Vancouver

You'll have to eat here at least four times to experience each uniquely designed dining space. The lustrous Pearl Room, for example, glimmers with a custom chandelier. — Travel + Leisure

“You'll want to take a picture of every plate” at this “lively” Gastown hangout where the kitchen combines Pacific Northwest ingredients with French style in “fabulous”, “inventive” fare. — Zagat

Vij's doesn't take reservations, as is apparent by the line outside every night, but patrons huddled under the neon sign don't seem to mind since they're treated to tea and papadums. — Frommer's

Inspired offerings from their latest foray to Southern Thailand include starters of crispy fried oysters and salad with nahm jim sauce. — Gayot

Locals and tourists alike flock to this stylish converted Yaletown warehouse for locally sourced seafood imaginatively prepared by executive chef Frank Pabst. — Concierge

Belgian-inspired and perpetually packed with hip, youngish locals, Chambar has the feel of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. — Concierge

Outdoor cafe serving fresh fish and shellfish. Don't be put off by the line-up, people come back for a reason. — Insight Guides

Salt is unique and a wonderful place to get a good, fairly inexpensive meal. — Frommer's

Lots of places lay claim to the local, seasonal vibe, but chef David Gunawan and partner Dara Young mean business. — Tasting Table

An open kitchen and patio tables add to the appeal, and while you may have to “open the bank vault before you go”, it’s still a “place to see and be seen." — Zagat

Le Crocodile is named for Michelin three-starred Au Crocodile in Strasbourg, France, but the seasonal ingredients such as white asparagus or spot prawns add a soupçon of West Coast. — Frommer's

Deep-fried fresh corn with soy butter is deceptively simple, while the yellowtail and avocado carpaccio dressed with garlic chips, wasabi mayo and soy-sesame dressing will have you craving seconds. — Gayot

The jury is still deliberating on this upscale Chinese fusion restaurant that packs in pretty young things. — Rough Guide

Putting out gargantuan quantities of utterly addictive deep-fried chicken wings and marinated butter beef that's seared then splashed with lime juice, fish sauce and fried garlic. — Gayot

This is the best-known upscale sushi restaurant in Vancouver, and it's been running like a well-oiled machine for 30 years. — Condé Nast Traveler

“Divine” handmade pasta and other “thoughtful”, “modern” Italian fare with “bold flavours” merits “waiting for a table” at this “rustic”, “welcoming” trattoria. — Zagat

Gold walls, terra-cotta tiles, and a crowd-pleasing modern Italian menu make this Tuscan-inspired restaurant appropriate for a business meal, a romantic tête-à-tête, or a relaxing dinner. — Fodor's

Surrounded by visiting rock stars, or at least glammed-up American Robson Street shoppers, you'll feel like you just landed in LA. — Time Out

Don't leave without sampling their specialty: Belgian waffles, with toppings like dark chocolate or salted caramel. — Fodor's

Snag a window booth or swivel chair at the kitchen-facing counter and dive into elevated all-day breakfasts and comfort grub, including the smashing roast duck and kimchi pancake. — Lonely Planet