Let these beautifully prepared vegetarian dishes be a feast for your eyes and a delight for your mouth. The Acorn restaurant takes vegetarian dishes and presents them in such a way that you feel like you're eating a piece of art. Perched on Main Street, The Acorn caters to vegetarians, vegans, raw and gluten free appetites. However, carnivores won't feel as though they're missing out here. The atmosphere is just the right amount of warmth with a pleasant buzz, making it perfect for your next date night or casual dinner with friends. The beer battered halloumi on a zucchini pancake and smashed peas with yogurt and lemon balm is a fan favorite. The cocktails at The Acorn aren't to be missed either.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: The Acorn's beer battered halloumi is one for the books and should find a place at your table.
Natasha's expert tip: Dinner is served until 10pm, but the bar stays open until 2am.
Tuc Craft Kitchen has comfort written all over it from morning until night. Located in the heart of Vancouver's historic Gastown, Tuc is a local favorite. The casual and cozy atmosphere lends itself well to everything from date night to a meal out with friends. At Tuc Craft Kitchen they support local vendors so diners can expect the menu to change seasonally. They take inspiration from around the world and carefully craft their own versions in the kitchen. The starters, nibbles, bites and sides are great for sharing, while the main dishes will leave you satisfied. The dishes are hearty and comforting and it's hard to choose what to order because it all looks (and smells) so good. Tuc is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on the weekend.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Tuc Craft Kitchen's chicken and waffles that they serve for brunch is a must order.
Natasha's expert tip: With so many restaurants having lengthy waits for brunch, Tuc accepts reservations so you can skip the wait.
Granville Island has long been a favorite place for visitors and locals to shop for local vegetables, seafood, fruits, meats and other tasty delights. So, it only makes sense that Edible Canada would open up right by the entrance to the Public Market. Everything on the menu is sourced from Canada: liquor, wine and food. Elegant dishes are carefully prepared and hungry diners happily devour them. As produce comes in and out of season, you'll see the menu change to reflect what's in season. What doesn't change is the commitment to impeccable flavors and stellar service. At the back of the restaurant is the retail store, where you can purchase Canadian products.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: If you want to know what Canadian food is, head to Edible Canada. These guys source ingredients from regional purveyors from across the country.
Natasha's expert tip: Make a reservation as they can get quite busy, especially during the summer months.
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro is like stepping into a cozy cabin that's complete with an amazing chef, a fully stocked bar, and a delicious menu that will satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores. On the menu, expect to find top-notch ingredients that have been crafted into dishes that are just as beautiful to look at, as they are to eat. For dinner, the options are plentiful and include the likes of a warm kale salad, a very Canadian poutine, and 48-hour slow cooked beef short ribs, to name just a few. On the brunch menu, both sweet and savory options will tempt (and hit the spot)--brunch is best washed down with a classic Canadian drink, the mighty Caesar. While getting to a cabin from downtown Vancouver would be bit of a trek, making your way to The Oakwood is quick and easy. Located on Kitsilano's West 4th Avenue, diners can bus, walk, bike or drive.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: The savory dishes at The Oakwood Canadian Bistro are awesome, but you've got to make sure to save room for their incredible desserts.
Natasha's expert tip: Weekend brunch can get busy, but the early bird catches the worm here! Show up around 10am and you shouldn't have a wait.
The Pacific Northwest's bounty is one that's varied, plentiful and one to be celebrated, and that's exactly what Royal Dinette is known for. The menu is seasonally driven with small plates that are perfect for snacking and a la carte options that cover all the bases with plenty of vegetable options with a couple fish and meat options. If you've got the appetite, order family style. It's a solid choice and an awesome way to try a few different dishes. That being said, the small plates and a la carte options are great for sharing. Royal Dinette is located in the heart of Vancouver's financial district, making it really easy to get to. They're also open for lunch and happy hour.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Royal Dinette makes their pasta fresh every day. It's a must order!
Natasha's expert tip: Royal Dinette accepts reservations and if you can make one ahead of time, it's a good idea.
Started by the renowned John Bishop, this award-winning restaurant features an imaginative seasonal menu that specializes in Pacific Northwest cuisine. Bishop's has been around for years and since its conception, locals have depended on them for delicious food that's made from local ingredients. Whether its Rossdown farm chicken, BC spot prawns or Fraser Valley lamb, the menu is stacked with regional ingredients. Make sure to save room for their house-made desserts. This long standing restaurant is an excellent choice to treat your friends and family to for any special occasion. It's traditional fine dining that's warm, inviting and unpretentious. You won't be disappointed with this Vancouver institution.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Bishop's menu changes regularly, but you can be sure to find the best of British Columbia's produce, game meat and the freshest of fish.
Natasha's expert tip: It's definitely a place to celebrate something special.
Located along Kitsilano's West 4th Avenue, Mission brings a tasting menu experience to the area. While they're farm to table, they also have a heavy focus on sustainability so you'll find plenty of nose to tail options on the menu as well. Chef (and owner) Curtis Luk creates two different tasting menus each night. Diners can choose from a four-course or six-course menu, with vegetarian options for each. The small plates portion of the menu offers a la carte options if you want to nibble or grab a snack at the bar. Mission's also open for weekend brunch, too. Because they use local and seasonal ingredients, the dishes at Mission are ever-changing so there's always something new to try. Thirsty? They have an excellent drink list with plenty of wine, cocktails and beer to choose from.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Mission is unique in that it brings both farm to table and nose to tail and serves it up in a multi-course dining experience.
Natasha's expert tip: Mission's happy hour runs from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday. Enjoy $8 classic cocktails and $5 beer and wine. Snacks are 50% off.
Fable gets its name by combining farm and table, and that's exactly what they're all about. The menu is comprised of well-rounded and thoughtful dishes that are beautifully executed by Chef Trevor Bird. Sourcing from British Columbia's bounty of goods, each dish is made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Whether you're planning on sharing a few dishes with friends or ordering a dish for yourself, there are plenty of tempting options to choose from. Make sure to save room for one of their house-made desserts. This casual eatery is a local favorite so if you can make reservations ahead of time, it's wise. Fable's open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Fable Restaurant's menu is always adding new seasonal ingredients, but the Chick Pea Fritters and The Best 'Canned Tuna' are delicious mainstays on the menu.
Natasha's expert tip: If you can't make it to Fable Restaurant, check out Trevor Bird's other restaurant, Fable Diner.
Cibo Trattoria specializes in rustic Italian cuisine that uses local and seasonal ingredients. Step inside the elegant and cozy dining room that comfortably seats 40 diners at a time, take a seat, and ponder the delicious menu. When it comes to meat and fish, Cibo sources ethical, organic and sustainable suppliers. Something extra special about Cibo is that they don't shy away from offal cuts of meat, so don't be surprised if you see interesting options on the menu from time-to-time. If you prefer to stick to more traditional ingredients, fret not. The menu ensures that there's something for everyone. Looking to wash it all down? Cibo Trattoria's wine program is impeccable and complements the dishes beautifully. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Cibo is easily walkable from most hotels.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: Though it's an Italian restaurant, Cibo Trattoria uses as much organic and locally sourced ingredients as they can. You'll also find nose-to-tail dishes here.
Natasha's expert tip: Uva Wine Bar is in the same building across the lobby from this restaurant and it's a lovely spot to grab a cocktail before or after dinner.
West Restaurant calls South Granville home, while diners call West a gastronomic delight. If you appreciate a fine cocktail, take a seat at the cherry wood bar and make a dent in their cocktail list. Just like their food, their cocktails are a work of art. West's serves contemporary regional cuisine with seamless precision and impeccable care. Using only the best ingredients that local farmers and producers have to offer, you can be sure that each dish is bursting with freshness and plenty of flavor. Because they source locally and seasonally, the menu is constantly changing, but quality and creativity consistently go into every dish. West Restaurant is ideal for a special occasion or your next date night.
Recommended for Farm to Table because: West Restaurant is a lovely farm to table restaurant for special occasions.
Natasha's expert tip: If you're catching a play at a nearby theater, West offers a pre-theater menu.