Flying Beaver Bar & Grill
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Fodor's choice
Watch floatplanes take off and land at this buzzy pub on the Fraser River, near YVR's south terminal. A shuttle service runs from the main terminal.
6 Best Restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia
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From inventive neighborhood bistros to glamorous Downtown dining rooms to ethnic restaurants that rival those in the world capitals, Vancouver has a diverse array of gastronomic options. Many cutting-edge establishments are perfecting what we call Modern Canadian fare, which—at the western end of the country—incorporates regional seafood (notably salmon, halibut, and spot prawns) and locally grown produce. Vancouver is all about "localism," with many restaurants emphasizing the provenance of their ingredients and embracing products that hail from within a 100-mile-or-so radius of the city, or at least from within BC.
With at least 40% of the region's population of Asian heritage, it's no surprise that Asian eateries abound in Vancouver. From mom-and-pop noodle shops, curry houses, and corner sushi bars to elegant and upscale dining rooms, cuisine from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and India (and to a lesser extent, from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia) can be found all over town.
Seasons in the Park
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Fodor's choice
A perennial favorite with locals for special occasions, this restaurant boasts spectacular views overlooking the city and mountains from its perch at the highest point in Queen Elizabeth Park. Service is excellent in the white-tablecloth dining room, and the menu showcases regional West Coast cuisine. Weekend brunch and Sunday night Prime Rib dinner are popular. Valet parking is available for lunch and dinner. Once in the park, follow the signs to the top of the hill to the restaurant.
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
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Fodor's choice
With a seafood restaurant, a sushi bar, and live music nightly in the wine bar, this venue under the Granville Bridge has something for everyone. For dramatic views over False Creek, reserve a table on the rooftop patio, which is open year-round. Make sure to try their to-die-for crab cake!
Recommended Fodor's Video
Beach House Restaurant
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Whether inside the terraced dining room or on the heated beachside patio, almost every table at this 1912 seaside house has views over Burrard Inlet and Stanley Park. The Pacific Northwest menu focuses on unpretentious seafood dishes, such as sea bass or roasted salmon, along with steak, burger, and pasta choices. Lunch is a particularly good option here, followed by a stroll along the pier or the seaside walkway.
Kits Beach Boathouse
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A summer visit to Vancouver isn't complete without an afternoon enjoying cocktails on this rooftop patio overlooking sand court volleyball matches at Kits Beach. At other times of the year, the views of the vivid sunsets and dramatic winter storms are exceptional through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant.
Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar
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This lively Shipyards District eatery juts like a pier into Burrard Inlet, offering 180-degree water, city skyline, and Stanley Park views from tables both inside and out. The covered, heated patio is open year-round, so alfresco dining is pretty much always an option. The vibe here is casual, with TV screens and upbeat music. While the menu favors local seafood, with shucked oysters, sockeye salmon, and a chowder, burgers, salads, and vegetarian options round out the offerings. Pier 7 is just steps from the SeaBus, so if you're staying Downtown, you can leave the car behind.
