Black-and-blue ahi tuna at Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law

The city’s thriving, rejuvenated warehouse district, where former loading bays now serve as lively patios, boasts a cornucopia of flavours. Unpretentious Hamilton Street Grill delivers homey but polished faves such as hanger steak and gingerbread pudding in a cozy and comfortable setting. Pino Posteraro’s dynamic Cioppino’s boasts a bustling open kitchen, from which the star chef frequently emerges to visit with his customers. Luxuriously appointed La Terrazza lures with a private cellar room, while those seeking more traditional Italian fare head for nearby Amarcord. Laidback Yaletown Brewing Co. serves its own well-crafted ales, Asian-lovers find Charm Modern Thai lives up to its name in style, and Francophiles feast on pissaladiere and bouillabaisse at Provence Marinaside, or on moules frites and butter-roasted sablefish at The Opus Hotel’s classic bistro-styled Elixir Restaurant. The neighbourhood’s most unusual room? Fun, casual and eclectic Society, which celebrates the resurgence of comfort food.—Tim Pawsey