They say the way to win someone’s heart is through his or her stomach. Here are the best romantic restaurants in Vancouver (in my humble opinion) which have beautiful settings for a lovely night out or serve up some sexy food for a date night in.
You’ll find some expected choices as well as some not-so-expected ones in this list. I will also be updating this list as new ideas come up.
The Roof at Black & Blue (Downtown)
Black + Blue’s rooftop terrace (1032 Alberni St 3rd floor) features a West Coast grill inspired menu and a fresh open-air design featuring garden pergola and custom floral installations.
This luxurious and earthy space at The Roof boasts a romantic setting enhanced by flickering candlelight and biophilic elements that provide a connection to the natural environment.
In order to create a dramatic arrival experience, guests will emerge from the elevator and enter the restaurant space through an intimate garden corridor under an awning of greenery, florals and cascading twinkling lights.
On the menu are West Coast grill items – beef, chicken, fish, and seafood all prepared on the Josper Grill. In addition, fresh oyster platters, a stunning seafood tower, and fresh salads can also be found.
Glowbal Restaurant (Downtown)
The beautiful and luxurious year-round patio at Glowbal Restaurant (590 W Georgia St) makes for a great date night spot.
The patio features luminous details, decorative accents, luxe furnishings and accented with one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
There you will find decorative lights, lush greenery and florals, and vibrant patterned fabrics that come together to create a picture-perfect, romantic setting in which to enjoy a creative menu of West Coast flavours.
Cozy up with your sweetheart on luxurious banquette seats set among verdant green hedges while VIP birdcage booths are adorned in colourful foliage and delicate ambient lights.
Once inside the entryway, strike a pose at a ‘selfie’ station.
The installation features an oversized mirror illuminated with vanity-style lights and a dramatic floral backdrop.
Torafuku (Chinatown)
Torafuku (958 Main Street, Vancouver) in Vancouver Chinatown serves up some sexy modern Pan-Asian cuisine with bold and vibrant flavours.
Not to be missed are their inventive, Asian-inspired cocktails like Oriental Beauty and O My Sake.
Their dinner service makes for a great date night spot with cozy booths, dim lighting and a stellar service.
CinCin Ristorante (Robson Street)
As Vancouver’s leading Italian restaurant, CinCin (1154 Robson St) is your destination for authentic Italian flavours in the heart of Downtown.
Their outdoor year-round patio overlooks bustling Robson Street and is a beautiful place for a date.
Enjoy an evening of wine and delectable dishes prepared over a wood-fired grill.
Old Bird (Main Street)
Chinese food with an attitude? Ideal date night spot? Old Bird on Main Street encompasses those things and more.
Enjoy a night out under a high ceiling decorated with giant red lanterns and a table of delicious Chinese street food with a modern twist but still the traditional flavours.
My recommendations from the menu are the Salted Egg Yolk Fried Chicken (bone-in fried chicken legs, garlic, Thai basil, prawn crackers & coleslaw) and Jian Bing (whole wheat egg crepe, pork floss, Chinese doughnut, crispy chips, pickled mustard greens & cilantro).
The must-try cocktail is Lady Yang named after Yang Guifei – one of the most beautiful women in China’s history. The drink features vodka, baijiu, lychee, jasmine, butterfly flower tea, and Szechuan peppercorn .
Blue Water Cafe (Yaletown)
Blue Water Cafe (1095 Hamilton St) is a great place to gather for special occasions, romantic night outs in Vancouver and to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Located in a handsome brick and beam heritage warehouse conversion in the Yaletown neighbourhood, Blue Water Cafe serves sustainable seafood on their menu.
You can also sit at the Raw Bar and watch expert sushi chefs prepare dishes with pure, clean flavours and unique presentations.
Brix and Mortar (Yaletown)
Brix and Mortar (1137 Hamilton Street) is a Yaletown institution, with exposed brick, white tablecloths and fantastic service.
With a glass surrounded courtyard and vines climbing the side of the brick building, the restaurant and bar make for an ideal night out with a partner.
Brix and Mortar is one of the few Vancouver restaurants awarded a Wine Spectator Award; the commitment to fine wine is evident by the massive by the glass list.
Cocktails are all created by the bartending team here, while the food celebrates contemporary Canadian cuisine, like the Haida Gwaii salmon served with Vietnamese pickled salad.
Hawksworth (Downtown)
Hawksworth Restaurant (801 W Georgia St), one of the Best Restaurants in Vancouver, is where you can enjoy a romantic evening out in an upscale, fine dining restaurant in the heart of Downtown.
The menu features contemporary Canadian cuisine with ingredient-driven dishes that celebrate the region and the season.
With an extensive and award-winning wine list to match, alongside a dedicated house cocktail program, Hawksworth is sophisticated and glamorous, yet relaxed and welcoming, ready to deliver an array of memorable dining experiences.
Straight & Marrow (East Vancouver)
Straight and Marrow, an intimate eatery in East Vancouver (1869 Powell Street), has a wonderful seasonally inspired menu featuring unique dishes showcasing the restaurant’s “nose-to-tail” culinary philosophy. Chef/Owner Chris Lam is brilliant at using often overlooked or little-known ingredients.
They’re a cozy date night spot with dim lighting where you can enjoy unique cocktails and dishes.
Try their Signature Straight & Marrow Cocktail featuring Marrow Infused Brandy, Benedictine, Beef Stock, Red Wine, Lemon, Orange, Black Pepper Cardamon Bitters.
Their menu changes seasonally but the Frog ‘N Grits (creamy polenta, garlic scapes, creole sauce) and the Hoof Wing and Fin Mille Feuille (puff pastry, chicken liver mousse, duck fat icing sugar) were delicious.
Jules Bistro (Gastown)
Paris is known as the City of Love and Jules Bistro (216 Abbott St, Vancouver) in Gastown exudes a charming, romantic French atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re there.
This authentic French bistro has been around since 2007.
They offer a menu that melds the flavours of France with a West Coast style, offering up authentic, traditional French dishes and daily specials all using fresh, local ingredients at affordable prices.
Water Street Cafe (Gastown)
With cobblestone streets, vintage street lamps, and historic buildings, Gastown is one of the best neighbourhoods for a romantic outing.
Stop by Water Street Cafe (300 Water St), a longstanding Vancouver restaurant, known for their Pacific Northwest menu with Italian influences. I highly recommend their pasta!
The dining area boasts a view of the Historic Steam Clock.
Also check out their 2nd floor which offers live musical performances by local artists.
Moltaqa Restaurant (Gastown)
Moltaqa Restaurant (51 W Hastings St) offers a romantic, Moroccan escape in Gastown with a menu of healthy and flavourful Moroccan fare.
The ambiance takes you to Marrakesh with beautiful mosaic tiles, overhanging lanterns and vibrant artwork.
The focus of Moltaqa is healthy, flavourful, halal Moroccan cuisine with aromatic spices.
One amazing dish is their Moroccan Rack of Lamb with Tableside Cognac Flambed.
Another must try is their Morrocan tagines which are cooked and served in traditional pots with conical lid.
Enjoy dishes like Lemon & Olive Chicken Tagine; Harissa Stealhead Trout Tagine; and so forth.
Robba Da Matti (West End, Yaletown)
Robba Da Matti (1127 Mainland St, 1906 Haro St) offers some of the best Italian pasta dishes in the city.
They’re one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Vancouver.
Robba Da Matti’s Yaletown restaurant has a cozy dining space but also a heated, covered patio.
Their West End restaurant features a beautiful patio which offers guests a secluded al fresco dining experience in a garden oasis.
It’s the perfect romantic setting for a date night.
Seasons in the Park (Queen Elizabeth Park)
Located within Queen Elizabeth park, Seasons in the Park (W 33rd Ave) sits on the highest peak in Vancouver and boasts weeping views of Vancouver and the mountains.
Seasons’ romantic setting has made it a classic choice for best romantic restaurants in Vancouver.
The restaurant is open for lunch, brunch, dinner, Sunday Night Prime Rib dinner and makes for a good choice for a romantic dine out meal.
Five Sails (Coal Harbour)
For a romantic fine dining experience, Five Sails (999 Canada Pl) is an ideal choice as they are Vancouver’s only Four Diamond dining restaurant.
Five Sails is located on the “R” level of the Canada Place Convention Centre adjacent to the Pan Pacific Hotel.
Guests can enjoy Pacific Northwest fine dining in a bright, contemporary space where diners are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, Vancouver’s North Shore, and the Lion’s Gate Bridge.
Sula (Commercial Drive, Main Street)
You’ll also be impressed with the rustic and charming setting at Sula Indian Restaurant featuring antique furniture, pops of vibrant colour, and a Indian mural art.
The menu at Sula is extensive but you’ll want to order fragrant seafood curries as well as Mumbai street snacks.
Sula also has a cocktail program with traditional Indian spices like tamarind, star anise, and amla.
Miku & Minami (Coal Harbour)
When it comes to where to dine in Vancouver, Miku ( 200 Granville St #70) and their sister restaurant Minami (1118 Mainland St, Vancouver) are where I would recommend generally.
Known for innovative Aburi-style (sear-torched sushi), Miku and Minami are two best romantic restaurants in Vancouver to check out or any other occasion really.
Both restaurants are wonderful for a dine-in experience with Miku having waterfront views and Minami being a sleek stylish Yaletown eatery.
Their food can certainly be enjoyed at home for a cozy night in, so do checkout their Aburi at Home options.
H Tasting Lounge (Coal Harbour)
H Tasting Lounge (1601 Bayshore Dr.) at the Westin Bayshore Hotel is a beautiful, seaside restaurant with creative cocktails complemented by tasting plates inspired by the Vancouver’s seafood scene.
One must-try experience is H Tasting Lounge’s Winterlust (available for a limited time during the winter season).
Cozy up with your sweetheart in these stylishly outfitted snow globes allow guests to stay warm while indulging in warm libations and alpine-inspired dishes. Check out my review of Winterlust.
Botanist (Downtown)
Located at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist (1038 Canada Pl) features a menu that showcases the botany of British Columbia – produce rooted from the soil of the Northwest and sustainability sourced seafood.
I think the space at Botanist is beautiful with lots of greenery around and a mix of dining booths and tables.
Alouette Bistro (Downtown)
Hotel Le Soleil opened up Alouette Bistro, a new French dining destination in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. They’re also on my list of best new restaurants in Vancouver.
Alouette translates as “Lark,” a beautiful and cosmopolitan songbird.
Their 18th century inspired Parisian decor sets the mood for romance.
Romantic dinner for 2? Reserve the table tucked away in a corner by the window on the second floor.
Alouette Bistro borrows its culinary philosophies from the enduring dishes and methods of classic French bistros and invigorates them utilizing West Coast flavors.
At Alouette, they offer next-level service with tableside preparations. Be sure to order the Beef Tartare which is assembled in front of you as well as the Crepes Suzette that is flambéed at tableside.
Chang’an (North False Creek)
With magnificient waterfront views of Granville Island and False Creek, Chang’an (1661 Granville St 1st Floor) is truly unique in its location.
Known as one of the best Chinese fine dining restaurants in Vancouver, Chang’an’ Asian-themed decor is elegant and charming and at night the dim lighting sets a cozy and romantic ambiance.
They have received awards and accolades for serving the Best Peking Duck in Vancouver.
At Chang’an, the ducks are roasted in-house in a custom stone oven built into the wall.
The restaurant schedules the cooking process according to the time of reservation to ensure optimal tenderness of the meat and crispiness of the skin.
Sai Woo (Vancouver Chinatown)
Sai Woo (158 E Pender St) in Historic Vancouver Chinatown is a stylish spot in a heritage building offering contemporary and adventurous Pan-Asian cuisine.
Bedecked by twinkling lights, with a long bar and cozy booths, the redbrick room exudes a cozy atmosphere.
Check out a review of my experience at Sai Woo and the dishes I tried.
Grapes & Soda (Fairview)
Grapes & Soda (1541 W 6th Ave) is a small wine bar that provides a thoughtfully curated assortment of natural wine, cocktails, small plates and cheese boards.
Located just south of Granville Island and Granville street bridge, Grapes & Soda is tucked away into an unassuming side street.
The small, intimate, dim-lighted setting makes it a cozy place to enjoy their well-crafted, sustainably-made wines and food.
This hole in the wall is a quick jaunt from a romantic day spent at Granville Island, giving you the perfect place to try out BCs budding natural wine producers and seasonal snacks.
Liuyishou Hot Pot (Vancouver Robson, Burnaby, Richmond)
Things can start get hot and steamy as you cozy up with your sweetheart over a sizzling, spicy hot pot.
Liuyishou Hot Pot is one of my favourite places for hot pot.
Bet you don’t see a hot pot restaurant in the other best romantic restaurants in Vancouver restaurant lists posted on the Internet.
Liuyishou serves up some quality ingredients including 100% Canadian made soup bases and beef cuts.
The best part of hot pot is that it’s customizable and you can what ingredients you want to go into it.
PRO TIP: Get a hot pot with a divider if you and your partner do not have the same taste in soup bases (like spicy vs non-spicy or salty vs sour).
You can also enjoy Liuyishou hot pot at home as you can order their raw ingredients or visit their retail shop Yishou Hotpot Fresh (一手火锅鮮生) at Crystal Mall.
Check out my guide on where to get hot pot ingredients in Metro Vancouver.
And here are few more of my recommendations for romantic restaurants in the suburbs.
Memory Corner (Richmond)
As one of the Best Taiwanese Restaurants in Metro Vancouver, Memory Corner (4651 Garden City Rd #1110, Richmond) is one cute little spot to take your date.
You and your sweetheart will feel like you’re transported to a different place and time as the restaurant’s interior pays homage to Taiwan’s rich cultural history.
At Memory Corner, you’ll find rustic décor with vintage posters, overhanging lanterns, neon signs and symbolic artwork inspired by Taiwanese temples.
There’s a mix of small dining tables and bar seating.
The menu is extensive but you can’t go wrong with share hot pot, Taiwanese snacks, as well as bubble tea.
Afghan Kitchen (Surrey)
Afghan Kitchen (16120 24 Ave #115, Surrey) a family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in modern Afghan cuisine.
The restaurant boasts a well-appointed elegant dining area with a mix of traditional and contemporary decor.
Afghan’s menu stays closely authentic to Afghan cuisine and you can expect to be transported on an exotic gastronomic journey.
Some romantic options include the Mantu (steamed dumplings have a spiced beef filling and are topped with split peas and yogurt), Afghan Platters, and Mum’s Secret Cake (ultra-moist and luscious cake, creamy milk sauce and topped with sliced almonds).
Check out my other Best of Vancouver Restaurants roundups:
- Best Vancouver Patios 2021: Rooftop, Restaurants, With a View
- Best Vancouver Bars 2021 for Cocktails, Wine, Sports and More
- Best Sushi in Vancouver BC 2021: High End, Cheap, AYCE, Late Night
- Best Restaurants in Vancouver 2021 | Where to Eat Vancouver BC Canada
- Best Late Night Food in Vancouver 2021: Open Late, 24 Hour
- Fun Restaurants Downtown Vancouver 2021 for Food and Drinks