14 Memorable Date Nights in Vancouver
Our year in Vancouver has simultaneously been one of the most exhausting but also most rewarding & fun chapters for our little family. Between Jamie’s grueling work schedule and my 4:30 AM starts (the reality of working for the NL time zone while living on the West Coast), by the time 8:00 PM rolled around, all we usually wanted was a pillow.
However, thanks to a mixture of amazing parents visiting and insisting we go out, and finding a local sitter we truly loved, we eventually started reclaiming our evenings. We always had to rally some serious energy to leave the house. While out and having fun, we’d both catch ourselves nervously checking the time, knowing full well we always “paid” for it the next morning when Gabe or Yuyu woke up at the crack of dawn. But, the memory of a great meal and a laugh was usually worth the sleep deprivation (for us).
The "Rookie" Logistics Lesson
On our first night out, we drove from Kitsilano to downtown, marveling at the lights as we crossed the bridge and joking that we finally knew what Vancouver looked like after 7:00 PM. Lesson learned: Don’t drive. We spent 15 minutes hunting for a parking space and ended up paying double what an Uber would have cost. Save yourself the headache and just get an uber.
Our North Star: The Michelin Guide
With endless options in the city, we were so grateful to be introduced to the Michelin Guide early on. It became our go-to for finding incredible food at a decent price. Since 90% of our dates revolve around food, it was the perfect way to have an actual conversation while checking "try that new place" off the list.
Here are our top 15 favorites (all within 15 minutes of Kitsilano), in no particular order:
The Dinner Shortlist
1. Botanist
Located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, everything about this place is just YUM. I loved the lush decor and every single dish we tried. It feels like a true escape.
2. Suyo Modern Peruvian
We came here for my birthday and it was spectacular. It feels like you’ve stepped into a sophisticated jungle. The servers are noticeably knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. I loved how every dish and cocktail came with a story.
3. Bao Bei
A great modern take on Chinese food served as small plates. It’s perfect for sharing, and it’s a spot we discovered with visiting friends.
4. Elisa
A busy, high-end steakhouse that delivers on every front. The steak is delicious, but honestly, save room for dessert, it’s just as much of a highlight.
5. Raisu
Vancouver has no shortage of Japanese restaurants, but Raisu is our pick for the vibes. They have sunken tables on the patio, which is a great experience.
Parent Tip: They actually have a kids' menu, so it's a solid family backup if your sitter plans change.
6. Minami
For a more upscale, Japanese-fusion experience in vibey Yaletown, we loved the shareable dishes here.
7. Unchai
Hands down one of our favourite Thai restaurants that we had in Vancouver. It started as a tiny, unassuming neighborhood jaunt and expanded over the year to include more seating. It was also our most-ordered takeaway food.
8. Fiorino
Incredible Italian. I usually try not to order chicken when we go out because we eat so much of it at home, but the server recommended the Pollo Alla Diavola, and I’m so glad I listened. I still wonder how I can make mine taste half as good.
9. Le Crocodile (The Wild Card)
Jamie loved this place; I only liked it. If you’re in the mood for high-end, classic French food, this is a treat.
The "Still Young & Fun" Nightcaps
After dinner, we’d typically try to act like we were still young and fun by checking out a bar for a nightcap (mostly mocktails for me.)
10. Bagheera
We were officially obsessed with this speakeasy and took almost everyone who visited us here.
The Reveal: I won’t spoil the fun of the password or the "bet" you have to place to get in, but the transition from the street to the bar is half the fun.
The Vibe: It’s designed to look like an opulent, vintage rail car. A little insider tip: The shape and the curved, trinket-studded ceiling create some wild acoustics. It’s almost like a "whispering gallery." Like us, you might find yourself accidentally eavesdropping on a conversation from the other end of the bar, as if they were whispering in your ear!
The Menu: They serve delicious Indian small plates (so it's a great late dinner option) and I had the best mocktail of my life here. Their cocktail menu is extensive and changes periodically, so there’s always something new to try.
11. The Keefer Bar
This spot has a fantastic "apothecary" vibe with great snacks and cocktails. We found ourselves coming back here a number of times for the atmosphere.
Shows & Experiences
12. Cirque du Soleil
We loved this show, even with seats partially obstructed by a tent pole.
The Pregnancy Perk: While port-a-potties at a major event are never ideal, being heavily pregnant meant I got priority over the long lines, a rare silver lining
13. PopCappella 3D (Chor Leoni @ The Rio Theatre)
Jamie humored me on this one because I love choirs. It was a chaotic start, I struggled to get Gabe fed and in bed because he was cluster feeding, so we missed the first half. We went anyway, threw on our 3D glasses, and enjoyed the second half ( through pure exhaustion, I may have also fallen asleep part way through). Sometimes just showing up is the victory.
14. Science World After Dark
As a true nerd at heart, Jamie was in his glee explaining all the exhibits. Every few months the science museum you know and love for kids, provides drinks, snacks, and a strictly "adults-only" crowd. We had triple O’s burgers and shakes for dinner.
Author
I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.
What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.
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