Mia Stainsby
Sun
A list of restaurants recommended and anonymously visited by Sun restaurant critic Mia Stainsby.
Prices are per couple for three courses, with a glass of wine each, before tip and taxes.
$ means $50 or less
$$ means $50 to $100
$$$ means more than $100
– – –
WEST COAST
Aurora Bistro The first fine dining room on Main St. Inventive food, hip spot. 2420 Main St., 604-873-9944. $$
Bishop’s Consistently one of the city’s best. Almost 100 per cent organic foods. 2183 West Fourth Ave., 604-738-2025. $$$
Bin 941 Tapas bar in tiny eclectic space. 941 Davie St., 604-683-1246. $$/$$$
Bin 942 Creative, delectable tapas dishes. 1521 West Broadway, 604-734-9421. $$/$$$
Boneta An ambitious chef behind a constantly changing menu, some dishes reaching the sublime. 1 West Cordova St., 604-684-1844. $$
Chow. Delicate textures marries bold flavours. A successful union. 3121 Granville St., 604-608-2469. $$$
Fuel The food sings. A joy! 1944 West Fourth Ave., 604-288-7905. $$$
Gastropod Beautifully controlled flavours, great value for fine food. 1938 West Fourth Ave., 604-730-5579. $$
Lumiere Tasting Bar The casual sidekick to famous sibling, Lumiere, next door. 2551 West Broadway, 604-739-8185. $$/$$$
Nu A sophisticated version of casual dining. Beautiful flavours, great atmosphere. 1661 Granville St., 604-646-4668. $$
Ocean 6 Seventeen Regional bistro food at its finest, in a cozy neighbourhood spot in the crook of False Creek. 617 Stamp’s Landing. 604-879-6178. $$
Parkside Handsome room in residential West End, richly flavoured food. Great spot. 1906 Haro, 604-683-6912. $$/$$$
Raincity Grill A Vancouver moment by English Bay. Regional food. 1193 Denman St., 604-685-7337. $$$
Salt Tasting Room Inspired charcuterie style food with wine pairings. Edgey surrounding. 45 Blood Alley, 604-633-1912. $$
So.cial at Le Magasin Supple, flavourful food by Sean Cousins, a food pro. 332 Water St., 604-669-4488. $$$
Soma A hip, inexpensive little boite off Main St. with a perky menu, great beers. 151 East Eighth Ave., 604-630-7502. $/$$
West Vies for best restaurant in the city. 2881 Granville St., 604-738-8938. $$$
ITALIAN
Amarcord Food from the Bologna and Emilia Romagna area of Italy, elegantly presented. Clear, natural flavours. 1168 Hamilton St., 604-681-6500. $$
CinCin Restaurant and Bar Seasonal menu with wood-fired dishes. Notable desserts. 1154 Robson St., 604-688-7338. $$/$$$
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill Fine Italian cuisine with a light touch. 1133 Hamilton St., 604-688-7466. $$$
Don Francesco Ristorante Romantic, classic Italian restaurant with heart. 860 Burrard St., 604-685-7770. $$$
Italian Kitchen The spaghetti with truffle cream and Kobe meatballs here is luscious. A modern Italian restaurant. 1037 Alberni St., 604-687-2859. $$
La Buca A neighbourhood restaurant serving quality food, backed up by great service. 4025 MacDonald St., 604-730-6988. $$