The use of texture is one of the many facets that MICHELIN swooned over at AnnaLena in Vancouver. The seasonally inspired tasting menu also delights with its exceptional attention to detail; ingredients formed into shapes as unique as the flavors and despite the laidback layout of the dining room, there’s a sense of formality found in each dish.
These same layers can be found in Chef/owner Mike Robbins’s recommendations, from homey cafes and delis to date night sashimi. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him snacking at a natural wine bar (perhaps gathering inspiration for their already impressive wine list?) or supporting his neighborhood haunts.
If you’re strapped for time on a trip to Vancouver, here’s a MICHELIN Chef-approved list from where to sip your morning coffee to reserving date night and plenty of culinary hotspots in between.
Who serves your favorite cup of coffee?
AnnaLena has a sister restaurant, a breakfast/brunch cafe called Their There, that has my favorite coffee in town. It’s also a great spot for grab and go breakfast sandwiches, mochi donuts or a sit-down brunch.
What is your favorite breakfast spot?
If I’m not at Their There for brunch, I love Medina. It has a great coffee program and unique brunch offerings — the Belgian waffles are perfect.
What is your favorite grab and go?
Say Hey Café & Deli, located in Vancouver’s Chinatown, makes amazing sandwiches that are great when needing a quick bite on the fly.
Where are you going for a sit-down, business lunch?
Anh and Chi, a Bib Gourmand in Mount Pleasant, is a Vietnamese staple on Main Street.
Where’s your go-to for date night?
Blue Water Cafe has always been a go to for myself and my wife. They serve some of the best sushi in the city; anything from the raw bar is always the go-to for us.
Where would you take your family?
Bufala Pizzeria in the River District just opened, which is just a short walk from our house and a special, new addition to our neighborhood. We also love Temaki Sushi on West Broadway.
Is there a restaurant that doesn't fit on this list you want to share more about?
Bar Tartare is a great spot for natural wines and snacks. They showcase a lineup of rotating chefs from week to week so there is always something new each visit.
Address Book:
Their There
2042 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M9, Canada
Medina
780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A4, Canada
Say Hey Café & Deli
156 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Anh and Chi
3388 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7, Canada
Blue Water Cafe
1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4, Canada
Bufala Pizzeria
3489 E Sawmill Cres, Vancouver, BC V5S 0E3, Canada
Temaki Sushi
2156 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2C8, Canada
Bar Tartare
54 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9, Canada
Hero image: Allison Kuhl / Chef Mike Robbins
