EMS  Annual Meeting 2006 : Vancouver , British Columbia, 

Getting fed in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to a huge diversity of food and drink. West coast, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, surf and turf, veggie, vegan, you name it. If you can't find it, you're not in Vancouver. The concierge or the cab driver will tell you where to try. Vancouverites LOVE their favorite restaurants, so ask anybody you meet, and they'll tell you what's good. Usually, it's not far away.  Their are also dozens of websites bragging and reviewing local fare, so check some of them out as well. Here's one for wine lovers.  You'll also find that virtually all Vancouver restaurants offer something in the way of vegetarian fare. 

Almost all national chains, fast food and otherwise, are represented in downtown Vancouver, and we won't cover those. 

Also, Vancouver is not huge on snobby "fine dining".  There is some, but your correspondent has not had time to visit them. Fine dining in Vancouver means excellent food and service, a wine list to write about, and an accomodating atmosphere. If you wish to dress up, most places will still let you in. 

Seafood / West Coast

Raincity Grill :  not what you'd expect in a grill. Grilled octopus salad, holy. Midpriced, good service, good views. 1193 Denmans Street, 10 minutes walk from Hyatt. 604-685-7337.

Monk McQueen's  Really Monk's Oyster Bar and McQueen's Upstairs Just east of Granville Island on the False Creek waterfront. Seafood, steaks, continental. Live jazz.  601 Stamps landing on the False Creek Waterfront, Vancouver. Reservations not usually accepted for parties less than 8 before October. 604.877.1351

Salmon House:  A bit further afield. OTOH, the view is stunning, the atmosphere friendly and as formal as you like. Food is west coast, catch of the day.  2229 Folkestone Way right off Highway #1 enroute to Whistler. (604) 926-3212. Reservations reccmmended, but not always needed.

Feenies  Chef  Robert Feenie runs this bistro style location and Lumiere next door. You've seen him on TV, now see it for real. Feenies is the less pricey, try the tasting bar. 2563 West Broadway, 604-739-7115

Lumiere    "a combination between European elegance, North American flair and Asian minimalism."  A little upscale, but you're worth it. Recipient of the Relais Gourmand designation. 2551 W. Broadway, 604-739-8185

Bishop's  Continental, west coast, a bit more formal, reservations recommended. Good wine list. Reservations recommended. 604-738-2025

Le Gavroche French of course. A short walk from the hotel. Initmate dining in a small restaurant with French and avante garde choices. Short but fine wine list. 1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver, 604-685-3924

Less Fine, but Still Good

Whitespot - a mainly BC chain with a family menu. Reasonably priced, clean, decent. Several locations.

Memphis Blues Barbeque House  no reservations, try the blackened shrimp appy!!  Definitely NOT for vegetarians. Ribs, chicken, burgs. Great food, good prices, cold beer (CHILLED GLASSES !!). 1465 W. Broadway and 1342 Commercial Dr. 10 minutes by cab.

Sushi

Vancouver is home to some of the finest and some of the worst sushi in the world. Like anything, you get pretty much what you pay for, but there are some real deals to be had.

TOJO on 10th Avenue (10 minute cab ride) Possibly the west coast's finest sushi, in the least intimidating context.  A view to the north over downtown. No fancy dress needed, reservations possible but possibly not needed also. Expect to spend 20-50 for a la carte basics, or ~100+ $CAN for melt in your mouth tuna, salmon, tempura specialties by the chef. I recommend the chef's special creations.  Pricey, but worth it.  Japanese beer and saki recommended. DO NOT ASK FOR A CALIFORNIA ROLL, 'cuz TOJO don't got'em.  604 872-8050

Yoshi's on Denman A dining experience guaranteed to transport you to Japan. 689 Denman Street.  (604) 738-8226

Granville Sushi   For less than $10, you can get your monthly fill of Japanese cuisine in one seating.2526 Granville St
 (604) 738-0388

All you can eat sushi : Several sites in Vancouver, downtown and south. Expect to spend 10-20 $CAN for good sushi, with variable catch of the day, domestic beer/wine, and of course, variable quality.

Thai

Chilli House (Thai) 1018 Beach Avenue, 604-685-8989

Chinese

Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant, locally popular, good, reasonable prices. 1132 E. Hastings St., 604-253-4316

Irish Pubs in Vancouver

 

Other

Kolachi house : home of inexpensive filled buns, savory, sweet, and very tasty. Right beside a coffee place (who shall remain unnamed) on Boothby at the north end of the main street bridge.

Siegel's Bagels : More than a bagel shop, Siegel's is a Kitsilano destination. On the spot schmeared and filled bagels, warm from the wood fired oven. Not to be missed.