Mid-January to mid-February is a foodie’s dream come true, with two spectacular festivals coming to town — the month-long Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival and Dine Out Vancouver festival.
Returning for the 21st edition, the Dine Out festival, taking place from Jan. 20 to Feb. 5, has just released its lineup of 365 restaurants at which you can satisfy your cravings at top-notch, gram-worthy restaurants, bars and breweries.
The popular annual food celebration will feature venues across Metro Vancouver offering set menus from $20 to $65 (ideal for any budget).
We made a guide for the sweet-tooth-afflicted Burnaby residents interested in the Hot Chocolate Festival; here's another featuring local gems in Burnaby participating in the 2023 edition of Dine Out Vancouver festival (in the order of prices):
Pacific Poke
This Burnaby (Vancouver border) gem offers a cheaper menu compared to the rest of the participating restaurants in the city, but the catch is that the menu is available only for takeout. Enjoy this venue's Hawaiian dish in the comfort of your home.
Address: 4461 Lougheed Hwy #2, Vancouver.
Cuisine: Seafood
Cost: $20 for 1 person combo, $38 for two-person combo.
Pho Den
Home of classic Vietnamese cuisine offering some inexpensive eats and authentic vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, salad rolls and banh mi, Pho Den makes the Dine Out festival cut.
The menu, priced at $20, is a great way to savour the Vietnamese delicacies without breaking the bank.
Address: 6401 Kingsway, Burnaby.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Cost: $20 for both lunch and dinner menu
Zubu Ramen
If you are like me, always craving for ramen but putting it off because there are just too many options, now is your chance to get to Zubu Ramen. This pandemic-born joint is sure to satisfy your ramen cravings.
Its lunch and dinner menus are set at $35 with vegetarian options available. They are four-course with wine pairings of the restaurant's choice.
This is the only restaurant on the list that does not take reservations. It is walk-in, first-come, first-serve. (It also offers takeout).
Address: 4575 Central Blvd, Burnaby.
Cuisine: Japanese
Cost: $35
Earls Kitchen & Bar - Station Square
Enjoy some White Chocolate Crème Brûlée or Truffle Tortellini at this North American chain started in 1982 by father-son duo Bus and Stan Fuller. The dinner menu is priced at $45 and the lunch at $35, offering both gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Address: 6070 Silver Dr., Burnaby.
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $35 for lunch; $45 for dinner.
Burnaby Mountain Restaurant
Imagine savouring mouthwatering delectables against a stunning West-Coast backdrop with green forests and majestic mountains. If picturesque dinner is on your bucket list, the Dine Out festival might be the time for you to head over to the Burnaby Mountain Restaurant.
The set menu is priced at $39 and will feature West Coast cuisine with vegetarian options.
Address: 7600 Halifax St., Burnaby.
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $39
Acqua Restaurant & Bar
With its West Coast cuisine, this patio and bar in the Amazing Brentwood neighbourhood overseeing the city skyline makes for a spectacular dining experience.
The set menu is priced at $42 and features vegetarian options.
Address: 4201 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby.
Cuisine: West Coast.
Cost: $42
Cactus Club Cafe - Byrne Road, North Burnaby & Station Square
No list featuring West Coast's signature restaurants would be complete without a Cactus Club.
The three Burnaby Cactus Club locations make the cut – as do 14 other branches.
The menu priced at $42 has some vegetarian options should you add this restaurant to your list of stops.
Address: Various locations in Burnaby
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $42
Claudio's Ristorante
This beloved 'home away from home' Italian eatery, formerly known as Pasta Amore Pizzeria Ristorante, makes you feel like you're eating at Nonna's house.
Enjoy its simple authentic Italian menu with classics like spaghetti carbonara and tiramisu. The menu is priced at $45 and can be made for vegetarians and taken out.
Address: #103 4402 Skyline Dr., Burnaby
Cuisine: Italian
Cost: $45
Time and Place
There is a time and a place for everything, including Burnaby's newest restaurant.
The up-and-coming restaurant is Burnaby's latest dining destination for dinner and happy hour, and is all about welcoming the neighbourhood and serving the community, according to its website.
The West Coast dining destination has a festival menu which can also be taken out at $45. It offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Address: 6083 Mckay Ave., Burnaby.
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $45
Trattoria
Indulge in some white asparagus antipasto or exquisite red wine braised short rib at this Italian restaurant, which offers a $45 set menu as part of the festival. Meat-free options are few but vegetarians might willing to forgo the the "main course" might still find a visit rewarding.
Address: 102 – 4501 Kingsway, Burnaby.
Cuisine: Italian
Cost: $45
Atlas Steak + Fish
This modern twist on classic North American steakhouse is casual-meets-elegance, and is sure to provide a unique dining experience.
The menu is priced at $49 and will feature vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Address: 4331 Dominion St., Burnaby.
Cuisine: Steak & Seafood.
Cost: $49/$65 with wine pairing (includes a complimentary Amuse Bouche);
Baci A Taste of Italy
This North Burnaby Italian restaurant has old-world charm and live music and dancing. It will offer three menus as part of the festival — lunch, dinner, and takeout. Lunch and dinner menus are priced at $50 and will feature vegetarian and gluten-free options. The take out will range from $35 to $50.
Address: 3728 East Hastings St., Burnaby.
Cuisine: Italian
Cost: $50
Hart House Restaurant
Want to experience a lakeside relaxed dining experience or an intimate fireside dinner? Hart House in Burnaby, named one of Canada's best brunch spots in 2022, is the place to go. The restaurant has curated a special dinner menu for the festival at $55 a plate, giving you the ultimate Mediterranean dining experience.
Address: 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Cost: $55
Riverway Restaurant
Another hidden gem on the golf course offering a fine dining experience. Flaunt your best clothes as you make your way to the restaurant because you might want to take plenty of pictures on the sophisticated premises.
The set dinner menu is priced at $55 and offers vegetarian options.
Address: 9001 Bill Fox Way, Burnaby
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $55
Mintara on Burnaby Mountain
Another Burnaby Mountain gem taking part in the Dine Out Vancouver festival 2023. This West Coast restaurant's dinner menu is set at $59. Vegetarians have the option of a collection of mushroom dishes.
Address: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby.
Cuisine: West Coast
Cost: $59
Portobello Restaurant
The participation of East Hastings restaurant famous for its candlelit tables and an intimate ambience is another southern Italian addition to the festival.
The menu is priced at $59 but is not vegetarian friendly.
Address: 4120 East Hastings, Vancouver.
Cuisine: Italian
Cost: $59
