I have food cravings ALL the time. But I would never have craved Peruvian food before dining at Suyo. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I disliked Peruvian cuisine. It was just not something I had ever thought of until I stumbled upon Suyo in Mount Pleasant. And, gosh, I am so glad I did. I went in to expand my culinary horizons and left with one of the best dining experiences I have had in Vancouver. The Atmosphere I went to Suyo on a Friday night and the place was packed. You could really feel a buzz in the air. Although the décor is modern, Suyo feels friendly and casual. The natural tones ..read more

Want to impress your date? Look no further. Vancouver has some great options for an amazing night out. From Michelin-star restaurants to underrated hidden gems, I have selected 6 great establishments that won’t let you down for your special date. It’s time to get your romance on at these amazing Vancouver restaurants: 1. AnnaLena (Kitsilano) ★ Contemporary Canadian ($$$$) ★ 1 Michelin star ★ Set menu, wine pairing available ★ Advanced reservation recommended If you are looking for top-notch cuisine and impeccable service, AnnaLena is one of the very best options in town. Although the atmosphe ..read more

Hidden at the bottom of a flight of stairs below street level, Arike is a true hidden gem. This Nigerian-inspired restaurant located in West End is a perfect option for an intimate dining experience. The Atmosphere It’s not an easy task to find quiet establishments where you can appreciate amazing food while having an audible discussion. On top of its perfectly executed dishes, Arike has a very intimate setting that allows you to enjoy your conversation, which was a huge plus for me. The décor was simple. A little bit more could have been done to make the place look more upscale and feel more ..read more

Rating: 3 out of 5. If you are looking for quality Fish and Chips, Fish Tacos or Clam Chowder, The Fish Counter is a solid option. This casual eatery and market offers local seafood and comfort food in the Mount Pleasant area. I had their Cod Fish and Chips ($19.25) and I was not disappointed. The cod was fresh and juicy despite its deep fried layer. It came with an amazing tartare sauce and the hand-cut fries were so good that calling them a side would be an insult. I also tried their Crab and Shrimp Baguette ($15.25), which I thought was great. The baguette was fresh and soft and the c ..read more

Rating: 4 out of 5. After a few failed attempts, I managed to dine at Maenam on a weekend without any reservation. This is quite a feat given how popular this establishment is! Indeed, Maenam is ranked among Canada’s best 100 restaurants, so it has a solid reputation not only in Vancouver, but across the country. The Atmosphere Located on 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, this establishment serves revisited Thai cuisine for an elevated dining experience. Frankly, if I hadn’t known beforehand, I wouldn’t have guessed that Maenam was a Thai restaurant. The décor, although well-made, doesn’t make it to ..read more

Rating: 4 out of 5. A couple of weeks ago, I was walking along Commercial Drive when I spotted a line up. Curious, I decided to get closer to see what this gathering was all about. ‘Lunch Lady’. The sign at the entrance did not not exactly give much away, which peaked my interest even more. As I got closer, I noticed a colorful mural that reminded me of a scenery from a past trip. My trip to Vietnam. The Atmosphere I didn’t have it in me to wait on that day, so I decided to come back the following week. I showed up on a Friday at around 11.30am and, to my surprise, a line-up had already form ..read more

Rating: 4 out of 5. Have you ever heard of Japanese soufflé pancakes? If your answer to this question is no, I’m sorry to let you know that you’ve been missing out… In Japan, they’re called “happiness pancakes”, which is rather self-explanatory. One bite and you’ll be on cloud 9. Luckily, Vancouver also has its own Japanese soufflé pancake restaurants, including Fufu Café on Broadway. I was in a sweet mood so I tried the Nutella & Caramelized Banana Soufflé Pancake and the Matcha Mochi Soufflé Pancake. FuFu Café also serves savory pancakes and Japanese-style sandwiches so, even if you do ..read more

Rating: 4 out of 5. So I finally made it to Ask For Luigi. After hearing repeatedly that it was a great spot for Italian food and handmade pasta, I decided it was time to try it out. It took me two weeks and a $50 dollar deposit to secure a table on a Saturday night, which built up even more anticipation. The Atmosphere Ask For Luigi is a casual Italian eatery located close to East Hastings. The dining area is rather small and the tables are lined-up very close to each other, so it gets pretty lively. There is an open kitchen and the décor is very simple. A few plants and paintings are hang ..read more

Rating: 4 out of 5. Fuego Old Town Eatery is a staple in Victoria’s brunch scene. If you are looking for breakfast burritos and other Mexican classics to start your day, Fuego is your best bet! The Atmosphere Fuego Old Town Eatery is located downtown Victoria, a few steps away from Chinatown. This casual brunch spot has a chill vibe. The intentionally decrepitated red bricks are decorated with colorful artworks, which give this place a casual feel. If you try to go to Fuego on weekends, the line-up can get pretty long. However, in my experience, it isn’t as bad as Blue Fox. I arrived at 10a ..read more

Summer is finally here! After what felt like an endless winter, it’s time to get out, enjoy the sun, work on our tan, and most importantly, EAT ICE CREAM! There are tons of ice cream parlors in Vancouver, but some of them really stand out from the crowd. Let me walk you through my favorite ice cream parlors, and highlight what is so good about them. Get your lick on folks! 1. Rain or Shine Vegan, gluten-free and egg-free options available Salted Caramel (one scoop waffle $5.5) & Peanut Butter (single cup $4.5) This is a no brainer. Rain or Shine is an institution in Vancouver and its repu ..read more