Date night in Vancouver, BC

It’s no secret that Chinatown has experienced a culinary renaissance in the past few years. This rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood has transformed into a fave foodie destination. With upscale cocktail lounges, trendy noodle bars and inventive fusion restaurants, there are plenty of places to wow your significant other on your next date night. [Photo of Juniper courtesy of Luis Valdizon, Where They Find Us]

When you’re just not ready for your date night to end, it can be a challenge to know what exactly to do next. Rather than simply head home, take your special someone to indulge in their sweet tooth at one of these yummy dessert spots in Vancouver. [Image courtesy of Thierry; photo credit: Leila Kwok]

Enjoy a romantic evening and some privacy at these cozy Kerrisdale restaurants and cafés, located just a short ride from Vancouver’s bustling downtown.

Looking for a taste of Barcelona without leaving the 604? You don’t need your passport to enjoy fine sherry, juicy chorizo, manchego cheese and many more Iberian pleasures. In fact, tasty tapas dishes, paella plates and cold glasses of cerveza are much closer than you think thanks to these Spanish restaurants and tapas bars in Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of España]

Vancouver’s natural beauty is one of her strongest selling points, so fantastic views abound in our glorious city. In the rainy winter months, though, it’s easy to choose finding shelter over stopping to take it all in. Sitting on any of these heated patios precludes having to make such a choice, allowing locals to remain warm – and dry – while getting a small taste of the outdoors. [Image courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]

In the wine world, natural wines are controversial; many dispute what makes a vino natural. Sommeliers will argue about biodynamic and organic growing techniques, and what chemicals are permitted. As for the rest of us, we know natural, local wines reflect where they come from and are a fitting companion to a farm-to-table meal. Here’s where to make the most of your conscious sipping experience in Vancouver.

Vancouverites love their oysters and there’s no shortage of spots to sip something tasty and slurp back a dozen slippery morsels. Good oyster bars must have a nice selection of marvellous bivalves, a cool atmosphere and friendly service, and a great wine, beer or cocktail list. Here are a few spots where the oyster shucking is the best in town.

Your shoes have been permanently wet for weeks, you’ve just lost your iPhone to a puddle, been splashed by a truck while running for the bus, and can’t remember the last time you saw blue sky (was the sky ever blue?). It can be tough to beat the winter blues in Vancouver, but you can find some warmth, an open seat, a welcoming bar and some of the city's best comfort food in Gastown. [Photo courtesy of Six Acres]

Vancouver is a super-casual place, which is great when all you want to do is slob around in yoga pants but not so good when you want to get dressed up a little and feel fancy. However, there is an easy fix to that sartorial problem – a night out at a hotel bar. I adore the glamorous ambiance of a ritzy hotel bar. Slip into your finery and enjoy a cocktail at my fave spots in town. [Photo courtesy of Hawksworth Restaurant]

Nothing warms you up on a cold winter’s night quite like a boozy mixed drink. From mulled wine to hot toddies to Irish coffees, these Vancouver restaurants serve up hot cocktails that’ll have you feeling toasty in no time. [Photo courtesy of Yellow Pages]

With its award-winning, internationally renowned bartenders and reputation for innovative drinks, Vancouver is blessed with a vibrant cocktail culture. The beating heart of its shaken-and-stirred empire is in Gastown, where you’ll find any number of excellent bars to enjoy some seriously delicious and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Although it’s hard to play favourites, here are a few of my can’t-miss cocktail spots.

For some, New Year’s Eve means a night of drinking, dancing and debauchery. But if you’re looking for a more civilized end-of-year experience, perhaps you’d prefer to ring in 2016 with a night of fine dining. Why not skip the crowded bars and celebrate the New Year with a memorable meal and a champagne toast at these Vancouver restaurants.