at $8-plus. 2114 W. 41st Ave., 604-266-8183. The Beach House at Dundarave Pier [$$$] A beachfront landmark with views from every table, where a large fireplace illuminates a Japanese motif above and radiates a rosy glow. From a menu of pasta, seafoods and meats, service is courteous, caring and well-paced. Marine Dr. and 25th St., West Vancouver. 604-922-1414, atthebeachhouse.com Beyond Restaurant & Lounge [$$$] Breakfast, lunch, tapas, dinner or late-night libations in this chic multi-leveled 300-seater, with each area and tier having its own persona. Hints of Asia and India influence a menu of fish and fowl. The kitchen is farm-supplied with a focus on organic and seasonal. 1015 Burrard St. 604-684-3474, beyondrestaurant.com Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant [$$$]Nothing beats the charm and quaintness of Steveston’s waterfront. The historic village’s newest eatery has an outdoor wrap-around patio to watch the fishing vessels and tugs parading by and fishermen selling their wares. The blue crab cakes are oven-baked and served with a refreshing fruit salsa. For entrées, the pesto-rub chicken sandwich, grilled and filled with garlic confit, poached apples, double cream Brie and watercress greens, was served with hand-cut fries. The blackened wild salmon burger, pan-seared and chockfull of sautéed cipollini onions, caper-garlic aioli and house greens, is to die for. 140–3866 Bayview St., Richmond. 604-275-7811, bluecanoerestaurant.com Boneta [$$$] Eclectic’s the word for both the airy décor and the tight menu, displayed via PowerPoint above the open kitchen. While the confit tuna salad was OK, the grilled mackerel and tomato chutney was spot-on. 1 W. Cordova St. 604-684-1844, boneta.ca Cactus Club Café [$$$] Hip young servers without attitude and a classy, unfussy décor. The new steel-and-glass CC at Bentall 5 downtown has rolled out some of Rob Feenie’s new items, innovations that are subtle but significant. Tuna tataki is about a dozen slices of buttery sashimi-grade loin atop tangy Asian slaw in ponzu vinaigrette. Garnished with juicy, peeled orange, diced avocado and mango, and micro cilantro leaves, the starter is an absolute showstopper. Tender, barely-battered fried calamari gets punched up with crunchy julienne red pepper and jalapeño. Service, never obsequious, is impeccable throughout. 558 Burrard St. 604-682-0933, cactusclubcafe.com Café Deux Soleils [$] Generous portions and a limited kids’ menu make this a popular breakfast spot. Soups, salads and veggie entrées are still available through the evening. 2096 Commerical Dr. 604-254-1195, cafedeuxsoleils.com Café Presto Panini [$] Folks who file into this hole-in-the-wall Italian-style café opposite Vancouver Law Courts aren’t here for the  décor but for what could be the best panini in town. Since 1988 Zoran Jungec has been cramming thick foccacia “tiles” with all sorts of  fresh and yummy things: Italian sausage, prosciutto and sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant and mozzarella, asparagus and Brie, black bean and avocado. 859 Hornby St.  604-684-4445, prestopanini.ca Chill Winston Restaurant & Lounge [$$] Chef John Jesten’s freestyle food from an island kitchen, cocktails at the bar, a spacious room and large outside patio. 3 Alexander St. 604-288-9575, chillwinston.ca Crave [$$] The tables are comfortable, if a bit cramped. The food, however, is fantastic, with a brunch menu ranging from an Egg White Frittata to Pancakes and French Toast with a few inventive Bennies to round out the mix. My Dungeness Crab Cake Benny had delicate Hollandaise drizzled over free-range organic eggs that hit the mark beautifully. My companion dined on the Turf and Eggs, whose AAA steak served with potatoes and savoury sautéed mushrooms encroached on entrée territory. Crave’s strongest asset is its ingredients. The buttery potatoes that line the brunch dishes will melt in your mouth. Service was friendly but slowish. 3941 Main St. 604-872-3663, craveonmain.ca Delilah’s Restaurant & Bar [$$$] The menu is prix fixe; small dinners include an appetizer and entrée ($33) or a full four-course dinner of soup, appy, entrée and dessert ($45). All dishes are available á la carte, as well. There’s ample choice of fish and foul entrées, though it’ll cost you $5 extra to sup on turf such as the Grilled Beef Tenderloin or Dijon Roasted Lamb Loin. The food is mostly continental with a few twists, such as the Cajun-spiced Catfish Fillet served buttery soft with spot prawns. For all its opulence, Delilah’s is about comfort and fun, with service that is warm and personable. Comox at Denman. 604-687-3424, delilahs.ca Diva at the Met [$$$$] One of Vancouver’s premier dining locations, a unique blend of international styles with a generous dash of Pacific Northwest flavours. 645 Howe St. (Metropolitan Hotel) 604-602-7788, metropolitan.com/diva The Foundation [$] Vegetarian fare, including sandwiches and desserts, is served on Formica-topped kitchen tables in this retro diner. 2301 Main St. 604-708-0881. Fuel [$$$] Chef Robert Becham’s high-end regional fare utilizes cooking techniques from around the world suited to each dish. Ninety-nine per cent of everything is made in-house with fresh ingredients. 1944 W. 4th Ave. 604-288-2700, fuelrestaurant.ca GoldFish Pacific Kitchen [$$] Glam surroundings, upscale food, free valet, free wireless, and bargain prices in Yaletown? In a “Sex in the City” sleek room, replete with black/white flowered Phillipe Starck chairs, flat screen TV and tall brown suede banquettes, the deal here is the Gold Plates, a different special Monday to Friday for $10. Friday’s Seafood Fricassee is a generous bowl of halibut, cod, salmon, bay scallops, shrimp and clams swimming in coconut milk (no scrimping here) arrived, wafting Thai basil – more cioppino than fricassee. Seafood stews tend to be overcooked, but not the case here with each component perfectly poached. A bit pricey, the inaccurately named Grilled Short Ribs were three tender morsels, marinated and slow-baked in dense Hoisin chili sauce. 1118 Mainland St. 604-689-8318, goldfishkitchen.com Hart House [$$$] An idyllic lakefront heritage estate to retreat from the bustle and enjoy some of the best in food, wine and service. 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby. 604-298-4278, harthouserestaurant.com Japadog [$] The best hotdog stand in the city. Bratwurst dressed with mayonnaise, onions and slivers of nori is a favourite. Northwest corner, Burrard and Smithe. Lee’s Donuts [$] The best donuts in Vancouver, possibly the world. The finest of Lee’s flavours is the Chocolate Crunch, a perfectly composed combo of sweet, starch and crunch – a ticket to bliss at just over a dollar. Granville Island Market, 1689 Johnston St. 604-685-4021. Lift [$$$] A dynamic, urbane and sophisticated oceanfront restaurant/lounge on the Coal Harbour seawall with views of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. Progressive West Coast Canadian cuisine and a contemporary wine list. 333 Menchions Mews. 604-689-5438, liftbarandgrill.ca Little Nest [$] This airy room is dotted with mid-century modern loungers and mismatched tables and chairs. A pancetta scramble comes with tasty cherry-tomato salsa and a flat Georgian baguette anchors the satisfyingly meaty ham and cheese. Food here manages to be fresh, sophisticated and child-friendly. 1716 Charles St. 604-251-9994, littlenest.ca The Mountain Club [$$] From the people who brought The Ocean Club to West Vancouver, an almost identical menu with selections from “earth” and “ocean.” Cool and elegant with a spacious patio. Whistler Town Plaza, 40–4314 Main St., Whistler. 604-932-6009, themountainclub.ca Narrow Lounge [$] Descend a set of concrete stairs and walk into a bar/lounge that you’d see anywhere in the hippest part of London or New York City. Just like the funky surroundings, the menu offers up dishes with names like The Hippie Parents, an organic green salad with the most addictive maple-balsamic dressing, the Greasy Spoon Grilled Cheese, a twist on a childhood favourite with lots of cheddar, bacon, tomato, as well as The Guru – veggies in a coconut-tomato curry with basmati rice. Close quarters encourage kibitzing with your fellow diners and the full-length bar is a great spot for artists to discuss their latest projects. Open daily, 5 p.m. to midnight. 1898 Main St. 604-488-4740, narrowlounge.com Nice Café [$] Instead of $12 plates drizzled with artisanal syrup, the new Nice offers credible Bennys, vegetarian or non-, for under $6. The extensive menu includes breakfast sandwiches, old-school bacon-and-egg standards, and standout hash browns, with many meals coming in shy of the $5 mark. The Nice doesn’t have much in the way of décor, and service can be spotty, but hip Main Streeters don’t seem to care. Every seat was full when we arrived on that lazy Sunday, and everybody in the place, staff included, seemed to be in their 20s. 154 E. 8th Ave. 604-874-4024. Nu Restaurant & Lounge [$$$] Stylish and casual fine dining in a room of virtually 360 degrees of floor-to-ceiling glass, under the south end of the Granville St. Bridge at False Creek. Small plates, appetizers and specialties such as lamb cheeks, beef short ribs, duck, halibut, salmon and steaks. Classic cocktails and an innovative wine list. 1661 Granville St. 604-646-4668, whatisnu.com O’Douls Restaurant & Bar [$$$] Standard breakfast fare kicked up a notch via excellent service. The breakfast tab for two ($50-plus with tip) is as rich on the wallet as the silky citrus Hollandaise on the Pacific smoked salmon Benny. Granted, two golden yokes, poached perfectly soft, run over the wild fish and into hot wilted spinach. An omelet, stuffed to near bursting with grilled veggies, goat cheese and spinach, fares very well. The seemingly bottomless carafe of coffee shows up often, always hot, always fresh. 1300 Robson St. 604-661-1400, odoulsrestaurant.com The Ocean Club [$$] West Vancouver-born and bred Chef Doug Scott delivers the best of local ingredients, featuring handcrafted cocktails, a Wine Spectator-awarded Pacific Northwest wine list, and elegantly casual food in a sexy, hip environment. Open Late. No Minors. 105–100 Park Royal, West Vancouver. 604-926-2326, theoceanclub.ca Parkside [$$$$] Chef Andrey Durbach serves deeply-flavoured, lusty dishes he calls “food for adults.” 1906 Haro St. 604-683-6912, parksiderestaurant.ca Raincity Grill [$$$] West Coast fare but with a twist: the 100-Mile Diet, and centres their menu accordingly on game, fish and fowl as well as organic vegetables all sourced from B.C., Alberta, Washington State and Oregon. We nibble on a small but rich and delicious Parfait of Fraser Valley Duck appetizer while waiting for our entrées, and we can’t resist munching on the complimentary fresh Seared B.C. Spring Salmon served with a trio of roast tomato, tomato cous cous and tomato glaze. 1193 Denman St. 604-685-7337, raincitygrill.com Rugby Beach Club Grille [$] Affordable prices in an “Upscale Sporty Casual” ambience, with Monday Lobster Nights and Seafood Sundays. Try the Roasted Pear Gorgonzola Salad. 950 W. Broadway. 604-736-2438, rugbybeachclub.com Roundel Cafe [$] Around since the ’60s, the current co-owner Dena Sananin recently took over this modest café, cleaned up and refurbished. A fine spot to while away an hour, savouring the quiet with an upscale version of diner fare. 2645 E. Hastings St. 604-253-2522. Saltaire [$$$] An imaginative menu of seafood, tapas, pastas, chops and wood-fired pizzas. A heated patio on the terrace for a panoramic view of English Bay. 235–15th St., West Vancouver in Ambleside. 604-913-8439, saltaire.ca Slocan Restaurant [$] Green Naugahyde booths or wood-chaired dining room for (mainly) good ol’ bacon (or sausage or ham), eggs perfectly done, any way you want ’em, and spuds, mashed and hashed crisp-golden brown. There are nine kinds of three-egg omelets, including veggie-stuffed. Non-egg lovers can chow down on a fluffy stack of pancakes or grilled mushrooms or tomatoes on toast. Want dinner for breakfast? If the gravy is ready, order a hot beef, burger or turkey sandwich or the liver and onions. Since 1974, and from 5:30 a.m., this friendly, squeaky-clean Greek-run eatery has placated the energetic early riser. 2715 E. Hastings St. 604-254-9114. Slickety Jim’s Chat ’n’ Chew [$] Pretty good food from a great breakfast menu divided into veggie and non-veggie items. The room itself is a riot of dada bric-a-brac. 2513 Main St. 604-873-6760. Steamworks [$$$] Since 1995, a favourite of locals and visitors for lunch, a drink after work or dinner. The Gastown Brewing Company, located onsite, uses steam to fire its kettles for a great-tasting brew. Executive Chef Andreas Scharfetter recommends the wild B.C. salmon dishes. 375 Water St. 604-689-2739, steamworks.com Sunset Grill [$] An extensive brunch menu, served until 4 p.m. every day of the week, includes Huevos Rancheros, Spanish Omelets and a stellar list of Eggs Benedict. If you’re feeling Tolkien, try the Hobbit Benny: perfect sunny poached eggs on back bacon and sautéed mushrooms draped in smooth Hollandaise sauce made in-house. As the true mark of a good breakfast joint, the Sunset Grill boasts a dozen sides available to plump up your breakfast. If you can’t commit to a full Kits Combo of eggs, pancakes and meat, try an order of the Buttermilk Pancakes, fluffy and golden perfection. Casual and laid-back, with quick, simple service true to its pub-style nature, inside can feel a bit dark with the half-dozen TVs and bar décor, but brunch on the patio on a sunny afternoon is damn hard to beat. 2204 York Ave. 604-732-3733, sunsetgrillvancouverbc.com Suvai [$$] Little wider than a building corridor, this charming 30-seat-only gem buzzes daily for dinner, lunch and weekend brunch. We like the simple décor, from taupe walls napped with local art, sleek dark wood, and comfy upholstery to the plain napery and cutlery. And the place is as clean as polished silver. The tight menu offers four mains, including the much-lauded ginger-star anise beef short ribs, and a daily fish special. A composed salad of warm baby yellow beets and creamy chèvre abed crunchy tatsoi, radicchio and curly endive, is misted with orange vinaigrette. Rosy, pan-seared Dungeness crab and shrimp cakes sub for a mini-main. Ruby trout – flesh moist, skin crackly – over Thai black rice in gentle ginger-coconut broth teases all the taste buds. A linguine tangled with arugula, shallot confit, pine nuts and feta is a competent nod to the vegetarian. 2279 W. 41st Ave. 604-261-4900. Sylvia’s [$$] A Vancouver landmark of 96 years, the feel is a bit of tradition and bit of modern comfort. Delicate, creamy dill Hollandaise complements the smoked salmon in the West Coast Eggs Benedict. French Toast, served with a stewed Grand Marnier blueberry sauce so thick it’s practically jam, is thick, fluffy and light like French toast ought to be and is served with maple syrup, piping hot, in a porcelain mini-carafe. The details, such as the dainty little coffee cups on matching saucers or the fresh select fruits tucked onto every dish, make Sunday brunch at Sylvia’s a far cry from a diner breakfast. 1154 Gilford St. 604-681-9321, sylviahotel.com Templeton [$] This classic ’50s retro diner has an authentic soda fountain, bar, stools, and booths with jukeboxes. The breakfast menu offers, for the most part, fresh, natural ingredients in such dishes as the Truckers Breakfast: Three free-run eggs any style with a side of rosemary potatoes and choice of, say, organic turkey sausage and multigrain toast. Service is snappy. 1087 Granville St. 604-685-4612, thetempleton.com Theresa’s [$] Order at a counter whose corrugated-tin façade is about the only nod to stylishness in the place, which is seriously mellow. Menu items, nearly all pegged at $5, are yummy and come in reasonably generous portions. 1260 Commercial Dr. 604-676-1868, theresaseatery.com Uncle Fatih’s Pizza [$] A narrow red-checked space by the Broadway Skytrain Station, serving budget pizza at $1.50 a slice that would not disgrace finer establishments. 1685 E. Broadway. 604-707-0744, unclefatihspizza.com WaaZuBee Café [$] With over-melted candle sconces and Mexican prayer candles adorning each table, the atmosphere is moody, funky and a bit Goth all rolled into one, perfect for chatter after work over appies and wine. The tasty lunch menu is packed with luxe sandwiches piled with top-notch ingredients and plenty of representation of earth, air and water proteins, with veggie and Portobello mushroom burgers thrown in for good measure. The local favourite, the signature Chicken WaaZuBwich is an open-faced garlic-mayo slathered delight of grilled chicken and melted Brie on a toasted baguette. Service is friendly, if a bit slow. 1622 Commercial Dr. 604-253-5299, waazubee.com West [$$$$] Superb dishes showcasing modern interpretations of classic combinations by Executive Chef Warren Geraghty. Pastry Chef Rhonda Viani conjures equally compelling desserts. Martinis and cocktails are pressed-to-order and the highly awarded wine collection is housed in a magnificent, temperature-controlled wall of wine. 2881 Granville St. 604-738-8938, westrestaurant.com PRICE GUIDE Below $30 = [$]. $30–$50 = [$$]. $50–$70 = [$$$]. Above $70 = [$$$$].