Here are my picks for the best of Vancouver restaurants in 2012, in no particular order:
1) Yew Restaurant + Bar
This is definitely my pick for a higher end restaurants you’d want to treat yourself at. The service, the food and the dedication to food shows in every single detail that goes into your dish.
I was surprised by the quality and the value of Kaya – but mostly the taste. I was never a big fan of Malaysian food (save Laksa) but Kaya has made me see the light.
3) Guu Garden
I don’t know how many times I’ve reviewed Guu Garden in the past year, but every single time I visit, I love it just a little more. The best time to visit is definitely when their patio is open up, it’s a great place to relax, catch up with friends and have a great, inexpensive meal.
4) Chad Thai
This is by far the best Thai food I’ve had in the city. The service is a bit slow but I’m assuming it’s because they make everything fresh!
5) Shabu Shabu
Not gonna lie, not a big fan of hot potting – but this place is great! For $16, you can get a individual plate of meat, veggies, carbs, the sauce, a drink and a dessert. You’ll definitely leave here full and happy.
6) La Baguette et l’Echalote
One of my favourite bakeries in town. Their Birds Nest cookies are the best!
7) Tacofino Cantina
Tacofino has won me over, there is just no other fish taco that can cut it. I was in Maui earlier this year and nothing could compare to their tacos.
8) Guanaco Food Truck
Asides from the delicious Tamarindo juice, Guanaco offers deep fried Salvadoran (Salvadorian?) food that keeps my tummy happy!
9) Sushimoto
Beautifully prepared with interesting rolls, this is a real gem in Burnaby!
10) Lucky’s Doughnuts/49th Parallel Coffee
I wish I could eat their donuts every day, but that would probably kill me! Their Maple Bacon Apple Fritter is my favourite and they always have interesting flavours to try.
11) Tokyo Thyme
A small restaurant in Kits that gets overlooked constantly. The quality reminds me of higher end (read: expensive) sushi restaurants in the city but with a quaint charm with friendly servers and chefs.
12) Tung Hing Bakery
Love Vietnamese Subs? You’ll LOVE this place. Where else can you get a footlong sandwich stuffed with all the fixings for $3.25?
13) Catch 122
Catch122 is a great place to have lunch in Gastown. I’m already drooling thinking about the Avocado Veggie sandwich I had the last time I was there, they really know how to pair flavours for maximum cravings!
14) DD Mau
DD Mau makes a delicious banh mi. In fact, with our office being so close by now, I might have to visit them more frequently. They have the traditional banh mis but they also have roasted pork and other specialities during the week. Their melon shake is also delicious!
Where are your favourite places of 2012 in Vancouver?
