Tasty networking: Great power-lunch hotspots in Vancouver
When you’re looking for a restaurant to meet a networking contact for lunch, there’s nothing worse than wasting time trying to come up with the right spot. To make that decision easier, here's a list of great venues for your next power lunch.
Aki Restaurant
1368 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 4S9Tucked away in Coal Harbour, Aki Restaurant is a trendy downtown hotspot for Japanese cuisine. The beautiful traditional Japanese décor and friendly atmosphere makes Aki Restaurant an ideal location for both business lunches and casual power lunches with friends. The menu includes classic bento boxes with expertly-prepared meat and vegetables, sushi rolls and salmon sashimi, and lunch dishes like the Beef Butter – tender slices of beef cooked in Aki’s butter sauce.
Cactus Club Cafe
1085 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3A Coal Harbor hotspot, Cactus Club Café is a popular destination thanks to both its panoramic view of the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park, and its fun, lively atmosphere. The heaping portions of their delicious entrees will surely satisfy no matter how large your midday appetite happens to be. Appetizer favourites include the yam fries, prawn trio and calamari, all great options to get the conversation flowing.
Yew Restaurant & Bar
791 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4Located at treetop level in the illustrious Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, YEW seafood + bar is one of the best seafood restaurants in Vancouver and a great spot to grab an upscale power lunch downtown. The atmosphere is exceptionally social and warm, with a modern, unpretentious vibe that’s perfect for entertaining business associates. The service will wow you and the staff is always happy to help navigate their extensive menu.
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
688 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1N3The warm and inviting atmosphere at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar’s downtown Dunsmuir location makes a great backdrop for a lunch with business associates. The restaurant is quiet and relaxed and the food’s perfectly prepared. Treat yourself to their filet selection wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon, or their prime rib, rubbed with signature Keg spices and slow-roasted to heavenly perfection. The lunch menu also includes delicious grilled chicken sandwiches.
Ha Long Bay Restaurant
430 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T5Ha Long Bay, a cozy downtown restaurant, is a haven for Vietnamese food and famous for its lemongrass chicken subs. The beef broth in their pho is flavourful, with hints of basil and crunchy bean sprouts, and the noodles are perfectly tender. The bite-sized spring rolls are ideal for a quick, chatty starter too. Ha Long Bay offers you everything you might want from Vietnamese cuisine, with hefty portions at affordable prices.
Joey Restaurants
820 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1X9JOEY bills itself as one of the best upscale-casual dining spots in the city and promises a unique experience every time. You’ll find all your favourite classic items on their menu. The burgers are juicy and cooked to perfection, and the mouth-watering rotisserie chicken is certain to be an instant favourite. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting and sure to impress whichever colleagues you bring along for lunch.
Pourhouse Restaurant
162 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2Pourhouse Restaurant is a Vancouver institution in the heart of Gastown. The bustling but laid-back atmosphere and fun, outgoing regulars make it a great spot to take groups of friends and co-workers for lunch and a chat. The service is spot-on and you’ll get your food quickly, so it’s the place to be if you’re short on time. There’s usually a lunch special too, so you can dine their regularly without breaking the bank.
Bay Sushi Cafe Ltd
678 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K4If Bay Sushi Express Café is always packed around lunchtime, it’s because you can get delicious, freshly made sushi here in a hurry and at affordable prices. The small diner-style restaurant feels warm and cozy, so whether you’re there for a quick power lunch with co-workers or a weekend brunch with friends, it’s a great spot to enjoy good food and conversation. The portions are huge, so come hungry and get there early on weekdays because it fills up quickly.
