Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University Area

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Maxine's Cafe & Bar restaurant

1. Maxine's Cafe & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(352)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West End

Booked 53 times today

Maxine’s Cafe & Bar, nestled in the vibrant West End of Vancouver, is a gem for Contemporary American cuisine lovers. The restaurant’s expertly curated menu by Executive Chef Bobby Milheron showcases elevated breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner favorites, emphasizing peak flavor and freshness. Patrons rave about the unique, creative dishes and consistently excellent service. A reviewer highlighted, "The food was clean your plate delicious!" and another exclaimed, "Inventive and delicious menu, great variety of choices and prepared exquisitely." Maxine’s also offers a fantastic ambiance inspired by Soho’s funky spots and European bistros, making every dining experience truly special.

2. JOEY Bentall One

4.6

Exceptional(336)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 98 times today

JOEY Bentall One offers a quintessentially Canadian dining experience right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Known for its vibrant and trendy atmosphere, this restaurant stands out with its locally and globally-inspired menu crafted by a team of award-winning executive chefs. JOEY Bentall One, praised for its handcrafted dishes such as the sushi cones, blackened chicken, and the iconic Canadian maple ice cream, truly captures the spirit of Canadian cuisine. As noted by delighted guests, "The service was above and beyond and the food was exceptional!" and "Everything - from the atmosphere, service, and food - was outstanding," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking the genuine Canadian flavor.

A photo of The Story Cafe - Eatery & Bar restaurant

3. The Story Cafe - Eatery & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1428)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Richmond

Booked 20 times today

The Story Cafe - Eatery & Bar in Richmond is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for transforming a vintage warehouse into a culinary haven. It's no surprise that the restaurant proudly boasts the OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2023 award for its exceptional dining experiences. Guests rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes served, with one patron exclaiming, "The Lobster scramble for brunch was awesome," and another recommending the "Beef Wellington." The menu features refined offerings like Duck Confit and Beef Wellington, served in a setting that perfectly blends casual decor with a nostalgic ambiance. This gem is a must-visit for anyone in search of top-notch Contemporary American fare in a lively, music-filled environment.

A photo of Moxies - West Georgia restaurant

4. Moxies - West Georgia

4.1

Excellent(385)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Moxies - West Georgia, located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, is a standout for Contemporary American cuisine with its globally inspired menu and handcrafted cocktails. Praised for its vibrant atmosphere, Moxies offers an exceptional dining experience. Reviewers rave about the unique dishes, like the "best looking poke bowl" and "delicious" chicken madeira rigatoni, emphasizing the freshness and creativity of the menu. One diner noted, "The food was delicious, and our server Yoddit was super friendly," highlighting the engaging service that complements their culinary offerings. Ideal for pre-event dining near Rogers Arena and BC Place, Moxies is celebrated for its "amazing service" and "excellent food" which makes every visit memorable.

A photo of Hawksworth Restaurant restaurant

5. Hawksworth Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(2794)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Yaletown

Booked 86 times today

Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver's chic Yaletown district is a beacon of global and international cuisine, lauded for its culinary finesse and creativity. Celebrated Canadian Chef David Hawksworth and his team craft dishes that are not only rooted in classic techniques but also dazzle with bold, international flavors using the highest quality ingredients from around the world. Its globally inspired menu has earned it numerous accolades, including recognition from MICHELIN and Forbes. Diners rave about the "culinary masterpiece" that is Hawksworth, with one noting, "Each dish is a work of art, bursting with flavor and thoughtfully crafted." Whether it's the impeccable service, the extensive wine list, or the inventive cocktails, Hawksworth promises a dining experience that "delights the palate and elevates the senses," making it an essential destination for those seeking exceptional global dining in Vancouver.

6. Beach House

4.5

Awesome(4317)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Vancouver

Booked 48 times today

Beach House in West Vancouver offers a quintessential Contemporary American dining experience, perfectly blending sophisticated culinary techniques with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the West Coast. Guests rave about the "excellent food" and the ability to indulge in dishes like the praised Vongole, hailed as the "best I’ve ever had." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident as patrons mention the "perfectly prepared" meals and "exceptional and warm friendly service." With its stunning location right on the beach, the ambiance adds to the overall experience, making Beach House a must-visit for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American cuisine along with breathtaking views. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just in search of a remarkable meal, Beach House does not disappoint.

7. El Guapo

4.4

Awesome(212)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Yaletown

Booked 8 times today

El Guapo in Yaletown, Vancouver, is a true gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a unique twist. Patrons rave about the "Guapo Burger, the best burger in town," highlighting the quality and creativity infused in classic American dishes. The atmosphere at El Guapo is unmatched, described as "a fun and lively spot," especially during the weekend when a live DJ enhances the vibrant scene. Reviewers consistently applaud the restaurant for its exceptional service and atmosphere, noting it as "a lovely experience every time I visit." Whether it's the acclaimed burgers or the festive vibe, El Guapo promises an unforgettable American dining experience.

A photo of Moxies - Richmond R&D Kitchen restaurant

8. Moxies - Richmond R&D Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(314)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Richmond

Booked 17 times today

Moxies - Richmond R&D Kitchen is a gem in Richmond, celebrated for its Contemporary American cuisine with a global twist. Diners rave about the "exquisite avocado toast" and "out of this world French dip sandwich," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to both innovation and quality. Located conveniently near the Vancouver International Airport, Moxies offers a vibrant dining atmosphere perfect for any occasion. With glowing testimonials like "the best brunch I’ve had in a long time" and "the steak was delicious," it's clear that Moxies excels in delivering memorable dining experiences. Whether it's the crafted cocktails or the attentive service, every detail is carefully curated to ensure an enjoyable visit. Join the chorus of satisfied guests and discover why Moxies is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best in Contemporary American dining.

A photo of Mahony's Tavern - False Creek restaurant

9. Mahony's Tavern - False Creek

4.5

Awesome(166)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • False Creek

Booked 1 time today

Mahony's Tavern in False Creek, Vancouver, is a culinary gem renowned for its authentic American cuisine. This lively venue is celebrated for its "phenomenal" snapper and crispy fish, "very good chips," and the "best salmon and clam chowder" one could hope to find. A patron raved about their experience, stating, "The food is always fresh and delicious & the staff are very personable!" What sets Mahony’s apart is not just its food but its stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and cityscape, making every dining experience picturesque and memorable. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Mahony's delivers great food with a side of spectacular scenery, embodying the spirit of American dining in Vancouver.

A photo of Mahony's Tavern - Convention Centre restaurant

10. Mahony's Tavern - Convention Centre

4.5

Awesome(270)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Coal Harbour

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the scenic Coal Harbour neighborhood of Vancouver, Mahony's Tavern - Convention Centre is a gem for lovers of Contemporary Canadian cuisine. With a menu that skillfully blends classic West Coast fare with innovative twists, diners rave about the "mouthwatering crispy chicken sliders" and the "fluffy crust" of their Hawaiian pizza. A visitor highlighted, "The food was to die for... 12/10 if I could!" The tavern's location provides a picturesque backdrop of ocean views, enhancing the dining experience. Patrons appreciate the "great atmosphere" and "excellent staff," making Mahony's not just a meal, but a memorable experience. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Mahony's Tavern is a must-visit for authentic, high-quality Contemporary Canadian cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Donaldvip
Winnipeg / Manitoba •90 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
When in Vancouver, a visit to Hawksworth is always in order. I decided to try the seasonal tasting menu. The selection looked impressive on the menu. It exceeded my expectations as I savored each bite. Thoughtful wine pairings complemented each course. Top marks for service and presentation. The sea bass, duck, and sunchoke ice cream were stellar. For the price, such fare is great value. The attentive service only contributed to the experience. I highly recommend Hawksworth.
More info
Hawksworth RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Canadian• Yaletown
•
4.7
S
Stephenvip
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was excellent, dinner service was top notch. Only issue was the hostess who insisted on giving us the worst table in the restaurant, when others were readily available.
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The Story Cafe - Eatery & BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Richmond
•
4.6
N
Nicole
Idaho •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Maxine’s was great! Natalie was our server and she was outstanding! She was so sweet! The food was so good and very reasonably priced! We sat outside and it was very quiet, but cozy!
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Maxine's Cafe & BarPrice: Moderate• French American• West End
•
4.8
J
Jeffrey
Vancouver / British Columbia •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was excellent but the fries were quite salty.
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Moxies - West GeorgiaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.1
M
Maryvip
Portland / Oregon •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We dined at Joey's on our 3rd evening in Vancouver. So far it is our favorite! The vibe was lively and the service attentive. But the food! There was such good variety for my husband and my varied tastes. I had the steak and sushi along with the house salad. I have never tasted such delicious and unusual sushi before! The aburi sushi was new to me and very much enjoyed. I ate every bite. My husband had the chicken parmesan. It came artistically presented with the noodles spun atop the chicken. The chicken was moist and delicious and balanced well with the imaginative house salad. The prices were reasonable for downtown Vancouver.
More info
JOEY Bentall OnePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University Area

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Maxine's Cafe & Bar

2. JOEY Bentall One

3. The Story Cafe - Eatery & Bar

4. Moxies - West Georgia

5. Hawksworth Restaurant

6. Beach House

7. El Guapo

8. Moxies - Richmond R&D Kitchen

9. Mahony's Tavern - False Creek

10. Mahony's Tavern - Convention Centre

See what locals rave about

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