19 Vancouver restaurants where you can host an amazing holiday party

Oct 22 2016, 5:35 am

The arrival of the holiday season means a ton of celebrating with friends and loved ones, and this year you may not feel up to the whole prepping, cooking, and cleaning thing.

Luckily, Vancouver has a huge selection of amazing restaurants in every pocket of the city where you can reserve private spaces or buyout the entire venue for the night. Here are 19 spots where you can book your holiday party for any size and budget and leave the planning (and the dishes) to someone else.

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1. The Emerald Supper Club and Cocktail Lounge


The Emerald is located in Vancouver’s colourful Chinatown and the venue gives off charming old school Vegas vibes. This spot is very popular for large parties, as it offers four private and semi-private spaces: The Lounge, Dining Room, Main Stage, and the Back Cabaret. Special touches available for group functions include crystal vintage decanters filled with the spirit of the guests’ choosing, along with mix and big ball ice cubes as well as a candy bar station option featuring up to five sweet treats. Menu options include set and buffet-style with vegan and specialty diet alternatives available upon request.

Address: 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 
604-559-8477
Instagram: @emeraldsupperclub

2. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio

Ancora offers multiple configurations to host your group requirements from 10 to 120 people including the choice between the Private Room with audio and visual set-up, the Mezzanine Level (semi-private), and the Main Dining Room (semi-private). Ancora provides delicious and creative group menus and offers buyouts that are available for exclusive privacy depending on the day of the week and the time of year.

Address: 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-1164
Instagram: @ancoradining

3. YEW seafood + bar

A photo posted by Alissa Horn (@alissamhorn) on

Sophistication awaits those who wish to dine privately at YEW this holiday season. With a selection of creative cocktails and a menu of quality cuisine, you can’t go wrong when booking a private function here. There are three group dining options at YEW: The Communal Table (seats up to 14 guests at the heart of the restaurant in front of the fireplace), The Wine Room (a glass-enclosed area offers sky-lit dining for up to 10 guests), and The Inlet (customizable private room ideal for groups from 20 to 65). Check out the group dining menu options along with an impressive wine list – oh, and did we mention they offer private brunches as well? Talk about happy holidays.

Address: 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-692-4939
Facebook: YEW seafood + bar

4. Beach Bay Cafe and Patio

Jess Fleming/Daily Hive

Jess Fleming/Daily Hive

Located in picturesque English Bay in the heart of the West End, the Beach Bay Cafe and Patio is a great spot to host a holiday shindig. Beach Bay’s 2000 square foot dining space can be customized with specific event enhancements. This can accommodate up to 55 seated guests or a standing reception of up to 100. To request this space, fill out the digital form and you will be contacted within one business day.

Address: 1193 Denman Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-685-7337
Instagram: @beachbaycafepatio

5. Market at Shangri-La

With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning downtown vistas, Market by Jean-Georges offers a memorable dining experience for any celebration. This Downtown Vancouver restaurant has three private dining rooms, a heated and covered outdoor terrace with city views, an enticing bar, and an elegant dining room perfect for a mid-size holiday party.

Address: 1115 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-695-1115
Facebook: Market by Jean-Georges

6. Edible Canada

A photo posted by Edible Canada (@ediblecanada) on

Edible Canada is located on Granville Island and it offers menus that are filled with local and sustainable dishes. The open-kitchen style bistro features a bright private dining space perfect for group parties and gatherings. Edible offers three options for events including Private Room Dining, Full Restaurant Buyout Dining, and Non-Private Group Bookings. This restaurant has created a comprehensive flow chart to help you decide which route you should take with your party when it comes to food and drink.

Address: 1596 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-558-0040
Instagram: @ediblecanada

7. Sai Woo

Inside Sai Woo (jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Jess Fleming/Daily Hive

Right in the heart of Chinatown, Sai Woo has a spacious dining area with a view of the “East meets West” kitchen, along with an intimate downstairs lounge serving casual Asian cuisine in a relaxed and elegant space. Enjoy Sai Woo’s flavourful food prepared with local ingredients in either the upstairs dining room, which seats 113, or the Woo Bar downstairs which can seat 75.

Address: 158 East Pender, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-1117
Instagram: @doyousaiwoo

8. Calabash Bistro

Calabash Bistro, known for its live music and unique Caribbean brunch, is ready to host your holiday party this year too. The restaurant has a private room on its lowest level that is equipped with a bar and stage. Calabash also has set menu options that range in price from $30 to $80.

Address: 428 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-5882
Instagram: @calabashbistro

9. Chambar

Head to Chambar for your holiday party and you wont be disappointed. The private dining room is rustic with a long table and exposed wood, giving you an instantly cozy feeling as you settle in. Request your large party reservation here and choose from set menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that range in price from $25 to $75.

Address: 568 Beatty Street Crosstown, Vancouver
Phone: 604-879-7119
Instagram: chambar_restaurant

10. CinCin Ristorante

Private Wine Room. Photo Credit Steve Li.

Private Wine Room. (Photo by Steve Li)

Whether you are looking to host a family gathering or a corporate holiday dinner, CinCin offers a unique setting for any occasion. The Italian restaurant has a stunning private wine dining room surrounded by dozens of bottles of the good stuff. This spot also has a variety of semi-private spaces and a bar and lounge that is ideal for stand-up receptions. When you plan your gathering at CinCin you can customize with audio-visual amenities and personalized menu options. Check out the private function details here, and to make a reservation or start planning your event call or email ([email protected]) the restaurant.

Address: 1154 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-7338
Instagram: @cincinristorante

11. Blue Water Cafe

Photo Credit Steve Li.

Oceans Room. (Photo by Steve Li)

If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays with delicious seafood this year, look no further than the Blue Water Cafe. Executive Chef Frank Pabst crafts delicious and sustainable seafood dishes using only the freshest wild fish, combine that with the amazing selection of wine, and having a holiday party here is a no-brainer. The active wine cellar contains two multi-faceted private rooms that are easily combined to accommodate up to 80 seated guests or 120 standing. The Bluewater has four private dining areas including the Oceans, Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic rooms. There is also the option for a complete restaurant buyout. For more details about each space head here, and to make your reservation call 604-688-8078.

Address: 1095 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-8078
Instagram: @bluewatercafe

12. Vij’s

Vij’s is ready to host your private holiday dining events for your business, community, friends, and family. This spot has a selection of personalized menus, fixed menus, and private rooms available. Sit back and enjoy the ambiance of Vij’s Indian Jewelry Box with dancing elephant lights and creative Indian cuisine. To book this space give Vij’s a call or email [email protected].

Address: 3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-6664
Instagram: @eatdrinkvijs

13. Tableau Bar Bistro

Tableau offers some amazing private spaces and restaurant buyout options for holiday parties. The rooms that can be rented out include the Petit Salon which seats 18, the Grand Salon which seats 24, or for a larger group both salons can be booked to accommodate 60 guests in total. If you’d like to do a complete Tableau buyout, the venue seats 75.

Address: 1181 Melville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-639-8692
Instagram: @tableaubarbistro

14. Maenam

A photo posted by Maenam (@maenamrestaurant) on

This Kitsilano restaurant can be bought out for parties of 50 and under. From family-style dining to riffs on Thai street food, Chef Angus An’s menu balances intense fresh flavours with seasonal ingredients and locally sourced products. Maenam’s menu is served alongside an inspired cocktail card, informed beer list, and extensive selection of wines served by-the-glass or bottle.

Address: 1938 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-730-5579
Instagram: @maenamrestaurant

15. L’Abattoir

L'Abattoir Private Dining Room.

Photo courtesy L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir is home to one of the city’s most stunning private dining facilities, housed in a separate building that features exposed brick walls and steel-framed windows. This space accommodates 50 guests seated or 70 reception-style. The private dining room features a customizable layout and is wired with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. L’Abattoir’s menu features French-influenced West Coast fare from Executive Chef Lee Cooper, an outstanding wine program, and array of craft cocktails.

Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-1701
Instagram: @
labattoir_van

16. Café Medina

Cafe Medina Interior. Photo Credit Barry Calhoun Photography.

Cafe Medina Interior (Barry Calhoun Photography)

A beloved brunch institution by day, Café Medina’s beautiful dining room also makes the perfect private event venue by night. Medina’s expansive dining room offers a truly unique and memorable setting for holiday gatherings of up to 60 guests seated or 100 guests reception-style. Guests can choose from an array of seasonal menu options featuring their signature rustic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, all of which can also be paired with a variety of custom cocktail creations, wine, or beer. 

Address: 780 Richards Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-879-3114
Instagram: @medinacafe

17. Heritage Asian Eatery

Heritage Asian Eatery

Photo courtesy Heritage Asian Eatery

Heritage Asian Eatery just opened in the Financial District of downtown Vancouver this past fall, and it is available to be booked for private nighttime and weekend functions. With an industrial-yet-rustic decor that fosters a casual and communal atmosphere, Heritage offers the ideal private event space for 40 guests seated or 60 reception-style.

Address: 1108 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-737-1108
Instagram: @eatheritage

18. Railtown Cafe

Photo Credit Jelger Tanja.

Photo by Jelger Tanja

Located in the historic Railtown district of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Railtown Cafe’s stylish space is available to be booked for private functions for up to 30 guests seated or 45 guests reception-style. With menus that range from casual to contemporary, as well as signature cocktails, craft beer, and wine pairings, Railtown’s team will cater to the needs of its guests for a truly memorable occasion in a one-of-a-kind space.  

Address: 397 Railway Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-8811
Instagram: @railtowncafe

19. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Boulevard Adjoining Room. Photo Credit KK Law.

Boulevard Adjoining Room. (Photo by KK Law)

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s elegant private dining room accommodates 40 guests seated or 80 guests reception-style. This spot also offers a variety of additional adjoining spaces that can accommodate as many as 150 guests privately. Combining elements of a classic European bistro with contemporary, bespoke style, the decor embraces local works of art, natural stone, and imported Italian marble.

Address: 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-642-2900
Instagram: @blvdyvr

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