This week (Oct 14 to 22, 2021) marks the 6th incarnation of French Gastronomy Week, put on by our amis at the French Consulate. To help them celebrate, we’re harkening back to our 31st Restaurant Awards to check in on who is le meilleur when it comes to Gallic Cuisine.

Best French Restaurants

GOLD: St. Lawrence, 269 Powell St.

Gallic purists might scoff, but there’s support to the idea that authentic Quebecois cooking as practiced by JC Poirier is closer to true French cooking than any other spot. What’s beyond debate is that Poirier is a chef at the absolute top of his game, overseeing a kitchen that turns out dishes like pot-au-feu and vol-au-vent that are utterly revelatory for the lucky few who manage to snag a reservation at the Powell Street room that is Gold winner St. Lawrence.

SILVER: Au Comptoir, 2278 W 4th Ave.

Playing the role of French brasserie to perfection is Silver winner Au Comptoir where, like a true Parisian boîte, the specials change, carafes of muscadet are ordered at lunch to pair with an endive salad, and a relaxed easiness that eludes most Vancouver spots reigns supreme.

BRONZE: Le Crocodile, 909 Burrard St.

Bronze goes to longtime champ Le Crocodile, where insiders know that, despite the staid exterior, the kitchen inside is near flawless in its preparation of classics like the sublime Alsatian onion tart.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Provence Marinaside, 1177 Marinaside Cres.

A well-loved blast of the South (paired with a voluminous wine list) make this the choice of those longing for the warm gust of the mistral in their hair and the tang of salt in the air.

Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville St.

A true bistro vibe in the midst of Coal Harbour—now that’s an achievement we can all get behind.