Bao Bei

This Chinese brasserie in Vancouver serves killer cocktails and delicious dumplings, crispy tofu, tender pork belly, shrimp fried rice and so much more.  They don't take reservations so best to arrive early.

 (Crispy tofu, garlic sweet soy, fresh water chestnut) 

 (Steamed prawn, scallop & chive dumplings) 

 (Steamed halibut with ginger, citrus, fermented fava bean, cilantro & basil pistou)

 (Crispy pork belly with radish, cucumber, pickled ginger, mint, crispy potatoes & Vietnamese cilantro root dressing) 

 (Kick ass house fried rice with marinated red prawns)

Kissa Tanto

Landing the top spot on enRoute magazine's 2016 Best New Restaurants list, it's easy to understand why when you step inside and eat from the Japanese/Italian inspired menu.  Located in Vancouver's Chinatown, be sure to make a reservation far in advance.

(Fish crudo) 

(Wagyu tartare with parmesan) 

(Octopus salad) 

 (Porchetta agnolotti) 

(Half chicken and Japanese eggplant with bechamel and almond crumble) 

Aunties & Uncles

This low key breakfast and lunch spot near College and Bathurst is open 7 days a week and won't disappoint.

The omelette of the day was stuffed full of broccoli and spinach and comes with buttered challah toast and a choice of potato salad, home fries or greens.  The banana oatmeal pancakes are perfect to share (if you're feeling hungry).

Be sure to head there early for weekend brunch to avoid a long wait.  They don't take reservations and it's cash only.