The 20 Best Contemporary Restaurants in Canada

BNA Brewing Co. combines a spacious, character-filled setting with a lively atmosphere and attentive service. House-brewed beers are complemented by creative, generously sized dishes, such as hearty noodle bowls. Guests note thoughtful touches from the staff, making it welcoming for both groups and families.

North Bar & Grill offers a mix of grill favorites, Italian-inspired plates, and seafood in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Guests highlight generously portioned dishes such as chicken Parmesan, prawns, New York steak, and lobster ravioli, along with crowd-pleasing appetizers. Attentive, personable service contributes to an inviting atmosphere suitable for an evening out.

Homestead Bar À Vin is a cozy neighborhood wine bar and bistro known for its creative, carefully composed small plates. Dishes are served in courses and presented with thoughtful explanations, creating a leisurely, experience-driven meal. An extensive selection of wines, including natural options, is thoughtfully matched to guests’ preferences, making it a favored choice for date nights and special occasions.

Gather offers seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine in an unpretentious setting, with dishes such as creative salads, open-face sandwiches and house-baked desserts. The kitchen emphasizes local produce, reflected in changing specials and a reliable soup of the day. Attentive, welcoming service and wheelchair access make it comfortable for a wide range of guests.

Waterfront Wines Restaurant offers seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen crafts carefully prepared dishes that often feature inspired daily specials, complemented by well-matched regional wines and spirits. Attentive, knowledgeable service and a comfortable, polished setting make it a popular choice for food and wine enthusiasts.

Shaughnessy's Cove is a lakeside restaurant offering casual fare such as burgers, tacos, and other crowd-pleasing dishes. A substantial menu and options like cauliflower wings and fish tacos cater to a range of tastes. The patio, framed by flowers and planters, provides a pleasant outdoor setting, while attentive staff and a well-received kids’ menu make it welcoming for families.

Erling's Variety offers creative, seasonally driven cuisine in a cozy, rustic space with wooden accents, a lively bar, and playful artwork. The open kitchen turns out thoughtfully prepared dishes such as tuna crudo, butternut squash gnocchi, and inventive mushroom plates, often highlighting Canadian-sourced ingredients. Attentive, knowledgeable service includes personalized recommendations for cocktails and wine pairings, contributing to a relaxed yet polished dining experience.

The Woodview Inn & Graydon's Restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience in a tastefully decorated dining room within a historic inn. Guests highlight carefully prepared, flavorful dishes, including classics like beef tenderloin, and attentive, professional service. Mornings feature a convenient breakfast delivered to guest rooms, often enjoyed on the patio with freshly brewed coffee.

Nightingale offers contemporary cuisine in a stylish downtown Vancouver setting. Guests praise the light, chewy pizzas, vibrant salads, and flavorful vegetable dishes, all presented with attention to detail. The airy multi-level space, polished decor, and attentive, knowledgeable service create a refined yet comfortable dining experience from brunch to evening.

Flores & Pine offers contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on steak, seafood, and shareable boards, complemented by creative appetizers like Brussels sprouts and seasonal specials. Cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine selection enhance the experience, guided by knowledgeable staff. The restaurant maintains a polished, upscale ambiance and is attentive to a wide range of dietary needs and allergies.

Located within Hotel Clique, Tonic Kitchen + Bar offers convenient all-day dining with hearty breakfasts and familiar comfort dishes such as burgers, steak sandwiches, and fish and chips. Portions are described as generous and satisfying. The bar features a selection of beers on tap, creating a relaxed spot for a meal or drink. Attentive, personable service is a consistent highlight of the experience.

Lee Restaurant offers contemporary, globally inspired sharing plates in a modern, airy dining room with sleek, comfortable decor. Dishes are designed for the table, with items like the signature slaw and braised meats praised for their layered flavors. Well-crafted cocktails complement the food, while attentive staff guide guests through the shared-plate format.

Set on a working farm in the Charlevoix countryside, Faux bergers offers a thoughtfully paced, multi-course prix fixe menu built around local, carefully sourced ingredients. Plates arrive as artful compositions, emphasizing clear flavors and simple elements. Wine pairings highlight distinctive producers, while the chef and team introduce each course and pairing, creating an engaging and informative dining experience in an intimate setting.

Sidedoor offers inventive, Asian-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh flavors and thoughtfully composed small plates. Diners highlight creative tacos, tuna sashimi, and satisfying vegetarian options, including gluten-free choices. The setting features appealing decor, and the attentive, knowledgeable staff contribute to a smooth and engaging dining experience.