25 of the most romantic restaurants in Vancouver

Whether it’s your first, third, or umpteenth date, when it’s time for the realms of romance and restaurant to meet, there are always certain boxes to tick. An intimate ambiance, great food and drink, and the right lighting can definitely set the mood.

From cozy French bistros to some of the most popular new spots in town, here are 25 utterly romantic restaurants in Vancouver.

Jules Bistro

Embracing a decidedly vintage French look and feel, this charming little Gastown restaurant simply oozes romance, and is the perfect spot for an intimate rendez-vous. Savour the restaurant’s delightful ambience, while enjoying authentic French dishes like escargot, homemade country style pâté, mussels steamed in white wine and garlic, duck leg confit, and even more enticing options.

Address: 216 Abbott Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @julesbistro

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge

The Bacchus is a seriously cozy spot. Wth rich leather, dark wood, and upholstered furniture everywhere, it’s hard not to enjoy your time by the fire at this restaurant and piano bar.

Address: Wedgewood Hotel & Spa – 845 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Wildebeest

Please the tongue and satisfy the belly at Wildebeest. While meat-centric dishes and creative libations are what the restaurant is famed for, the Gastown locale also offers guests a stylish yet unpretentious setting to dine and drink in. Cozy on up with your loved one at the candlelit bar or at a high top table, either way you’re in for a pleasurable evening of good food and drinks.

Address: 120 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Instagram:  @wildebeestyvr

Mosquito

This intimate, dimly lit champagne and dessert bar is the perfect spot to enjoy an after dinner drink, as well as a decadent treat or two. From the bar, patrons have the choice between champagne cocktails, sweet wines, and spirits to pair with an enticing list of desserts.

Address: 32 Water Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @mosquitodessert

Chambar

You’d be silly not to consider Chambar for a dinner date destination. With outstanding food, sensational cocktails, beautiful décor, and a sultry atmosphere come the evening, this Beatty Street haunt ticks all the right boxes.

Address: 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @chambar_restaurant

Cinara

Make a big impression at this small and intimate West Pender restaurant. Known for its delicious modern European cuisine, composed of high quality locally-sourced ingredients, Cinara also boasts a softly illuminated dining room that exudes warmth and coziness.

Address: 350 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @cinaravancouver

Hawksworth Restaurant

This sophisticated downtown restaurant might be somewhat of a wallet buster, but it offers a tantalizing menu of high quality, well-executed plates. Patrons who visit this incredibly chic spot can expect to find an array of contemporary Canadian dishes, made from top tier local produce, as well as a thoughtful bar program.

Address: Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @hawksworthrest

Pourhouse

Romance your loved one at this softly lit Gastown establishment. Furnished with antiques from the early 1900s and custom creations, Pourhouse is the ideal place for those searching for a charming spot at which to dine. The menu won’t disappoint either. Enjoy creative cocktails and warming seasonal fare.

Address: 162 Water Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @pourhouse

Burdock & Co.

Slide into this Main Street gem for an intimate evening over inspired fare from the kitchen of Chef Andrea Carlson, along with what is arguably one of the city’s most exciting wine menus. Lots of candlelight, and lots of delicious things to eat and drink here.

Address: 2702 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @burdockandco

Brix & Mortar

Brix & Mortar (the amalgamation of Brix and George restaurants) offers two floors of unique dining nooks. Enjoy an upscale nosh on the restaurant’s signature glass-covered courtyard space, or a drink on the renovated outdoor patio, which is illuminated by seven-tier glass chandeliers.

Address: 1138 Homer Street and 1137 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @brix_vancouver

UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar

If dark and sultry is what you’re after, then you can’t go past UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar. Located on the corner of Seymour and Smithe, UVA Bar pours a variety of hand-crafted cocktails in low light. Enjoy a libation or two, as well a range of small bites from the bar’s menu.

Address: Moda Hotel, 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @uvavancouver

Latab

This progressive wine bar and small plates destination has a modern aesthetic, but is absolutely intimate when the lights dim. Take your tastebuds on an adventure; the food and the wines are a definite conversation starter here.

Address: 983 Helmcken Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @latabfood

L’Abattoir

Housed in a refurbished 19th century brick and beam building, L’Abattoir delivers both a memorable setting and an enticing French-influenced menu. Order a couple of cocktails at the bar before settling into seared scallops, a succulent steak, or some other equally tempting dish.

Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @labattoir_van

Mission

Boasting a sophisticated yet approachable space, Mission, is particularly suited for date night. It addition to its warm ambience, the restaurant serves up a range of beautifully presented dishes, both of the tasting plate and à la carte varieties.

Address: 2042 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @missionkits

The Mackenzie Room

This compact, retro-chic casual fine dining restaurant in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, simply exudes a relaxed elegance. Diners can look forward to a chalkboard menu with a few nightly options based on what is fresh and in season.

Address: 415 Powell Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @themackenzieroom

Kissa Tanto

Ascend the staircase and slip into an otherworldy slice of yesteryear at Kissa Tanto, where the unexpected but seemingly effortless hybrid of Japanese and Italian lives out in a space that concurrently melds mid-century with the truly modern, and it’s all very Vancouver.

Address: 263 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @kissatanto

Oakwood Canadian Bistro

Home to both a gorgeous dining area and well-stocked bar, The Oakwood Canadian Bistro in Kits comes complete with its own fireplace. For those searching for a cozy, intimate spot, to indulge on the spoils served up, The Oakwood is the perfect place to retreat to.

Address: 2741 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @theoakwood

Gotham

If this art deco-inspired steakhouse in downtown is on your bucket list, perhaps a special date night will be your reason to take the plunge. Live large at a table in Gotham’s burrow-like series of rooms, or simple slide into a seat in the bar/lounge area for a cocktail and a nibble.

Address: 615 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @gothamvancouver

Le Crocodile

Come on, does it get more classically elegant dining in Vancouver than Le Crocodile. Say “oui” to this longstanding French restaurant favoured by visiting celebs and savvy diners. Splurge!

Address: 100-909 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca

Located on the edge of Yaletown, Lupo has historical charm and great ambiance. We’d recommend ordering a pasta while you chill out by the fire here for the full experience.

Address: 869 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

The Teahouse

This spot is the definition of cozy.  Settle down for a spell at this Stanley Park dining landmark.

Address: Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver
Instagram: @the_teahouse

The Stable House

Cozy up at this South Granville wine bar and nibble on charcuterie and clink glasses with someone special. Featuring one of the province’s top sommeliers, Stable House is a must-visit if you and your date are into wine.

Address: 1520 West 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @stablehousebistro

See also

• 9 of Canada's "Most Romantic Restaurants" are in Metro Vancouver
• Essential Vancouver French food guide
• 33 must-try desserts in Vancouver
• 6 ways to dip into cheese fondue in Vancouver

Mak N Ming

This fairly new French-Japanese hot spot offers a very intimate setting, tasting menus, and is a perfect place if you’re looking for adventurous eats in a cozy spot for your date night.

Address: 1629 Yew Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @MakNMing

Bishop’s

Kitsilano’s venerable Bishop’s has endured as one of the city’s most beloved elegant dining options, and when it’s a table for two you need with a great meal to boot, nab one of them and enjoy the white tablecloth service and fare.

Address: 2183 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @bishopsonline

The Acorn

One of Vancouver’s well-loved vegetarian restaurants also offers a gorgeous setting in which to dine. Come the evening the restaurant flickers in candle light, and serves up some seriously tasty food, as well as expertly made cocktails.

Address: 3995 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @acornvancouver

With files from Jess Fleming and Hanna McLean