Dining
Awards 2018. Popular MasterChef
Vietnam runner-up Chi Le warms up
this contemporary space with family-
style sharing dishes that go beyond
the familiar pho. The seasonal menu
may include specialties like lemongrass
chicken in a clay pot. $$. L/D (W-Su).
1935 W. 4th Ave. 604-336-3010.
www.chirestaurantbar.com X Map 1: E2
Regional: Casual FABLE KITCHEN Lo-
cal farm-to-table cuisine by Top Chef
Canada runner-up Trevor Bird, in a
casual setting with exposed brick walls
and chalkboard specials. Fresh pasta
made in-house. $$. L (M-F), D (daily),
brunch (Sa-Su). 1944 W. 4th Ave.
604-732-1322. www.fablekitchen.ca
X Map 1: E2
Ice cream fans, here’s the scoop: sink your sweet
tooth into local, seasonal ingredients at earnest Ice
Cream (page 111) and Rain or Shine (listed at right),
or take a walk on the wild side with Perverted Ice
Cream (page 114) to sample soft-serve with cheeky
names like “Beg For S’more.” Artisanal offerings are
flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen at Mister (page 114),
while umaluma (page 98) brings impossibly creamy
dairy-free gelato to the mindful masses, and packs
it into crunchy gluten-free waffle cones. No wonder
summer’s our favourite season.—Chloë Lai
options available. The monthly dinner
fresh sheet offers a three-course prix
fixe. Organic beer and wine, too. $-$$.
Brunch/L (daily), D (W-M). 3605
W 4th Ave. 604-733-8308. www.
organiccafe.ca Partial X Map 4: D2
French AU COMPTOIR Feel trans-
ported to Paris at this quirky bistro. Try
a croque—monsieur or madame—or a
light leek and ricotta tart while sitting
at tables made from old sewing ma-
chines. No reservations. B/L/D (W-
M), brunch (Sa-Su). 2278 W. 4th Ave.
604-569-2278. www.aucomptoir.ca
X Map 4: D3
Pub THE BIMINI Bustling British-style
pub in Kitsilano is a favourite with
sports fans thanks to its many TVs
tuned to the big games. Play pool
or shuffleboard and tuck into tasty
sandwiches, pub favourites, and late-
night nibbles. $$. L/D (daily), brunch
(Sa-Su). 2010 W. 4th Ave. 604-733-
7116. www.donnellygroup.ca/bimini
Partial X Map 1: E2
Regional: Upscale BISHOP’S John
Bishop’s establishment is consistently
praised for impeccable service and
the changing menu featuring regional
and local ingredients. The cellar is
extensive, with Pacific Northwest
wines at the fore. $$$. D (Tu-Su).
2183 W. 4th Ave. 604-738-2025.
www.bishopsonline.com Map 1: F2
Vietnamese CHI MODERN VIETNAM-
ESE KITCHEN Asian, Where to Dine
Thai MAENAM Best Thai, Vancouver
magazine since 2010. Inventive Thai
dishes use local ingredients and nod
to traditional recipes. Order a stir-fry
or curry and a well-crafted cocktail
to match. $$. L (Tu-Sa), D (daily).
1938 W. 4th Ave. 604-730-5579.
www.maenam.ca X Map 1: E2
Dessert RAIN OR SHINE The artisans
at this home-made gluten- and
egg-free ice cream shop make fresh
waffle cones in-house with all-natural
ingredients. Through affiliations with
local microbreweries, they also have
a special craft-beer flavour on hand.
$. Open daily. 102-1926 W. 4th Ave.
604-428-7246. X Map 1: E2 3382
Cambie St. 604-876-9986. www.
rainorshineicecream.com X Map 4: E4
Dessert THOMAS HAAS CHOCO-
LATES & PATISSERIE Best Patisserie,
Vancouver magazine 2018 and 2017.
We’ve heard it before, but inside
this cafe it’s true: life is like a box of
chocolates. The store is decorated
to look like one. Relax with a cup of
tea or coffee and savour a chocolate,
truffle or pastry. $. Open Tu-Sa. 2539
W. Broadway. 604-736-1848. Map
4: D3 128-998 Harbourside Dr.,
North Vancouver. 604-924-1847.
www.thomashaas.com X Map 4: C4
Main Street
Tapas BURDOCK & CO. Best Brunch
and Best West Coast, Vancouver
magazine 2018. The share plates at
this eatery are as refined as the decor.
Local, organic and vegetable-forward
NEw HEIgHTS For truly “elevated” flavours and panoramic views, North Vancouver’s
Dinner in the Sky (page 94) serves gourmet meals by Ned Bell, 30 m (100 ft) up in the air.
108
where.ca
July 2018
5 Sweet Spots