Yaletown L'Antipasto is a quaint and unassuming restaurant in Yaletown that will blow you away. Though it may be bold to say, Yaletown L'Antipasto has some of the best fresh pasta in Vancouver. This family-run joint will make you feel warm and welcomed with their personable service and authentic Italian fare. They combine imported products from Italy with locally sourced and fresh ingredients from British Columbia to create delicious antipasti options, salads, pastas and desserts. On warmer days, sit outside and enjoy the patio - it's great for people watching! Open for lunch and dinner, Yaletown L'Antipasto is a favorite amongst locals. The price point here is very reasonable, making it an ideal spot for a date. Wash down your meal with a glass (or bottle) of wine from their well stocked wine list.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Yaletown L'Antipasto is a cozy little spot in Yaletown with a small, but mighty wine list that focuses mainly on Italian wines.
Natasha's expert tip: Try some of their homemade pastas or one of their antipasti plates to go with your wine.
Step inside these swanky digs and enjoy a beautiful meal. Located in The Sutton Place Hotel, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is a beautiful space with an equally beautiful menu. The decor showcases art from local artists, beautiful natural stone and imported Italian marble throughout, white oak flooring and accents of gold and bronze. The up-cycled and refurbished antique chandeliers are stunning and help set the mood. On the menu expect to find plenty of seafood (we are in the Pacific Northwest, after all), locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients in each dish. If you're heading there for drinks, grab a seat at the bar or in the lounge and enjoy freshly shucked oysters with a cold, crisp glass of wine.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar's carefully selected wine program is filled with organic and sustainable options that are carefully chosen by to compliment the menu.
Natasha's expert tip: Make sure to order some oysters and chicken wings (these are next-level) to enjoy with your wine.
Just as the name suggests, Nook is a cozy little spot on Denman Street, a short walk away from Stanley Park. Nook's delectable dishes are all made with care and the menu is broken down into salads, crostini, antipasto, pasta, and pizza. The orecchietti with Italian sausage, rapini, fennel and chilis is outstanding, while the ricotta pizza is a delicious twist on what you would normally expect. The Buffalo mozzarella and roasted fennel salad is a must-order and will start your culinary adventure off at Nook on the right foot. Grab a glass of wine, nibble and enjoy this cozy spot.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Nook's antipasti dishes are the perfect accompaniment to a juicy glass of wine.
Natasha's expert tip: Nook is great for couples, but large groups may want to find a larger space to enjoy their night.
UVA is a contemporary-style Italian wine bar and cocktail lounge attached to boutique hotel, Moda. The small space makes it ideal for catching up with a friend or two, a date night, or going solo to sit at the bar. Not only do they have an excellent selection of wine and cocktails, the food at Uva is delicious. Nibble on antipasti, cured meats, pasta and other small and larger plates for dinner. If you're going for an after work drink, happy hour can be enjoyed from 2pm until 5pm, daily. Also, check their website for other specials and live music. Uva is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver on Seymour Street at the corner of Smithe Street.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Uva Wine Bar's food menu compliments the wine perfectly. From light snacks to heartier antipasti, Uva satisfies.
Natasha's expert tip: Make sure to check out Uva's happy hour. Happy hour is from 12pm - 5pm, daily.
Wildebeest combines adventure and comfort in each of their dishes and in their decor. The menu focuses on using all of the animal and there is a good mix of familiar and not so familiar items. Wildebeest's team is passionate about sourcing ingredients from local farmers so that they can ensure that they're supporting ethical practices that are both good for the environment and the animals being consumed. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect the concept to remain as smaller plates that are meant to be shared, while pushing the culinary envelope. The wine list is comprised of New and Old World bottles, but if you would rather order by the glass they have a 12-bottle "By The Glass" machine. The atmosphere is rustic, inviting and may leave you with an itch to redecorate your home.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Wildebeest's casual and warm space make it an ideal spot to cozy up with a glass of wine and catch up with friends.
Natasha's expert tip: The smoked Castelvetrano olives and spiced pork rinds are delightful nibbles.
Exceptional fine dining and stellar service are the hallmarks of this excellent restaurant and bar inside the Four Seasons hotel. YEW has a seafood heavy focused menu, which makes sense when you look at what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always be sure that there's an abundant amount of choice when it comes to the types of seafood. Not a huge fan of seafood? Don't fret. There are dishes just for you, too. The bar and lounge area makes for an inviting place to relax and unwind. Sit by the fireplace, order a round of cocktails, and enjoy the chill vibe YEW bar has to offer.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: YEW seafood + bar offers plenty of wines by the bottle, along with a healthy selection of wines by the glass.
It's elegance personified at this hotel lounge, whose crackling fireplace, plush appointments, and polished wood detailing speak of Old World luxury. Great cocktails are a welcome standard after work as professionals stop in for moneyed socializing and attentive service. Later into the evening, a pianist plays familiar melodies and even takes requests if there's a song you must hear. An ideal place to treat yourself to a measure of the good life. Whether you're stopping in for lunch, drinks, dinner or dessert, Bacchus Piano Lounge is a favorite spot amongst discerning Vancouverites. The delicious food and romantic atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a special date.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Bacchus Piano Lounge is all about atmosphere. The cozy room and live pianist are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine.
Natasha's expert tip: During the warm months, sit by the open windows for great people watching.
Nestled along Blood Alley, there is nothing ominous about this lovely wine and cheese bar. Salt is Vancouver's pioneer in the charcuterie scene and led way for many other places specializing in meats, cheeses and wines to follow suit. The menu offers a large variety of charcuterie, a few salads and plenty of wine. There isn't a huge kitchen in this space, so don't expect a hot cooked meal because their focus is on creating the best accompaniments to go with the well-sourced dairy and meat items on the menu. The long communal tables make for a fun and casual evening out.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Tucked away in Blood Alley, Salt Tasting Room keeps things simple with a small and meaningful menu that compliments the wine and nibbles perfectly.
Natasha's expert tip: Try one of their flights to go with the meat and cheese.
Standing tall in Vancouver's Coal Harbour is the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This luxury hotel is home the chic and lively Lobby Lounge and RawBar. From the moment you walk into the grand lobby, the sprawling ceilings, modern fireplace, eye-catching chandeliers and open concept make this an inviting space to get comfy, grab a drink, and order some nibbles. Adding to the atmosphere is live music seven nights a week. From soulful singers to lively bands, The Lobby Lounge and RawBar is a fun place to be. Feeling peckish? The RawBar is Vancouver's first completely Ocean Wise sushi spot. The fish is melt-in-your-mouth fresh and Chef Taka's skill and passion compliments the beautiful ingredients.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: The Lobby Lounge and RawBar offers live music seven nights a week and it's a great spot for people watching.
Natasha's expert tip: Make sure to order some sushi to go with your wine. The RawBar is the only 100% Ocean Wise sushi bar in Vancouver.
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia brings splendour and glamor to Vancouver; it should be no surprise that it has been an iconic hotel since 1927. Prohibition is located in the basement of the hotel and this bar and lounge exudes decadence of the roaring twenties, from top to bottom. Guests can enjoy live music six days away while sipping a beautifully crafted cocktail. As you step inside the vaulted door off of Howe Street and make your way down the staircase, take a moment to soak it all in. From the rich decor and atmosphere to the carefully selected drink options and service, Prohibition is a class act.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Looking for something a little more fancy? Prohibition is the most glamorous spot to grab a glass of wine in Vancouver.
Natasha's expert tip: They have an excellent champagne available by the bottle, glass and half-glass.