BAO BEI CHINESE BRASSERIE
163 KEEFER STREET 604-688-0876
*Michelin Recommended

A trailblazer in the modern—Asian restaurant genre for which Vancouver has become well known, Bao Bei was conceived by co-owner Tannis Ling as a chic Chinois cocktail bar serving authentic Asian snacks for friends who were intimidated by traditional Chinese restaurants. Eleven years later, the kitchen now explores a broader range of pan—Asian flavours, but still offers ‘kick-ass’ fried rice with smoky wok-hei char, delicate handmade dumplings and terrific drinks, including an impressive list of low-intervention wines. The cozy room, appointed with silk-fringed lampshades and sepia-toned pinups, has aged well with the patina of time.

JUKE FRIED CHICKEN
182 KEEFER STREET 604-336-5853 

Specializing in crunchy fried chicken and sticky pork ribs, Juke is a modern, BIPOC-owned takeout joint that pays homage to the neighbourhood’s black history. Until it was demolished in the 1970s, nearby Hogan’s Alley was the heart of Vancouver’s black community and home to many ‘chicken house’ restaurants that often doubled as speakeasies. Juke’s thick, gluten-free batter is snap-crackle fantastic. The buttermilk-brined, free-range chicken is always moist and juicy. Try it with golden waffles, smeared in whipped schmaltz and drizzled with chipotle-maple syrup. Insider tip: order from the Chickadee Room next door for some of the best eighties-inspired craft cocktails in town.

PIZZA COMING SOON
179 E PENDER STREET 604-558-4900 

Strange naming convention notwithstanding, this new joint just west of Main specializes in self described Japanese stoner food, think Izakaya turned to 11. It is what Cactus Club and their ilk promise but rarely deliver—good vibes, great food and better drinks. The interior bears tangible remnants of previous tenant Binos (local Denny’s clone), while being fresh and modern. The late night menu kicks in after ten, and they offer an incredible panna cotta for dessert.

KISSA TANTO
263 E PENDER STREET 778-379-8078 *Michelin Starred

Chef Joel Watanabe’s beautiful take on Japanese and Italian flavours has earned the restaurant huge accolades from across the country and stellar reviews from the New York Times. The tajarin noodles, tonno mantecato bruschetta and whole fried fish are all must orders. The room is darkly romantic and glamorous—recalling a time when Chinatown had its share of high end restaurants for a special evening out. The chef and ownership team (also behind the glorious Bao Bei) have built an absolutely superb dining experiences that both evokes the past and shows the way forward for Chinatown’s past and future.

THE IRISH HEATHER SHEBEEN
248 E GEORGIA STREET 604-688-9779 

The room with its glossy woods and old school pub booths—is an absolute charmer. With a huge selection of beers and whiskies and the best Irish breakfast and corned beef sandwiches you’ll find anywhere—it already feels like a classic. The owner deeply cares about its historic neighbours and makes an effort to source many of his products from local purveyors. The Irish Heather proves that new business in Chinatown can honor and support the existing neighbourhood while still adding its own distinctive voice. And that’s a beautiful thing.

FIORINO, ITALIAN STREET FOOD
212 E GEORGIA STREET 604-568-0905
*Michelin Bib Gourmand

The absolutely beautiful room—with its soaring ceiling, creamy walls, and modern Italian light fixtures—is a modern reminder that Chinatown was once also the centre of Italian life in the early 1900’s. It’s a neighbourhood that has historically made room for the many people who find their way to Vancouver to make their homes. The menu focuses on Florentine street foods and drinks— elegant ease and enjoyment to be shared with friends and family. It’s the perfect place to settle in for a good gossip over some delectable sandwiches, buoyant pastas, or crisp fritto misto; perhaps washed down with a negroni or spritz.