Celebrate special occasions in Vancouver at these 14 amazing restaurants

Step into a luxurious space that calls for special occasions at Notch8. Credit: Notch8
Bar and dining room at Notch8, one of the best restaurants for special occasions in Vancouver.

Vancouver’s breathtaking surroundings make it all the more exciting to go out for a celebratory meal. But beyond epic waterfront views, the city’s thriving dining scene holds something for all kinds of celebrations. From group-friendly dining for celebrating a birthday to romantic gems for unforgettable date nights and fun, vibrant hotspots for dancing the night away, the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver will mark your next event with a bang.

Whether it’s a top-notch Chinese meal in luxe interiors, flame-seared sushi enjoyed alongside views of Vancouver Harbor or a towering seafood platter shared in a city famous for its fresh catch, Vancouver offers plenty of options for a celebratory meal out.

Read on for 14 of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver, and book on OpenTable when you’re looking to ring in something memorable.

The best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver to book right now – read on for a guide

For celebrating a birthday – head to Dovetail in Yaletown

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The house-made pasta dishes from Dovetail include a daily rotating plant-based pasta. Credit: Dovetail
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Large group bookings are always welcome at Dovetail. Credit: Dovetail
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From date night to an elegant birthday party, Dovetail welcomes bookings of all sizes. Credit: Dovetail
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The small plates menu at Dovetail is designed to be shared family-style. Credit: Dovetail

The family-style sharing platters, creative cocktails and groovy vibes make Dovetail one of the best party venues for a birthday in Vancouver. Large group bookings are welcomed, so you can take the whole gang and celebrate in Californian style. Always lively, yet with an aura of sophistication inspired by the chic energy of the West Coast. Expect upbeat house tunes to accompany you as you choose from the extensive cocktail list or sit down to a meal designed to be shared by the whole table. Try a Dovetail Sour while your table is being prepared – mezcal, passionfruit, honey, ginger and almond. Take your seat and start with bang bang shrimp with spicy aioli, mochiko chicken with marinated cucumber, and butter beef tataki with crispy shallots. Add a 12ox fillet of steelhead with tarragon remoulade or a dish of pasta in a spicy vodka sauce, then finish with a chocolate brownie with Tahitian vanilla gelato.

For one of the best party venues in Vancouver – book your table at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar in the Stadium District

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Hand-stretched pizza from home-made dough in true Italian style from Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. Credit: Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar
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Classic tiramisu, a must-try for any Italian-style party at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. Credit: Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar
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Inventive cocktails help get the party started at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. Credit: Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar
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Classic Italian salads to whet the appetite at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. Credit: Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar

One of the best venues for a birthday party in Vancouver, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar offers not only private dining for 20 seated guests or up to 30 for a standing reception. You can also be entertained by live jazz and blues in Frankie’s Jazz Club, open four nights a week and featuring a mixture of local and international musicians. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy an eclectic mix of local and imported Italian wines, or head to the restaurant for food that is fresh, simple and refined in true Italian fashion. While the menu changes with the seasons, sample dishes include melt-in-the-mouth boneless beef short ribs, braised in red wine with a shallot beef demi and rainbow maple carrots, a vegan spaghetti Bolognese, and cod puttanesca with tomato, basil and garlic. Alongside this, choose from various hand-made pasta and pizza dishes, and finish with a house selection of gelato and sorbetto.

For a top-notch Mexican business lunch in Vancouver – take a seat at Cantina Norte in North Vancouver

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Octopus served west-coast Mexican style at Cantina Norte. Credit: Cantina Norte
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An intriguing mixture of ancient and modern characterizes the interior of Cantina Norte. Credit: Cantina Norte
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Whether you’re looking for Mexican tequila shots or an inventive cocktail, the bar at Cantina Norte awaits. Credit: Cantina Norte
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From chipotle chorizo mussels to paella, tacos and more, Cantina Norte specialises in upscale Mexican cuisine. Credit: Cantina Norte

Serving upscale Mexican food in vibrant surroundings, Cantina Norte is the latest iteration of one of Vancouver’s most award-winning Mexican establishments. Café Norte operated a neighborhood gem between 1998 and 2009 with a family vibe, and now Cantina Norte takes over the reins. Still family-run and just 100 meters from the site of the original restaurant, locals and tourists alike can partake of beloved recipes and new flavors from the west coast of Mexico. For a light lunch, sample shrimp and papaya quesadilla, the daily special tamale, or a soup and salad combo. Platos grandes served from 3 pm include highlights such as chimichangas with chicken and juicy mango salsa, beef brisket braised slowly in cerveza, and Ocean Wise BC mussels with chipotle cream, chorizo and white wine.

For a romantic celebration at a 5-star hotel – visit Botanist in Downtown

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The wagyu beef carpaccio is a real showstopper from Botanist. Credit: Botanist
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An impressive wine and cocktail list complements your menu at Botanist. Credit: Botanist
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 Hotel dining with a focus on the produce of the Pacific Northwest at Botanist. Credit: Botanist
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Modern and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows, relax and enjoy lunch or dinner at Botanist. Credit: Botanist
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Botanist brings the outdoors indoors, with verdant dining areas and light airy spaces. Credit: Botanist

The bounty of the Pacific Northwest is on display at Botanist, the swanky restaurant inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Executive chef Hector Laguna serves up dishes such as black pepper-crusted salmon with smoked buttermilk and kohlrabi, butter-smoked striped seabass with Dungeness crab and spaghetti squash, and seared scallops with pork jowl and green apple. Vinophiles are sure to appreciate the restaurant’s exceptional wine program, which mirrors the food menu’s strong sense of place with its emphasis on terroir-driven wines. The restaurant features four distinct spaces, including a champagne lounge and an indoor garden, making it an apt destination for a celebration.

For a cozy farm-to-table destination – try Farmer’s Apprentice in Kitsilano

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Watch the chefs at Farmer’s Apprentice in action as they smoke and ferment their own meats in house. Credit: Farmer’s Apprentice

As its name suggests, the menu at Farmer’s Apprentice changes constantly based on what’s harvested at the nearby farms it works with. Some recent highlights on the family-style menu, which earned a Bib Gourmand nod from Michelin in 2023, include dry-aged duck with 10-spice rose honey, xak-spiced roast cauliflower with almond and pine nut mole, and tender pork shoulder roasted with smoked quince in a hazelnut brown butter. The open kitchen offers views of the chefs dehydrating, smoking, and fermenting all kinds of ingredients, making for an action-packed evening at the restaurant.

For a celebratory feast with a group – book at Mott 32 – Vancouver in Downtown

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The most awarded Chinese restaurant in the world, Mott 32 never fails to deliver exceptional quality. Credit: Mott 32
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The dim sum menu at Mott 32 is extensive and packed with Oriental treats for the whole table. Credit: Mott 32
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Asian-inspired cocktails to complement award-winning Chinese food at Mott 32. Credit: Mott 32
The elegant Chinese-inspired interiors at Mott 32, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Vancouver.
Mark an important milestone in elegant Chinese-inspired interiors at Mott 32’s. Credit: Mott 32

Downtown’s Mott 32 is the only Canadian outpost of the famed international restaurant with locations in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Las Vegas. One of the world’s most awarded Chinese restaurants in Vancouver, including several themed private dining rooms and an expansive main dining room with views across Downtown. Book VIP private dining in one of four stunning rooms for six to 18 guests, or get one of the best birthday party places in Vancouver all to yourself (and up to 179 guests) by booking the whole venue. Chef Lee Man Sing’s menu has Cantonese and Sichuan influences with highlights including the Peking duck, which requires a 48-hour preparation; barbecued Iberico pork; and dim sum such as a soft-boiled quail egg inside a pork siu mai. Designer Joyce Wang imagined Mott 32’s luxe interiors featuring leather banquets and gold accents on the wallpaper.

For an award-winning steakhouse – try Gotham Steakhouse and Bar in Downtown

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Prime steak prepared just the way you want it at Gotham Steakhouse and Bar. Credit: Gotham Steakhouse and Bar
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A fresco dining year round with an open terrace fire at Gotham Steakhouse and Bar. Credit: Gotham Steakhouse and Bar
A tower of fresh seafood and champagne glasses at Gotham Steakhouse and Bar, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Vancouver.
Celebrate any kind of special occasion with a spectacular seafood tower at the elegant Gotham Steakhouse and Bar. Credits: Gotham Steakhouse and Bar
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Warm, modern and artistic with room for large parties, Gotham Steakhouse and Bar is a great spot for a celebration. Credit: Gotham Steakhouse and Bar
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From the classic martin to something more creative, Gotham Steakhouse and Bar cocktails almost rival the steak menu. Credit: Gotham Steakhouse and Bar

For top-notch steakhouse fare paired with live music and a sophisticated Art Deco interior, look no further than Gotham Steakhouse and Bar. Opulent mahogany with rich reds and blacks in Art Deco style make this a sophisticated choice for all sorts of events and celebrations. The romantic interiors make this one of the best date night restaurants in all of Vancouver. One of the highlights of the menu is a seafood tower featuring smoked & candied salmon, oysters, and scallop ceviche, with an optional third layer of whole Atlantic lobster and sturgeon caviar. The A5 wagyu from Kobe is another must-try. Musicians play in the lounge Wednesday through Friday evenings for diners looking for a livelier night out.

For elegant plates in a charming setting – visit Honey Salt at Parq Vancouver in the Stadium District

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Treat yourself to Nova Scotia lobster risotto and more at Honey Salt. Credit: Honey Salt
Snug and vintage-style interiors at Honey Salt, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Vancouver.
Toast and dine to special moments with Honey Salt’s cozy, rustic ambience. Credit: Honey Salt
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A home-from-home vibe pervades at Honey Salt. Credit: Honey Salt
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Charred salmon fresh from the ocean at Honey Salt. Credit: Honey Salt

Husband-and-wife team Kim Canteenwalla and Elizabeth Blau work with local farmers and fishermen to bring diners the freshest ingredients at Honey Salt at Parq Vancouver. Sophisticated yet relaxed and with a local neighborhood vibe, serving farm-to-table produce in a setting ideal for a casual business lunch in Vancouver. Menu highlights include Nova Scotia lobster risotto, melt-in-the-mouth beef bourguignon, and mussels with chorizo and cider in garlic herb butter.  Finish off the meal with one of the decadent desserts such as the chocolate cake served tableside with caramelized bananas, a milk chocolate mousse, and a dark chocolate glaze.

For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver for seafood with a view – don’t miss LIFT Bar Grill View in Downtown

The al fresco dining area and grill at LIFT Bar Grill View, one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver’s waterfront location.
LIFT’s breathtaking seaside views and cozy outdoor fireplaces call for a memorable celebration. Credits: LIFT Bar Grill View.

LIFT Bar Grill View’s waterfront views of Stanley Park and the North Shore are its biggest draw, but its seafood-focused menu is just as compelling. Dishes such as smoked steelhead trout with maple Dijon cream, lobster tail in bearnaise and miso sablefish with wasabi pea puree steal the show. The multi-course chef’s menu with B.C. wine pairings is worth every penny for diners looking for a truly memorable meal to commemorate any type of special event, while the chilled seafood tower makes this one of the best date night restaurants in Vancouver.  

For flamed-seared sushi at one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver – book at Miku Restaurant in Coal Harbour

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Delicate sushi and sashimi take center stage at Miku Restaurant. Credit: Miku Restaurant
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For large party events with a Japanese theme, Miku Restaurant is the perfect celebration spot. Credit: Miku Restaurant
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Ocean and harbour views make dining at Miku Restaurant a truly memorable experience. Credit: Miku Restaurant
Spreads of Japanese sushi and dessert, along with a glass of sake at Miku Restaurant, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Vancouver.
Create indelible memories with family and friends that linger like the perfect umami at Miku Restaurant. Credit: Miku Restaurant

Miku Restaurant owner Seigo Nakamura is best known as the man who introduced Vancouver (and Canada) to the joys of flamed-seared aburi sushi, back in 2008 with the debut of his waterfront restaurant. Aside from the famed sushi, diners can opt for a multi-course kaiseki menu or choose from à la carte options such as lobster ceviche and Japanese A5 wagyu steak. Show-stopping desserts including green tea opera cake are a must to end the meal. When weather permits, grab a seat on the waterfront patio, which overlooks the five sails of Canada Place. And as one of the best restaurants with party rooms in Vancouver, enjoy private dining for as many as 20 guests in the beautiful Blue Sky Room, looking over both the harbour and the ocean.

For an extra-special brunch buffet on a rooftop – visit Notch8 in Downtown

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Sample a selection from the raw bar at Notch8 and taste the ocean. Credit: Notch8
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The Fraser Valley chicken schnitzel is a real showstopper at Notch8. Credit: Notch8
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Try the roast or Sunday brunch buffet at Notch8 and end your weekend on a high note. Credit: Notch8
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Make a toast to the excellence of the food, service and surroundings at Notch8. Credit: Notch8
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Cozy and intimate, enjoy date night in a private booth at Notch8. Credit: Notch8

Buffet at any of Canada’s Fairmont hotels is always special, and it’s no different at Fairmont Vancouver’s flagship where it’s served at Notch8, the stunning rooftop dining room with views of the city. Start a celebratory weekend brunch buffet with seafood, charcuterie and cheese and fresh smoothies. The hot buffet features eggs Benedict, French toasts, crêpes, pasta, pudding and a must-try Canadian striploin chef-attended carving station. For a boozy brunch, pair it with mimosas and bellinis, or opt for one of the signature cocktails. The Lavender Corpse Reviver combines local Empress gin with Cointreau, Lillet Blanc and lavender mist.

For an Asian feast at one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver – book at Torafuku in Chinatown

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Pan-Asian specialties at Torafuku include dumplings in a house-made chili vinaigrette. Credit: Torafuku
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From spicy salads to Oriental mains, the menu at Torafuku brings a taste of the East to Vancouver. Credit: Torafuku
Plates of meat and vegetable-filled dishes at Torafuku, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Vancouver. Credit: Torafuku
Feast on award-winning Asian dishes for a memorable celebration with a group at Torafuku. Credits: Torafuku
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 The certified Angus beef tenderloin from Torafuku is a real must-try. Credit: Torafuku
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Asian-inspired cocktails to complement your Oriental menu at Torafuku. Credit: Torafuku

Chef Steve Kuan’s Torafuku grew out of his pan-Asian Le Tigre food truck, and the restaurant is still going strong eight years after its debut. Highlights of the Torafuku menu include duck confit with spicy Thai som tam sauce and hazelnuts, black cod with a spicy bouillabaisse risotto, and bison tartare with pear galbi sauce and pickled kohlrabi. Cocktails also incorporate Asian ingredients with yuzu juice and tea-infused gin prominently featured on the menu. For parties of seven or more, the restaurant can customize the menu with advance notice, making this one of the best restaurants for an engagement party, birthday or other special occasion.

For one of the best brunch spots in Vancouver – head to Zarak by Afghan Kitchen in Mount Pleasant

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Creative dishes inspired by centuries of Afghani heritage fill the sharing menu at Zarak by Afghan Kitchen. Credit: Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
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With dishes designed to be shared by the table, Zarak by Afghan Kitchen is the ideal birthday party venue. Credit: Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
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Family-style dining for a convivial night out at Zarak by Afghan Kitchen. Credit: Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
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Bright and modern with space for large groups, book a party at Zarak by Afghan Kitchen. Credit: Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
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Inventive cocktails inspired by the history of Afghanistan from Zarak by Afghan Kitchen. Credit: Zarak by Afghan Kitchen

This Mount Pleasant restaurant honours the recipes of owner Hassib Sarwari’s mother, Zohra Parwani. Order plates to share—roasted Brussels sprouts or charbroiled kebabs served with rice—for the table. The new weekend brunch menu at Zarak by Afghan Kitchen includes eggs Benedict served with a chutney hollandaise, as well as a classic fry-up reimagined with lamb sausage, potato flatbread and lubya—an Afghan kidney bean curry. Creative cuisine based on Afghani heritage, a fun, family vibe and a small team of passionate servers and chefs make this one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver for a birthday dinner. Unique cocktails are on hand to lubricate every guest, while the sharing-style menu ensures great conversation.

For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver for fine dining – try Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar in Downtown

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Juicy, salty scallops fresh from the ocean and seared to perfection are a highlight at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Credit: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
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Creative cocktails to pair with succulent seafood at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Credit: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
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The Hamachi crudo is a must-try from the raw bar at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Credit: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
A spread of dishes and people gathering around food at Boulevard, one of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver. Credit: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Gather around for a feast of charcoal-grilled dishes and shareable plates at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Credits: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma head up Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, a stylish Sutton Place Hotel restaurant. Their West Coast cuisine menu emphasizes seafood with constantly changing dishes. Recent highlights have included charcoal-grilled sablefish served with bull kelp plus a dish of seared scallops with smoked mustard and a vermouth velouté. For celebrations with big groups, opt for the caviar service or the seafood tower from the raw bar. The elegant restaurant features Italian marble and white oak floors, antique chandeliers, and a heated, wrap-around patio for al fresco dining.

Vancouver is a great city in which to celebrate all sorts of events, from a restaurant wedding reception to date night or a birthday party. These 14 special occasion restaurants in Vancouver offer everything you need for your next night out in the city – fantastic menus, impressive drinks lists and carefully curated surroundings. Book your next event at one of the best restaurants for special occasions in Vancouver and start planning today.

Still can’t decide? Explore more of the best special occasion restaurants in Vancouver on OpenTable.
Keen for more of Vancouver’s best restaurants? Check out the below guides:

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