Our judges cover a lot of ground over the course of a year, but there’s only so much eating one supergroup of foodies can do. So we turn to you, our brilliant readers, to help fill in the gaps. With your help, we’ve identified neighbourhood faves, beloved brunch spots and more. The people have spoken!
Best Cocktail Bar: The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer St.
thekeeferbar.com
Chinatown’s apothecary-inspired classic wins for its moody, expertly built cocktails in warm candlelight. Fair warning: “one drink” rarely stays the plan, and on Saturdays the lineup might have you bonding with the firepit crowd out front.
Best Sushi: Sushi Hil
3330 Main St.
sushihil.com
This intimate eatery from chef Hilary Nguy on Main Street’s “Michelin Mile” serves up unparalleled cuts of sashimi, nigiri and makimono (and don’t even get us started on the spot’s perfect, petite pot of creamy chawanmushi).
Best Steakhouse: Elisa
1109 Hamilton St.
elisasteak.com
The double win (see above) says it all: when Vancouver wants steak, it wants Elisa. And for good reason too. It’s dialled-in, wood-fired and consistently worth dressing up for (higher stakes, better steak).
Best Brunch: Northern Cafe
1640 E Kent Ave. S
northerncafeandgrill.com
Unpretentious dishes make up the brunch menu at Northern Cafe, but if we had to pick just one, we’d come back for the breakfast poutine: smokey sausage, fried onions and cheese curds smothered in béarnaise sauce atop tater tots? Count us in.
Best Plant-Based: The Acorn
3995 Main St.
theacornrestaurant.ca
Chef Matt Gostelow consistently dazzles the tastebuds of vegetarians and omnivores alike with their creative, innovative and sumptuous veggie-focused dishes: the beer-battered halloumi with minty yogurt and smashed peas is an all-time fave.
Best Pizza: Via Tevere
1190 Victoria Dr. and 3240 Main St.
viateverepizzeria.com
Via Tevere does what it’s always done best: classic Neapolitan pizza, expertly blistered in a wood-fired oven. The margherita is all balance and restraint, while the Quattro Formaggi is a rich, bubbling love letter to cheese.
