Waterfront Restaurants

 The Cove

The Cove, owned by the same folks as The Hammond mentioned on my Date Night eateries page, is the only one of this group that's not down by Vancouver's new flashy waterfront. It's a bit off the beaten path past Wintler Park at Tidewater Cove Marina, offering less crowds and great seafood. The vibe feels a bit like a hotel restaurant, very SoCal-esque, with focus on quality of food over quantity (no Cheesecake Factory-sized plates here!) They can also host groups up to 100 people for your special event. 

Dosalas

If you're looking for bougie Mexican-inspired fare, a broad selection of tequila, and you're not on a budget, Dosalas may be calling your name. The food and drinks are exceptional, the views are second-to-none, and the aesthetic feels like you're in Las Vegas but actually in the vicinity of water. (Newport Beach, for the California transplants.) I, personally, wouldn't really throw this one in the mix for a family dinner, but more for celebrations, impressive date nights, girls-night-out, and bachelorette parties.  

The Waterfront Taphouse

I don't come here for the most exceptional food but I do come here to sit on their beautiful deck with a beer on one of our remarkable sunset days in Vancouver during happy hour. I think it's the best outdoor seating option in our city, as far as views and comfort go. And I'm pretty sure it's the largest variety of beer taps in Vancouver. So with that, you get your very standard and lengthy taphouse menu; salads, pizza, a few bigger entrees, sandwiches and burgers, and some finger foods that are fun for catching up with friends. And at this point it should go without saying, expect waterfront prices, but I think it's worth it here!

Ruse Brewing Crust Collective

If I'm being totally honest, I'm picky about pizza, and thick pizza is not usually my fav. Ruse is different, though. Detroit-style square shaped pizza with crispy cheesy crust edges and traditional to modern topping options like Impossible 'beef' and buffalo cauliflower (my personal fav.) Their salads are also out of this world, IMO the best caesar salad I've had in Vancouver and I've heard nothing but good things about their beet salad. All that, combined with some really great beer brewed locally in SE Portland, makes this one of my favorite waterfront restaurants. It is worth noting through, it's just across the street from the river so not all seating is guaranteed to have that picturesque view; but nothing a little evening stroll after pizza can't fix. 

Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar

This is where you go for your waterfront burger. Just like Ruse, it's across the street from the waterfront, but they've got great options for the whole family plus adult beverages like boozie shakes. With indulgent options like bacon-whiskey jam and a poutine burger, plus alternatives like a fried buttermilk chicken sandwich, it's probably not the spot to go to while dieting but, who needs a diet anyway.  

Wildfin

This is the one everyone talks about when waterfront restaurants are requested... it's your classic American seafood restaurant in aesthetics and menu. It has non-fish options too, for those who are anti-pesc (I made that word up) and more humble options like tacos and sandwiches too. I'd consider this one a staple of Vancouver dining but my hot take is it's a little basic. I wouldn't decline to go, but suffice it to say, I've never taken my partner who is new-ish to Vancouver (and super food-centric) to show him what the Couve food scene is all about.

Twigs Bistro

Twigs gives me that hotel lobby restaurant sort of vibe. Pretty corporate and pretty decent, but not particularly creative or local. I do appreciate that they have a rotating "fresh sheet" which are basically monthly specials, either based on what's in season or thematic for the time of year— it's March as I write this and they've leaned hard into an Irish St. Patricks Day theme. I think this is a good one to bring your parents to when they're in town; it's a safe bet for everyone's palette. They offer both vegan and gluten-free menus, and have one of the better happy hours in Vancouver.

Grassa

Grassa is solid pasta, but nothing particularly outstanding or unique in my opinion but they do seem to chase whatever's trending (or was trending five years ago,) in the culinary space— think, black truffle and pork belly. It's a little pricey if you're taking into consideration the cost to make pasta, but what you're really paying for is the waterfront experience and not doing dishes so I'm not saying I'll never go there, but I'd probably skip the views and eat at La Sorrentina across town if I want authenticity and quality in my pasta.