Are you a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure? Then look no further, because Dine Out Vancouver is back for it’s 22nd edition! This year the festival runs from January 17th to February 4th, 2024. Taste the world across the city at more than 350 restaurants with delectable multi-course meals and unique culinary experiences. The festival is a great way to get out and support your local community’s restaurants. The set menus are offered at three price ranges. The ranges are: $20-$35, $35-$50, or $50-$65. Check out my top picks for Dine Out Vancouver 2024 at each price range below.
Dine Out Vancouver 2024 Picks – $20-$35 Set Menus
With all the rising prices happening, to get a full meal at this price point is incredible. Here are some menus that piqued my interest, as well as menus from restaurants that I’ve previously dined at and enjoyed!
Gastronomy Gastown – I’ve always been a huge fan of Gastronomy – they have some of the best Italian food in the city. For Dine Out Vancouver they are offering a $35 dinner menu. For my starter I would go with the Beef Tartare, followed with their Spicy Soppressata Pizza (so good!) and then finish with their Bomba Tiramisu.
Menya Itto – This is another favourite spot for me for ramen. Although it isn’t nearly as popular as Ramen Danbo or Horin Ramen up the street, I think this spot is a real hidden gem on the West End. For Dine Out Vancouver they are offering a $27.95 dinner menu. For my appetizer I would pick the cocktail shrimp with ponzu jelly. I would follow that with the Classic Noko Gyokai Ramen (a thick and creamy chicken and seafood based ramen with pork belly chashu) and end with their matcha tiramisu.
Sula Indian Restaurant – If you ever want a solid Indian meal, Sula is the place to be. All locations of Sula will be serving up a $33 dinner menu for Dine Out Vancouver, but my pick is for Commercial Drive. For my appetizer I would start with their Avocado Jurmuri. For my entrée I would go with the Thakkali Thokku Chicken (a South Indian style chicken curry with tomato, jaggery and spices) and for dessert I would go with their Madras Mocha Cake.
Dine Out Vancouver 2024 Picks – $35-$50 Set Menus
This price range offers the most variety in terms of which restaurants to choose from. The set menus this year have some pretty diverse and unique offerings.
Jungle Room – This lush spot serving up elevated Japanese and Indonesian street food was one of my top restaurants of 2023. For Dine Out Vancouver they are doing a $50 dinner menu. For my appetizer I would pick the udang balado (sautéed wild prawns). Following that I would go with either the Beef Ribs or the Seared Spring Salmon. For dessert I would definitely go for their Ice Cream Sando.
A.Bento – A solid pick for homey authentic Taiwanese food. For Dine Out Vancouver they are offering a $40 dinner menu. For my appetizer I would go for the sticky rice roll wrap with Taiwanese sausage. The entrée options (Taiwanese Braised Noodle or Hawaiian Fried Rice or Taiwanese Night Market Sizzling Plate) all sound so appetizing so it really is up to your taste. For a sweet ending I would go for the Grass Jelly with Mini Taro Ball. Bonus, the meal comes with their famous Nitro Tea (Black or Oolong)!
Showcase Restaurant & Bar – This year their Dine Out $49 dinner menu is inspired by Italy. For appetizers I would go with their Angus Beef Carpaccio. For the main if you’re a lamb lover the 3-bone lamb rack is a must order. But I personally love the Rigatoni Durum Semolina Pasta with crispy mushrooms. For dessert the House Sorbetto is a must.
Minami – You can honestly never go wrong with Minami for Dine Out Vancouver. This year they are offering a $50 lunch menu. The starter will be the Minami Zen Bento, followed with the sushi course and ending with a Black Sesame Coconut Mousse for dessert. This year the lunch menu also comes with a seasonal Minami iced tea.
Dine Out Vancouver 2024 Picks – $50-$65 Set Menus
Don at Kitsilano – A cute spot in Kitsilano with a beautiful interior and an innovative take on Asian fusion food. For Dine Out Vancouver they have a $55 dinner menu. For the appetizer I would go with the ‘When Grandma Was Here’ (steamed egg). I would follow that with the Aburi salmon belly don and end with the Hojicha pecan pastries.
Bruno – This is one of my favourite restaurants in Richmond and for Dine Out they have a $65 dinner menu. It seems to be modeled on their ‘board tasting experience’ so for first course there will be a Kale Grain Salad, Tuna Tartare, and Kurobuta Pork Belly. For the 2nd course there will be a Ribeye, Saffron Shellfish, Truffle Mashed Potatoes and lemon garlic Broccolini. And for dessert a Rustic Tiramisu.
Hydra Vancouver – This is one of my favourite spots for Mediterranean food in Vancouver. For Dine Out Vancouver they have a $59 dinner menu. To start I would go with the seared scallops. For my main definitely try the Hydra Signature Lamb Chops (even if you don’t like lamb! It’s that good). And for dessert there is a Pistachio Tiramisu
Chambar Restaurant – If you love french food you definitely need to go to Chambar for their $59 dinner menu. To start I would go with their Le Thon Rouge (ahi tuna tartare). For my entree I would go with their Moule Frites ‘Congolaise’ or their La Piece de Boeuf (braised beef short rib) and to end I’d go with their Gateau Basque.
Arike Restaurant & Cocktail Bar – A Canadian fusion restaurant influenced by the tastes of Nigeria. They are offering a $72 set menu with 6 courses that includes bannock, pineapple carpaccio, scallop, potato risotto, beef cheek and a chocoltae chili cake.
These are my top picks for Dine Out Vancouver 2024, but of course there are so many more restaurants to choose from. Check out all the restaurant available here!