If there’s one thing my fiancé and I indulge in a bit too often, it’s dining out. But along with this expensive little habit, I’ve gained some knowledge about the city’s most romantic restaurants. While we are always looking for hidden gems, we’ve also been lucky enough to try incredibly delicious food at some of Vancouver’s most beautiful dining destinations. Keep these local spots in mind for your next date night.
Stop in for a bit of gambling at the Grand Villas Casino in Burnaby and don’t miss out a meal at the casino’s in-house restaurant, e.b.o. After spending two Valentine’s Day dinners at this sophisticated restaurant and lounge, I can say with some certainty that this location offers both a romantic setting and decadent meals. The dinner menu includes seasonal pastas, seafood and a variety of steak options.
Faux Bourgeois is notably one of Vancouver’s most romantic restaurants. With its dim lighting and delicious French cuisine, this charming bistro is the perfect location to bring that special someone. The menu features classic French fare such as steak frites, bouillabaisse and duck confit. Be sure to come on an empty stomach because you’ll definitely want to try a little bit of everything!
Located in the heart of Gastown, this beautiful restaurant is an iconic Vancouver dining destination that nearly always requires a reservation. I was lucky enough to try out Water Street Café spontaneously last winter when I simply ducked inside to escape the cold and managed to score a seat – no reservation! Since then I haven’t been so fortunate, but Water Street Café has remained as one of my favourite spots for a romantic and yummy meal. Menu options range from Italian inspired pastas to sumptuous seafood dishes and meaty mains.
This rustic country-style restaurant in Kitsilano is run by Trevor Bird (you may recognize him as Top Chef Canada’s Season Two runner-up) and offers unique dishes with sophisticated flavours. Fable’s unpretentious setting pairs well with its playful takes on farmhouse classics. My favourite dish is the canned tuna, which features sous-vide tuna served in a small mason jar with potatoes, grape tomato and olive oil. This casual neighbourhood restaurant stands out from the crowd and is the perfect spot to take your favourite foodie for a date night!
Tucked away on Main Street, Campagnolo is a quaint little hole in the wall that you could almost miss if you didn’t know what you were looking for. The rustic-meets-modern restaurant offers incredible Italian cuisine (antipasti, pizzas, pastas), friendly service and a variety of wines and cocktails. There’s a no-reservations policy though, so be sure to show up early to score a table for yourself and that special someone.
Calling all steak lovers – this restaurant is for you! Black and Blue is a swanky restaurant on Alberni Street that promises an incredible meal in a totally unique and luxurious environment. With the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had (prepared right in front of your table), delicious meat-forward mains and a unique variety of cocktails – this high-end steakhouse is in a league of its own.
Located on Vancouver’s bustling Robson Street, this is one restaurant that you could easily indulge in day and night. In the evenings, Forage transforms from a daytime brunch spot to a romantic dinner locale, where you’ll find farm-to-table fare and a variety of wines on tap. The restaurant also keeps community wellness and environmental sustainability at the forefront with its zero-waste policy and energy-reduction efforts.