Cantina Social Club

Canada's first proper mezcaleria on The Drive, where house-pressed tortillas and small-batch mezcal flights have an excellent working relationship.

Michelin-listed Main Street kitchen where Peru meets Tokyo and Canton: alpaca tartare, arroz con pato, and a pisco bar that hums until close.

Dark brick, low light and west-coast Mexican cooking in Edgemont Village, run by the children of the cafe that stood 100 metres away.

A Mexican inspired kitchen on Union Street that takes brunch and dinner equally seriously, so it fits whichever end of the day you pick.

Oaxacan tacos, ceviche and margaritas that actually taste of lime, on a patio at White Rock's quieter East Beach end.

A Kits patio institution since 1994, where BC's biggest tequila list and mango margaritas handle the conversation.

A stylish two-level Moody Centre taqueria, globally-inspired tacos and a rotating list of BC craft beer.

The sunny tiled downtown room with legendary Belgian waffles, a lavender dark chocolate situation, and a line that is genuinely worth it.

A restored downtown heritage atrium where soaring marble makes charred octopus feel like a civic event.

Chef Hector Laguna's plant-draped Coal Harbour room, where the world-ranked cocktails alone justify the good shirt.

Chef Hawksworth's two-storey heritage hall for wood-fired pizza, buttermilk fried chicken, and the share-everything format that actually works.

The only dinner where eating with your hands from the same plate is not just allowed, it's the whole point.

Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains through floor-to-ceiling glass, with a Canadian Culinary Champion kitchen to match.

Lantern-lit West End izakaya where the sake list rewards bravery and stone-grilled beef keeps arriving until you've forgotten your plans.