May’s Best Food Events in Vancouver—Where to Dine This Month

Goodbye, Raincouver! The sun is out and it’s here to stay (forever, right?), meaning patio dining and food markets are finally back. May is jam-packed with special dining experiences and amazing menu changes to reflect the season’s freshest produce and seafood, including the return of the spot prawn. From a one-of-a-kind Indian-inspired high tea experience to a spectacular teppanyaki set menu, this month has it all.

Nikkei Experience Dinner

Peruvian and Japanese flavours meet at Locanda dell’Orso’s Nikkei Experience Dinner, where newly-appointed culinary director Chef Jefferson Alvarez and Chef Masayoshi Baba of the Michelin-starred Masayoshi team up to create an incredible dining experience. For one night only, the duo has put together a six-course menu that marries the vibrant and bold flavours of Peruvian cuisine with fresh and umami-filled Japanese dishes to create an unforgettable feast.

350 W Pender St.
May 1, 7 p.m.
Tickets here

Bad Academy’s Coffee 101 Workshop

Impress the other coffee snobs in your area with this extensive coffee workshop held by The Bad Academy this month. Learn all about the history of coffee and finally understand what goes into cupping—the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee—with Stepanka Sustrova, the head of quality control at La Finca Distribution. You’ll also receive a bag of coffee beans that were roasted during the class and a coffee cupping spoon to take home. At the time of writing, there are limited spots left, so sign up quick!

Rocanini Coffee Roasters Yaletown
May 8 and 15, 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets here

Four Winds Brewing Nectarous Day

The vibrant and fruity Nectarous Dry-Hopped Sour made waves when Four Winds Brewing launched it in 2015, making it the first dry-hopped sour ever in Canada. This May, Four Winds Brewing celebrates the original dry-hopped sour in Canada with Nectarous Day, featuring the iconic sour at five restaurants alongside six other flavours like Mango Mango, Spicy Marg, and Cucumber Mint. There will also be a mystery Nectarous on tap—we heard whoever guesses the additions correctly could stand a chance to win a $200 gift card at Four Winds.

Four Winds Taproom and Taco Shop, Four Winds Beach House and Brewery, The Magnet, The Drake, The Barley Merchant
May 16
More info

Spot Prawn Festival

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia are back again for this annual event, serving up the subtly sweet prawns in a creamy bisque and a freshly baked bun. For those looking to make the most out of the season, opt for the brunch tasting menu featuring six spot prawn dishes. Alongside the dishes, savour various samples of B.C. wine and beer while you’re at it.

1505 W 1st Ave.
May 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info

Kobe’s Art of Teppanyaki Set Menu

If you’ve been craving teppanyaki, it’s your lucky day. Kobe will be offering their limited-time Art of Teppanyaki set menu from Mondays to Thursdays throughout May, for $58 per person. Enjoy an incredible teppanyaki performance as the chef cooks up a storm, where you’ll get to try flame-kissed tiger prawns, hearty Shabu Shabu soup and tender premium-cut sirloin steak. The mandatory post-meal sweet treat is also included, this time in the form of an artisanal gelato.

1042 Alberni St.
Monday–Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until May 31
Reservations here

Just Kidding Comedy at Fable Diner and Bar

Food and laughter are always a great combination, and even more so when Just Kidding Comedy’s killer lineup finds themselves at the ever-popular Fable Diner and Bar. Hosted by dynamic duo Josh De Grandi and Kelsey Hamilton, look forward to a night of non-stop laughs while sipping bespoke cocktails and enjoying one of Fable’s juicy burgers.

755 Richards St.
May 1, 8 p.m.
Tickets here

Cinco de Mayo at Ophelia

Popular Mexican restaurant Ophelia has geared up for Cinco De Mayo festivities this year, with a family-style cantina menu featuring a zesty Coctel de Camaron with succulent tiger prawns and steak-filled tacos that’s sure to leave you stuffed. Don’t miss out on the handcrafted tipples either—choose between the refreshing Ophelia margarita, the Serrano and Jalapeño-infused Cuatro Chiles, or the fruity Guayaba y Habanero. Or, you know, forget choosing and have all three instead.

165 W 2nd Ave.
May 5
Reservations here

Fanny Bay Oysters x Copperpenny Distillery Co.

Celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day with freshly shucked oysters and award-winning local gin. Fanny Bay Oysters returns to Copperpenny Distillery this May with three select oyster varieties, and the citrusy No. 006 Oyster Shell Gin that pairs perfectly with fresh seafood. While reservations are not required, they are recommended as these oysters sell out fast!

103-288 Esplanade E Ave.
May 11, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Reservations here

Desi Indian Lounge Mother’s Day High Tea

Forget scones and sandwiches—enjoy an Indian-inspired high tea at Desi Indian Lounge this Mother’s Day. This specially curated experience replaces the British staples with delectable treats like mango pastries, a zesty dhokla and even chicken tikka croissants served with tamarind and green pea chutneys. No high tea is complete without cocktails, so don’t miss out on the creamy Mango Mastani Lassi or the spicy Nice Guy Chai.

1355 Hornby St.
May 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations here

Phantom Creek Wine Dinner at The Victor

Don’t worry, wine-lovers, you haven’t been forgotten this month. The Victor’s Phantom Creek Wine Dinner combines gourmet cuisine with world-class wines. The four-course meal includes a fresh shucked oyster amuse bouche topped with Phantom Creek Rosé granita and even a juicy wagyu beef cheek croquette— all paired with exceptional wines from the Phantom Creek Estates.

39 Smithe St.
May 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets here

The Shipyards Night Market

The weather’s getting warmer, and that means more night markets popping up all over the city. The Shipyards Night Market is one of the must-visits—think crisp pints of local beer, paper containers of carbs straight from your fave food trucks and amazing live performances by local artists all in one spot. What more could you ask for?

19 Wallace Mews
Every Friday from May 16 to September 12, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
More info

Chambar Apprentice Dinner Series Vol. 2

Following the success of last month’s Apprentice Dinner with Nikola Janitsova, Chambar will have Chef Uddhave Neupane share his Nepalese influences this month. Priced at $65 per person, expect a sumptuous four-course meal with highlights like panipuri and potato salad topped with a tangy tamarind vinaigrette and a grilled sockeye salmon paired with sweet pepper chutney and Szechuan aloo chop.

568 Beatty St.
May 6, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Reservations here

Anh and Chi: A Toast to the Matriarch

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Anh and Chi has crafted a special sharing menu for the occasion. Paying homage to their favourite childhood dishes by Mama Nguyên, the menu features vibrant dishes like the Lệ Chi “Viên,” where tiger prawn balls are wrapped in lychee and served with a topping of plum powder and a citrus plum sauce, as well as Chè Bưởi –Nhà—a comforting blend of pomelo, mung beans and coconut mousse.

3388 Main St.
May 11
Reservations here