Top Restaurants in the West End

Vancouver loves its Japanese izakayas, thanks to the late-night hours, inventive cocktails, and tapas-like servings (of everything from hot-pot-like oden to sushi). The West End has two more Guu locations: Guu Garden at 888 Nelson St. and Guu Garlic at 1698 Robson St.
Address: 838 Thurlow St.
Phone: 604-685-8817
Cuisine: Japanese
Price-range: Inexpensive
Hours: Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner; Sunday for dinner

This West Ender delivers superb seafood in a slick setting that feels like downtown (indeed, it's just on the fringes of the central business district). Try BC specialties like Dungeness crab, Pacific oysters, and Haida Gwaii halibut. Making a reservation is a good idea, as the restaurant fills up quickly for downtown-ers.
Address: 1054 Alberni St.
Phone: 604-685-5010
Cuisine: Seafood
Price-range: Expensive to very expensive
Hours: Mon-Fri for lunch, dinner, and late-night; Sat-Sun for dinner and late-night

A small, 35-seat bistro, La Brasserie has a true neighborhood feel and is usually full with locals. The menu spans French and German cuisine, with comfort-favorites like steak frites and house-made bratwurst. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not take reservations, but waiting can be part of the charm. They have also operate a food truck at the corner of W. Georgia and Granville streets.
Address: 1091 Davie St.
Phone: 604-568-6499
Cuisine: French, German
Price-range: Moderate to expensive
Hours: Daily for dinner; Sat-Sun for brunch

The headliner is the 100-mile-tasting menu, but the general offerings cover a range of Pacific Northwest tastes. The patio has stellar views of English Bay, while a take-out window serves great fish and chips to-go.
Address: 1193 Denman St.
Phone: 604-685-7337
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest
Price-range: Expensive
Hours: Daily for dinner; Mon-Fri for lunch; Sat-Sun for brunch

Romance and perfect Italian food are an infallible match at this second-level restaurant above Robson Street. To boot, the wine list here is award winning. Make reservations, especially for special occasions.
Address: 1154 Robson St.
Phone: 604-688-7338
Cuisine: Italian
Price-range: Expensive to very expensive
Hours: Mon-Fri for lunch; daily for dinner

For a quick lunch in a bowl, head to this ramen spot -- one of many along Denman and Robson. Prices are cheap, and there are lots of extra toppings that allow you to customize your dish. But they don't take reservations.
Address: 1741 Robson St.
Phone: 604-688-6980
Cuisine: Ramen
Price-range: Inexpensive
Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner

With perhaps the best patio in Vancouver, this restaurant in Stanley Park serves tasty burgers, steaks, and seafood.
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr.
Phone: 604-669-3281
Cuisine: North American
Price-range: Moderate to expensive
Hours: Daily for dinner; Mon-Fri for lunch; Sat-Sun for brunch

Towers of fresh seafood, spot-on service, and a lovely rooftop patio make Joe Fortes a long-time favorite for Vancouverites. Oysters, steaks, and fresh fish are abundant and excellent quality. While you can make advance reservations for indoor dining, it's first-come first-served for the rooftop patio on Robson.
Address: 777 Thurlow St.
Phone: 604-669-1940
Cuisine: Seafood, steak
Price-range: Expensive to very expensive
Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner

Views from the 42nd-floor are the major draw here, while the menu covers the usual upscale items -- like rack of lamb, salmon, and steak. The restaurant is more polished than the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, but you still pay mainly for the view.
Address: 1400 Robson St., 42nd floor
Phone: 604-687-0511
Cuisine: North American
Price-range: Expensive to very expensive
Hours: Daily for buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner

Set local delicacies aside, sometimes you just want a good plate of spaghetti. In that arena Zefferelli's is nearly faultless: portions are big, service is friendly, and the location is just off Robson.
Address: 1136 Robson St.
Phone: 604-687-0655
Cuisine: Italian
Price-range: Moderate
Hours: Mon-Fri for lunch and dinner; Sat-Sun for dinner

The Malaysian cuisine here is both reasonably priced and reliable. There are two other West End locations at 1043 Davie St. and 1779 Robson St.
Address: 1096 Denman St.
Phone: 604-683-3333
Cuisine: Malaysian
Price-range: Moderate
Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner