The outstanding presentation of mouthwatering Pacific Northwestern fare deserves a standing ovation at Diva where locals and tourists flock to enjoy some of the best the region has to offer. The multi-level dining room is excellent for people watching, but you'll want to keep your full attention on such seasonal highlights as smoked Alaskan black cod, artichoke soup and porcini-crusted veal loin steak. Desserts include the signature Stilton cheesecake or Thomas Haas chocolate bar.

KITSILANO. This brilliant blue corrugated steel shack beside False Creek regularly puts out a variety of fried fish including cod, salmon and halibut, accompanied by crispy chips and a tangy slaw with a hint of Asian dressing. On any given day you'll find devotees lining up to order and sit at the outdoor picnic tables that create the "dining room," even when the temperature dips. The secret? The light, non-greasy batter uses local beer from the Granville Island Brewery and the fish are so fresh they're practically still flopping.

WEST END. Chic, hip and well-priced define Hapa Izakaya which is fast becoming a West End fixture. Enter the dining room whose sleek black-on-black decor defines Asian modern and deposit your shoes into clever little boxes to sit Japanese style (albeit through a cutout under the table). Order up some sake from the extensive list or sample a martini. This is a place well-suited to share entrees which range from traditional sushi selections to the more inventive cod roe gratin. Save room for the equally creative desserts such as annin tofu and almond-scented coconut and milk pudding, topped with maple syrup.

DOWNTOWN. Scallops, sweetbreads, veal cheek, rack of lamb and steak tartare are just a few of the selections created by master chef Hervé Martin and served in traditional French style. A critically acclaimed wine list boasts exclusive wines from the family winery in Chamilly, France. On a fair evening, enjoy your dinner on the private courtyard patio, or when a chill is in the air, cozy up to the crackling fireplace as you tuck into a dessert to cap off your memorable meal.

DOWNTOWN. Noted for its Chinese "comfort food," this long-time Vancouver favorite is well regarded for its wontons, Japanese noodle dishes, pot sticker dumplings (fried or steamed), and barbecued beef. More than 90 soups are featured on the extensive menu. Meals are prepared in an open kitchen to allow to diners look on. There is special separate vegetarian cooking section to ensure the meat is kept away from the veggies.