Over the years we have shared countless times with Cuca’s customers our favourite restaurants from every city we know. The truth is that people in search of the tastiest food from around the world seem to trust chefs’ picks when choosing food, and since everyone asks our humble opinion, we have decided to start a proper “Our Picks” section where we give you our recommendations on where and what to eat. Go ahead, try for yourself and share these lists as you please, but just because we may help you find a new favourite, please don’t forget about your first love, Cuca!
Vancouver is my city…the city I was born and the city I love dearly. We are famous for ingredients more than dishes or restaurants. The picturesque downtown is magnificent and those lucky enough to spend a few days always leave with the desire to go back. Western food is good but being Canada a multicultural country, the star options are the ethnic choices on offer. Take time to walk around the famous sea wall and Stanley Park area to understand why Vancouver is often voted as the best place to live on earth.
Mott 32
This place serves extraordinary modern Chinese cooking with the absolute best ingredients from around the globe. Not for those on a budget Mott 32 has set up shop in the world’s top cities delivering a one of kind experience. We went 2 days in a row to devour the entire dim sum menu and their signature apple wood roast Peking duck. This is the most unique and delicious Chinese inspired restaurant we have ever been!
Price: $$$$$
What to order: Prawn, crispy rice paper Cheung Fun.
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
If you bought a cow and grew all your own organic ingredients you could still not make better ice cream than this place. Using the best possible products from the area this is some incredible ice cream with creative yet understandable flavours that eat beautifully. The no egg recipe delivers a cleaner more powerful taste and natural texture. Must!
Price: $
What to order: London Fog ice cream a blend of earl grey tea, bergamot and Tahitian vanilla.
St Lawrence
The current star of the Vancouver food scene, this place is basically a brilliant French bistro. A small menu showcases seasonal products at their best. The best meal we had in the city, hands down. Book well ahead.
Price: $$$$$
What to order: The appetizer section is very good. Do order an appetizer followed by a main and never miss dessert!
Vijs
Serving in the minds of many the best Indian food in Canada, Vijs is a pilgrimage for deeply delicious comfort food. Only women cook in the kitchen and their love is evident in the magnificent results.
Price: $$$$
What to order: Any curry. Don’t order naan bread as it comes on its own.
Maenam
Every year this place wins best Thai restaurant and it is well deserved. You would be pressed to find better Thai food anywhere on the planet as the cooking is authentic and the ingredients are premium and local, making for one hell of a meal.
Price: $$$
What to order: Anything in Penang curry.
Meat & Bread
It’s simple…they make sandwiches. Very good ingredients in very good bread is what to expect in an informal way. Go early or late for lunch to avoid the cue and long wait times.
Price: $
What to order: The Porchetta is the star.
Japadog
Think all the flavors you love about Japanese food splashed on a hot dog and shoved in a bun. Carts are scattered around town but seem hard to come by so we recommend the small café on Robson Street to make sure you succeed or their latest branch at the airport.
Price: $
What to order: Korubuta Terimayo Dog is our top pick.
Thierry Alberni
Gordon Ramsey called Pastry Chef Thierry Busset “one of the finest pastry chefs in the world” and one look inside his shop and you will see why. It’s not like you will find anything you have never had before, but everything you have had before is not as good as this. Macaroons for example are always colourful overpriced crispy trash but in the hands of Chef Thierry are unlike anything we have ever had.
Price: $$
What to order: Salted caramel Macaroon.
Lebeau
This is where we eat breakfast every single day. Really! The Liege waffles are the best you will ever have. It is a cross between a waffle, a cookie and a cake. It is worth traveling from anywhere to eat. A must!
Price: $
What to order: Apple Cinnamon Liege waffle.
Granville Island Market
The city’s most touristic location for all the right reasons. It is a market, a food court and a shopping Mecca where artisans make beautiful things. Wandering around the entire area will take up most of your afternoon and will be a highlight of your trip.
Price: $$
What to order: Our tip is to take the water taxi’s over to the market and back making it a really nice way to begin and end the journey.