Seeking exquisite dining experiences in Vancouver for a memorable celebration? Look no further!
Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, or another milestone, these restaurants offer the perfect setting for a special occasion.
Quick Recommendations: Elisa Steakhouse and Le Crocodile stand out as top choices, each offering unique flavours and elegant atmospheres.
Here are our top picks for the 10 best fine-dining restaurants in Vancouver, ensuring your special day is nothing short of extraordinary.
1. Elisa Steak House
Elisa in Yaletown is the epitome of a fine dining experience and one of the best restaurants in Vancouver, offering a blend of gourmet food and intimate ambiance. Start with their Tartare Tasting Trio and Tender Leaf & Fresh Herb Salad.
For the main course, the Black Angus or Bluedot Ribeye, paired with a selection from their impressive wine list, is a must-try. Elisa provides a perfect setting for a pampered night out.
What to order: Tartare Tasting Trio, Tender Leaf & Fresh Herb Salad, Black Angus, Bluedot Ribeye
Address: 1109 Hamilton Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
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2. L’Abattoir
Located in a beautifully restored brick-and-beam building, L’Abattoir is a French-inspired culinary haven in Vancouver’s Gastown. Led by Executive Chef and Owner Lee Cooper, the Michelin Recommended restaurant offers a sophisticated menu.
The Steak Diane is a standout, and the baked Pacific oysters with truffle purée and mushroom marmalade are a testament to the chef’s artistry.
Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list or a handcrafted cocktail. L’Abattoir provides an upscale dining experience that’s sure to impress.
What to order: Steak Diane, baked Pacific oysters, wines
Address: 217 Carrall Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1
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3. Blue Water Cafe
Blue Water Cafe is a seafood paradise, acclaimed for its fresh offerings from live tanks, a raw bar, and an impressive selection of seafood on ice.
As one of Vancouver’s most prestigious seafood restaurants, it offers an unparalleled dining experience with internationally renowned dishes. The Ahi Tuna Tataki from their raw bar is a highlight, ideal for sushi lovers.
The Yellowfin Tuna and Sablefish are fresh and packed with umami flavours, best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their extensive list or a cocktail from their bar.
What to order: Ahi Tuna Tataki, Yellowfin Tuna, Sablefish, Blue Water Cafe Tower
Address: 1095 Hamilton St Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4
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4. Le Crocodile
Experience authentic French cooking at Le Crocodile, famous for its impeccable service and extensive menu. Ideal for romantic dates or special occasions, Le Crocodile’s highlights include Dover Sole with Classic Beurre Blanc, and Roasted Fraser Valley Duck Breast with an Apple Cider Reduction. The Lobster Tempura and Grilled Scallops are exceptional starters, and the Mousse au Chocolat Maison is a luxurious dessert choice.
What to order: Dover Sole, Roasted Fraser Valley Duck Breast, Lobster Tempura, Grilled Scallops, Mousse au Chocolat Maison
Address: 909 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N2
5. Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
This restaurant, named after the Roman god of wine, offers a wide range of exceptional wines complementing their European-inspired cuisine. The Venetian decor and art create an awe-inspiring atmosphere for a remarkable dining experience.
Signature dishes include Lavender & Cocoa Scented Foie Gras Torchon and Capellini with Lobster Fra Diavolo.
What to order: Lavender & Cocoa Scented Foie Gras Torchon, Capellini with Lobster Fra Diavolo, Half Rack of New Zealand Grass Fed White Stripe Lamb
Address: 845 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1T9
6. Hawksworth
This elegant venue in Vancouver combines sophistication with exceptional continental cuisine. Known for its superb service and vintage cocktail bar, Hawksworth is perfect for a classy lunch or evening out. Experience their weekly 3-course set meal for a true taste of Hawksworth’s culinary expertise, or indulge in their European Caviar selections.
What to order: Set Meal
Address: 801 W Georgia Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
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7. CinCin
Experience an intimate and memorable evening with your partner at CinCin and in the city’s most beautiful dining room.
CinCin is a feast of the senses. The top-rated wood-fired Italian-inspired cuisine is crafted in rhythm with the seasons. One of the best places for a romantic date night. Start off with zucchini blossom fritti, beet salad, and crispy fried Humboldt squid appetizers; as well as the tortellini and scallop linguine pomodoro for main courses and tiramisu and chocolate torte for dessert.
What to order: zucchini blossom fritti, beet salad, crispy fried Humboldt squid, tortellini, scallop linguine pomodoro, tiramisu, chocolate torte
Address: 1154 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2
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8. Five Sails
Situated on the waterfront, Five Sails offers a gourmet adventure with breathtaking views. The menu reflects a modern twist on European and West Coast cuisine. Signature dishes include Whole Atlantic Lobster, Pan-seared Sea Bass Piccata, and slow-cooked Halibut in red beet purée. For dessert, the Chocolate Symphony is highly recommended.
What to order: The Five Sails Beverage Program, Whole Atlantic Lobster, Pan-seared Sea Bass Piccata, slow-cooked halibut, Chocolate Symphony
Address: 401-999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
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9. Gotham Steak House
Gotham offers a classic steakhouse experience with art deco elegance and a simple, exquisite menu. Begin with a cheese board and explore unique cocktails. The Porterhouse Steak and 20oz Bone-In Ribeye Steak are highlights, along with the Baked American Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie for dessert.
P.S. Don’t forget to order their popular Cheese Toast
What to order: cheese boards, cocktails, Porterhouse Steak, 20oz Bone-In Ribeye Steak, Baked American Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie
Address: 615 Seymour Street Vancouver, BC V6B 3K3
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10. Cioppino’s
Renowned for Mediterranean cuisine, Cioppino’s features an open kitchen and a vast wine list. Chef Pino presents dishes like Fritto Misto di Pescato del Pacifico and Classic Lobster Bisque. The Rib-Eye Tuscan Style and signature Cioppino with a medley of sustainable fish are must-tries.
What to order: Fritto misto di pescato del Pacifico, Classic Lobster Bisque, Rib-Eye Tuscan Style, wines
Address: 1133 Hamilton Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
11. Brix & Mortar
Brix & Mortar, housed in a 1917 heritage building, feels like dining in a castle. Their Johnston’s Farm St. Louis Pork Ribs are perfect for meat lovers, while the Wild Salmon offers a lighter option.
With an extensive wine and cocktail list, it’s ideal for romantic dinner dates, intimate gatherings, or enjoying time on their stunning patio.
What to order: Johnston’s Farm St. Louis Pork Ribs, Wild Salmon, wines, cocktails
Address: 1137 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3
That wraps up our list of the best fine-dining restaurants in Vancouver. We hope you try a few out on your next date night or special occasion. If you’re in the mood for some coffee after, check out our list of the Best Coffee Shops in Vancouver to get your caffeine fix.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.