Elements Whistler

The Mac Shack

The Ascot

The Ascot is a trendy New York inspired lounge with a hidden garden patio. Open late with a British style menu the Ascot offers a lunch menu and late night drinks. This place gets pretty busy with its vintage decor and dimmed lighting it is perfect for mingling and hanging with friends for a few drinks. Walks away from Rogers arena and BC place the Ascot shows all the hockey games for your viewing and cheering pleasure. Located on 420 West Pender st. Downtown Vancouver. The Ascot is open from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 11am-Late night, Thursday 11am-1am, Friday 11am-2am and Saturday 5pm-2am (604) 566-9599.

http://theascot.ca/

Mahony & Sons Burrard Landing

Trattoria Di Umberto Whistler

The best restaurant in Whistler BC, a family friendly place with an amazing menu. This italian place attracts people to dine in because of their comfort home style Italian food. Everything on this menu is really good no matter what you order. The stone floors with subtle decor gives it a warm calming effect when dining here. When you walk into this place you pass by the pool and enter to the dining bar where you can see chefs preparing your meals. The main dining hall seats close together with an option to be seated towards the back for more of a lounge like room. Owned and operated by a famous Vancouver chef Umberto Menghi you know as a guest  you are in  for an eye opening experience to real Italian food. Umbertos is located inside the Sundial Boutique Hotel at 4417 Sundial Place, Whistler BC (604) 932-5858 open from Tuesday-Sunday 5:30pm-11:00pm however this place offers different dining hours during the Winter months.

http://www.hotelvilladelia.com/restaurants.cfm

HousexGuest

House Guest is one of the newest hottest places to lounge for tapas and drinks. The black board menu changes daily however my recommendations would be to try the PMC (pimentos Mac n cheese), Prawn Guac, Crab tater tots or the big house burger. House Guest is also known to serve gastown's best Sunday Brunches. House Guest provides a mysterious dark Gotham like vibe to the overall ambiance all the while with an impressive classy dining set up displaying medieval to modern paintings, poetry and other fine decor. After a nice dining experience House Guest provides a lounge on the lower level where you can drink and dance. This is a fun and different place to explore than your usual, a definite must see. House Guest is located on 200-332 Water Street Vancouver open from Wednesday- Saturday 5:00pm-Late and Sundays 11:00am-4:00pm (604)699-0249.

http://housexguest.com/

Terracotta Modern Chinese Restaurant

Traditional flavours, modern discovery ! Terracotta creates Chinese tapas with a modern twist. This lively place brings in big crowds for nights of dinner or drinking. Located in historic gastown, Terracotta exudes an exotic look to its three level ambiance displaying dark tiled, rock walls and floors with intricate ancient mystical statues of Terracotta warriors from the Qin Dynasty. During my last visit i enjoyed some  smooth Aloe Vodka shots or the signature Green tea and Chivas along with some good eats. Try their Imperial Pepper Prawns, Beijing Fried Rice and the Shanghai Noodles. This place is truly fun and amazing. Terracotta is located on 52 Alexander, open Tuesday-Thursday 6:00pm-Late and Friday-Saturday 6:00pm-2:00am (604) 569-3088.

http://www.terracottavancouver.com/index.php

  

The Charles Bar Woodwards

Located in the old Woodwards building The Charles Bar has taken a new spin to a hub style restaurant and bar. This classy place has a sporty yet lounge vibe as you enter displaying faux rock walls, warm lighting and long wooden bar tables. As you walk in further there is  a dining/lounge type of setting with tables settled a bit lower than usual with comfy couches and chairs with individual TV screens at each booth so you don't miss any action either people watching or the game on TV. Charles bar is evident to cater the  finest craft brewed beer, cocktails and my favourite flat breads. This place can get loud and crowded especially during weekends because its a fun place to catch any game with their exceptional wall to wall screen in front of the bar, just look for the giant "W" on top of the building! Charles bar is located 136 West Cardova Street Vancouver (604) 568-8040. The Charles Bar is open from Monday-Thursday Friday 11am-2am, Saturday 11am-3am, Sunday 11am-2am.

http://thecharlesbar.ca/

The Eatery

This place offers the funkiest sushi in town. The Eatery is a central Hub style restaurant made to dine with cool friends, tasty cocktails and authentic, creative sushi. The Eatery has been in town for over 25 years and still keeps up with the latest trends in music and the sushi menu is endless. My favourite sushi rolls would be the Rock n' Roll and the Buddha Roll, i think the secret is in their sauces. While dining at this place i noticed a theme of outer space, rock n' roll, funky decor that can keep you amused for hours a must see! The Eatery is located on 3431 West Broadway Vancouver, (604) 738-5298 they are open from Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-11:30pm, Friday 3:30pm-Midnight, Saturday 12:30pm-Midnight and Sunday 12:30pm-11:30pm.

http://www.theeatery.ca/

Charlie Don't Surf

The choices are endless at Charlie Don't Surf in white rock on marine drive by the beach. Whether its a casual or fine dining kind of night, the elaborate decor caters to both themes. Charlie don't surf has been open for more than 25 years with an evolving menu. Their latest creations offer more healthy menu options but they still offer the typical burgers, fish n chips, pizzas and pastas but there is so much more to their menu. So many people dine here rain or shine and the view of an endless ocean is always gorgeous. I absolutely adore the decor! You have to dine at this place just to take a tour of all the fun things displayed inside like the giant king or queen velvet chairs, shiny chandeliers, mirror like gems encrusted along the walls mimicking an ocean, an enormous statue of a lion, sharks hanging off the wall entangled in nets and the dimmed lighting gives it that ghostly yet romantic ambiance. Attracting people from the US and locals this place is a must visit. Charlie Don't Surf is located on 15011 Marine Drive White Rock Surrey. They are open 7 days a week from 11:00am-Midnight (604) 538-1988.

http://www.charliedontsurfrestaurants.com/index.html

Meat And Bread

Simple concept amazing sandwich! This place is unbelievable, Vancouver city has been blessed with the most amazing sandwich artists. Line-ups along the curbside yet fast moving however the wait is worth while. During my last visit i indulged into a Porchetta with salsa Verde sandwich and i was amazed. Fresh ingredients piled high on daily made fresh bread, this place is serious about their sandwiches. When you arrive you must order first and find yourself a seat on long picnic tables. The decor and ambiance has almost an industrial sort of feel to it with subway tile wall and soaring ceilings, this place is a must visit. Meat and Bread is located on 370 Cambie Street (Victory Square) Vancouver open Monday-Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm (604) 566-9003.

http://meatandbread.ca/

Pane e Formaggio

Nestled in a nice west end neighbourhood Pane e Formaggio is a speciality cheese and bread shop that offers a wide variety of other goodies. A wonderful place to dine in for speciality coffee and paninis for lunch or spend your time shopping for fine cheese, meats, dips and so much more. Pane e Formaggio deli style shop is a fun place to explore. Try their freshly made panini sandwiches any day of the week. Pane Formaggio is located 4532 west 10th Vancouver BC (604) 224-1623. Pane Formaggio is open 7 days a week from 8:00am-7:00pm.
http://www.pane-e-formaggio.com/home.html

   

Provence Marinaside

This place is so amazing especially for brunch! Take your taste buds on a tour to the south of France cuisine all while sitting back along side the ocean catching all the action from the seawall and false creek. Provence Marinaside is an award winning restaurant with a unique menu offering a modern French influenced cuisine. This place attracts so much attention you can bet brunch hours end up in big line ups to get into this place. The views, sights and sounds are incredible a fun uplifting place to be ! I just love how they have a picnic menu for take out to enjoy on the beach just steps away ! One of the most popular places on the edge of the city. Bon Appetite ! Breakfast hours run from Monday-Friday 8:00am-11:30am Brunch is served on Saturday and Sundays only 9:00am-3:00pm Lunch hour from Monday-Friday 11:30am-4:00pm Dinner Menu takes in effect Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm Fridays-Saturday 5:00pm-10:30pm. Provence Marinaside is located at 1177 Marinaside Crescent Vancouver BC (604) 681-4144.
http://www.provencevancouver.com/marinaside/index.html

St. Regis Bar and Grill

St. Regis Bar and Grill offers an unbeatable location. Located in central Vancouver near our main arenas and theatres, this place is a top pick when your downtown. St. Regis always receives rave reviews for menu items served such as their pizzas, pulled pork, wings or healthy ocean wise certified seafood alongside vegetarian options just to mention a few. I always attend this place during UFC fight nights. If your a fan of MMA the lower level of this bar is a perfect place to catch a fight or any game. Get there early so you too can be situated in front of a 70inch projection screen to witness the action. Great location, amazing ambiance, steps away from the skytrain, i highly recommend this place to everyone. St. Regis is located on 608 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver from Monday-Saturday 11:00am-1:00am and Sundays 11:00am-7:00pm (604) 696-5558

http://www.stregisbargrill.com/

Bandidas Taqueria

For all the Vegetarian foodies i picked this place especially for you. Far from the typical veggie dishes, Bandidas Taqueria serves strictly vegetarian Mexican food so you can eat away at different flavours and not feel guilty. Located right on the drive (commercial drive that is) Bandidas is a family run business that offers great service and is serious about creating conscious carbon footprints in its community. This place offers a very unique twist to Mexican tacos and burritos. During my last dine in i ordered the Ronny Russell from the Taco/Burrito menu and to my surprise i had never had Mexican food in such a combination of roasted yams, onions, guacamole, black beans, green salsa, purple cabbage and roasted pumpkin seeds ! Mas mas ! Bandidas Taqueria is located on 2781 Commercial Drive Vancouver from Sunday-Thursday 9:00am-Midnight and Friday-Saturday 9:00am-1:00am (604) 568-8224.
http://bandidastaqueria.com/

Library Square Public House

Far from your typical bar or lounge in Vancouver, Library Square is located just around the corner from our major sporting arenas, public library and Theatre for performing arts. This is an ideal bar you want to be in and maybe even catch a glimpse of some famous local faces like our Canuck hockey players or White Cap soccer stars having a drink or two after a winning victory. Library Square Public house offers live band and late night dancing and is even a block away from the skytrain station to take you in and out of Vancouver. Come in and check out their weekly specials and late night menu selections. Fridays and Saturdays seem to be the most popular nights with great drink specials and Wednesday wing days bring in large crowds. A definite visit for any occasion or even if you would like to host an event of your own. Located on 300 Georgia Street Vancouver the Library Square Public house is open from Monday-Thursday 11:30am-2:00am, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-3:00am, Sundays 11:30am-2:00am (604)633-9644.
http://donnellygroup.ca/locations/pubs/library-square/  

Marcello Pizzeria

Marcello Lombardo, a proud owner of Marcello Pizzeria has been serving reward winning Italian dishes for over 25 years! This restaurant offers an outstanding show case of Naples-style thin crust creations in over 20 varieties. When you arrive at Marcellos, you will notice this breath-taking show case of a  Neapolitan style wood burning oven in the shape of a Sun God. This centre piece defiantly creates the magic Marcello's is known for. The best dish served is the in house Gnocchi, the hearty lasagna, Alla Griglla, Capricciosa pizza and the best Caesar salad to go with any of the mains. Marcellos offers an extensive wine list, ask your server for the best pairings. Marcellos is located on 1404 Commercial Drive Vancouver. They are open from Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-Midnight and Sundays 11am-10pm (604) 215-7760.

http://www.marcellopizzeria.com

Splitz Grill

If you are in the mood for a real home style burger, Splitz Grill is a must visit. Sizzling patties of true grade A Canadian beef served to you with your choice of toppings and the oh-so popular Splitz sauce, no wonder this place has a line-up out the door! This is the main burger joint you must visit. Originated in Whistler, Splitz became so popular from its loyal fan base mainly from Vancouver, the restaurant owners seized the opportunity back in 2007 to set up shop right on Main street. Every time i dine here i always find myself either ordering the Spicy Lentil burger or the Italian Sausage making them a combo with an ice cold beer (yes, they serve liquor!). Amazing place, amazing food, great place to catch any hockey games, burger in hand, it is a "True gourmet burger joint". Splitz Grill is located on 4242 Main St. (604) 875-9711.
http://www.splitzgrill.com

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company is more than just a regular pizza joint. Aside from the hand made, organic oven roasted pizzas and pastas all the goodies in this restaurant are supported by local growers. Rocky Mountain has been a real staple in our community because they have gone beyond the food they serve in their restaurants, they have built a strong foundation and culture around the Social responsibility they participate in and reducing the carbon footprint in each dish! The dining experience at this restaurant is very educational and impressive. Taking a look around this place you will notice the facility is built from environmentally friendly products. This place is very involved with local Vancouver schools offering cooking classes, growing community gardens and other fundraisers. The pizzas i recommend are Naturally Meaty or Ocean Wise. Every flatbread is baked in an artisan oven and the house made pesto is nut and dairy free ! Check out their gluten free dishes they feature on their menus. Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company is open from 10am-10pm everyday. Please refer to their website for other locations however the two locations i like to visit is the Kitsilano 1876 West 1st Avenue Vancouver (604) 730-0321 or 4186 Main St. Vancouver (604) 566-9779. Enjoy !

Gorilla Food

For all you die hard vegetarians Gorilla Food shows how much they passionately care about preparing raw vegan food from supporting local growers and caring about our environment. When you dine at Gorilla food you can be assured your eating at one of the most healthiest, natural sustainable restaurants in all of Vancouver. During my last visit we had an order of the  East Coast West Coast Salad, Ital Veggie Pizza and one of their delicious Tropical Twist smoothies. I had an amazing experience at this place it is very unique and I adore the work they put into the ambiance of the restaurant and promotion of clean vegan living. Gorilla food is located at 101-436 Richards Street (in between Hastings + Pender street). They are open 11am-6pm everyday (604) 684-3663.
http://www.gorillafood.com

Thai House

Authentic, exotic Thai food setting the standard in Vancouver since 1986! Thai house has many locations throughout the lower mainland but i love to visit the Kits or North Vancouver locations. My favourite addictive dish is the Kaeng Kari Gai or the Moo Pad Bai Grapau. The Thai house offers a Lunch, Brunch and Dinner menu. If your interested in taking your dining  experience to another level try their cooking classes! Thai house also sells their own imported sauces and spices that you can purchase at any of their locations. You can refer to their website for more information on the cooking classes and products for sale. The Kits location is situated at 1766 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver (604) 737-0088 or the North Van location at 116 West Esplanade North Vancouver (604) 987-9911

http://thaihouse.com/

Bridges On Granville

Bridges offers breath taking views of our city bridges, ocean front view of city lights and mountains. If you are looking for a unique facility to hold a large celebration like a wedding, birthday or a romantic patio dinner your best choice is to explore this place. Located next to the public market, Bridges dining experience is symbolic. My favourite dishes are the baked wild salmon, Pacific Oysters,Crab cakes and for desert the Chocolate buzz. I hope you enjoy this amazing Bar & Restaurant! Bridges is located at 1696 Duranleau Street Vancouver. Bridges Bistro and Bar are open 7 days a week from 11am and their second floor restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday at 5:30pm (604) 687-4400.

http://www.bridgesrestaurant.com/

 

Mink Chocolates

Welcome to the holy grail of the finest Belgian chocolates known to mankind. This ultra luxurious velvet tasting chocolate is the best place to visit for coffee, parfaits, waffles or for boxes of assorted chocolates. Shop for yourself or someone else and know mink chocolate offers a state-of-the-art climate controlled peanut free facility. The best experience i have had at Mink is relaxing on a Sunday morning coffee in hand with a best friend and catching up over fresh fruit and chocolate fondue! Mink chocolate has two locations one being downtown Vancouver 863 West Hastings Street (604) 633-2451 open from Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm. They also have a location at the shops in Morgan Crossing, close by the US border they are located at Unit F-110 Morgan Crossing 15775 Croydon Drive in the city of Surrey from Monday-Tuesday 8:00am-7:00pm, Wednesday-Friday 8:00am-9:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm and Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm

http://www.minkchocolates.com/

Kobe Steak & Seafood House Vancouver

Certainly a party at every table. Kobe's steakhouse restaurant offers an authentic country-inn ambiance enriched with the traditional art of "teppanyaki-hibachi" style cooking. This place always has so much action packed cooking performances put on by the chefs. Watching them prepare your order right before your eyes is the best culinary experience anyone can imagine!  Some of the dishes i would recommend are the Ginger beef teriyaki, Filet Mignon and the Ultimate! Kobe's is a great place for two or available for private parties. They are located on 1042 Alberni Street, Vancouver (604) 684-2451
http://www.koberestaurant.com/

Carderos In Coal Harbour

Seafood Dining by the Sea Shore ! The best seafood served all year round can be found at Carderos. Whether it be Mussel Mania weekdays or Prime Rib Sundays, Cardero's offers an enchanting Oceanside view. I just love dining here watching the live band play Sunday- through Thursday from 9pm. I like catching up with friends during Mussel Mania during happy hour 3pm to 6pm you can enjoy a bucket of hot, fresh mussels and frites with a cold pint of Granville island brew..YUM ! Cardero's is open 7 days a week 11:30am-Midnight. Cardero's is located 1583 Coal Harbour Quay (604) 669-7666.

http://www.vancouverdine.com/carderos

Mahek Restaurant & Lounge

Located in the centre of Surrey Mahek offers high quality East Indian dishes both meat and vegetarian. For all you Tandoori chicken lovers this place is worth the trip. I was very impressed by the well trained staff and friendly customer service. Mahek has a very modern warm ambiance that will have you visiting again and again for lunch or dinner. This place even offers 10% off on all its take-out orders! Every time i dine here i always start with the chicken seek Kabobs with Raitha (Indian Yogurt) followed by Butter Chicken rice or Naan bread. Mahek is also known for its slow roasted lamb curry and for desert the Mango ice cream and Rus-Malai is always a great hit. This place is located 9470 120th Street Surrey BC.
http://www.mahek.ca/

      

Cosmos Greek Restaurant In White Rock

It may not be Mykonos Greece but this place is close enough. My favourite element on earth is being by the water and dining along the water is purely divine. Along Marine drive located in White Rock, Cosmos Greek Restaurant has built a house hold name within its community. I have enjoyed some amazing nights in this neighbourhood restaurant and each time i visit this place the food and live entertainment only gets better ! For starters i recommend the Sountzoukakia-Greek meatballs baked in rich tomato sauce sprinkled with feta cheese. For dinner i like a variety of different dishes but i would try the Kleftiko-which is a slow roasted lamb shoulder or the traditional Souvlaki plates are always a great choice.... OPA !
Cosmos Greek Restaurant is located on 14871 Marine Drive White Rock (604) 531-3511
http://www.cosmosgreekrestaurant.com/index.html
http://www.cosmosgreekrestaurant.com/video.html

Steamworks Brewing Company

Make your next event, lunch or dinner date more memorable than the last. With four rooms to serve you with in house brewed beer, dinner or both, Steamworks brewing company provides endless entertainment upstairs or downstairs. Each room contains a different atmosphere, for example, a private wine room for special events or the stylish Uber Lounge with breath taking waterfront view. This is only one side of this place you have to venture out to discover the rest! If your not sure which in house beer to try i recommend the beer palate which features its current or seasonal selections and then you can head on down to Steamworks very own liquor store to bring your favourite brewed beer home! Open daily from 11:30am until late Steamworks is located at 375 Water Street across the Waterfront skytrain station at the foot of historical Gastown. For inquiries or reservations call (604) 689-2739  
http://www.steamworks.com/

Pepitas On Burrard

Pepitas brings an authentic twist to Mexican flavour with a hint of Spanish culture. I don't think I have ever experienced the fresh, unique selections at any other Mexican restaurant. After spending a weekend walking along Vancouver's lovely English Bay and on to historic Burrard street bridge, there is nothing more than to wind down to a nice dinner with your favourite amigos, sipping on some Tequila Flights ! I would recommend Ceviche to start and for dinner, Carnero Al Homo. This place is also fun to enjoy drinks alone, with live entertainment and an endless supply of sombreros passed around you will definitely enjoy this place!

http://www.pepitasonburrard.com/

Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-12:00am
(604) 732-8884

Adesso Bistro

This magnificent jewel of Northern Italian Cuisine is hard to come by because of its hidden location. I stumbled upon this place during a bike ride around English bay and the seawall. A glowing blue light seen from 30 feet away made me curious enough to approach this place. Adesso has been at its current location for years offering a unique Liguria inspired menu along with an outstanding Wine collection. What i enjoyed the most about Adesso is the upscale, warm atmosphere. Our server was so kind to offer his knowledge on which authentic Italian wine would pair best with our dish.  The side patio is transformed into an outside dining venue and the experience this place offers to its customers is a definite A+. Located on 1906 Haro Street Vancouver (604)568-9975.

http://www.adessobistro.net/