Vancouver steakhouses that get it right
There are few meals as satisfying as a perfectly cooked sirloin and an excellent glass of wine, and a steak dinner is even more enjoyable when it's served in elegant surroundings. Vancouver is home to many steakhouses, representing a range of styles and price points. Here are a few local favourites that’ll help satisfy your meaty cravings. [Photo credit: iStock.com/4kodiak]
Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
615 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K3Gotham didn't become one of the most popular steakhouses in downtown Vancouver for no reason. The very friendly staff can get you digging into one of the New York eight-ounce steaks in no time while offering excellent wine recommendations along the way. The upscale dining room is sure to please on special occasions, but it does come at a higher price. Be sure to make reservations; tables can be hard to come by despite the large seating area.
CinCin Ristorante & Bar
2-1154 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2CinCin offers an intimate and upscale dining experience in the city's West End, with a focus on Italian cuisine and excellent steak. The scenic outdoor patio looks over the street while the indoor dining room boasts beautiful decor and lighting. Staff are accommodating and friendly, but the steak will almost make you forget everything else around you. Prices are in line with the upscale atmosphere. It's generally a busy spot, so be sure to call ahead for reservations.
West Restaurant + Bar
2881 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J4An iconic dining destination in tony South Granville, this restaurant and bar offer a tantalizing selection of refined food and elegant cocktails. The airy dining space offers you lots of room to enjoy your meal, and you can take a seat at the Chefs Table to watch the kitchen in action. Service is superb and knowledgeable without being obtrusive. The premium prices are worth it once you take a bite of the AAA Alberta beef tenderloin that has been known to bring steak lovers to their knees.
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
637 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3Hy’s offers a classic steakhouse dining experience that’s difficult to match. The dark wood panelling makes for a cozy atmosphere as you tuck into the cheese toast, table-side Caesar salad and, of course, premium steak that is cooked perfectly to your preference. Staff are courteous, and service is quick and efficient. The small dining area can fill up fast, so be sure to make reservations to ensure a table.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5This award-winning restaurant on Robson Street is a great spot to recharge after a long afternoon of shopping. As with many steakhouses, you get what you pay for. Service is professional and the waitstaff have an excellent knowledge of the menu and drink offerings. A variety of steak cuts (filet mignon, sirloin, striploin, bone-in rib steak) are accompanied by a selection of sauces. The menu also offers seafood options for when you want to add some surf to your turf. If you're there on the right night, you might get the chance to enjoy some live music while dining.
Black+Blue
1032 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3Joining the collection of dining hotspots on the swanky Alberni Street strip, Black & Blue delivers a modern, spacious dining area with friendly and knowledgeable staff. In this beautiful setting, you can enjoy a large selection of steak options (beef tenderloin, American and Japanese Wagyu, prime rib, porterhouse) with excellent presentation and a number of different sides ranging from crab gnocchi to creamed spinach to Lyonnaise potatoes. During the warmer months, ask for a table on the elegant rooftop patio, which offers scenic downtown views and a cool see-and-be-seen vibe.
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
1042 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3While it can be a tight fit when busy, this Japanese-style steakhouse offers a unique experience by organizing tables into groups. Once you get a seat at the live action grill, you can enjoy the show and watch your steak being cooked before your eyes. The waitstaff are friendly, and the chefs are there to cook and entertain. While the prices can be high, the spectacle of the meal is worth the price.
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro
2741 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P9A favourite among many in the area, the Oakwood combines excellent food with great service at an affordable price. With a small, casual dining atmosphere, you can enjoy a wide variety of farm-to-table dishes without having to worry too much about the bill. Service is fast, and the menu provides you with steak options, as well as vegetarian choices for those interested.
