Fodor's Expert Review Vij's

Long lauded as Vancouver's most innovative Indian restaurant, this dining destination, run by genial proprietor Vikram Vij and his ex-wife Meeru Dhalwala, uses local ingredients to create exciting takes on South Asian cuisine. Dishes such as lamb "popsicles" in a creamy curry or British Columbia rainbow trout in coconut masala served with a wheat berry pilaf are far from traditional—but are beautifully executed. Vikram frequently circulates through the room, which is decorated with nods to India's diverse cultures, greeting guests and suggesting dishes or cocktail pairings. Expect to sip chai or an aperitif in the lounge while waiting for a table if you walk in, or make a reservation—they're now accepted. In the summer, head to the rooftop patio for pre-dinner snacks and a collection of inventive tropical cocktails.