2022 was a year of very good eating for me. With the pandemic restrictions lifting, and restaurants back in full swing, I had the privilege of indulging in more than a few good meals. It seems like the year has flown by, and while it was simultaneously easy and hard to choose these meals – I can say without a doubt these are the meals I will think about, and want to eat again in years to come. Check out my full 2022 recap of my top 10 must try meals in Vancouver below (in no particular order!)
1. Sashimi and Sushi Platter from Sashimiya
I have raved about Sashimiya time and time again and I will do so until the end of days. The sushi and sashimi here is always super fresh and I always wait with great anticipation for spot prawn season because no one does it better than Chef Taka.
My go to dishes:
- Premium Sushi Tray
- Chirashi Premium rice bowl
- Seasonal Sashimi Platter
Sashimiya
Address: 1348 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-689-0088
Website:https://www.sashimiya.ca/
2. Dim Sum at Mott 32
If you want the most ultra luxe dim sum experience, you need to check out Mott 32. Is it pricier than most? Absolutely, but worth the splurge. The dumplings here are exquisite and I am obsessed with their cocktails!
My go to dishes:
- Garoupa, Chopped Chili, Chinese Cabbage Dumpling Soft Quail Egg
- Iberico Pork, Black Truffle Siu Mai
- Canadian AAA Prime Tenderloin Puff
- Hot & Sour Iberico Pork Shanghainese Soup Dumpling
- Signature Smoked Black Cod
Mott 32 Vancouver
Address: 1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C6 Website: https://www.mott32.com/vancouver/
3. Omakase Dinner at Yugafu Japanese Bistro
If there is one omakase you need to try in this lifetime it’s the reservation only omakase at Yugafu Japanese Bistro. This charming spot had me so in love I managed to secure 3 reservations here in one year. The omakase is $70 and includes: 5 small appetizers, 9 pieces chef’s choice nigiri, miso soup and dessert. It’ll definitely leave you feeling satisfied in terms of fullness but try to save some stomach space to order a la carte because the oden, yakitori and additional nigiri pieces are always fantastic.
Yugafu Japanese Bistro
Address: 18818 68 Ave #103, Surrey, BC
Telephone: 778-575-5323
Website: https://www.yugafujapanesebistro.ca/
4. Brunch at Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
Honestly, any meal at Zarak is excellent, but if I had to choose I’d pick their brunch. I love the Afghani twists they put on brunch classics and their coffee drinks are just delightful. The service here is also spectacular. Everyone is so kind, friendly and helpful with suggestions. I highly recommend you add Zarak to the list if you haven’t already.
My go-to dishes:
- Bolani
- Beef Kofta
- New Zealand Lamb
- Full Afghan
- Chicken + Waffle
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
Address: 2102 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5
Telephone: 604-318-3456
Website: http://zarakvancouver.com/
5. Pizza from Wild Flour Pizza Co.
I love sourdough and I love pizza, so when Wild Flour Pizza Co. combined the two it was love at first bite. I love that they aren’t afraid to experiment with really loud and bold flavours. The crust is always perfectly crisp with the right chew and the best vehicle for all the amazing toppings.
My go to dishes:
- Perfect Storm
- Funghi
- Blue Pear
Wild Flour Pizza Co.
Address: 2900 Bainbridge Ave #104 Burnaby, BC V5A 2S8
Telephone: 604-238-4346
Website: https://www.wildflourpizza.ca/
6. Tom Yum from Song (by Kin Kao)
It’s rare that I am truly blown away by something, but let me tell you, the Tom Yum at Song is exactly that dish that blew my mind this year. The broth is so complex with the perfect spice level. The tiger prawns are massive and the young coconut and mushrooms are plentiful and delicious. If you can eat spicy, you need to add this soup to your must eat list of 2023. If you can’t eat spicy, order some milk and try it anyway!
My go to dishes:
- Shrimp Toast
- Pomelo Salad
- Tom Yum Prawns Soup
- Pad Thai
- Squash Stir Fry
Song (by Kin Kao)
Address: 317 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W5
Website: https://www.songyvr.com/
7. Brunch at Monarca Cocina Mexicana
This dish had me at ‘cheese skirt’. The Los De Ribeye taco at Monarca was so flavourful and delicious we ordered a second helping! The creamy avocado matches so well with the smokey grilled ribeye and the salsa verde packs a great herbacous punch.
My go to dishes:
- Los De Ribeye Tacos
- Cabbage a las Braasa
- Tostada Mixta
- Pulpo a la Brasas
Monarca Cocina Mexicana
Address: 181 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1
Telephone: 604 569 2258
Website: https://monarcavancouver.ca
8. Birthday Dinner at Land and Sea
Nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends succeed and what a crowning success Land and Sea is. If you haven’t been already, you need to put it on your list of places to eat at in 2023. I have never had a bad dish here and Kevin and Steph are always the most delightful hosts. I have always said the Ora King Salmon Soba was a life changing dish for me, and I’m so glad that everyone gets to try it now. For my 30th birthday, I had the most amazing dinner experience in their private wine cellar table – I highly recommend you try it for yourself!
My go to dishes:
- Ora King Salmon Soba
- Yarrow Meadows Duck
- Grilled Pork Tomahawk
- Roasted Nasu + Plants
- Unagi Risotto
- Chili Crab
Land and Sea
Address: 1864 W 57th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6P 1T7
Website: https://www.landandseayvr.com/
9. Hot and Sour Pork Noodles from Fat Mao Noodles
If you haven’t already gathered, I’m generally a huge fan of bold flavours. Fat Mao Noodles definitely delivers on that front! While I prefer their Chinatown location, specifically because they have my favourite Hot and Sour Pork Noodles. I always get this with clear rice sheet noodles. I wish more places served this style of noodle because I am obsessed.
My go to dishes:
- Hot and Sour Pork Noodles
- Spicy Boat Noodles
- Tom Yum Goong
Fat Mao Noodles
Address: 217 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6
Website: https://www.fatmaonoodles.com/
10. Dinner at Archer
Last, but very certainly not least was dinner at Archer. We celebrated my best friends’ birthday here and let’s just say this meal converted my fish hating friend into a fish eating friend (for the night)! Every dish is meticulously plated and well thought out. Their menu changes seasonally, but all the dishes were hits for us. Make sure you save room for dessert, Chef Kiko is an amazing pastry chef and her desserts are to die for.
My go to dishes:
- Foraged Mushroom
- Sable Fish
- Smoked Oyster
- Flaming Cheesecake
Archer
Address: 1152 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A5
Website: https://www.archerdining.com/
It was truly a year of excellent eating for me and I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store!