Five Sails: Modern Classics and Spectacular Views in an Elegant Waterfront Setting

Husband and wife team, Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers, bring world-class cuisine and exceptional service to their Canada Place restaurant

The Billowing white sails of Canada Place mark the spot where award-winning cuisine and AAA Four Diamond service meet in an utterly magical setting. Husband and wife team, Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers, bring years of experience to Five Sails, skillfully fusing modern, continental cuisine with European and global influences and warm, inviting hospitality to cultivate a memorable dining experience like none other. “We are able to bring the best of both worlds to our guests,” says Gerry, “balancing a breathtaking hotel setting with the personal touches that only come with private proprietorship.” This year marks the ninth anniversary of Ernst and Gerry taking over sole ownership of this waterfront gem.

Proprietors Gerry Sayers and Chef Ernst Dorfler (Photo: Bruce Law)

Dramatically situated at the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel, the striking room has been custom-designed to perfectly compliment the breathtaking backdrop of the inner harbour, Stanley Park and the Coast Mountains visible from the large bay windows. A chic lounge area with elevated banquettes, contemporary bar and cozy fireplace offers a relaxed atmosphere to sample from the inspired menu, while the dining room exudes an understated elegance. Just steps from the new Vancouver Convention Centre, Five Sails boasts an elegant and totally exclusive 20-seat private dining room, making it the ultimate setting for locals and visitors alike to host intimate functions or special celebrations.Chef Dorfler focuses his formidable attention on exciting new menu items each season, while honouring the classics that have cultivated a strong loyal following. Showcasing the mastery that made him an internationally acclaimed Culinary Olympic World Champion, his signature mountain-style raviolis stuff ed with spinach, herbs and ricotta then finished with a drizzle of hazelnut brown butter harkens back to Chef Dorfler’s Austrian childhood. The innovative “Catch!,” a veritable cornucopia of fresh half Atlantic lobster, caramelized Weathervane scallop and a line-caught catch of the day enrobed in a lemongrass sauce perfumed with coconut, displays world-class passion and artistry. Sommelier Ramon Fresneda always brings impressive knowledge and unpretentious flair in providing optimal wine pairings from a list consistently honoured with the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.The gracious service and exemplary dining combined with sweeping views of ships sailing off into the setting sun against the towering Coast Mountains is an experience that may leave you grasping for superlatives, but the memory will last a lifetime.