Elisa; Photo: Leila Kwok
Yaletown—a revitalized warehouse district in the downtown core—has seen considerable evolution since its dining scene emerged after Expo 86.
Known for the sophistication, diversity, and quality of its restaurants, it’s no surprise that Yaletown has received numerous MICHELIN recognitions. And with the reveal of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver on October 3, now’s the time to get to know Yaletown’s current MICHELIN star and recommendations. You’ll find them within Yaletown’s borders of Homer Street, False Creek, and Robson Street:
Photo: Kasumi; Okeya Kyujiro
Yaletown has one restaurant with a coveted MICHELIN star: Okeya Kyujiro, which received its star in 2023. Started in Montreal, the premium omakase restaurant ($325 per person; brunch menu $180 for 15 courses) quickly gained a devoted following due to the calibre of its ingredients and execution, as well as the uniqueness of its dining experience. Okeya Kyujiro is more than a dinner out—it’s an unforgettable show that begins with the rising of a curtain that introduces you to the cooks. Chef Takuya Matsuda from Mie Prefecture, Japan, spotlights the best of Japanese and local seasonal ingredients in a show that encompasses roughly 20 courses, including a tea ceremony and dessert. Sushi is primarily the star of the show, with seafood like Hokkaido uni and firefly squid served in inventive ways that showcase different regional Japanese cultures. In addition to the deftness of the cooks’ knife cuts, guests are dazzled by a variety of musical and culinary performances, as well as plating that evidences considerable artistry.
Photo: Cioppino’s
Slated to close on December 21, there are still a few months left to enjoy this long-running Vancouver establishment. Since 1999, chef Pino (Giuseppe) Posteraro has been wooing Yaletown diners with his elegant interpretation of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Cioppino’s room has a timeless refinement, with service that is attentive and knowledgeable (you might even be served by Posteraro’s son Giampaolo who has his own pop-up business Proscuitto & Friends). In addition to daily creations, the menu marries the best of fresh local and European ingredients in dishes such as carpaccio di Manzo with arugula and parmigiano; and Pacific octopus with Tuscan white beans and herbs. Make sure to try one of their pastas or risottos, such as the fettucine alla Bolognese (simmered for three hours) or the lobster linguine with tomato cream lobster sauce. Mains showcase West Coast proteins such as Fraser Valley duck with fried rice, BC wild halibut with lemon caper butter sauce and Italian parsley; and a classic cioppino with a mix of sustainable seafood. The wine list is vast, calling for a bottle from the restaurant’s extensive cellar.
Elisa; Photo: Ema Peter
Vancouver has many excellent steakhouses, with Elisa taking a modern and stylish approach to both décor and food. Operated by the Toptable Group (e.g., Blue Water Café, also in Yaletown), Elisa boasts a gorgeous room that finds the sweet spot between swank and inviting warmth. Start with an offering from the raw bar, such as the seafood plateau with oysters, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, cured hamachi, and spring salmon. Executive Chef Andrew Richardson sources premium local and international (e.g., Blue Dot, PEI; Snake River Farms, Idaho; Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan) steaks, which are wood fired using alder, apple, and birch wood. Sustainable seafood is also featured on the menu, such as sake marinated roasted sablefish with bok choy, daikon, green onion, sesame, soy and horseradish. The sides at Elisa are particularly incredible, with options that range from sauteed wild and foraged mushrooms to wood grilled rainbow carrots with beef tallow and fresh herbs. Go for the baked Alaska for a show-stopping end to the night. Next door Luigi & Sons is a butcher shop where you can purchase a steak from Elisa’s menu and grill it at home.
Photo: Per Se Social Corner
This expansive lofty-ceilinged room is a lively spot, with an extensive menu that has something for everyone while still maintaining high food quality. This is no easy feat. Per Se Social Corner‘s cuisine is a combination of Italian and Spanish, favouring delicious comfort dishes. Their brunch menu (e.g., brasato beef eggs benny) and lengthy Happy Hour selections (e.g., calamari, charred Iberico chorizo) are very popular, with large groups often catching up over tasty bites and cocktails. The dinner menu has numerous delicious tapas options, including patatas bravas, warm mixed Mediterranean olives, and hummus with house flatbread. Pizzas like the carbonara or funghi are great for sharing, or indulge in pastas like the lobster and crab ravioli or the rigatoni Bolognese. Fans of the restaurant swear by The Burger, which consists of an 8 oz hand-ground organic Alberta beef patty, fontina, truffle aioli, and Syrah caramelized onions—all on a brioche bun. Other options include a chicken or seafood paella for 2 people and a rack of lamb with polenta, roasted pine nuts, confit cherry tomatoes, and bone marrow jus.
Photo: Homer St. Cafe and Bar
Homer St. Cafe and Bar, sibling to Tableau Bar Bistro and Maxine’s Café & Bar, serves cosseting French-leaning contemporary food in a charming setting. The restaurant is situated in the Homer and Beasley Buildings, marrying a historical aesthetic with modern touches. Like its siblings, Homer St. has a stellar Happy Hour menu, with palate-pleasers like chicken fried oyster mushrooms, steak tartare, and anchovy toast. Brunch is a tasty and elegant affair, with dishes like a beef brisket and tater tot poutine with poached eggs, cheese curds, and plenty of gravy. The restaurant is known for their rotisserie items, particular the chicken, which is served with house frites and gravy. There’s also baby back ribs with mustard BBQ sauce and slow cooked brisket with Alabama white sauce. Other mains showcase seasonal ingredients, ranging from arctic char with Parisian gnocchi and summer squash; to duck confit with stone fruit panzanella, smoked chèvre, and brioche.
Moltaqa; Photo: Tara Lee
Originally located in Gastown, Moltaqa now calls Yaletown home. The restaurant embraces the vibrancy of Moroccan cuisine and culture through its menu, décor, and entertainment (belly dancing performances). Meat is halal. Start with classic Moroccan dishes such as chicken pastilla (in pastry with almonds), housemade lamb merguez braised in harissa sauce, or mujadara (lentil stew). Mains are deeply flavourful and tender, due to the use of gorgeous tajines. Try the slow braised lamb shoulder with saffron, prunes, and almonds; or the cardamom duck with figs, pear, and sesame. Sides of couscous, semolina bread, eggplant stew, and Moroccan potato salad round out the proteins. In addition to Moroccan-inspired cocktails, like a saffron Habibi, Turkish coffee and Moroccan mint tea go well with desserts like warm bread pudding with almonds, apricot, and coconut.
Stay tuned for the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver!