One of the local favorites, Suika is a Japanese izakaya restaurant on West Broadway. It serves modern Japanese cuisine which has become a popular taste among locals in the neighborhood. The plush interiors, complete with a bar and cozy seats, is perfect for a late night dinner with friends or family. The menu features dishes such as Beef Tendon Curry, Miso-Ramen, Chinese Poutine, Grilled Fish Set, Yellowtail Sashimi and The Hellz Chicken. The food is complemented by a selection of Japanese vodkas and sake like Zuiyo and Ginkara.

Known for the nightly live music and flowing libations, the Cottage Bistro on Main Street is a hip and happening joint. Flocked with dark wooden tables with tea lights, and rich red walls with sepia toned photographs of music legends, bands and artists rock out all night long. Tasty upscale pub grub served here means you can spend the whole evening here, from cocktail hour, dinner to a night cap.

The art of the cocktail is alive and well at Pourhouse in historic Gastown. Like the neighborhood itself, this restaurant-bar mixes the old with the new. Antiques are combined with custom-designed bar of white spruce, giving the room an eclectic yet cozy ambiance. The bartenders shake it up with all of the classics as well as cocktails with a twist. Pourhouse also offers a full menu of comfort food like carpetbag steak and beef short ribs with browned sweet potato. A full brunch menu is also available, as well as the chef's table, with advanced reservation.

This Guu at Thurlow Street originally started in 1993 and also happens to be the first in the chain of Guu Izakaya restaurants in Vancouver. It is famous for its authentic Japanese dishes and also Guuu'd Ale. Guu retains its classic warm ambiance that makes for a perfect dining experience with friends and family.

GUU with Garlic is located in the city's West End, and serves inexpensive home-style Japanese food. The emphasis is on seafood and fried dishes; the menu features grilled squid with Japanese mayo, Okonomiyaki, and grilled mackerel, among others. The atmosphere is lively and boisterous, as waiters shout their orders and greetings across the restaurant. All in all, GUU with Garlic is a casual joint with great food.

This contemporary Spanish restaurant is located in the West End of Vancouver. Serving classic dishes such as paella, cured meats like serrano ham, chorizo, iberico pork, and a variety of cheeses, España Restaurant is as authentic as they come. The restaurant is also lauded for its delightful tapas, with Potatoes bravas being a highlight of the menu. You can also pick a wine of your choice from the extensive list to go with your meal.

If a vegetarian could spend eternity in Utopia, he or she would probably live at The Naam. Opened in 1968, this homey place in Kitsilano features live music, a private patio, and an extensive, healthy menu. Fulfill your veggie fantasies with items like Popeye Pita Pizza, complete with spinach, onions, feta and mushrooms. Sample ethnic specialties or old standards like veggie and tofu burgers. This hugely popular eatery does not accept reservations, so make sure you get there well before time.