Restaurant Awards 2025: The Best Informal Contemporary Restaurants in Vancouver

Splitting the Contemporary category in two means a chance to highlight the restaurants where “New Canadian” cuisine shines and is distinctly Vancouver in nature. Yes, this is due to the food served, but the environment is also reflective of our city’s laidback attitude: casual but not counter service, the ideal restaurant for an impromptu date night.

Gold: Bar Bravo

Last year’s Best New winner, Bar Bravo, clinches gold this year thanks to its inventive, seafood-focused menu (including an exceptional dry-aged fish program) and what our judges called a “special room with unrivalled energy.” You can’t go wrong when ordering here, but you don’t want to miss the fremantle octopus (with brava sauce, salsa verde and labeh) or the squid tagliolini, which arrives dotted with briny olives. “I love the vision of the menu—it’s the perfect size with something that seems to work for every occasion,” said one judge.

4194 Fraser St.
bravovancouver.com

Silver: Nightingale

Local favourite Nightingale takes home silver this year—last year it was our editors’ pick for Best Any Occasion, and that reputation still stands. The menu is ambitious, showcasing the full spectrum of West Coast fare, from charred miso-marinated mackerel to locally grown parsnips and carrots lacquered in chimichurri to its expertly crafted wood-fired pizza.

1017 W Hastings St.
hawknightingale.com

Bronze: Bar Susu

After rising from the ashes of a literal fire and re-opening in its original location, Bar Susu takes bronze thanks to its innovative wine and small plates program (do not miss the forever-favourite fried maitake mushrooms). [Editors’ note: after going to press, we learned that Bar Susu will be closing its doors this spring. Thanks for everything, Team Susu!]

209 E 6th Ave.
thisisbarsusu.com

Honourable Mentions

Torafuku
958 Main St.
torafuku.ca

Folke
2585 W Broadway
folkerestaurant.com

Find more of the best Vancouver restaurants on our list of 2025 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Award winners.