Triangle Trip

The Triangle Trip Gang would like to wish their readers and fans a very Prosperous Lunar New Year; Happy Valentines Day; and Great President’s Day!

For those visiting Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, you may want to check out our previous post on where the locals eat. We have Vancouver restaurant recommendations for the following cuisines:  Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French and other great seafood restaurants. Vancouver is one of the best places to visit to eat!

We all know that Vancouver is know for having good authentic Chinese food with famous chefs from Hong Kong. In addition, I think Vancouver has the best food selection in the world. All of restaurants (from French to Italian to Japanese) in Vancouver are authentic and fresh. I love the food so much, I visit Vancouver twice a year (well I also do some skiing while I am there).

Aside from falling into the typical tourist traps or overpriced meals or chain restaurants, below is a list of the restaurants (broken out by cuisine) I highly recommend you check out. Some of these restaurants are only known by locals.

Chinese:

Sun Sui Wah – Ok… this is quite commercial since they’ve an ad at the airport (YVR). There are two Sun Sui Wah locations: one in Richmond right by the airport and another near downtown. They are famous for their quails, Peking Duck and shark fin soup. They also have good Dim Sum as well. Definitely give them a try!

Fisherman’s Terrace – One of my favorite Chinese restaurants. Fisherman’s Terrace is located inside Aberdeen Place in Richmond (by the airport). Great Chinese food served family style. It is a bit pricey but definitely worth the price. It may be the best Chinese restaurant on this list.

Kirin Restaurant – There are 4 locations, I think the one in Richmond is the best. However, the one downtown has the best service. You can have Dim Sum in the afternoon and fine dining in the evening.

Lok’s Chinese Restaurant – Located in Kerrisdale, Vancouver. This restaurant could be a bit too north and west for travelers without a car. Lok’s offer casual to fine dining. I personally like the food here. Definitely worth a try if you’ve a car with you.

Victoria Chinese Seafood Restaurant – Located in downtown Vancouver off Melville Street. They serve Dim Sum in the afternoon and wide variety of dining specials in the evening. Victoria isn’t too expensive compared to the rest of the Chinese restaurants stated above.

French:

Le Gavroche – It is one of my favorites for fine dining. Le Gavroche has excellent food and good service.

Le Crocodile – It is one of the fine dining places in Vancouver. It has 20+ years of history. Definitely worth trying if you’re in a mood to spend some money for real French fine dining!

Chambar – Well… Not quite a French restaurant, more of a Belgium restaurant (but close enough). Chambar has great food, excellent wine selection and dessert.

Italian:

Amacord Restaurant – A fine dining place at Yaletown (one of my favorite areas for good food in Vancouver). Amacord offers fine dining and their lobster pasta is delicious – you must order it when you are there.

CinCin – Great Italian restaurant located in downtown Vancouver. It offers fine dining with great wine selection. It is located on Robson, Vancouver’s busiest and most touristy street.

Provence Marinaside – It is located in Yaletown which is fairly close to downtown. Great place for brunch and fine dining. Restaurant also offer a great view of the harbor.

Japanese:

Guu – An awesome place for Japanese Tapas and one of my favorite restaurants. There are multiple Guu locations. The Guu on Robson is the best but it’s packed from 6pm. The Guu on Thurlow is the original. The third Guu restaurant is in Richmond which is so-so. I usually show up at 5:30PM at Guu on Robson whenever I am in Vancouver!

Gyoza King – located on Robson as well, a few doors down from Guu. Gyoza King opens late. I recalled going there after 1AM and the place was still packed. Very similiar to Guu, Gyoza King has more alcohol (sake) selection. Their Gyoza is good too – hence the name.

Miko Sushi Restaurant – Located on Robson and offers a full Japanese menu. Miko Sushi has fresh fish and is one of my favorites.

Steakhouse & Fish

Blue Water Cafe – This is a place for great raw oysters! Blue Water Cafe is located in Yaletown and offers a great view of the marina. I highly recommend you sit outside on a sunny day. They also have good white wine pairing with the raw bar.

Hy’s Encore – A steakhouse located at the heart of downtown. Hy’s is on Hornby and looks like a cigar shop from the outside. The setting is dark and old – looks like an old church. Steak and garlic bread are great. We only had lunch at Hy’s but I am sure they are great for dinner as well. Hy’s Encore is also a place for power lunch!