The Best Date Night Spots in Vancouver

An opulent version of the original location, this restaurant has a pedigree that traces back to 1864 Beijing. The latest outpost in Vancouver proves that this legacy hasn't lost any of its luster. Indeed, the gold-accented dining room is a feast for the eyes, blending classic grandeur with strikingly modern design. They are best known for their superlatively crispy and juicy duck. Delicious as the signature fowl may be, there is plenty more: a bevy of other delicacies are on offer, including bird's nest, sea cucumber and even a whole king crab if you're up for a splurge. It's not all razzle-dazzle, though. The cooking displays a deft hand with ingredients of all stripes from simple stir-fried mustard greens with garlic to a broth of abalone and matsutake.

Inspired by the jazz cafes of 1960s Tokyo, Kissa Tanto seduces with a moody vibe complete with white mosaic floors, antique Japanese panels and steely colored walls loaded with artwork and photos. It's a a place to dress up for. This ambitious kitchen pulls no punches with its mingling of Japanese and Italian cuisine. The "omakase" menu pulls dishes from their à la carte offerings as well as a sprinkling of compelling off-menu items. The region's bounty is on full display in dishes such as roasted and fried celeriac served with onion and mushroom dashi. The cultural collision is best seen in dishes like the tajarin, hand-cut pasta dressed in butter, miso-cured egg yolk and parmesan. Tiramisu takes an Eastern turn with an ethereal, plum wine-soaked tofu filling. Also consider the downstairs cocktail bar Meo.

When it opened back in 1994, this local staple was at the vanguard of Indian fine dining in North America, and it continues to make a compelling case for the gastronomic riches of the subcontinent. Namesake chef and owner Vikram Vij hasn’t slowed in spreading the good word, still maintaining a daily presence in the dining room, where he stops at tables to check that every guest is happy. He has little cause for worry, in light of the culinary treasure trove on offer: consider a signature dish of wine-marinated “lamb popsicles,” with a fragrant fenugreek sauce or opt for one of the vegetarian dishes, like a curry made with red bell pepper, portobello mushroom and paneer. A list of unique cocktails offers a perfect foil for the well-spiced cuisine. Everything is affordable, approachable, and flavorful.

Located in one of Vancouver's hippest dining areas, Moltaqa is where Moroccan hospitality shines. The homey and hip space has several nooks and crannies for seating, so even when the house is full, it still feels intimate, and warm service encourages lingering. The menu brims with tempting options. Bite into a flaky chicken pastilla, a dome-shaped phyllo pastry stuffed with shredded chicken and blanched almonds. Dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The vegetarian platter delivers everything from tomato and pepper salad and eggplant filled with walnuts to a hearty, thick split pea soup and harira soup with lentils and chickpeas in a tomato base. To finish, you'll never go wrong with a square of crisp baklava.

Not a place for hushed conversations, but perfect for a lively night out, Gary's serves flavorful seafood-focused cooking and great cocktails. It's easy to be won over by this convivial neighborhood spot, which owes its easygoing charms to the combined efforts of partners Bailey Hayward and Mathew Bishop (who oversee the service and the kitchen, respectively). To match the relaxed, friendly vibe, the cuisine is rustic and approachable, offering hearty dishes that draw inspiration from French country cooking, as in asparagus with saffron rouille, or pork collar with parsley sauce—and don't miss out on the fluffy, freshly baked rye rolls, served with green garlic butter. For a final slather of indulgence, do order dessert, like a rum baba soaked with chamomile-scented syrup and capped with a ribbon of decadent pistachio custard and a cloud of chantilly.

Suyo is great for a first date. The façade may be simple (think white-washed cement with a black framed door) but inside, this place is one-of-a-kind. Filled with greenery and stunning tall plants, plush seating and elegant lighting, Suyo is sophisticated without a trace of fuss. Word is out, so make a reservation, unless you care to take the chance of finding a seat at the always bustling bar. Hamachi tiradito, with its supple slices and bright yellow sauce, impresses at the first bite. White asparagus is grilled, then topped with a vibrant huancaína and tart salsa verde atop a purple potato puree. Arroz con pato delivers that beloved, rustic taste while riffing with the addition of duck confit. Conclude with the chocolate tres leches cake with berries and whipped toasted honey.