Tianna ClarkeAfter the pandemic, I found myself embracing smaller gatherings and the intimate connections that come with them. Dining with just a few close friends or family members allowed for deeper conversations and a sense of togetherness that I had missed.
In this article, I’ll share my top private dining hideaways, which promise great food and an ambiance that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Read on to discover your next dining destination!
1. Parker Rooftop
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Website: https://parkerrooftop.com/
Address: 1379 Howe St 9th floor, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R7, Canada
Contact details: +16046966951
Operating hours: 3–11 PM
Pricing: $$$
Parker Rooftop has got to be one of the coolest places I’ve come across in downtown Vancouver. Imagine this modern venue atop the newly reimagined Parker Hotel, offering breathtaking city and ocean views.
The ceilings soar to 20 feet, and stunning chandeliers and original artwork are scattered throughout. You can chill in the cozy indoor “living room” or soak up the sun on one of the landscaped patios.
The place spans 4,000 square feet and has seating for many guests—perfect for upscale events or a fun night out. If you’re planning something private, they have catering options to make your event unforgettable.
Pro tip:
Arrive just before sunset. This timing allows you to witness the breathtaking transition from day to night over Vancouver’s skyline while enjoying a refreshing cocktail on the patio. This experience truly encapsulates the essence of this stunning venue!
2. Brix & Mortar
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Website: https://www.brixandmortar.ca/
Address: 1137 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6M5, Canada
Contact details: +16049159463
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
Pricing: $$$
Brix & Mortar is in a beautifully restored brick building from 1912 with this charming heritage-style feel. It’s perfect for intimate gatherings, like weddings or anniversaries, and they even let you customize the menus!
Brix & Mortar has been around since 1999 and is still family-owned. They offer modern, creative Canadian cuisine. The braised short ribs are to die for, and their seasonal seafood dishes are always fresh and flavorful.
This perfect blend of sophistication and rustic charm, especially the glass-covered courtyard patio, lets natural light pour in. They even have private dining spaces and sometimes host live music, which adds to the whole experience.
Pro tip:
Arrive early on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening when they feature live music. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your dining experience while enjoying local talent in a cozy setting—something you won’t miss!
3. Black + Blue
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Website: https://blackandbluesteakhouse.ca/vancouver-home/
Address: 1032 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3, Canada
Contact details: +16046370777
Operating hours: 10:30 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$$
Black + Blue is an upscale steakhouse with sleek black and blue accents, plush leather seating, and polished marble floors. It offers private dining options, making it a great choice for any event. It’s one of Canada’s premier steakhouses.
If you’re hosting a gathering, the capacity here is impressive, with options catering to intimate dinners or larger parties. They even offer catering, so you can enjoy their amazing dishes at home or wherever you celebrate.
Black + Blue is known for its prime cuts of meat. You can’t go wrong with their tender filet mignon or the robust ribeye. And for those days when you’re in the mood for seafood, their lobster tails are simply mouthwatering.
Pro tip:
Their $17 Burger & Beer special on Fridays is a great way to kick off the weekend.
4. Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Wine Bar
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Website: http://www.hydravancouver.com/
Address: 475 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B3, Canada
Contact details: +16044160880
Operating hours: 7 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$$
Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Wine Bar has fresh decor and a Mediterranean-inspired vibe, perfect for casual business meetings or those special celebratory dinners we all love.
They have this private dining room called the Cabana. It’s designed for larger groups but still feels exclusive—definitely a great choice for a memorable gathering. The place draws inspiration from the beautiful Greek island of Hydra.
The menu is packed with fresh seafood from local, sustainable farms and the waters of the Aegean and Salish Seas. From grilled octopuses to mouthwatering lamb chops, the awesome Raw Bar displays fresh catches daily.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip dessert! Traditional Greek sweets like baklava are an afterthought and a highlight of the meal you’ll want to savor.
5. The Roof at Black & Blue
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Website: https://blackandbluesteakhouse.ca/the-roof-vancouver/
Address: 1032 Alberni St 3rd floor, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3, Canada
Contact details: +16046370777
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$$
The Roof at Black & Blue is a gorgeous open-air lounge perfect for summer get-togethers. It’s spacious enough to handle larger groups and is the city’s largest rooftop restaurant.
The menu is drool-worthy. They’ve got this incredible lineup of prime meats, skewered fish, and seafood cooked over a Josper Grill. And get this—they’re Kobe Beef certified, so you’re in for some of the most exquisite cuts of meat.
The vibe is inviting, with modern decor, lush greenery, and stunning views of the Vancouver skyline. They even offer catering options, a big plus for private events.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to snag one of the coveted outdoor seats with the best views—especially during sunset! This spot transforms into a magical oasis as the city lights twinkle, making your dining experience unforgettable.
6. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
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Website: http://www.ancoradining.com/
Address: 1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9, Canada
Contact details: +16046811164
Operating hours: 12–9:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio opened its doors in 2015, and since then, it’s been a favorite spot, thanks to its fantastic mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable seafood and uses local ingredients.
The decor is super inviting, with soft blues and light woods that mimic the coastal feel. Beautiful crystal chandeliers imported from Italy hang in the room. There’s even an open kitchen where you can see the chefs doing their thing.
They’ve got a great setup for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Their catering options are customizable, so you can tailor everything to fit your and your guests’ tastes.
Pro tip:
If you can, opt for a reservation around sunset; the views from the patio during this time are stunning and create an unforgettable dining experience
7. The Teahouse in Stanley Park
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Website: http://vancouverdine.com/teahouse
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +16046693281
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Pricing: $$
The Teahouse in Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful spots. This charming little restaurant is tucked right into the park. It specializes in West Coast cuisine, including fresh local produce and seafood dishes.
What I find so cool is that this place has been around since 1888. The views are breathtaking! You can see English Bay and the North Shore mountains, which makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
If you’re planning an event, they’ve got you covered with several private dining options that can host up to 120 guests. They offer a variety of catering options, too, whether you want a nice plated dinner or a buffet-style meal.
Pro tip:
You’ve got to try their three-course lunch menu. It’s a fantastic deal at just $55 per person! The menu features signature seafood dishes and seasonal desserts that highlight local flavors.
8. Alouette Bistro
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Website: http://alouettevancouver.com/
Address: 567 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8, Canada
Contact details: +16046898862
Operating hours: 7 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
Alouette Bistro is a charming French restaurant tucked inside the Executive Hotel Le Soleil. The menu is a love letter to classic French cuisine. Just picture this: Duck Cassoulet, Steak Frites, and Coq Au Vin.
They even have a private dining room that fits up to 16 people, perfect for special moments or corporate lunches. The decor gives a lovely nod to its past as the Copper Chimney restaurant while embracing a modern French look.
I can’t help but order the French Onion Soup or the Baked Brie when I’m there. And don’t forget to check out their happy hour specials—such a great way to enjoy their fabulous cocktails and a few small plates without blowing your budget.
Pro tip:
Ask about their hidden courtyard patio! It’s a charming spot often overlooked by first-time guests. It offers a serene escape from the bustling downtown vibe—perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or sipping wine under the twinkling lights.
9. Five Sails Restaurant
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Website: https://glowbalgroup.com/five-sails/
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada
Contact details: +16048442855
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$$
Five Sails Restaurant features a menu featuring fresh seafood and seasonal goodies. It’s cozy yet classy, with plush velvet booths and gorgeous marble accents.
But the best part? The views! With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can look out over Stanley Park and Coal Harbour while you eat. They have a full bar, too, with an amazing wine selection that is perfect for those leisurely afternoons or special nights out.
I can’t stress enough how much you need to try the Spot Prawn Risotto. It’s an absolute bestseller, and it’s just bursting with local flavors—the sweet prawns mixed in with that creamy risotto will have you smiling ear to ear.
Pro tip:
If you want a window seat to soak in those stunning views, aim to arrive either early or late in the evening; it increases your chances of snagging one of those coveted tables.
10. Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
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Website: https://wedgewoodhotel.com/dining/bacchus-restaurant/
Address: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada
Contact details: +16046085319
Operating hours: 7 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$$
Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge combines elegance with this cozy atmosphere that jakes you feel at home. They focus on contemporary Canadian cuisine, and their menu showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients and local flavors. I
The place isn’t huge—about 100 seats—but that adds to the charm, especially since they offer private dining for special occasions. It’s perfect if you’re looking to celebrate something intimate or even host a corporate event.
As soon as you walk in, you’re wrapped up in a warm ambiance that feels luxurious yet inviting. The decor strikes a beautiful balance between classic and modern—think plush seating, soft lighting, and lovely art touches.
Pro tip:
Ask about their off-menu specials. Sometimes, the chef creates unique dishes based on fresh ingredients available that day, so you might stumble upon something extraordinary not listed on the regular menu!
