Looking back at how much I eat out – I’m a little embarrassed! For someone who was unemployed for a great portion of the year, I would think that I would be eating at home more often. Anyway, Brian has a firm belief that when it comes to food – money is no object (no wonder we’re married!).

Of all the places I’ve ate this year – I wanted to share my Top 10 Restaurants (it was hard to narrow it down to just 10 – I’m almost tempted to do a Top 5 dessert places because I had to cut a lot of great places!!).

In no particular order, here they are:

Joe Fortes
You can definitely tell the love that goes into the food here. Everything I’ve ever had here has been amazing and Joe Fortes’ high ceilings, tiled floors and mix of brass and wood reminds me of a lot of great New York restaurants. Try their fresh Oysters, Lobster Mac and Cheese or any of their fresh fish!

Les Faux Bourgeois
French cuisine is always synonymous with fine dining, meaning it costs a pretty penny to eat. However, Les Faux Bourgeois brings beautiful Parisian food to us at a modest price. No wonder this place is always so busy and reservations have to be made at least 2 weeks in advance! Try their pâté de campagne and filet de boeuf grille!

Coma Food Truck
Korean food heaven on wheels. Jay, the owner loves switching up items on the menu but my favourites are the kimchi infused Korean Style BBQ Burritos and the glutton in me loves the deep fried crunchy Stuffed Seaweed Rolls.

Dai Tung
Although I could go just about anywhere for dim sum without being too picky – I always find myself coming back to this one. It’s a bit cleaner than most places, they still push the carts around and they’ve got massive, crispy chicken wings that are to die for.

Motomachi Shokudo
Vancouver loves it’s asian fare and I think ramen should be the next big thing to blow up on the scene. Many people consider ramen to be cheap man’s food with the insta-noodle variety – but imagine hand made ramen in an enormous bowl of fragrant broth served with slices of pork, bits of corn and scallions. Look no further – it’s a couple doors down from another famous ramen place – Kintaro. Dee-licious.

The Teahouse
If you’ve never been to the Teahouse in Stanley Park – I suggest you give it a go at least once. Definitely a late spring or summer day right before sunset would be perfect – as you can watch the sun go down pass the horizon here. It’s not only the view that’s fantastic: the service, the food and the wine is amazing. I recommend the sablefish, it is the best place I’ve ever had this entree. A lot of people find it hard to get here – but they have a shuttle service from Waterfront that takes you directly to the Teahouse – for free!

The One
A bit of a diamond in the rough, this is a great Chinese cafe to have popular items served at many cafes but also for the enormous slush bubble teas. We’re talking taller than your head when you’re sitting down!! It’s best to share with a friend – I made the mistake of ordering my own and I barely made a dent in it! 🙁

Hogshack
It’s a bit of a journey to Steveston for most (including myself), but if you haven’t been, go! Especially if you are a big fan of BBQs and meaty goodness. Although there are many bbq shacks around Vancouver, many seem flavourless or mechanical in their production. John smokes the meat throughout the day and the result is tender, juicy and most importantly – flavourful dishes. Try the Dinosaur Bones.

Deer Garden Signatures
A Richmond hot spot, Deer Garden is packed the minute it’s open and until it’s closed every day. With a choose your items style for soup, you always get what you want here! The sides are less than $2 and it comes with a drink for under $12. Did I mention the soups are massive here? Come hungry!

Revolver Coffee
Okay, so I cheated a bit – this isn’t a restaurant but you have to try this coffee shop out. It’s located in Gastown, about a block down from Nuba and the coffee is phenomenal. I’m a bit of a coffee purist (thanks to my time working at a local coffee shop) so when I can find a place that doesn’t taste burnt, cold, over processed – I rejoice. Here they hand-craft every coffee they make. Each cup is made before your eyes so that it’s fresh and you can actually taste the roast. You can even experience a flight/tasting as well! I love the cappuccinos here.

I can’t wait for what 2012 will bring! I have a couple of places on my list of places to try, but if you have any recommendations feel free to let me know below! I’d love to hear about more delicious places to eat around town!

Happy New Year!!