Photo by KK Law
Coast to Coast
Newly docked on Alberni Street,
Coast Restaurant made a smooth move from its former Yaletown berth. The
two-tier stunner sports a circular oyster and chowder bar, discreet tables upstairs and down, fireplace patio, and adjacent, sleek
O Lounge. On the suitably marine menu: 10 kinds of fresh-shucked oysters, seafood platters for two, and a long line of local seafood entrées, while a clutch of great steaks caters to carnivores.
All this and sushi, too—try the “fish ’n’ chips” hand roll, of tempura halibut and Japanese tartar sauce—make this latest entry a real catch.
Photo by KK Law
Stylin’ Thai
Recent arrival Maenam scores rave reviews for vibrant flavours and the freshest of regional ingredients. Standouts range from crispy Golden Mantle oysters in spicy citrus sauce to grilled prawn salad to glazed, smoked, sweet-and-sour duck in a rich red-curry sauce. Cocktails are king (made to match the menu) and spicing can be ordered to taste, in a smartly modern, very friendly space.
Photo by KK Law
5 Top Taps
Looking for a perfect pint? Here’s a heads-up on where to go and what to have.
1 The Granville Island Brewing Taproom Hale and hoppy Brockton IPA, right in the brewery, on the Island (pictured).
3 The Galley Patio & Grill
R & B Red Devil Pale Ale with burgers, on a stunning deck overlooking sailboats and the beach.
5 Yaletown Brewing Co. Mainland Lager with creative comfort food, in the heart of the warehouse district.
Photo by KK Law
Cambie Hideaway
Cocooned in brocade, with swags and tassel-ties, Stella’s on Cambie is a cozy escape packed with an array of Belgian brews and hearty eats. With no shortage of nooks, this room has the feel of a brasserie. Menu options include healthy lunchtime sandwiches and salads, while dinner yields the likes of Dijon-mustard-and-garlic-crusted game hen, beer-brined Fraser Farms pork tenderloin, Queen Charlotte halibut with pea and pancetta risotto, and an Arborio rice cake tower layered with corn-and-black-bean salsa (pictured)—not to mention the highly addictive, home-made, hand-cut chips and well-priced prix fixe offerings.
Photo by KK Law
On The Edge
With Granville Street rapidly transforming itself,
The Edge Social Grille & Lounge is the latest to check in. A modern dining lounge in the lobby of the Best Western Chateau Granville, it boasts a
menu encompassing the West Coast and a host of other tastes. Asian influence arrives with garlic-and-chilli wok squid, while the ravioli takes a Mediterranean tack. Truffle mac and cheese suggests that comfort food has gone up-market, while lighter fare yields Albacore tuna niçoise. All are offered with wines by the glass and, later, heady cocktails that draw an enthusiastic late-night crowd.
–Tim Pawsey
Stay, Dine, Do
