Vancouver's 15th Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival runs from January 20 to February 5, 2017. Over 280 local restaurants are participating offering 3 course prix fixe menus at either $20, $30 or $40 price points. The true value of the festival for food lovers is to experience Vancouver's restaurants at a fraction of the price. While it is disappointing to see restaurants with $40 prix fixe menus that belong in the lower $20 and $30 categories, the below restaurants are celebrating the festival offering great value. Our picks for the Dine Out Vancouver Festival:
$40 Prix Fixe Restaurant Picks:
(*Please note more restaurants are included in the $40 prix fixe category as they provide an opportunity to try some of Vancouver's top restaurants at well below normal price points.)
Photo Courtesy: Bishops Restaurant
Since opening in 1985, Bishop’s Restaurant has remained one of Vancouver’s best fine-dining restaurants as well as achieving both national and international acclaim. Located on Kitsilano’s trendy West 4th Avenue, Bishop’s is Vancouver dining destination for prime ministers, politicians, foreign diplomats, movie stars, NHL players, and society’s elite. While Vancouver now embraces West Coast cuisine and there are other options for locally focused fine-dining, it is Bishop’s exceptional service where everyone feels like a valued guest that keeps this landmark restaurant one of the best in the city. Outstanding value. Top pick for the $40 View: Prix Fixe Menu.
Photo Courtesy: Cacao Restaurant
Cacao Restaurant quietly opened their doors in the fall of 2016 and has already become the city's "it restaurant". Chef and co-owner chef Jefferson Alvarez previously at Gastown's Secret Location has been recognized as one of the city's most talented and creative chefs. Cacao celebrates modern Latin American cuisine. Dine Out Vancouver is the perfect opportunity to see why this restaurant is the buzz of Vancouver. View: Prix Fixe menu.
Photo courtesy Chambar Restaurant
Chambar Restaurant opened in 2004 and was one of Vancouver's first restaurants to introduce casual fine dining. In 2014, they moved two doors down to a larger location and has remained one of Vancouver's most popular downtown restaurants. $40 menu offers solid value. View: Prix Fixe Menu.
Photo Courtesy: CinCin Ristorante
A Vancouver fixture since 1991 CinCin Ristorante delivers outstanding food and service. Hidden away on the second floor on Vancouver's trendy Robson Street, follow the winding stone stairway and drink up old world charm. If you have never been to CinCin, Dine Out Vancouver will turn you into a regular. For wine-lovers, CinCin offers one of the city's best wine lists. View: Prix Fixe Menu
Photo Courtesy: L’ABATTOIR Restaurant
Gastown's chic L'Abattoir Restaurant is always a must see and be seen destination. Showcasing an excellent menu for Dine Out Vancouver, celebrate date night or grab a seat at the bar and watch the bartenders in action. View: Prix Fixe Menu
Vancouver's first fine dining vegetarian restaurant, The Acorn opened in 2012. It was recognized by Enroute Magazine as one of the top 10 best new restaurants in Canada in 2013. Located on Vancouver's hip Main Street, vegetarians keep the restaurant packed nightly and even carnivores will rave about the beer battered halloumi. Stick to your New Year's resolutions to eat healthy and let vegetable rock your plate during the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. View: Prix Fixe Menu
Photo Courtesy: Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio Restaurant
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio Restaurant opened in 2015 in the legendary C Restaurant's fancy old digs overlooking the Burrard Inlet. With a rare glowing review from the notoriously hard to please Globe and Mail food critic, Alexandra Gill, the prix fixe menu is an excellent opportunity to dress up and try one of Vancouver's best modern fine dining restaurants. Ancora Restaurant serves up innovative dishes combining Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. View: Prix Fixe Menu
$30 Prix Fixe Restaurants Picks:
Photo Courtesy: Maenam Restaurant
Maenam Restaurant received Vancouver Magazine's Prestigious Restaurant of the Year in 2016. With a prix fixe menu at $30 this is a fabulous opportunity to dine out at one of Vancouver's top restaurants. Maeman was Vancouver's first restaurant to prove that Thai cuisine could be fine dining. Top pick for $30 View: Prix Fixe menu.
Photo Courtesy: Water St. Cafe
Located on Gastown's cobbled streets and directly across from the city's famous steam clock, Water St. Cafe has been a fine dining fixture in Vancouver since 1988. A gorgeous restaurant, it is fabulous to see their Dine Out Menu offered at $30. View: Prix Fixe menu.
Photo credit: Jeremy Koreski Photography Courtesy The Tea House in Stanley Park
Impress the in-laws and enjoy a special evening at one of Vancouver's iconic restaurants. The Tea House in Stanley Park offers traditional fine dining with one of the best views in the city. Fabulous to see this restaurant offering a $30 prix fixe menu. View: Prix Fixe Menu
Photo Courtesy: Cactus Club Cafe English Bay
Cactus Club Cafe makes our list for offering a $30 prix fixe menu and not jumping into the $40 category. Chain dining at it's best, Cactus Club Cafe is a Vancouver tradition. View: Prix Fixe menu
$20 Prix Fixe Restaurant Picks:
Photo Courtesy: Timber Restaurant
Vancouver's first gastropub focused on Canadian food, Timber Restaurant opened in 2016 in the city's West End on Robson Street. With fun kitschy decor including a stuffed beaver and fake goose, along with servers decked out in plaid shirts and tool belts for aprons, Timber serves up comforting pub grub with a Canadian twist. For Dine Out Vancouver, Timber's main course changes nightly. Make your reservation according to the entrée:
Photo Courtesy: Afghan Horsemen Restaurant
Located at the entrance to Granville Market, the Afghan Horseman Restaurant has been a Vancouver fixture since 1974 and was the very first Afghan restaurant to open in Canada. While table seating is available, enjoy an authentic experience and dine on the floor comfortably surrounded by pillows and cushions. Perfect for a large group of friends, The Afghan Horseman includes belly dancers on Friday and Saturday evenings for the second seating. View: Prix Fixe menu.
Photo Courtesy: Banana Leaf on West Broadway
Banana Leaf Restaurant was one of Vancouver's first restaurants to offer authentic Malaysian cuisine in 1995. Discover why this popular restaurant now with five locations, remains a favourite with Vancouverites for an affordable and tasty night out. View: Prix Fixe menu
