13 Vancouver restaurants that will transport you to vacation mode
Now that we’re well into January, with many of us officially returning to the typical 9-to-5 grind we had a brief escape from during the holiday seasons, it can start to feel like we’re in a rut and need some sort of escape. And while a vacation to somewhere warmer isn’t always in the cards, that doesn’t mean you can’t dine like you’re somewhere else.
Thankfully, there are numerous restaurants in Vancouver that offer that exact same escape. Think light and airy decor with plenty of greenery, or perhaps a restaurant that will show you everything great about Australian cuisine (kangaroo burger, anyone?).
Whether you want to feel like you’re dining on the Aegean coast, at a cafe in Paris, or enjoying a tiki beverage in a bar decked out in Hawaiian decor, here’s a list of restaurants that will help you feel like you’re on vacation.
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Bar Corso
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Any bar that refers to itself as “sexy” is a good time in our books. Bar Corso will transport you to the bars of Italy, offering plenty in terms of great cocktails and bites. Whether you’re stopping by for its seasonal tasting menu or just grabbing a couple of snacks and drinks, Bar Corso is the place to be.
Address: 1566 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-336-9466
Andonis
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“Welcome to the Mediterranean dream,” writes Andonis on its website, and we couldn’t agree more. Here you’ll find the combination of fine Greek cuisine and nightlife that will transport you to an evening in the Mediterranean. Expect standout bites, belly dancers, saxophonists, dancing, and so much more.
Address: 1193 Granville St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-565-1193
Selene Aegean Bistro
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Known as one of the city’s top brunch destinations, Selene will offer you a sun-soaked escape to the Mediterranean. The interior features natural hues and organic textures that embody the tranquillity of the Aegean coast, which looks stunning whether you visit for brunch or later in the evening for its dinner service.
Plus, this restaurant is offering a great menu for Dine Out Vancouver, making it the ideal time to check out this spot.
Address: 360 Penticton St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-336-4539
Boteco Brasil Restaurant
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This lively, colourful restaurant will instantly transport you to Brazil — a definite welcome when we’re deep in Vancouver’s rainy winter. Not only can you enjoy some authentic Brazilian cuisine here — think steak with roasted cassava — but Boteco also often has live music.
Address: 2545 Nanaimo St., Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-7995
Moltaqa
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This Moroccan restaurant is one of the city’s most special spots. With sumptuous interiors straight out of Marrakech, silver platters of traditional mint tea, belly dancing performances, and fantastic Moroccan food, this spot will make you feel like you’re worlds away.
Address: 1002 Mainland St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-841-1182
The Shameful Tiki Room
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As one of Vancouver’s only tiki bars, the Shameful Tiki is always guaranteed to be a good time. Fully decked out in Hawaiian and retro tiki decor — from the thatched bar to hanging globe lights to tropical paraphernalia — this spot is a fully immersive bar experience.
Address: 4362 Main St., Vancouver
Havana
Located on the vibrant Commercial Drive, Havana is inspired by the flavours, colours, and culture of Cuba’s Old Havana. In addition to Cuban-inspired cuisine, this is the perfect spot to sip some mojitos and sangria while pretending like you’re somewhere warmer.
Address: 1212 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-253-9119
Au Comptoir
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Au Comptoir, which translates to “at the counter,” is Vancouver’s version of the Parisian culture of standing at a cafe counter to eat and drink. Whether you’re sipping on a cappuccino or a glass of wine or enjoying some of its French cuisine, Au Comptoir is the place to be if you want to feel like you’re in the city of light.
Address: 2278 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Phone: 604-569-2278
La Casita
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As soon as you walk into La Casita, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation in Mexico. The little Gastown restaurant has vibrant, colourful interiors and plenty of tropical plants, and if that doesn’t do the trick, the giant margarita the size of your head will.
Address: 101 West Cordova St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-646-2444
Moose’s Down Under
Moose’s Down Under is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver and does everything Aussie style. Mates, it’s time to familiarize yourself with a Kangaroo burger, Aussie Meat Pie, and Oz Fries.
Address: 830 West Pender St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-683-3300
Tocador
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This Latin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in Mount Pleasant has a great little street-side patio and vibrant and charming interiors inspired by Cuba. Come for a cocktail and some patatas bravas, and stay for the tropical vibes.
Address: 2610 Main St., Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-2433
Loula’s
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For both Greek food and fun, check out this restaurant and bar on Commercial Drive. Loula’s white bricks and colourful seating mimic the kind of family spots you’d find in Greece, while the sun and sea-inspired menu will transport you directly to the Mediterranean.
Address: 1608 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-255-3787
The Flamingo Room
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This Miami-inspired bar boasts decorative lighting, comfortable seating, and lush greenery for the perfect vacation vibe. Plus, it features a robust drink menu of house sips inspired by Latin and Caribbean flavours and a mighty selection of shareable snacks to enjoy.
Address: 1214 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Phone: 604-253-9119
With files from Daryn Wright
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