Wildlight Kitchen + Bar is a MICHELIN -recommended restaurant in Vancouver, with a menu shaped by the landscape and food culture of Canada’s West Coast.
Located at UBC’s Lelǝm Village, steps from forested trails and close to the water, the restaurant feels connected to their surroundings. That sense of place carries through the menu, which focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced nearby.
Chef Warren Chow leads the kitchen with an emphasis on Pacific seafood, produce from UBC Farm, and ethically raised meat from local growers. The drink program follows the same approach, featuring cocktails, beer, and wine from regional producers.
We began with the Wildlight Chicken Wings. The chili garlic coating delivered consistent heat, while fresh lime added contrast. The nuoc cham caramel brought a light sweetness that was memorable.
The Oyster Motoyaki arrived broiled and tender while the bread crumb toppings added savoury flavour and texture.
The Hamachi Crudo featured evenly sliced fish topped with sea buckthorn nahm jim. I enjoyed the acidity, followed by mild spice and savoury notes.
I also really enjoyed the Smoked Sablefish Chowder which was rich and savoury. The smoked sablefish formed the base, with surf clams, Dungeness crab, scallops, and prawns adding briny depth, finished with double-smoked bacon and chive oil.
For large plates, the Seared Hokkaido Scallops were perfectly executed. They were served over lobster and truffle risotto. The preserved lemon added brightness.
The Fraser Valley Duck was served as an aged duck breast with a vegetable tartlet and parsnip purée. The duck was nicely cooked and tender, and the accompaniments supported the dish. I particularly enjoyed the savoury and crisp tartlet.
I especially enjoyed this savoury and crisp vegetable tartlet!
The Golden Eagle Sablefish was a unique dish featuring black pepper jam glazed sablefish served with mustard stem lo bak go, charred scallion, and a dashi emulsion.
We ended with the Pacific Spirit Trail dessert platter featuring 4 desserts. The Blueberry Lemon Mousse Cake had a nice citrus flavour with fresh blueberry notes. The Rhubarb & Lime Tart was more tart, balanced by Italian meringue. The Poached Pear featured a spiced Bartlett pear with chocolate ganache and tonka bean. Hide & Seek combined mascarpone mousse with chocolate and coffee ganache for a straightforward finish.
For drinks, the Kazuki Fizz mocktail was light and easy to drink, with green tea and citrus coming through. There was also the Amaro Falso, a non-alcoholic Negroni style drink served bottled which had a firm bitter profile.
The dining room offers a comfortable setting throughout the day, from lunch to late night, with an enclosed glass atrium that brings in natural light and keeps the space open year round.
Wildlight Kitchen + Bar is located at 5380 University Blvd #107, Vancouver, BC.