If your idea of a date night leans more towards something a little casual, Rodney's Oyster Bar does the trick. While the atmosphere is laid back, the romance comes to play in the form of some tasty bi-valves, known for their aphrodisiac properties. They offer a simple menu made with fresh ingredients, mainly from the sea. Oysters are their specialty and you can get them on the half shell or pan-fried. An array of condiments are presented to flavor the shucked gems, along with the classics. If oysters aren't your thing, try the crab cakes or the coco curry shrimp. The crab cakes are served with a simple salad and it's big enough for two to share as an appetizer, or one as a main. The Don't ask for mixed drinks, unless it's their signature Caesar. They only sell beer and wine here.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The oyster selection at Rodney's Oyster Bar is on point, and plentiful. They're even better when paired with a glass (or bottle) of cold white.
Natasha's expert tip: If you get in before 6pm, you can take advantage of their "Low Tide" menu and save some cash.
As it stands, heritage homes in Yaletown are a rare commodity. When one of these old gems is paired with fine Italian cuisine, you've got Lupo. This homey space creates a unique dining experience that's romantic and inviting. Lupo doesn't take short cuts in the kitchen and they make everything in-house. On the menu, you'll find a contemporary take on traditional Italian fare. From the antipasti to the pasta to the meaty mains, dishes are made from local and seasonal ingredients. For those who can't decide what to get, pastas come in two different portion sizes so you can order it as a starter or a main. If you have a gluten allergy, they also offer gluten free pasta.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Lupo's homey atmosphere and house-made pastas make for the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort.
Natasha's expert tip: This charming heritage home provides a delightful atmosphere that's ideal for your next date.
If you prefer your date night to have a buzzing energy, head to Chambar. The room itself features beautiful light fixtures, earthy wood details and touches of leather that make for a vibrant and inviting room. The restaurant is lively, but you can still enjoy the conversation at your table. Chambar's Belgian menu is the creation of Michelin-trained Chef Nico Schuermans. While at Chambar, you have to make sure that an order of the mussels and frites makes their way to your table. The lamb tagine is another favorite dish, featuring a lamb shank that's braised with honey, figs, cinnamon and cilantro, served with cous cous and zalouk. Desserts are made in-house so make sure to save a little room. These guys are also known for their awesome beer list, inventive cocktails, and juicy wine options.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: If your idea of a date night is something more lively, Chambar is the perfect spot for you.
Natasha's expert tip: It's best to make a reservation on weekends as the place fills up quickly.
A beautiful room, plenty of ambiance, delicious food and cocktails are the hallmarks of a great date night and Nightingale checks all the boxes. The downstairs lounge boasts soaring ceilings, beautiful decor and a warm buzz, making this a lovely spot to convene over a drink and a bite. The dining room is on the mezzanine (with the open kitchen) and looks down onto the lounge. For some romantic vibes, you'll want to sit upstairs where it's cozy. The food menu's seasonally driven and quite extensive and dishes are best enjoyed shared. Start with creative salads and veggie dishes before moving on to house-made pastas, pizzas and meaty mains. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too. The cocktail menu serves up a selection of hand-crafted thirst quenchers and if it's beer or wine you're after, they've got you.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The space is a real stunner, but so is the food. The menu changes, but there's always a lot to choose from and share.
Natasha's expert tip: Make a reservation as it gets pretty busy.
Delicious vegetarian and vegan food, a romantic space and craft cocktails make The Acorn a charming spot for a night a date night. As you walk into the dimly lit restaurant, cozy up and order a cocktail while you eye the menu. If you're off the booze, they also have a handful of tasty non-alcoholic options that are fun to sip. Most of the menu changes seasonally, but the creativity from the kitchen and beautiful plating are a year-round mainstay. One of the dishes that you'll always find is their beer battered halloumi cheese with smashed peas, lemon balm, mint yogurt, and a potato and zucchini pancake. It's a delicious vegetarian alternative to fish and chips. Be sure to save room for dessert, they shine here.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The Acorn serves gorgeous vegetarian food. If you love cheese, you've got to order the beer battered halloumi with smashed peas.
Natasha's expert tip: Dinner is served until 10pm, but the bar stays open until 12am.
Not all date nights can be over-the-top amazing, but every now and then it's nice to dial up the fancy factor and splurge. When the time comes, Hawksworth Restaurant is the place to go. Chef David Hawksworth is well known on a global scale and after a meal at Hawksworth, it's not hard to see why. Through dedication, consistency, and a love for food, he creates dishes that are a piece of culinary excellence. Located inside the gorgeous Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Hawksworth's dining room exudes sophistication and style, while the service is gracious and warm. The menu serves contemporary Canadian cuisine that features local and Canadian ingredients to create a fresh and inspiring menu. If you like to try a bit of everything, make your meal an experience and order the tasting menu. There's the option to include wine pairings, too.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: If you're looking to get dressed up and splurge on a memorable, head to Hawksworth Restaurant. The menu changes, but you're always in good hands.
Natasha's expert tip: Enjoy a nightcap downstairs at the hotel's ultra chic cocktail bar, Prohibition.
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie offers a Western twist on Chinese classics that's perfect for a casual date night. The atmosphere is lively and comfortable, and dishes are made to be shared. Their "schnacks" section has small bites that are great to snack on while you enjoy a cocktail or two. Start your meal off with the Sichuan cucumbers; they're refreshing and light. The petit cadeaux and petits plats chinois are larger than the schnacks and ordering a couple per person is the way to go. From the petits plats chinois, you've go to order the shao bing. This sesame flatbread, with cumin lamb sirloin, pickled red onion, green pepper, cilantro and salted chilies, is so tasty. The cocktail, wine and beer list are an added bonus to this delightful spot. The bar area is a great place to grab a drink and snack before heading out for the night.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Bai Bei Chinese Brasserie's menu is made for sharing. The shao bing is a must-order if you eat meat, otherwise the shan tofu is delicious.
Natasha's expert tip: It can get pretty busy here so going early is a safer bed to avoid a wait.
There's something about Italian food that just feels romantic. Throw in a wood-fired oven and a warm room and your next date night is about to take it up a notch. Follow your nose along Robson Street and make your way up the winding terracotta stairway to CinCin. Here, crips white table linens set the stage for a beautiful meal. The menu tempts with seasonal dishes that use well-sourced ingredients, making each dish shine. First courses often feature soups, salads and small plates. The risotto and pasta section gives you the option to order as a main or smaller portion. For your main, be sure to check out what's happening on the wood-fired grill. CinCin's wine list is stocked full of beautiful options that cater to varying budgets. Not sure what to order? They'll happily point you in the right direction.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: So many of CinCin's dishes are exquisite, but if you're a fan of risotto, you must order it here. They nail it.
Natasha's expert tip: It's a good idea to make reservations.
For an extra special meal, head to Botanist. Walking in here is like a breath of fresh air, literally. Inspired by the principles of botany and the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, this vibrant restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace is a feast for the senses. The room's adorned with plenty of greenery, soft peach banquets, brushed gold, and other natural elements throughout. Adding to the ambiance are the melodic tunes coming from the pianist playing the white piano. On the menu, Executive Chef Hector Laguna makes the most of the Pacific Northwest's bounty. Locally and seasonally driven, each dish is made to excite both the eye and the palate. What would beautiful food be without something delicious to wash it down with? The cocktail program blends chemistry with a playful execution, while the wine list features wineries that practice sustainable, biodynamic or organic farming and winemaking.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Botanist's dishes are stunning, the cocktails are delicious, and the live music isn't something you'll find in too many other restaurants around Vancouver.
Natasha's expert tip: After dinner, head down to the Lobby Lounge for a more rowdy crowd, live music and a cocktail awaits.
Where to start? Les Faux Bourgeois is a favorite for so many reasons. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is so cozy, and the price is right. Most mains are under $25 and the portion sizes are generous, so you won't leave here hungry. The menu features traditional French dishes like canard confit, mussels in white wine, coq au vin and steak frites. Appetizers include boudin noir, French onion soup (as anglophones know it), country-style pork pate, and other crave-worthy options. Daily specials are offered for those looking to try something new. For dessert, how can you say no to a creamy creme brûlée? Much like the food, the wine list is incredibly approachable with plenty to choose from.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Les Faux Bourgeois' cozy and intimate space sets the mood for an indulgent French dinner that won't break the bank. The steak frites is delicious.
Natasha's expert tip: No matter the night, you'll always find a full house here. It's best to make reservations or go right when they open for an early dinner.