Top Restaurants: Vancouver, British Columbia
Minami
Located in the heart of the prestigious Yaletown neighborhood, this Japanese fusion restaurant is very unique. Displaying beautiful Japanese art, it makes for a very inviting yet comfortable space for diners. Using seasonal and regional ingredients as well as all Ocean Wise seafood, the chefs in this restaurant have all been traditionally trained to use edgy techniques while preparing gorgeous dishes. Minami offers an extensive menu, from light snacks and rolls to dinner entrees and platters, there is something here for everyone. All dishes range in price from ten to twenty dollars. Try their specialty rolls, they are all succulent and worth every penny! Service in this establishment is impeccable; you are treated like you are the only one dining in the entire restaurant. Everyone working makes sure you are comfortable and have exactly what you need in order to make your experience here fantastic.
Black and Blue
A classic steak house with a contemporary twist, Black and Blue is definitely one of the top steakhouses in Vancouver. Located in Coal Harbour, this restaurant features a gorgeous rooftop like no other, perfect for a gorgeous sunny day and always prepared for that Vancouver rain. Specializing in their very own in-house aged rare cuts of beef, flambés and tableside Caesar salad; they also offer a delicious brunch menu. The menu ranges in price with appetizers and sides starting at fifteen dollars and main dishes up to forty dollars. The service staff is very well educated about the menu and is very attentive. Make sure you save room for dessert; they offer a tasting platter of house made treats that is to die for!
Coast
Coast is the best place to take anyone who truly wants a taste of the west coast. Specializing in the freshest seafood Coast has it all, sushi, whole fish, chowders, oysters, the list goes on. Be sure to check out the wine and specialty cocktail list as well. Located in Coal Harbour, this casual fine dining restaurant offers quality seafood at a very reasonable price; all menu items range from ten to forty five dollars. With a comfortable atmosphere, Coast has a vibrant yet very relaxed feel. Service is amazing, with very attentive staff who always have a smile and are always willing to help you make decisions with the menu. Trust me, it’s hard to make a decision with everything looking so succulent!
Café Medina
Located in the Gastown neighborhood Café Medina is a definite place to visit for brunch in Vancouver; a perfect start to the morning. Their waffles are definitely something different, freshly made, soft and crunchy at the same time. The selection of sauces to choose from is irresistible, I ate it with the raspberry caramel syrup; it was so amazing I wanted to take it home! The service is very friendly and the food arrives quite quickly. Dishes range from ten to fifteen dollars per plate. There will most likely be a long wait on weekends so be sure to get there early. I would definitely recommend visiting Café Medina to enjoy a luxurious tasty brunch.
Rodney’s Oyster House
Located in the Yaletown neighborhood, Rodney’s Oyster House is one of the most fun and relaxed places to have fresh seafood. An excellent array of seafood dishes and specialty cocktails make up their menu. Entertaining and knowledgeable staff work here, which make you feel comfortable and at ease. Definitely come here during happy hour for their low tide special on oysters, amazing! Every single oyster is perfectly shucked and the abundance of sauces gives it all the glory it deserves. Happy hour is from three to six pm; oysters are a buck fifty at this time. I highly recommend the steamed mussels, they are plump and the sauce is very flavorful. If you love seafood and a casual ambiance, Rodney’s is definitely the place for you.
Top Restaurants: Macau, China
Tim’s Kitchen
Tim’s Kitchen is one of the best places to go for Cantonese food in the city of Macau. Located in a major tourist area, it has been awarded a Michelin star by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau. The food is typically bold and very flavorsome, with an emphasis on the freshness of ingredients. The servers are attentive, polite, and speak excellent English. The fried rice with the crabmeat is a must try! Their food is a little pricey with the main dishes ranging from eighteen to forty-five dollars, but promised to be delicious and well worth the money.
O’Santos Comida Portuguesa Restaurant
As you may know, Macau was a Portuguese colony at one time. O’Santos Comida Portuguesa Restaurant is a must visit restaurant, the authentic Portuguese cuisine makes for superb food. This restaurant features traditional home cooked meals in a very comfortable and homey environment. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Be sure to try the grilled bass, which is perfectly cooked, slightly crispy and still tender with amazing flavor. Don’t forget to get some Portuguese beer as well, yum! This is a family style restaurant therefore; it is approximately twenty-five dollars per person.
Zi Yat Heen
Zi Yat Heen is all about dim sum. Most ingredients are house made, very fresh and extraordinary. The service is impeccable, staff is helpful and willing to explain and recommend dishes. Zi Yat Heen is located in the city center of Macau. Plating in this restaurant is absolutely unique and beautiful. Peking duck is the most popular item here, the skin is crispy but not too oily, the duck meat is moist and it has a fantastic aroma. Excellent food and relaxing atmosphere makes your dinner perfect. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit while in Macau.
Vela Latina
Along the Tagus River, Vela Latina is located in the heart of a main tourist area in Macau. Surrounded by windows to the beautiful outdoor scenery and its rustic décor, Vela Latina makes you feel cozy and relaxed. Featuring traditional Mediterranean cuisine, this menu offers an array of delicious meats and seafood. The signature dish and most popular is the turbot and carabineiro on eggplant in a coriander sauce, sounds delicious! Appetizers start at a price point of six dollars with mains ranging up to twenty-eight dollars. Vela Latina should most definitely be on your ‘to do’ list when visiting beautiful Macau.
Tou Tou Koi
This casual restaurant is over eighty years old and has a line out the door everyday with hungry customers waiting to get a taste. One of the most popular restaurants in Macau, this Chinese restaurant is definitely a place to visit. Famous for their stuffed duck and shark fin soup, most people also come for the delectable dim sum. The small and cozy restaurant has a modern flare with dark wood walls and dimly lit candles. All staff work together to ensure every diner is taken care of and receives great service. Although this is a casual restaurant, the prices vary between fifteen to fifty-five dollars per dish. Tou Tou Koi is definitely on my list of places to eat if I ever visit Hong Kong.
