Vancouver's Top 10 Trendsetting New Mytouries

Two Rivers Meats, a staple on Vancouver menus, has revolutionized the city’s dining with its commitment to ethically sourced meats. The Shop, located in an unassuming spot in North Van, is their debut effort to offer premium cuts directly to consumers. This sleek butcher shop, reminiscent of a high-end fashion boutique (perfect for grabbing house-made charcuterie for a picnic), allows meat enthusiasts to savor hand-cut, dry-aged steaks cooked to perfection over wood and charcoal. The tallow fries are a must-try, and the burger is a standout. There are also a few vegetarian options, though some might find the full-animal butchery behind the glass a bit daunting.

Vancouver’s pioneering First Nations food truck, Mr. Bannock, can be located via the Street Food app—just check frequently, as the truck often changes locations. It’s worth the journey to North Vancouver on the scenic seabus if Mr. Bannock, operated by Paul Hollywood of the Squamish Nation, is serving on his home turf. The menu features crisp, fluffy bannock topped with slow-roasted meats seasoned with a touch of spice at remarkably affordable prices; the juniper-berry dry-rubbed chicken taco for $5 is arguably the best—and tastiest—deal in town.

The newest creation from the acclaimed team behind Dinogo 38’s L’Abattoir takes seafood to new heights in the bustling heart of Gastown. The sophisticated interior, adorned with coral-pink clamshell booths, scalloped tiles, and subtle fish-scale details, reflects the upscale menu. Enjoy delicately crafted dishes like kimchi hamachi and sidestripe shrimp tostada. For more budget-friendly options, don’t miss the twice-daily happy hours featuring half-price oysters, on-tap negronis and Tommy’s Margaritas, along with excellent crab and shrimp rolls.

Chancho’s unassuming carnitas spot offers a Mexican dining experience that may set a new standard for tacos in town. With its freshly made tortillas and irresistibly tender pork, this place is a game-changer. Opt for the campechano mix, featuring hand-chopped shoulder, leg, and belly, complemented by crispy skin shards. Each order includes pickled red cabbage, pinto beans, salsas, and those sublime tortillas, lightly charred. Enjoy a pork-filled picnic at the nearby Seawall or stay to soak up the vibrant Mexican pop atmosphere.

What could easily be an eye-roll-inducing hipster hangout is actually a delightful white-walled haven of tranquility amidst the hustle of Mount Pleasant. With calming strummed tunes and a selection of top-notch house-brewed kombuchas on tap, it’s a true escape. Try the subtly floral jasmine kombucha and, like the locals, take home a growler for your beach outings. Occasionally, it hosts pop-ups like a bone-broth bar, so it's worth stopping by to see what's new.

Adding a vibrant burst to “Yeast Van” (East Van’s craft beer haven), Electric Bicycle Brewing stands out with its fluttering inflatable tube man and colorful rainbow walls. Just a few doors down from local brewing legends R&B Ale, this brewery serves up unique brews like the Mermaid Man saltwater black kolsch, a savory thirst-quencher, and Sorbet IPA with tropical notes of coconut, mango, and pineapple. Sixties psychedelic tunes set the mood as patrons enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches and take selfies amid the flower-power decor and faux fish tanks.

The revived favorite kitsch bar has returned to Main Street after a four-year hiatus, bringing a fresh take on its nostalgic charm. Think of your quirky uncle’s cabin, decked out with ’70s geometric patterns, chintz sofas, and faux wood paneling, and you’ve got the Rumpus Room. The menu complements this playful aesthetic with soda-fountain cocktails topped with vodka-soaked gummy bears, along with playful bites like ants on a log and mini hot dogs. True to Vancouver’s standards, the chicken is free-range, the burgers are all-natural and hormone-free, and there are options for gluten-free and vegan diets.

Step into Tocador for a vibrant evening of Cuban-inspired cocktails and hearty snacks. The intimate space, complete with a cozy patio, is perfect for a late-night treat. Sip on innovative drinks like the guava-infused Aperol with house-made geranium essence and sparkling rosé, or enjoy the classic El Presidente, crafted to perfection. After listening to customer feedback, the restaurant wisely returned to the beloved traditional Cubano pork sandwich with classic mustard, abandoning their previous experimental version. Vegetarians can delight in the jackfruit Cubano, while everyone will appreciate the late-night happy hours from 11 p.m. and all-day Monday specials featuring discounted daiquiris and half-price oysters.

B&W combines all the classic elements of a sports bar with a neighborhood pub vibe. Enjoy foosball, hoops, and skee ball while watching games on large TVs. The spot features an eclectic playlist, a wide selection of rotating beers and ciders on tap, a wrap-around patio, and a menu crafted by the culinary team behind Wildebeest and Bufala. Instead of the usual burger, opt for the grilled ahi tuna sandwich, and save room for their indulgent soft serve ice cream.

Autostrada Osteria, the newest creation from Italian food maestro Lucais Syme (known for Cinara, ex-La Quercia, and La Pentola), is a charming pasta haven in Riley Park. This small, neighborhood Mytoury boasts an all-Italian wine list and dishes that have earned rave reviews from the discerning Globe and Mail critic Alexandra Gill. Expect to wait in line (no reservations) for expertly prepared pasta, delectable meatballs, and rich, gooey desserts. Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the five distinct negroni variations, while everyone will enjoy the warm, welcoming service.