TOP 10 VANCOUVER RESTAURANTS

In a city so food fanatic even venerable French chef Daniel Boulud is
nervous to open his DB Bistro here this summer, sometimes it makes sense
to sit down and take stock. Here, our current fave places to eat, drink
and be merry.

10. When we need food fast (but not fast food) we head to Red
Burrito (now with 4
locations) for trios of soft-shelled chicken or prawn tacos doused
in fresh lime for just over a fiver.

9. 100-mile-dieters take note: Aurora
Bistro is the locavore hotspot with all-B.C. wine card and dinners
sourced from the local larder.

8. A long table down the centre of the sleek, concrete bunker called Salt
Tasting Room is where hipsters commune over plates of cheese and
charcuterie (hung in the new subterranean Salt Cellar).

7. Nu is where we pretend were
on the bough of a yacht, and cuddle up at sunset with ahi tuna sashimi,
spot prawn cocktails and B.C. bubbly on the deck cantilevered over the
ocean.

6. On our way to the Orpheum Theatre, we stop at Uva
Wine Bar for light Italian fare like Bresola salads and cheese
plates while watching downtown culture vultures parade past.

5. With private rooms, an intimate patio, banquettes and bustling bar,
Yaletowns Goldfish Pacific Kitchen
is where singles mingle over cocktails and duck spring rolls without
running into their exes.

4. When we do business at lunch, we hit Jules
to make sure we leave the impression we understand good vibes, good
French food and good value.

3. The newly revamped Yew at
the Four Seasons Hotel may give you an out-of-Vancouver experience,
especially when you see the amount of wine being consumed before 3 p.m.
on a Tuesday.

2. On an otherwise barren strip of Cambie Street, neighbourhood gem Pied-a-Terre
popped up serving all-day French bistro fare like hangar steaks, peasant
salads and quiche.

1. While the food at Boneta
qualifies as fine dining, there has also been fine dancing on those very
same tables. An international, well-dressed crowd that likes to stay
late, this is the Vancouver of the future.

For Top 10 Toronto Restaurants, click here www.vitamint.ca

For Top 10 Montreal Restaurants, click here www.vitaminm.ca