The richer our experiences are the better our lives are. Since our relationships have an important place in making those special moments it makes sense to keep those special times coming. A romantic dinner may be old school but it’s still one of the best ways to nurture our relationships, especially when time is short.
I’ve selected the following 7 places based on my own personal dining experiences. Five are actual dining spots and 2 are just romantic. I’ve been to a lot of different dining spots in and around Vancouver and these ones stand out the most for great times.
1. The Oakwood Canadian Bistro, Kitsilano
This Bistro offers high quality appies and a warm dining environment where you can get cozy with your partner. The patio is a great spot for people watching while having some drinks. Inside there’s a fireplace which creates a more romantic feel, along with the hardwood floors and fixtures which add a classic bistro feel.
Address: 2741 West Fourth Avenue
Phone: 604-558-1965
2. Nuba Cafe Lebanese food, Kitsilano
Nuba offers traditional Lebanese food like hummus but also has a number of dishes you’ve probably never heard of. The platter for two has a little bit of everything including an amazing Crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt. They have a number of locations but but my favorite for a date is in Kitsilano. During the summer the front windows come off, creating an open air ambiance.
Address: 3116 West Broadway
Phone: 604-336-1797
3. Saj&Co – Contemporary Lebanese Kitchenette, Davie St.
Another great spot for exotic Lebanese food; Saj&Co has a more earthy feel and won’t break your budget. In the summer you can dine outside with your lover and be entertained by the foot traffic along Davie St. The Lebanese flatbreads are made to order right before your eyes in the open kitchen.
Address: 813 Davie Street
Phone: 604-559-2447
4. Chambar, Downtown Vancouver
A Belgian restaurant which is always featured on Vancouver’s Dine Out list. It has the romantic low key lighting but is a bit more energetic with upbeat hip hop and modern music playing in the background. It’s one of the most comfortable spots for romantic dining and has full course meals along with appies. The mussels and fries are are a great sharing dish.
Address: 568 Beatty St.
Phone: 604-879-7119
5. Chicha, East Broadway
Ever tried Peruvian food? Well neither had I! That is until this gem popped up on the Vancouver dining scene. They have a few main courses but mostly serve appies and drinks. Their Ceviche selection and quality is one of the best in Vancouver.
Address: 136 E Broadway
Phone: 604-620-3963
6. The Tuscany, Bowen Island
Bonus #1. A short trip from Vancouver, the Tuscany is a European style trattoria in a heritage house. Enjoy their beautiful garden patio with your main squeeze as you dine on artisan pizza and Mediterranean cooking. To stay warm in the winter there is a cozy fireplace indoors .
Address: 451 Bowen Trunk Road, Bowen Island
Phone: 604-947-0550
7. Cafe Thierry, Alberni St. Vancouver
Bonus #2. Not a dining spot but great for after dining dessert and coffee. This classy cafe offers an assortment of pastries which are baked daily in house. The coffee is excellent, especially for people who enjoy something a little more refined. A great spot to take a date on the heated patio in the winter or to enjoy the shade in the summer. If you’re single this is also a great spot to meet women and men.
If you’re already in a relationship any one of the spots above would be great for a romantic evening. If you’re a single man then try dating coach Eddy Baller, located in Vancouver but serving both locally and internationally.