The TOP 10 Contemporary Restaurants in Vancouver

What is it? AnnaLena sits on West 1st Avenue, less than a twenty-five-minute walk from the Granville Island Public Market. It holds a Michelin star and ranks no. 19 on the Canada's 100 Best list.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself by balancing a contemporary, creative menu within a fine dining framework that avoids the stuffiness often found at this price point. With a guest rating of 4.78 across more than 1,600 reviews, it provides a consistent, high-end experience that justifies the luxury price tag for those prioritizing technical fusion cuisine.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at AnnaLena reflects the interior’s polished, beautiful design; save the casual attire for the nearby English Bay Beach walk.

What is it? Elisa sits at 1109 Hamilton Street, a ten-minute walk from Gastown and fifteen minutes from the Canada Place waterfront. The restaurant holds the no. 19 spot on The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants and carries a Wine Spectator Excellence Award.

Why we love it: The kitchen manages the difficult balance of refined seafood and high-end grills without defaulting to the usual steakhouse tropes. With nearly 3,000 guest ratings averaging 4.78, it commands its premium price point through a consistent execution of contemporary menus that rarely feels like a relic of the past.

Good to Know: The terrace is the most coveted seating at Elisa, offering an outdoor fine dining experience that remains rare for a venue of this caliber in the city.

What is it? Brix and Mortar sits at 1137 Hamilton St, a three-minute walk from the edges of Gastown. This contemporary restaurant offers a formal, luxury experience rooted in a modern approach to seafood and general culinary staples.

Why we love it: The space balances a romantic, fine dining atmosphere with a layout that centers on its terrace, a rarity for this part of the city. While many local spots favor a casual pace, Brix and Mortar draws a crowd that leans into the dress code, making it an effective choice for a night that demands something more polished than the neighboring bistro options.

Good to Know: The terrace at Brix and Mortar is the most requested space, so request seating there if you prefer the open-air design over the indoor dining room.

What is it? Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge is a fine dining destination at 845 Hornby St. It sits a six-minute walk from the Vancouver Art Gallery and is within a short distance of Robson Street.

Why we love it: The restaurant balances its Modern, International, and Seafood-focused menu with a setting that leans into a romantic atmosphere. With a 4.72 guest rating across 54 reviews, it remains a consistent choice for those seeking a formal environment in the high-price tier.

Good to Know: The dress code at Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge is strictly smart and elegant, making it an appropriate choice for a night out when the adjacent terrace is open.

What is it? Hawksworth is a high-end restaurant on West Georgia Street, located a six-minute walk from the Vancouver Art Gallery. It holds a Michelin star, ranks 66th on the Canada’s 100 Best list, and sits at number 25 on La Liste.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself by balancing a Contemporary, French-influenced menu with a rare level of consistency that keeps its guest rating at 4.64 despite nearly 1,800 reviews. It offers a refined, high-priced dining experience that manages to satisfy both local critics and a large volume of travelers.

Good to Know: Given the strict smart and elegant dress code, Hawksworth is best suited for formal occasions where the Contemporary, seafood-forward menu serves as the center of the evening.

What is it? Chambar Restaurant sits on Beatty Street, a ten-minute walk from Waterfront Station and roughly fifteen minutes from Canada Place. It is a high-end destination that blends French, Fusion, and Contemporary cuisines.

Why we love it: The kitchen manages a rare balance between the precision of fine dining and the warmth required for a romantic setting. With over 4,000 reviews averaging a 4.64 rating, it maintains a level of consistency that is hard to find in a city with such a crowded culinary landscape.

Good to Know: Given the emphasis on French and Fusion, pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list rather than relying on standard cocktails to navigate the complex contemporary flavor profiles at Chambar Restaurant.

What is it? Hy’s Steakhouse - Vancouver sits on Hornby Street, a five-minute walk from the Vancouver Art Gallery and 300 meters from Robson Street. The restaurant holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award and focuses on grills, seafood, and classic preparations within a fine dining setting.

Why we love it: It remains a consistent choice in a city known for fleeting concepts, balancing a high-end price point with a near-universal approval from diners. The space leans into a classic, luxury aesthetic that justifies the trip from Canada Place, 1.2 kilometers away, for those seeking a formal environment.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Hy’s Steakhouse - Vancouver is strictly observed, so opt for structured tailoring when booking one of their romantic, view-facing tables.

What is it? Barbara sits at 305 E Pender St in Vancouver. The restaurant holds a Michelin star and serves an international, creative, modern menu.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a high standard in the city, reflected by its 4.68 rating from over 1,300 diners. Its location provides a more intimate fine-dining experience than the nearby bustle of Gastown, which sits just a short walk away.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Barbara complements the romantic atmosphere, so plan your evening accordingly when travelling from the nearby Vancouver Art Gallery or Robson Street.

What is it? Five Sails Restaurant sits at 999 Canada Place, a four-minute walk from the Canada Place landmark and roughly ten minutes on foot from Waterfront Station. This fine dining destination specializes in a fusion of contemporary and modern seafood.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a premium price point, yet its 4.81 guest rating across more than 1,500 reviews confirms it remains a reliable anchor for those seeking a romantic, high-end experience near Coal Harbour. It avoids the city's trend-chasing bustle by leaning into a consistent, polished service style that matches its luxury setting.

Good to Know: Five Sails Restaurant requires a smart and elegant dress code, so trade the sneakers for something sharper before heading to the terrace.

What is it? Burdock & Co is a contemporary farm-to-table restaurant located at 2702 Main Street. It sits an eighteen-minute walk from Vancouver City Hall.

Why we love it? While many Main Street spots lean into casual service, Burdock & Co maintains a fine-dining standard that feels both luxurious and genuinely cozy. The kitchen leans on creative, seasonally-driven techniques to define its farm-to-table identity, making it a reliable destination for diners who prefer a polished experience over the area's more common, high-traffic haunts. With a guest rating of 4.57 from 580 reviews, it succeeds in balancing high-end aspirations with a comfortable, intimate scale.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Burdock & Co is taken seriously, so save your denim for the walk through nearby Queen Elizabeth Park.