The best date night restaurants in Halifax, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver
Where to go and what to eat in your city, according to local experts
Aman Dosanj
The Globe and Mail
Published February 7, 2024
When date night can mean different things to different people, it can be tricky to find the right atmosphere and food.
The Globe asked trusted industry pros to help us map the best date-night eats in cities across Canada – from unassuming affordable gems, to casual hot spots to sexy splurges. These 26 restaurants are always worth a visit, whether it’s for a first date after swiping right or a special milestone with a significant other.
Dachi Vancouver ($$$)
“Whether it’s for an intimate weeknight tête-à-tête or a special milestone celebration, Dachi is one of my favourite spots that bridges both date-night occasions seamlessly. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Dachi crew makes you feel like family. They’ve created a vibe that’s lively and comfortable with an incredible sense of ease. Head chef Ben Berwick leans into his Japanese-Jewish heritage and years of living and working in Peru as key culinary touchstones. He takes a collaborative approach to menu development with his kitchen team, drawing upon their Québécois, Tokyo and Thai roots. On festive evenings, the ‘Trust Us Tonight’ share-tasting menu is a delicious indulgence. But even when a full-pull dinner isn’t what we’re after, my husband and I also love perching at the bar over a cheeky cocktail (or two) and a couple of snacks. For me, though, Dachi’s sake selection is a jewel. There isn’t a spot in Vancouver that features sake offerings of this scope and calibre – exceptional doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
– Joie Alvaro Kent, Canadian Culinary Championship head judge, co-author of Where the River Narrows: Classic French & Nostalgic Québécois Recipes from St. Lawrence Restaurant
Merci encore!