Restaurants in Vancouver

Rated by locals as one of the city's best restaurants, it's no surprise that Vancouver Magazine awarded West its 'Restaurant of the Year' title four years in a row (2005-8). Situated in the stylish South Granville neighbourhood, West delivers carefully thought-out and regionally focused food, with an impressive collection of wine to boot. The décor is sleek and contemporary, with soft leather chairs and a massive swirling sculpture suspended from the ceiling.

Having received many awards and accolades over the years, this modern and posh Cantonese restaurant is a well-known place for its daily dim sum. The roast squab is particularly notable. Also on offer is fresh seafood, such as abalones, rock cods, geoducks, lobsters, prawns and giant Alaska king crabs. Diners select a live creature out of the fish tank and then choose the cooking style for their dish.

Although it is labelled a tapas parlour, many of the dishes from Gord Martin's open kitchen are the full meal deal and you may not always want to share - the filo-wrapped beef Wellington comes as a small work of art, and there are many equally good examples of a cuisine that has far more of a West Coast flavour than Spanish. The décor is full of eclectic touches, enlivening the small space.

The dining experience at the Salt Tasting Room is simple, as is the interior, with its exposed brick walls, long communal tables and giant blackboard showing the day's menu. Diners choose from a regularly changing selection of 10 meats, 10 cheeses and 10 condiments supplied by local and international producers. The wine list is refreshed weekly, with a fine offering of wine, port, sherry and beer.