Best Downtown 2014

GOLD: CACTUS CLUB COAL HARBOUR

Silver: Tableau Bar Bistro | Bronze: Hawksworth | Honourable Mentions: The Mexican, Antojitos y Cantina; Yew Seafood & Bar

Why should condo owners be the only ones to enjoy the gorgeous views? When Cactus Club Coal Harbour (Gold) opened last year, it was seen foremost as a tourist lure, but it’s equally a gift to locals. As the newborn in the CC family, it enjoys the bulk of executive chef Rob Feenie’s attention, which means excellence and consistency on the plate. And it’s one of the few decent bars in the area. Judges said Tableau Bar Bistro (Silver) in the Loden Hotel “epitomizes what a higher-end neighbourhood haunt should be. The menu’s relaxed enough not to be challenging, yet gently sophisticated and polished for a semi-special occasion.” Hawksworth took Bronze not for its formal dining room but for the exactingly staffed bar. One or two of the inventive, thoughtful retro cocktails like the Income Tax (c. 1926) and a plate of the more-ish Korean fried cauliflower, warm Atlantic lobster rolls, or ever-popular spicy yellowfin tuna snacks won’t break the bank but will send your Tuesday night into overdrive.

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