It’s been a non-stop year of openings around YVR with (happily) no end in sight. We’ve kept ourselves busy (and waistline ever expanding) by sampling our way around town to discover the latest and greatest restaurants. Culinary research aside, we’ve come up with our own top picks list for best new restaurants of 2013 in Vancouver. Check them out below and prep that appetite accordingly!
Farmer’s Apprentice (1535 West 6th Avenue) Located in the city’s Fairview Slopes area of Vancouver, this farm centric restaurant stuns the taste buds in an impeccably good way. Owned and operated by Chef David Gunawan (of Wildebeest fame), the menu changes daily in accordance with what’s available from local suppliers and farmers. Tucked just off Granville Street, it’s a culinary oasis that truly celebrates food in its most natural state.
Homer St. Café and Bar (898 Homer Street) From the beginning, this restaurant/ bistro has been a culinary hot spot amongst Vancouver’s savvy diners. After seemingly endless design and construct, doors opened to reveal a posh-yet-approachable and polished looking space. The menu features, what could be describe as – upscale comfort food, featuring their nearly famous Rotisserie chicken, fried chickpea and crostini, signature chocolate pudding and a highly addictive brunch service.
Longtail Kitchen (810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster) After the success of Kitsilano’s own Maenam, Chef and owner, Angus An set his sights on opening a riverside location to serve up a taste of Thai. Longtail Kitchen has since enjoyed plenty of positive press – and for good reason, the dishes are exquisite, service excellent and picturesque location worth the drive. Longtail is located at the River Market in New Westminster and serves a tantalizing selection of fish stews, curries, noodle dishes and more.
La Mezcaleria (1622 Commercial Drive) The same owners who brought the popular La Taqueria to life (as well as the much-loved Tacofino Food Trucks), La Mezcaleria has taken the Commercial Drive dining scene by storm. Featuring a well-thought out menu full of authentic dishes such as made to order guacamole, enchiladas, tostadas, ceviche and tacos, to lesser-known options like their queso fundito and tamarind squid. Delve into their Mezcal taster flight and you’ll score a perfect south of the border fix.
PiDGiN (350 Carrall Street) In the news a lot this past year, PiDGiN has undoubtedly attracted a lot of attention (and accolades), and for good reason. Located in the heart of Gastown and owned by Makoto Ono (who won the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2007). Featuring a menu that melds a handful of culinary concepts together effortlessly, PiDGiN taps into the flavours of French, Japanese and Korean cooking. A definite must-do on any foodie’s list.
Other top picks on our list for 2013:
Bambudda (99 Powell Street)
Craft Beer Market (Olympic Village)
Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar (1055 West Hastings)
Buckstop (833 Denman Street)
Nook (Kitsilano location, 1525 Yew Street)
