Best Contemporary Canadian Restaurants in Downtown

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hawksworth Restaurant restaurant

1. Hawksworth Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(2791)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Yaletown

Booked 60 times today

Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver's chic Yaletown district is a beacon of global and international cuisine, lauded for its culinary finesse and creativity. Celebrated Canadian Chef David Hawksworth and his team craft dishes that are not only rooted in classic techniques but also dazzle with bold, international flavors using the highest quality ingredients from around the world. Its globally inspired menu has earned it numerous accolades, including recognition from MICHELIN and Forbes. Diners rave about the "culinary masterpiece" that is Hawksworth, with one noting, "Each dish is a work of art, bursting with flavor and thoughtfully crafted." Whether it's the impeccable service, the extensive wine list, or the inventive cocktails, Hawksworth promises a dining experience that "delights the palate and elevates the senses," making it an essential destination for those seeking exceptional global dining in Vancouver.

A photo of Holts Café Vancouver restaurant

2. Holts Café Vancouver

4.8

Exceptional(261)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary canadian • Granville Entertainment District

Booked 12 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Granville Entertainment District of Vancouver, Holts Café offers a superb Contemporary French dining experience that marries Canadian flair with European sophistication. Celebrated for its "elegant decor and attentive service," as noted in glowing reviews, the café crafts each dish with an emphasis on sustainability, quality-driven ingredients, and seasonality. Patrons have raved about the "chic and sophisticated dining experience" and the high-quality, contemporary dishes that are both "exquisite" and "delightful." Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or a special occasion, Holts Café promises a refined atmosphere where every meal is memorable. As one reviewer puts it, it's a "must-visit for those seeking a refined and memorable dining experience in the heart of the city."

3. Brass Fish Tavern

4.3

Awesome(224)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary canadian • Coal Harbour

Booked 19 times today

Located in the heart of Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Brass Fish Tavern stands out as a premier pub offering an exhilarating blend of classic and contemporary pub cuisine. Nestled inside the iconic Marine Building, the tavern boasts a "fantastic" selection of draught beers and over 250 whiskies, ensuring a delightful experience for beverage aficionados. Guests rave about the "unreal seafood paella risotto" and the "delicious tuna melt," highlighting the quality and creativity of the dishes. The vibe is consistently praised as "great" and "absolute," with live music and a stylish parlour room enhancing the dining atmosphere. Whether it’s for the "extensive whiskey menu" or the "friendly service," Brass Fish Tavern is highly recommended as a must-visit spot for an authentic and enjoyable pub experience.

4. JOEY Bentall One

4.6

Exceptional(336)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary canadian • Downtown

Booked 58 times today

JOEY Bentall One offers a quintessentially Canadian dining experience right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Known for its vibrant and trendy atmosphere, this restaurant stands out with its locally and globally-inspired menu crafted by a team of award-winning executive chefs. JOEY Bentall One, praised for its handcrafted dishes such as the sushi cones, blackened chicken, and the iconic Canadian maple ice cream, truly captures the spirit of Canadian cuisine. As noted by delighted guests, "The service was above and beyond and the food was exceptional!" and "Everything - from the atmosphere, service, and food - was outstanding," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking the genuine Canadian flavor.

A photo of Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar restaurant

5. Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar

4.4

Awesome(24)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar in downtown Vancouver is a gem for Middle Eastern cuisine enthusiasts. Nestled under the clear skies of Vancouver, this rooftop venue offers a unique blend of Levantine flavors fused with a West Coast flair. The authenticity of the dishes, such as the acclaimed Mezze platter and Aleppo Kebob, is consistently lauded by guests. Reviewers rave about the "mouthwatering smells" and "flavorful" meals that transport them directly to the Mediterranean. The ambiance, coupled with "amazing" service, completes the experience, making Lavantine not just a meal, but a culinary journey. As one diner put it, the experience is "outstanding," with every dish meticulously prepared to reflect the rich and diverse flavors of the Middle East. Lavantine is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience.

6. Botanist

new

4.6

Exceptional(2711)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Coal Harbour

Booked 44 times today

Included in the World’s 50 Best Discovery list and is MICHELIN Guide recommended, Executive Chef Hector Laguna’s menu represents the botany of British Columbia and celebrates the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, where locally sourced ingredients are coupled with contemporary techniques. Located in the heart of Coal Harbour, the restaurant is home to Botanist Bar and includes a terroir-driven wine program that supports small-batch sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. The award-winning Botanist Bar features a list of inventive and sophisticated cocktails, designed under the direction of Creative Beverage Director, Grant Sceney. Since opening, the Botanist Bar has received notable accolades including ranking #24 on North America’s 50 Best Bars List 2024 and #21 in Canada by Canada’s 50 Best Bars 2024, Top 4 Finalist– Best Hotel Bar by Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and awarded the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award 2022.

7. Fable Diner & Bar

4.3

Awesome(320)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary canadian • Yaletown

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the heart of Yaletown, Vancouver, Fable Diner & Bar stands out as a premier destination for Contemporary Canadian cuisine. Patrons rave about their "amazing brunches" and "delicious" dinners, highlighting the use of "local and fresh ingredients" prepared from scratch. Reviewers consistently praise the "great service" and "cool, older casual hotel/pub environment" that adds to the dining experience. One patron exclaimed, "The food was bang on!!!!" signifying the exceptional quality of their offerings. Whether it's for a lively game day meal or a cozy brunch, Fable Diner & Bar delivers a true taste of Canada with a contemporary twist, making it a must-visit in Vancouver.

A photo of JJs Restaurant at VCC restaurant

8. JJs Restaurant at VCC

4.8

Exceptional(301)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Chinatown

Booked 1 time today

JJ’s Restaurant at VCC in Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown offers a unique and immersive dining experience that showcases the global culinary talents of its senior culinary students. With dishes that reflect a high standard of international cuisine, guests rave about the authenticity and quality of the food. One patron exclaimed, "The food is of the same quality you would receive at any classical fine dining establishment in Vancouver and at a fraction of the price." The restaurant provides a three-course a la carte lunch that is both "delicious to taste and beautiful to see," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional meal crafted with passion and expertise. JJ’s not only serves exquisite meals but also allows diners to participate in the educational journey of future top chefs.

A photo of 1931 Gallery Bistro at the Vancouver Art Gallery restaurant

9. 1931 Gallery Bistro at the Vancouver Art Gallery

new

4.4

Awesome(523)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

1931 Gallery Bistro, located on the second floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery and boasting Vancouver's best patio, is a lush bistro featuring a menu inspired by Vancouver, its art and its peoples. All proceeds from 1931 Gallery Bistro go to support the Vancouver Art Gallery and it's programming.

10. Dovetail

4.8

Exceptional(294)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary canadian • Yaletown

Booked 65 times today

Dovetail in Yaletown, Vancouver, is a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary Canadian cuisine with a California twist. The restaurant offers an array of family-style share plates that are as delightful as they are inventive. Patrons rave about the ambiance and the quality of the meals, with reviews highlighting favorites like the "Bang Bang Shrimp" and "Spicy Vodka Pasta." The atmosphere is described as vibrant and inviting, perfect for both special occasions and casual outings. As one reviewer puts it, "The food was amazing, the drinks were fantastic, and our servers were very nice, helpful and knowledgeable." Dovetail is clearly a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the best of Contemporary Canadian fare in a lively, upscale setting.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Julie
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The Botanist was recommended to us by our nephew and since we were going to Vancouver we made reservations at the last minute. Brunch was the only meal available during our stay and we have zero regrets! The service was attentive, but not intrusive (shout out to Jess, who was friendly, professional and helpful - always able to answer our questions about ingredients and preparation style!). We opted for the full 3 courses and each was more impressive than the last. The aesthetics of each dish, the quality of the ingredients and the flavor profiles were absolutely delightful! Being able to enjoy the courses with a mimosa and a cocktail was a pleasant surprise, as well. And the drinks? Truly inspired! And then live DJ was a fun addition. We left feeling giddy, and it wasn't just the sparkling wine talking.... we felt welcomed, cared for and well-fed. Our experience at The Botanist was the perfect exclamation point on an already fabulous visit to Vancouver. We hope to be back again the next time we journey north ...
More info
BotanistPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Coal Harbour
•
4.6
W
Wayne
Vancouver / British Columbia •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Great atmosphere with good food and service. Sat in the bar area and that was very nice.
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Fable Diner & BarPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Yaletown
•
4.3
J
Jeff
Calgary / Southern Alberta •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
Only had drinks but overall great place. Great ambience
More info
Brass Fish TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Canadian• Coal Harbour
•
4.3
A
alinavip
Vancouver / British Columbia •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Went to holts Vancouver brunch for the first time. Each of our four meals was delicious. The service was fantastic!
More info
Holts Café VancouverPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Canadian• Granville Entertainment District
•
4.8
LH
LaurenHvip
Calgary / Southern Alberta •59 reviews
5.0
Dined on Aug 15, 2024
Another great experience at the roof. Amazing atmosphere and delicious food. Quality is always top notch.
More info
Lavantine Restaurant & SkybarPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
•
4.4

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Best Contemporary Canadian Restaurants in Downtown

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Hawksworth Restaurant

2. Holts Café Vancouver

3. Brass Fish Tavern

4. JOEY Bentall One

5. Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar

6. Botanist

7. Fable Diner & Bar

8. JJs Restaurant at VCC

9. 1931 Gallery Bistro at the Vancouver Art Gallery

10. Dovetail

See what locals rave about

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