This top-starred restaurant is a gem -- arty in presentation, and yet completely unfussy in atmosphere. Raincity Grill was one of the very first restaurants in Vancouver to embrace the "buy locally, eat seasonally" concept. The menu focuses on seafood, game, and poultry, and organic vegetables from British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The room is long and low and intimate, perfect for romantic dining. To sample a bit of everything, I recommend the seasonal tasting menu, an incredible bargain at C$50 (US$40), or C$80 (US$64) with wine pairings. Recent tasting menu highlights included wasabi leaf wrapped beef, grilled Coho salmon with oyster mushroom, pea tip salad and rhubarb broth, Fraser Valley duck breast, a creamily delicious selection of artisan cheeses from Vancouver Island, and a rose and buttermilk panna cotta. The award-winning wine list is huge and, in keeping with the restaurant's philosophy, sticks pretty close to home. From May through Labour Day, Rainc ... more

This top-starred restaurant is a gem -- arty in presentation, and yet completely unfussy in atmosphere. Raincity Grill was one of the very first restaurants in Vancouver to embrace the "buy locally, eat seasonally" concept. The menu focuses on seafood, game, and poultry, and organic vegetables from British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The room is long and low and intimate, perfect for romantic dining. To sample a bit of everything, I recommend the seasonal tasting menu, an incredible bargain at C$50 (US$40), or C$80 (US$64) with wine pairings. Recent tasting menu highlights included wasabi leaf wrapped beef, grilled Coho salmon with oyster mushroom, pea tip salad and rhubarb broth, Fraser Valley duck breast, a creamily delicious selection of artisan cheeses from Vancouver Island, and a rose and buttermilk panna cotta. The award-winning wine list is huge and, in keeping with the restaurant's philosophy, sticks pretty close to home. From May through Labour Day, Raincity opens a takeout window on Denham Street where you can get delicious gourmet dishes to go, priced at C$4.95 to C$9.95 (US$4 to US$8). less