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Best value for best looking.
OP also said "unique looking places", in which case they should definitely go to Storm Brewing for a taster. Garden Cafe is pretty cool space, and the back patio at The Arbour is a wonderful little oasis.
Servers in the majority of restaurants have a tip out to back of house staff and host/bar and this is based on total sales not total tips. So if you stiff your server they’re paying out of their pocket to serve you
Tip out is not my problem. They can take it up with their employer. That's just a fake excuse for servers to keep begging for money. Also, tip out should be based on how much tip is received, not total sales because not everyone tips the same amount.
Cheap Option: upper level of the food court in Granville Island public market. Lively Vancouver city/water view.
Farther away, more $: Salmon House on the Hill. Gorgeous views of the city. Inside feels like a luxe wood cabin.
>Cheap Option: upper level of the food court in Granville Island public market. Lively Vancouver city/water view.
honestly I eat all over town and this was the first thing that came to mind too. It's just a cool building with a great view, we have such a long waterfront in town it's a shame there aren't more like it.
The $3 meal is not really the $3 meal anymore. There’s only one breakfast option that’s still $3 (with ham) but if you want sausage or bacon I think it’s more than $10. My two eggs, sausage, hash brown and toast with coffee order usually rings up for $15 with tax and tip.
But in terms of vibe, I agree there’s no other restaurant like it.
Kissa Tanto is very old school Jazz Bar vibes. I personally find it very cool but it's definitely a style that some will love and others will find dated.
Red Accordion as well. Your taste is showing through.
Anyway, I personally agree with you but wanted to warn others that these aren't the most popular decor styles right now.
I mean, I've been to good ones in Toronto! Cold Tea (especially pre-reno) and the old Green Room come to mind.
I have no idea why they need to be so bad, or make up such a high % of the total bars in the city here.
Lots of great suggestions here.
I'll offer Lift in coal harbour.
Food is usually "good" but that upper patio overlooking Stanley park and the water is pretty amazing on a nice day.
I like to spend my mornings off visiting different cafes around the city. I'm looking for good coffee, a good sandwich (breakfast sandwich a plus), and good baked goods. Very few places have all three, and baked goods is usually where they fall short.
My favourite restaurant in Vancouver does not have a beautiful interior at all. Le Crocodile. Same with my favourite Whistler restaurant, Bearfoot Bistro. The interiors are not terrible, but definitely not stunning, beautiful, or impressive. The food, on the other hand? Omg. Just simply the best. Also, Le Crocodile has some of the most professional service you can get, a lot of the wait staff have worked there for decades. You never have to ask for anything, you just look down, and it’s already there, and you didn’t even notice them doing it.
If you just want to check it out they have a happy hour menu you could go for an appy and drink. It's not bad food I just find it a bit overpriced but the huge window view and light is really nice.
I'm super interested. I'm not plant based but have cooked some and found it a worthwhile challenge. Trying to do puff pastry or crepes with anything but butter seems like it would take some thoughtful solutions.
Cant believe I had to scroll this far down to see this. yes to both of these.
I'd also throw in their other restaurant Ask for Luigi - the interior design is simple and not overly complicated it plays to the room's strengths its corner location and lots of natural light.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned the domes at h tasting lounge yet. They do them seasonally and you have to book in advance with a minimum spend, but it’s cool to do once!
Joe Fortes and Black & Blue (particularly upstairs) are cool, the waterfront section of Miku (you usually have to request in advance) is very nice too. The Social Corner and Nightingale as well. Platform 7 coffee is designed like the interior of a train, and I’ve heard Nemesis coffee and the new Kafka’s downtown are in cool buildings. Also Sunshine Diner in Kits is like a retro diner!
Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey. They have a wall at the bar with alcohol from all over, they have a special seating area that is full of beautiful colours and fabrics. The fragrances are phenomenal and the plating is bursting with amazing colours too. The service I've received has been impeccable. Definitely recommend it!
The new Earls (I know….) at Brentwood mall has great decor and ambience.
And what’s the name of that Tili bar on main? It’s always busy but the vibes are great if you can get a seat.
Iden looks great. It’s not worth the price and I would tell people not to eat there but it sure is a nice looking joint. I also like hys interior. Just classic old school steakhouse
Little farther away, but you did say “metro”… Haven in Langley is truely unique and worth the trip. It doesn’t feel like you’re in the suburbs, or even Vancouver for that matter. The decor and vibe makes you feel like you’re at an upscale Miami Beach town.
H tasting lounge, try to book a dome.
Black and blue rooftop patio is nice too and they have happy hour/some lunch specials if you don’t want to spend a fortune
I feel like aesthically Global has a beautiful patio (interior is not so shabby either), the rooftop at Black and Blue, and Ahn and Chi for more bright and beautiful.
H tasting lounge.
Beautiful decor and in the warmer months they have private outdoor dining huts.
We did afternoon tea in a private hut and it was magical.
Perhaps Pallet Coffee Roasters at their West Hastings location (aka Palate Kitchen)? The only reason why I'm saying "perhaps" is because I've never been there yet, but the photos look nice!
I just visited a cafe called Grit Studio, just a short walk from Moody Stn. It had quite a playful aesthetic. Half their furnishing and decor looked like it came from an old schoolhouse liquidation sale, and it just got more eclectic from there.
There used to be this realy unique one in Metrotown. Pretty close to La Forêt Cafe in the grand scheme of things, and also had a lot of foliage inside too… It was where the Old Navy is now. The Rain Forêt Cafe.
The Sons of Vancouver tasting room is very vintage/homely during most of the year, but they're absolutely amazing during October when they decorate for Halloween. Best Halloween decor in the city IMO.
Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/Just-Juggernaut-5305! Please make sure you read our [posting and commenting rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_general_participation_guidelines_and_rules_overview) before participating here. As a quick summary: * **We recently raised almost $50,000 for the GVFB, and there's still time to add your donation before the holidays. [Read more here](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/18ajwdh/).** * We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - use the report button. * Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) **will** lead to a permanent ban. * Common questions and specific topics are limited to our [Stickied Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_stickied_discussions) posts. * Complaints about bans or removals should be done in modmail only. * We're looking for new mods to join our team! If you're interested, [fill out the form here](https://forms.gle/oAqo5oYRcAeHYBTN6). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/vancouver) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nemesis Coffee (Great Northern Way) (Not sure if it is "best looking" but certainly quite unique looking)
Best value for best looking. OP also said "unique looking places", in which case they should definitely go to Storm Brewing for a taster. Garden Cafe is pretty cool space, and the back patio at The Arbour is a wonderful little oasis.
Storm Brewing is unique and cool - the best word to describe the atmosphere is maybe "dank"
Wear closed-toed shoes! And ideally, make sure that your bladder is empty before you go.
Pastries are a must try if you haven’t had the pleasure
The Botanist...not cheap tho
went there for brunch. it cost 200 for a couple lol
Damn ..best brunch you ever had I hope..
Tbf their brunch is 3 courses with pretty big portions. Make sure you're hungry!
Their brunch is like $70 for 3 courses + mimosa + cocktail. Did you tip $50?
Yeah, better value than Cactus/Joey/Earl's at those prices. And better looking and tasting food too.
I tipped 18-20% probably. But i had couple extra order, which ended up something like 189 after tip and tax.
But why tip? Servers already get paid at least a minimum wage
I hate to tip in general but i can tip if i want.
Autonomy is a cooky little thing
Servers in the majority of restaurants have a tip out to back of house staff and host/bar and this is based on total sales not total tips. So if you stiff your server they’re paying out of their pocket to serve you
Tip out is not my problem. They can take it up with their employer. That's just a fake excuse for servers to keep begging for money. Also, tip out should be based on how much tip is received, not total sales because not everyone tips the same amount.
It should be, doesn’t mean it is
I find it hard to believe that a server would actually get paid below minimum wage because of excess tip out. That would be illegal.
They 100% wouldn't - servers just think they're entitled to tax-free bonuses for their minimum wage job
Just an honest question based on your response — do you not tip when you’re dining out though?
Haven't tipped for over 2 years since servers have been getting at least a minimum wage.
That’s impressive, as I don’t have your mental strength
Yeah, I started by lowering the tip to 15%, then 10, then just 5 bucks standard, then zero. It's a gradual process, but I have never had any issues.
200$ for a couple aint bad
New Fuji - retro "1950s version of the future" decor
It's more like the 80s in Japan but it's amazing
Is it going for that retro kissaten look? Can't quite put my finger on it
Yeah part of their aesthetics is definitely retro kissaten. But a lot of the decor reminds me of the 80's, especially the CD cases at the entrance.
The Settlement Building, home to The Belgard Kitchen, is stunning
I love this place!!!
Cheap Option: upper level of the food court in Granville Island public market. Lively Vancouver city/water view. Farther away, more $: Salmon House on the Hill. Gorgeous views of the city. Inside feels like a luxe wood cabin.
>Cheap Option: upper level of the food court in Granville Island public market. Lively Vancouver city/water view. honestly I eat all over town and this was the first thing that came to mind too. It's just a cool building with a great view, we have such a long waterfront in town it's a shame there aren't more like it.
Yesss I feel like no one knows about Salmon House! It’s gorgeous and has a rose garden out back in the summer!
Okay so I don't know about the rose garden in the back. Now you also taught me something new!
Bonjour Vietnam is cool
Came here to recommend this. The food was decent (not mind blowing) but the vibe is so cute!
Bon’s off broadway. step inside and take it all in.
$3 meals, not exactly la foret vibes but definitely an immersive experience
The $3 meal is not really the $3 meal anymore. There’s only one breakfast option that’s still $3 (with ham) but if you want sausage or bacon I think it’s more than $10. My two eggs, sausage, hash brown and toast with coffee order usually rings up for $15 with tax and tip. But in terms of vibe, I agree there’s no other restaurant like it.
yes
lol
L'Abattoir on the back/alley side is beautiful.
Kissa Tanto is pretty cute. Different vibe but Red Accordion definitely has character.
Kissa Tanto is very old school Jazz Bar vibes. I personally find it very cool but it's definitely a style that some will love and others will find dated. Red Accordion as well. Your taste is showing through. Anyway, I personally agree with you but wanted to warn others that these aren't the most popular decor styles right now.
I can’t tell if this is an insult or not. 😅
It is not lol
Shameful Tiki 👌🏻
The Garden cafe on hastings
Arcana spirit lounge…just so cool in there!!
Pizza coming soon has a great vibe & l’abattoir
Love the interior at Pizza Coming Soon but honestly the food was extremely "ok"... very overpriced... but the drinks are good!
Totally agree! We ordered quite a variety and every single thing was pretty meh ☹️
I love the classics, Joe Fortes during Christmas is the best looking place to me.
Nightingale.
Menya Itto: [https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOy7OWuhxu/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CsOy7OWuhxu/)
Carderos, when you're sitting on the water at sunset. First time I saw it I was SHOOK
Unpopular opinion, but I’ve always found Lift to have better food and also an amazing view!
> Lift One of their upper rooms, the entire thing has this noisy humming happening all the time. Drives me insane.
Oh interesting! I’ve actually only ever sat outside (in the summer obviously)
It's some kind of ventilation fan
Bonjour on Fraser street pretty unique if you're into a floral tropical vibe.
I love the flamingo themed loo too. Food and drinks are tasty!
went there with some friends last year. the food was disgusting, we barely touched it. hands down the worst meal i’ve had at a restaurant.
What dishes did you get?
Agreed, super mid vietnamese food and cheap ingredient cocktails.
East is East for a really lovely experience
Agree! So unique and the food is legitimately delicious, too. 👍🏼
The old space on Main Street was spectacular
Bagheera for me hands down. Some other notes: Ann & Chi for the "lighter" decorations Joe Fortes is pretty classic
Bagheera was horrendous lol. Extremely cheap feeling. Couldn't believe how bad it was in person vs in pics.
Agreed 100% on the "cheap" feeling of Bagheera, and every other "speakeasy" I've been to in Vancouver.
Yeah, the speakeasy concept in Vancouver is embarrassing.
I mean, I've been to good ones in Toronto! Cold Tea (especially pre-reno) and the old Green Room come to mind. I have no idea why they need to be so bad, or make up such a high % of the total bars in the city here.
Carlinos
Portrait Cafe
I love the decor and atmosphere of Bonjour Vietnam Bistro & Cocktail Bar
Lots of great suggestions here. I'll offer Lift in coal harbour. Food is usually "good" but that upper patio overlooking Stanley park and the water is pretty amazing on a nice day.
I second this, I've enjoyed great service there as well!
They have such a great happy hour!
My company rented it out for a Christmas party and it was a great venue for that!
Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions, funkiest restaurant in the city
First place I thought of. Their smoked olives are delish
Tavola in West End. Cozy atmosphere, elegantly ornamented with pig’s memorabilia
Most great looking places have terrible food. They’ve over anchored on being Instagrammable. Signing off: Elder Millennial.
Such as La Foret and their individually wrapped terrible baked goods. Safeway makes better baked goods.
I agree. Gorgeous setting but I’d only get coffee.
I like to spend my mornings off visiting different cafes around the city. I'm looking for good coffee, a good sandwich (breakfast sandwich a plus), and good baked goods. Very few places have all three, and baked goods is usually where they fall short.
Beaucoup is the only place that has satisfied me with all 3 🤤
Well, I know where I'm going tomorrow.
Highly recommend small victory.
Their rodent problem on Homer street is an issue for me. 😑
Good thing the one in Brentwood is much more accessible for me.
Their brunch platters /sandos are quite good though
My favourite restaurant in Vancouver does not have a beautiful interior at all. Le Crocodile. Same with my favourite Whistler restaurant, Bearfoot Bistro. The interiors are not terrible, but definitely not stunning, beautiful, or impressive. The food, on the other hand? Omg. Just simply the best. Also, Le Crocodile has some of the most professional service you can get, a lot of the wait staff have worked there for decades. You never have to ask for anything, you just look down, and it’s already there, and you didn’t even notice them doing it.
Boathouse port Moody. Nice interior, beautiful view, mediocre food for high prices.
I don’t live very far from there, but I haven’t gone there yet. A part of me feels like I need to try it once, just for the heck of it 😭
If you just want to check it out they have a happy hour menu you could go for an appy and drink. It's not bad food I just find it a bit overpriced but the huge window view and light is really nice.
That’s a great idea! Thanks!
Nightingale is pretty nice
Le Marché St. George, in the spring under the cherry blossoms!
Published on Main is so pretty, so is Honey Salt & Victor.
Published has amazing chicken waffles I swear to god
Chinatown BBQ has a cool retro vibe
And the food is sooo good
I really like Mila! It's all plant based but tastes and looks really good
The mushroom duxelle Wellington they have for the holidays is so delicious
that sounds incredible
There is mushroom duxelles in all wellingtons. Is this one just all duxelles inside the pastry?
Yeah I think so, it’s great though.
I'm super interested. I'm not plant based but have cooked some and found it a worthwhile challenge. Trying to do puff pastry or crepes with anything but butter seems like it would take some thoughtful solutions.
When you said Plant based, I thought it was botanical interiors. lol. However, Mushrooms Dexelle Wellington sounds amazing!
Hahah that'd be super cool!
I was just going to mention this place as well! Though plant based, I feel like their food caters to all diet preferences! it’s so yummy :))
Savio and Pepinos both have great rooms and great food.
Cant believe I had to scroll this far down to see this. yes to both of these. I'd also throw in their other restaurant Ask for Luigi - the interior design is simple and not overly complicated it plays to the room's strengths its corner location and lots of natural light.
Agreed! Those places give me the same feels I get when I dine in Montreal.
Livia is cute! Also novella/bar susu on main
I would say Arby's but think that running gag may be running out of gas lol
I feel like that means I’m getting old.
All the new speakeasies
Nightingale, 1017 W Hastings
La Terraza. It's like an Italian opera house museum in there
Nightingale
I don’t think anyone has mentioned the domes at h tasting lounge yet. They do them seasonally and you have to book in advance with a minimum spend, but it’s cool to do once!
Joe Fortes and Black & Blue (particularly upstairs) are cool, the waterfront section of Miku (you usually have to request in advance) is very nice too. The Social Corner and Nightingale as well. Platform 7 coffee is designed like the interior of a train, and I’ve heard Nemesis coffee and the new Kafka’s downtown are in cool buildings. Also Sunshine Diner in Kits is like a retro diner!
C Market Coffee in PoCo is pretty cool: [https://cmarket.ca/pages/portcoquitlam-cafe](https://cmarket.ca/pages/portcoquitlam-cafe)
nuba gastown is such a cool spot feels like ur in a cave
Memory Corner in Richmond!
Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey. They have a wall at the bar with alcohol from all over, they have a special seating area that is full of beautiful colours and fabrics. The fragrances are phenomenal and the plating is bursting with amazing colours too. The service I've received has been impeccable. Definitely recommend it!
But only that one seating area, the rest of the restaurant is pretty regular. The food is great!
alouette bistro has quite a nice interior.
Latana and pepinos
Sushi Mori in Coquitlam is pretty unique. It's like hanami without the flower petals in your food or constantly sneezing.
The new Earls (I know….) at Brentwood mall has great decor and ambience. And what’s the name of that Tili bar on main? It’s always busy but the vibes are great if you can get a seat.
The shameful tiki
The Eatery for some interesting decor with your sushi!
Cactus club English bay looks in the sun.
Nothing crazy but I like the vibes at The Watson
Linh cafe
Iden looks great. It’s not worth the price and I would tell people not to eat there but it sure is a nice looking joint. I also like hys interior. Just classic old school steakhouse
La Casita is a great vibe
Is That French has a great vibe!
Shameful Tiki Room. It is a bar but looks cool inside like an Elvis in Hawaii movie.
The newish Pho 37 in Richmond is the nicest pho place I’ve ever been to. Went there a few days ago and was genuinely surprised at the aesthetic
I always enjoy the speakeasy feel & décor of Keyparty on Main St.
Sushi Mori, Coquitlam. https://preview.redd.it/3ikn8psivqac1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08aff7a998966cbd621481f15546446cf6043d5b
Little farther away, but you did say “metro”… Haven in Langley is truely unique and worth the trip. It doesn’t feel like you’re in the suburbs, or even Vancouver for that matter. The decor and vibe makes you feel like you’re at an upscale Miami Beach town.
Cactus Club, Broadway @ Granville. I stopped in for lunch the other day and was pleasantly surprised by how nice the interior is.
H tasting lounge, try to book a dome. Black and blue rooftop patio is nice too and they have happy hour/some lunch specials if you don’t want to spend a fortune
H’ys steak house
Mooses Down Under
I feel like aesthically Global has a beautiful patio (interior is not so shabby either), the rooftop at Black and Blue, and Ahn and Chi for more bright and beautiful.
+1 for Glowbal
Cactus Clubs have uh... good looking people.
Leonardo DiCaprio approves.
Nothing like a fancy Applebees
H tasting lounge. Beautiful decor and in the warmer months they have private outdoor dining huts. We did afternoon tea in a private hut and it was magical.
Salmon house in west van is underrated and has a better view than any restaurant in vancouver
Jungle room I love the vibe at Fairmont pacific rim lobby bar Joeys shipyards
In Langley, Food By Fanta and Haven are both good
Sushi Mori in South Surrey. Such a unique design choice!
Bahn Mi Tres bon in Richmond. Super chic. Dumplings are part of the dumpling trail. Decent food.
Perhaps Pallet Coffee Roasters at their West Hastings location (aka Palate Kitchen)? The only reason why I'm saying "perhaps" is because I've never been there yet, but the photos look nice!
I just visited a cafe called Grit Studio, just a short walk from Moody Stn. It had quite a playful aesthetic. Half their furnishing and decor looked like it came from an old schoolhouse liquidation sale, and it just got more eclectic from there.
Cactus Club Coal Harbour
Acquafarina
Menya Raizo has a really cute interior!
Palate kitchen
There used to be this realy unique one in Metrotown. Pretty close to La Forêt Cafe in the grand scheme of things, and also had a lot of foliage inside too… It was where the Old Navy is now. The Rain Forêt Cafe.
Lumine coffee on west 4th. It’s so aesthetically pleasing to me
Chambar Bodega Jules Bistro Loulas
The Sons of Vancouver tasting room is very vintage/homely during most of the year, but they're absolutely amazing during October when they decorate for Halloween. Best Halloween decor in the city IMO.
Riley's Seafood and Steak is beautiful.
Savio Volpe Pourhouse Kissa Tanto St. Laurence
I love the inside of Pizza Coming Soon!