Max's Burgers photo by KK Law
Discerning carnivores sink their teeth into the perfect patties at Max’s Burgers (pictured), Fatburger and Romer’s Burger Bar. Locals love to order burgers and shakes at take-out shack Nimby Burger, which re-opens for the summer May 18, then eat seaside at nearby Kitsilano Beach. Talk about a picture-perfect picnic.—Kristina Urquhart
L'Abattoir photo by KK Law
Who’d have thought that the site of Vancouver’s first jail would go on to house one of the city’s finest food destinations? Chic L’Abattoir, which nabbed the #3 spot in enRoute’s 2011 list of the best new restaurants in Canada, keeps diners coming back thanks to the French-influenced West Coast fare and scene-stealing decor. —Jennifer Patterson
Cactus Club Cafe's English Bay location
The newest Cactus Club location is more than just a pretty face. Sure, the restaurant is situated right on the beach, offering a stunning view of English Bay, but it’s also eco-friendly, with its living roof, organic herb garden and plentiful bike racks. The green building has been constructed to meet LEED Gold Certification. So, as you take in the spectacular scenery while nibbling on divine dishes created by Iron Chef Rob Feenie, raise a glass to Vancouver-style sustainability.—Sheri Radford
Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica
Bring a healthy appetite for both fresh pasta and opera music to Cafe Pacifica in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Every Saturday evening, singers from the Burnaby Lyric Opera Society serenade diners during the Italian Opera Buffet. Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular event usually sells out. Added bonus: the view from the restaurant is spectacular.—Sheri Radford
Photo copyright Fotohunter/iStockPhoto
Mom’s the word on May 13, which is Mother’s Day in North America. It also happens to be one of the most popular days of the year to go for brunch, so reserve ahead. Treat your marvellous mama to a delicious spread at Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge, Coast Restaurant, Fleuri, Horizons Restaurant or Raincity Grill. She’ll love it almost as much as she loves you.—Kristina Urquhart
Bud Kanke
By Tim Pawsey
The restaurant biz can be precarious at the best of times. But few have enjoyed as much success as Vancouver’s Bud Kanke, who this year retired after conceiving, co-designing and nurturing no less than 11 restaurants over 41 years. A chartered accountant by trade originally, the ever-sanguine Kanke considers that, along the way, eight were successful.
Salt cellar at Black + Blue. Photo by KK Law
Glowing in the middle of Black + Blue, inside a glass-encased meat locker, sits a wall of Himalayan rock salt lit up by LED strips. This bold example of salt architecture is used to age all of the meat served in the stylish steakhouse. It’s enough to set a carnivore’s mouth a-watering.—Sheri Radford
By Tim Pawsey
Blessed with a happy marriage of abundant year-round fresh ingredients, a diaspora of ethnic influences and limitless culinary talent, Vancouver is hailed as a foodie’s paradise by critics and casual diners alike. A broad offering, from corner cafes to craft brew–fuelled pubs to edgy, contemporary regional rooms, means this city is never short of choice. The only challenge might be deciding where to go and what to order. Where’s well-travelled readers weigh in with their taste-filled finds in the 16th annual Where to Dine awards. (more…)
Smoked salmon pizza (front), chicken saltimbocca with roasted beet salad (left) and asparagus risotto (top right), at Zefferelli's Spaghetti Joint. Photo by KK Law
Robson Street offers no shortage of high haunts. For solid pasta, pizza and other country-style Italian fare, head to Zefferelli’s Spaghetti Joint (pictured). Earls serves casual fare and offers a lively bar scene, while polished CinCin yields a busy open kitchen and wood-fired specialties in a warm Tuscan setting. —Tim Pawsey
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Stay, Dine, Do
