New restaurant opens first B.C. location in Vancouver with an expansive patio | Daily Hive

Central Bentall (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Downtown Vancouver is in for a treat, as Central Restaurants is nearly ready to welcome the public into its first-ever B.C. location. Situated at 555 Burrard St., the new dining and drinking destination hailing from Calgary is poised to open in the heart of the city early next month.

Dished got a first look inside to see what’s in store for future patrons, so here’s all the need-to-know info.

The Space

Hanna McLean/Dished

It might not be patio weather just yet, but Central’s got us covered for when the warmer months make their glorious arrival.

Walking up to the entrance of the Vancouver location we were met with bright yellow umbrellas and covered furniture on the 2,000 sq. ft. patio, soon to be bustling with folks looking for a good drink and some spectacular people-watching opportunities.

Stepping inside the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with an array of images throwing it back to pop culture icons like Jackie Chan, Kendrick Lamar, and Shaquille O’Neal, to name a few.

Central is big on the music vibes, which is evident from the decor, namely the shelves and shelves of retro speakers lining the back wall of the restaurant.

Hanna McLean/Dished

A central, 360-degree bar anchors the 3,500 sq. ft. interior space. Designed by Canadian interior design firm Way of Normal, Central Bentall also boasts a ton of natural lighting, greenery, and contemporary decor.

Seats are comfortable and there’s something interesting to look at in every corner, like the bright blue old-school Pepsi soda machine that caught our eye.

The Menu

Truffle Mushroom and Pork Belly Fettuccine (Hanna McLean/Dished)

If you are a fan of CRAFT Beer Market, chances are high you’ll love it here, too. Central comes from the same team, so you can expect a solid lineup of sips and bites to devour here.

From lunch to dinner, brunch to happy hour, this spot is offering it all. We checked out an array of drinks and dishes during our visit.

We love a Vancouver exclusive, and Central’s got one that’s not to be missed: Pressed Ahi Tuna Sushi. Topped with mango puree, unagi sauce, kewpie mayo, and serrano pepper, this one is a great shareable for the table but could also be devoured solo.

Pressed Ahi Tuna Sushi (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Other highlights we tasted included the Lemon Peppered Calamari served with yuzu dressing, the Honolulu Ahi Poke Bowl, and the show-stopping Truffle Mushroom and Pork Belly Fettuccine.

Lemon Peppered Calamari (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Tableside Dressed Truffle Fries (Hanna McLean/Dished)

When it comes to fries at Central, they are doing things a little differently. This spot offers Tableside Dressed Truffle Fries complete with parmesan truffle cream and fine herbs.

While the cocktails certainly take centre stage here, we’ll be honest: there were some enticing-looking beers listed as well. There’s also a great selection of still and sparkling wines from B.C. and around the globe.

But back to the cocktails, as that’s the name of the game here.

Drinks we tried included the house Espresso Martini, the Strawberry + Lychee Popping Soda complete with popping pearls, and the refreshing Frosty Spiced Horchata.

Frosty Spiced Horchata (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Strawberry + Lychee Popping Soda (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Happy hour happens twice a day here, with some food starting at as low as $4 and drinks at as low as $5. There’s a really solid selection of bites like burgers, sushi, and pizza, and the cocktail selection is also tops during these services.

We’d advise you to add this joint to your list of places to hit downtown, both inside and outside happy hour times.

Basil Blueberry Refresher Mocktail (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Central Bentall officially opens to the public on March 6. You can find it open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight, with happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. Brunch is offered on weekends and holiday Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Central currently operates one location in Calgary’s Beltline, but more are on the way. Toronto is next, and another Calgary location is in the works as well.

Hanna McLean/Dished

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Central Bentall

Address: Bentall Tower II — 555 Burrard St. #120, Vancouver

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