Underrated restaurants: Vancouver industry insiders tell all

As part of our annual Golden Plates best restaurant survey, we asked over 100 local chefs, restaurateurs, and managers to name the most underrated restaurant in the city. It could be a forgotten gem, a place that doesn't get much media attention, or simply a personal favourite that deserves more appreciation.

Responses were varied and restaurants were spread across the city. Many named Italian restaurants, including La Buca, new kid on the block La Quercia, and mom and pop operation, Osteria Napoli.

According to some sources, it's definitely worth the drive to Burnaby to enjoy the local, seasonal cooking of the Pear Tree.

Not surprisingly, this being Vancouver, many people pointed to a special Japanese restaurant that they love. One favourite is Dan Japanese Restaurant on West Broadway.

Of course, there are many more restaurants, Japanese and otherwise, that are still flying under the rader. Here are some of the responses.

Asian
Blue Water Café + Raw Bar
Dan Japanese Restaurant
Hoshi Sushi
Irashi Sushi
iSushi
Legendary Noodle House
Phnom Penh
Sushi Town
Taste of Vietnam
Tasty Village
Toshi Sushi
Yuji's Japanese Tapas

West Coast
Alibi Room
Enigma
Five Sails
Hamilton Street Grill
Joey’s
The Pear Tree Restaurant

Italian
La Buca
Gigi’s on Davie
Osteria Napoli
La Quercia

French
The Hermitage
La Brasserie
Mistral
Salade de Fruits Café
Twisted Fork Bistro

Latin American
Baru Latino Restaurante
Cobre Nuevo Latino Cuisine
Doña Cata

Eatery
Little Nest
Sophie’s Cosmic Café
Splitz Grill

Mediterranean
Nuba
Pasparos Taverna