Restaurant Awards 2025: The Best Upscale Contemporary Restaurants in Vancouver

We’ve shaken things up a little bit this year: thanks to the barrage of fantastic restaurants that could technically fit into a Contemporary category, we’ve decided to split it into two more specific awards—Upscale and Informal—so that even more world-class eateries could get some love.

Gold: Botanist

While the definition of “upscale” has certainly shifted over the past few years (fewer white tablecloths, patrons wearing limited-edition sneakers instead of loafers), exceptional service, quality of food and a “special occasion” vibe remains the hallmark of this category. Botanist, our gold winner in the category, dazzled our judges with expertly crafted dishes like black pepper-crusted salmon with salmon roe, smoked buttermilk kohlrabi and celeriac and pan-seared scallops that takes inspiration from chef Hector Laguna’s Mexican heritage with its salsa macha, fermented jalapeno, green apple and pork jowl. Our judges said that—whether you’re partaking in the hyper-local tasting menu or dining à la carte—Laguna “spares no expense in creating an experience for the diner.”’

1038 Canada Pl.
botanistrestaurant.com

Silver: L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir scores silver thanks to what one judge named as the ability “to impress time and time again.” That’s due to chef Lee Cooper’s unyielding dedication to inventive takes on French-inspired West Coast cuisine: the baked Pacific oysters with whipped garlic butter and black truffle is a perfect example.

217 Carrall St.
labattoir.ca

Bronze: Boulevard

Bronze goes to Boulevard, which, under chef Alex Chen, has continued to showcase outstanding West Coast cuisine—like the knockout seafood tower that features unique items like pastrami steelhead and mussels escabeche.

845 Burrard St.
boulevardvancouver.ca

Honourable Mentions

AnnaLena
1809 W 1st Ave.
annalena.ca

Published on Main
3593 Main St.
publishedonmain.com

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