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From Christmas dining to New Year's feasts and more, these top picks from Vancouver favourites make it easy to decide where to eat this season
Indulge in classic yule log desserts, Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, sweet stocking stuffers and so much more this holiday season.
Photo credit: Rich WonCelebrating the holiday season with a series of Southeast Asian feasts, Potluck Hawker Eatery has created a new seafood-focused holiday menu to be enjoyed with loved ones. Available for dine-in only, guests can choose from a number of six- to eight-course set menu options with all the fixings, including the Hawker ($35 per person), Makan ($45 per person), Krabby with whole B.C. Dungeness crab ($55 per person), Shiok with whole B.C. Dungeness crab and tiger prawns ($65 per person), and the ultimate Die Die Must Try with whole crab, lobster and tiger prawns ($75 per person).
In addition, Potluck has partnered with award-winning bean-to-bar Kasama Chocolate to launch a limited-edition Salted Egg Yolk Chocolate Bar, featuring salted egg yolk cereal, chili and curry leaf, flavours reminiscent of Potluck’s popular chicken wings and chicken sando.3424 Cambie Street, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Rich WonBeaucoup Bakery’s 2022 winter collection, ‘Yule Be Home for the Holidays’ is a festive nod to classic holiday treats with a playful twist. Chef Betty Hung and her team’s creations include a 12-piece holiday bonbon set ($24) complete with rum-infused chocolate, a chestnut and chocolate Bûche de Noël ($42), and a whole array of shortbread cookies (12 for $24 & 24 for $45) with flavours matcha chocolate, pistachio rose and raspberry yuzu.2150 Fir Street, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Rich WonGoldilocks Bake Shop is launching holiday collections filled with savoury dishes, baked goods, and creative gingerbread houses this Christmas. The beloved Filipino food destination offers a wide variety of sweet and savoury options, including two Goldilocks Christmas Feasts (from $110; feeds 4 to 6 people), both featuring whole Filipino-style glazed ham and Embotido (meatloaf), Yee’s famous gingerbread houses (starting from $22), featuring a gingerbread birdhouse, gingerbread townhouse, gingerbread cottage, and a gingerbread mansion. Plus, new for this year, Goldilocks Retro Cakes (from $50).
In addition, Goldilocks is participating in the special “Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver” event on December 17, 2022. Hosted by the Philippine Consulate, the whole community is invited to partake in the festivities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St Patrick’s Church (2881 Main Street) in Mount Pleasant.2833 Main St., Vancouver & 101-3728 North Fraser Way, Burnaby; Details online
Honey SaltThis Christmas, Honey Salt will honour a classic festive pastime by hosting an afternoon of Gingerbread House building ($30 per gingerbread house) for families on Sunday, December 11th and 18th starting at 3 p.m. Participants will be provided with all of the ingredients and tools required to construct and decorate a whimsical gingerbread house, with a lineup of winter cocktails for the adults.39 Smithe St, Vancouver; Booking available by emailing: hsbookings@parqvancouver.com
The VictorThe Victor’s New Year’s Day Brunch returns on Sunday, January 1st (then every weekend following that) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The brunch menu includes delicious caramelized bananas foster French toast, shakshuka, Snake River wagyu breakfast burger and more. Plus, there’s a mimosa cart as well as the ‘Bloody Bar’ where you can build your own Bloody Marys. Reservations are highly recommended.39 Smithe St, Vancouver; Details online
Making this holiday season one to remember, Fairmont Hotels in Vancouver and Victoria are offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining, as well as festive afternoon teas and brunches.
Embrace the festive season and indulge in delectable savoury fare, scones and sweets made in-house by the culinary team with Holiday Afternoon Tea (adults $69 & children $34.50); enjoy an annual Festive Lunch Buffet (adults $89 & children $44.50); or opt for an intimate three-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner ($99 per adult & $49.50 per child) all in the glamour and warmth of Notch8.900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; Details online
Fairmont Vancouver AirportFairmont Vancouver Airport’s classic Afternoon Tea at Globe@YVR gets a festive upgrade this holiday season with new sweet treats and yuletide teas and the option to dine with Santa himself (regular adults $79 & children $49; with Santa, adults $119 & children $59)—with all proceeds benefiting Canuck Place Children’s Hospice—as well as a three-course holiday lunch ($65 per person).
The highly anticipated Christmas Eve Dinner (adults $139 & children $69.50) and Christmas Brunch Buffet (adults $129 & children $64.50) also returns to Globe@YVR this year with live music and an extensive menu sure to satisfy every palate, as well as their four-course Christmas Day menu (adults $99 & children $49.50) that will tempt even the most dedicated turkey dinner traditionalist.3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond; Details online
Fairmont EmpressMarvel at Fairmont Empress’s magnificent Christmas tree before tucking into the world-renowned bucket list experience of Festive Afternoon Tea (adult $89 & children $45) fused with traditional ingredients, brightened by festive hues and Christmas carolers.
The Empress is also offering a delicious Christmas Eve four-course set menu dinner ($189 per adult) with optional wine pairings along with an elegant four-course set menu dinner ($209 per person) at Q on Christmas Day.
And if none of that takes your fancy, indulge in a Christmas Day Dinner Buffet ($150 adult & $70 child) in the sparkling Crystal Ballroom with chef-attended carving stations, fresh seafood, and other classic Christmas dishes.721 Government Street, Victoria; Details online
ArcEat, drink and be merry this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with ARC’s famous Bottomless Brunch ($99 adult & $49 children), plus a festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners ($129 adult & $69 children) including a four-course holiday-inspired plated dinner with all trimmings.900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver; Details online
This Christmas, enjoy a three-course festive brunch menu, including a welcome glass of sparkling, a festive brunch cocktail, and a selection of carvings and brunch favourites. And, on Christmas Eve, Botanist will offer a special holiday ‘We’ll Take It from Here’ six-course tasting menu designed by executive chef Hector Laguna, taking inspiration from seasonal ingredients and dishes. 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver; Details online
Fairmont Hotel VancouverServing up a Christmas Eve dinner buffet (adults $169 & children $84.50) in the dazzling Pacific Ballroom filled with festive favourites, traditional carvings and decadent desserts, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will also be offering a lavish dinner buffet (adults $199 & children $99) with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus along with live entertainment that will fill the room with festive melodies. 900 West Georgia St, Vancouver; Details online
Turkey-to-Go’s will also be available at Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and Fairmont Vancouver Airport, with packages inclusive of Whole Roasted Turkey and all the traditional festive sides and fixings you need for the perfect cozy chef-prepared dinner at home. All you have to do is order, pick up, and heat to serve.
Temper Chocolate & PastryThe festive season is in full swing at Temper Chocolate and Pastry, thanks to a new holiday collection that includes classic confections, stocking stuffers, baked goods and more. Temper also taps into traditional holiday classics with sugar-dusted German stollen fruitcakes made with orange and marzipan available in 350g ($25) and 700g ($40) sizes, and Bûches de Noël log cakes available in Salted Caramel, Vanilla Raspberry and Chestnut varieties that serve 8 to 10 ($49). Other festive offerings available from the elves at Temper include seasonally themed, bite-sized stocking stuffers, candy cane bark, hot chocolate bomb-inspired spoons, holiday chocolate ornament and tree showpieces, plus so much more.2409 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; Details online
Bar Susu
Make it a night to remember this New Year’s Eve at Mount Pleasant’s Bar Susu, where they’ll be offering a multi-course, family-style dinner and a special New Year’s Eve party. Bar Susu’s NYE Dinner ($180 per person) features a selection of shareable plates by chef de cuisine Marc Marayag, a welcome cocktail by bar manager Joe Casson, wine pairings by wine director Brittany Hoorne (with an option to upgrade), and an amaro sipper after dinner.
The Midnight Extravaganza Party ($125 per person) kicks-off at 11 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m. There will be music by DJs Young Ancestors, while guests enjoy snacks and curated natural wine pours, including a sparkling variety for countdown at midnight all included in the ticket price.209 East 6th Avenue, Vancouver; Details online
PourhouseCarlino restaurant will help you ring in 2023 with an escape to northern Italy’s Friuli region without leaving Vancouver. Offering a special NYE feature set menu, plus two complimentary glasses of prosecco, choose between appetizers like chestnut soup with butter poached lobster or house-smoked Arctic char; mains, such as pan-roasted sea bass with roast artichoke and lobster tortellini or Canadian prime beef tenderloin with black truffle; and sweet finishes like torta al cioccolato a warm chocolate cake or panna cotta.1115 Alberni St, Vancouver; Details online
Indulge in both plain and fancy ways with featured butcher cuts like tomahawk steak, buckets of chicken and caviar, and caviar with chips and crème fraîche, all for a special New Year’s Eve at Pourhouse. Guests will also be treated to celebratory bubbles and Champagne marshmallows at midnight. Alternatively, count down the New Year with Pourhouse’s 12 days of cocktails. Sip and savour the season with libations concocted by the creative and innovative Pourhouse team, who will debut a new festive cocktail every day from December 17 to December 31. 162 Water St, Vancouver; Details online
Truffles Fine FoodsBringing catering to your home this Christmas, Truffles Fine Foods is offering holiday heat-at-home dinners to make your life a little easier. Choose between two dinners for four, including Traditional Turkey Dinner ($180) and a Festive Plant Based Dinner ($160), with Brussels sprouts, garlic mash, sage and onion stuffing, plus so much more. Order online
Photo credit: Maria GonzalezYaletown’s destination for contemporary Japanese cuisine has launched a new holiday Shokai tasting menu ($135 per person), just-in time for the festive season. The six-course dinner features a variety of surf-and-turf delicacies by its talented team of chefs, led by executive chef Alan Ferrer, including its exclusive Iwate A5 Wagyu, Sablefish, and Minami’s famous Aburi Sushi.1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Cody BriggsPastry chef Adi Kessleman is dishing up comfort and joy this season by helping you check holiday baking off your December to-do list. From her lovingly decorated classic sugar cookies to Kafka’s famous Salted Chocolate Chip cookies, the sweet lineup is now available to purchase individually ($4) at all three locations, and in pre-ordered in variety boxes of six ($22) or twelve ($40) online.Details online
Photo credit: Leila KwokThis New Year’s Eve, step into 2023 with a decadent evening of live and DJ music, bubbles, and two of Vancouver’s finest chefs at Mount Pleasant’s Anh and Chi. For one night only, the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is hosting a mouthwatering collaboration between Anh and Chi matriarch chef Ly Nguyen and sustainability advocate chef Quang Dang. With each option, guests will embark on a culinary fusion of worldly flavours, curated with the finest ingredients from farmers and purveyors across British Columbia.3388 Main Street, Vancouver; Details online
Buttermere PatisserieFeaturing three unique holiday-themed cakes and a charming signature mini-set, Buttermere Patisserie’s cake lineup this year showcases three unique looks: the Jingle Noel ($72, pictured left back) with brownie, orange curd, orange-praline crunch, chocolate mousse, chocolate jingle bell and ornament; the Yule Forest ($70, pictured centre back) is a delicate indulgence with flavours of cocoa, Amatika & Bourbon whiskey, salted caramel and vanilla; and the Boxing Day cake ($72, pictured right back) is an exquisite square creation composed of an edible Zephyr chocolate box. Buttermere Patisserie’s Christmas mini-set (pictured in foreground, $65) includes an Earl Grey morello cherry Santa, jasmine mousse and strawberry whipped ganache snowman friend, along with a salted caramel ganache ornament.958 Main Street, Vancouver; Details online
GlowbalWelcoming a very special guest from the North Pole to its newly transformed winter wonderland, Glowbal will host its annual Santa Brunch Buffet (adults $85 & kids $30) where families can gather for photos with Jolly Old Saint Nick before or after tucking into a festive buffet feast that features an array of chilled seafood, chef-attended omelet and carving stations, hot and cold brunch classics, pastas, desserts and more.590 W Georgia St, Vancouver; Details online
Pacific Institute of Culinary ArtsIndulge yourself and your loved ones this holiday season and let the talented chefs from Blue Hat Bakery-Café at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) create a delicious, stress-free Christmas dinner for you and your loved ones. PICA will care of all the details, like chopping, roasting and baking, so you can focus on celebrating the festive season with a menu that features a succulent turkey dinner with all the traditional trimmings and desserts. Each order serves two people ($115) and detailed reheating instructions will be provided.1505 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver; Details online
Five Sails‘Tis the season to celebrate, and this year Five Sails is offering a five-course dining experience ($165 per person) on December 24th and 25th. The unique menu is available for two evenings only and features lobster consommé, butter-poached king crab, beef tenderloin carpaccio, Christmas turkey and a yule log. 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver; Details online
Fanny Bay OystersFor one night only, celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bottle of Moët and a dozen of oysters ($150). In addition, chef Tommy Shorthouse will be featuring a special Lobster Thermidor for dinner. Plus, over at the market side, live lobsters are also available for the month of December for those who are making a feast at home.762 Cambie St, Vancouver; Details online
Count down the minutes to midnight and ring in 2023 in style during a special New Year’s Eve service starting at 3 p.m. that offers parties of two or four ‘Bubbles and Boards’ features and complimentary glasses of bubbly. The Bubbles and Boards for two ($80) option includes two glasses of bubbly, chili lime prawns, half-rack of lamb lollies, big bad sauce and burrata, while the Bubbles and Boards for four ($140) features all of the above plus halibut fritters and chips, and sablefish risotto.3124 Main St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Nora HamadeThis year, the team at Straight and Marrow will be featuring drink and food specials on New Year’s Eve, including dashi beurre blanc poached oysters, duck breast with smoked carrots and elk rack with chimichurri jus. For reservations after 10:30 p.m., there will be a fee of $60 per table, which will include a bottle of bubbles to welcome 2023. 1869 Powell St, Vancouver; Details online
From December 12 to 23, C|Prime will be offering a lunch buffet ($50 per person) with features including smoked salmon, poached prawns, pasta fresca, truffle mash, turkey stuffing, roasted ham and so much more. Plus, on New Year’s Eve, C|Prime will be offering a special four-course dinner menu with welcome drinks, midnight bubbly and live band for entertainment ($150 per person).1015 Burrard St, Vancouver; Details online
Coast RestaurantRing in the New Year at Coast and enjoy chef Fernando Burgues’ special New Year’s dishes along with live music, party favours, a glass of complimentary bubbles and a balloon drop at midnight. Menu features includes wagyu dynamite roll, beef carpaccio, oyster Oscar and surf and turf, plus whole roasted sea bass.1054 Alberni St, Vancouver; Details online
The Flying PigThis festive season, all Flying Pig locations will be offering 10 Days of Brunch from Friday, December 23rd to January 1st (with the exception of December 25). Enjoy brunch favourites, like asparagus and mushroom frittata, brioche French toast, signature pulled pork hash and daily brunch features. Details online
SambaJoyEdge Catering makes it easy for you this season with a variety of holiday offerings that are sure to bring your culinary experience to the next level. Whether it’s a large gathering or small intimate affair, Edge Catering can provide the perfect fare and service experience for your holiday soirée. Reach out to their events team to learn more about the menu of festive dishes and desserts.Details online
Ian LantermanArcher in downtown Vancouver invites guests “for a night of revelry and indulgent dining to celebrate the restaurant’s first New Year’s Eve.” Archer’s team of chefs has created a special seven-course dinner (with optional wine pairings), including a cauliflower steak, beef tenderloin with Burgundy truffle, seared sablefish, and an exquisite espresso chocolate tart. Reservations are now available online for seatings from 8 p.m. Guests are also invited to stay for the New Year countdown at midnight to toast with a glass of sparking wine. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Details online
Bacchus Restaurant & LoungeThe legendary Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge at the Wedgewood Hotel in downtown Vancouver will give you all the festive feels with its “magnificent Christmas decorations, twinkling lights and roaring open fires.” Celebrate with friends and family by enjoying one of the many special holiday meals, including the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea; Christmas Season Festive Carollers in the lobby; Christmas Eve Dinner; Christmas Day Brunch; Christmas Day Dinner (a four-course gourmet meal, complete with Sage Butter Brined Turkey Breast or Prime Rib Roast and Yorkshire Pudding, plus much more); Boxing Day at Bacchus; Early New Year’s Eve Dinner à La Carte Dinner; New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner; and New Year’s Day breakfast, lunch and dinner.Details online
