If you haven’t checked out Dine Out Vancouver yet, you’re missing out!
An annual event, Dine Out Vancouver gives you the opportunity to check out some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants offering a set menu at a set price. This year it took place from January 14-31 so it will likely be at the beginning of 2023, but dates haven’t been announced yet.
If you’ve never heard of Dine Out before, you’re in for a treat. Literally. Dine Out is a city-wide food festival organized by Tourism Vancouver. In fact, it’s Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drinks. This year, over 300 restaurants in the Greater Vancouver area are participating.
On a mission to help support local businesses in Vancouver, I am eating my way through this city in support of our restaurants. I love Dine Out Vancouver not only because I love food, but also because it gives everybody the opportunity to try some of this city’s best restaurants without breaking the bank.
Participating restaurants offer a set menu, typically they are 3 or 4 courses. These set menu prices range from $15 to $54. Many restaurants offer both a lunch and dinner option. Often, the main difference is that lunch doesn’t include dessert. This is perfect for those of us with smaller appetites.
Some of Vancouver’s finer restaurants may not have been on your radar for dinner, but they should be. This is the time of year when you can try four courses at these restaurants for under $55! You are able to search online by neighbourhood or price range to see which restaurants are participating. Their menus are also online so you can review them before deciding where to go.
So far, I have enjoyed three Dine Out meals and they have all been delicious. The staff, service and food have been excellent at every restaurant. On a mission to help support local businesses in Vancouver, I am eating my way through this city in support of our restaurants. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat, right?!
My Dine Out Vancouver Experiences
Vancouver Fish Company
The featured image for this post showcases the first Dine Out Vancouver meal I enjoyed. Located on Granville Island, Vancouver Fish Company is a locally-owned seafood restaurant. I enjoyed the Maple Walnut Prawn starter, followed by the Crab & Black Pepper Fettuccini and finished with the New York Cheesecake.
I showcased this delicious meal on my Instagram feed, check it out here. Having dined at this restaurant several times, I highly recommend this place. The food is always excellent and you can’t beat the views.
Fable Kitchen
Fable Kitchen is offering a 3-course dinner. I only managed to remember to take a picture of my main course. In my defence, I was really hungry, lol! My menu was slightly different from what they are currently offering as it was the Valentine’s Day menu.
I try to only dine at local, small businesses. I avoid chain restaurants when possible, but I do occasionally end up at one. This happened the other night when I found myself at The Keg for their Dine Out dinner. The Keg may be a chain restaurant but at least it’s Canadian.
The Keg
Since I was breaking my own rules dining at a chain restaurant, I was careful to select a BC wine to accompany my Keg steak. Blasted Church Syrah from the Okanagan Valley was a perfect choice.
We can’t be perfect all the time, but I am always conscious of where I spend my money and who I support. As such, I tend to purchase BC wines. Plus, they are delicious so it’s a win-win. For more BC wines I love, check out my post on Stunning Okanagan Valley.
Brix & Mortar
My fourth and most recent dining experience for Dine Out Vancouver was at Brix & Mortar. This restaurant is located in a 1912 heritage building in Yaletown. It has been on my radar for a while now. A few years ago, I did manage to have brunch on their outdoor patio, but I had never been inside until now.
I’m glad I finally made it here, it’s absolutely gorgeous! The decor alone is worth a visit. And don’t get me started on all the chandeliers. Stunning! Combine that with excellent service, great food and a live pianist and you have the recipe for a lovely evening.
I started with the Fried Cauliflower appetizer. If you like pickled vegetables, then you’ll love this dish. For me, the star was definitely the perfectly-fried and seasoned cauliflower.
Having scoped their menu out online before going, I was super excited about the Crusted Local Rockfish entree. It’s a rare dish to find on a menu in Vancouver. We have lots of seafood here, but rockfish isn’t something I often see on menus. Plus, I always try and order foods that I don’t often cook at home.
Not one for overly sweet desserts, I was delighted to see a Lemon Panna Cotta offered. I am one for savoury over sweet and will almost always go for a tart dessert if it’s available. And this one did not disappoint. It came with charred pineapple on top and was the perfect way to end the meal.
Four down and ? to go. I’m taking advantage of this foodie festival until it ends. Next up for me is Dockside Restaurant, located inside the Granville Island Hotel. Keep an eye on my Instagram for stories about this Dine Out Vancouver experience later today. I’m heading there for Happy Hour. TGIF!
If you aren’t local and can’t make it during Dine Out, that’s okay, I got you! I added a highlight to my Instagram feed called ‘YVR Eats.’ This is where I share my favourite local, small business eateries. If you want more details on which Vancouver restaurants are locally owned and offer great food, be sure to check them out.
If you have had a restaurant on your wish list, this is the time to make that reservation and check it out. Have you participated in Dine Out? Are you planning on it?
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