Thread: Vancouver restaurants, so many choices, so little time -- help?!

I thought that I had posted this here before, but I don't see it.
I have compiled what is my 'short list' of restaurants that I would like to visit while in Vancouver (we leave within the next month). The problem is that we will only be in Vancouver for 3 days and there are so many restaurant to choose from!

This is my list:

West on Granville
Chambar
L'Abattoire
Hapa Izakaya or Guu on Robson
Market by Jean-Georges
Bin 941 or 942
The Sand Bar on Granville Island
Tojos
Rodney's Oyster House

Of those some have a great view but just 'so-so' reviews, others have remarkable chefs/cuisine, but not much of a view. Do any of you have any input out there that might make my decision easier?

We like amazing food, great service (of course) and a great bartender is always a plus

Thank you, as always

This info might help people 'in the know' steer us a bit better:

Vancouver is supposedly known for it's seafood. Hubby would love a seafood tower, but the only ones I could find were at Blue Water Cafe and Coast -- I was not too impressed with what I saw.

I chose Chambar and L'Abattoire because of their chefs and high end cuisine with laid back atmosphere. Additionally I had read that L'Abattoire employs the most recent "Vancouver bartender of the year" according to "Vancouver Magazine." Chambar has a multiple award winning bartender as well, and their drinks look scrumptious.

I chose Tojo's because well, it's Tojos! Very famous sushi expert that really knows his stuff.

Hapa Izakaya and Guu were chosen because we simply do not have anything like that in Orlando. However, I have read it can get rather loud inside the restaurant which is a drawback for us. Pluses are that it is different and in Gastown, a place we would like to visit.

Rodney's was chosen based on reviews and the fresh, yet affordable oysters.

Sandbar was chosen strictly for the view and that it was near Granville Market, another place we will be visiting. Though I have read many positive reviews of the sushi bar there, another plus.

West was chosen based on reviews of impeccable service and the fact that they have won numerous awards over many years for cuisine, desserts, bartender, etc. It really seems to have it all (except the view)?

Bin 941 and 942 look like a hip, trendy Vancouverite place to dine. Chef looks hip

Market chosen based on the name of the owner's name alone, food looks fabulous, but I was thinking about maybe trying breakfast or brunch there just to have the experience (and squeeze in another restaurant).

I have read all over that Vij's is #1 but the 'no reservations, 2 hour wait' scared me away.

We are 30 somethings with older souls that have a love of fabulous original cuisine (which can be found in both inexpensive and expensive restaurants). Hubby is really about the service, poor service can ruin the entire experience for him. We don't like loud big crowds. Victoria and Albert's is our favorite restaurant here in Orlando.

So, can you help steer us in the right direction?

One of my coworkers at Southwest went up to Vancouver to cross the border while his visa was re-approved. Before the trip he had never tried sushi. He came back a convert.

Yeah, great suggestions! There are lots of great restaurants vancouver has to offer. I really like Rodney's Oyster House as you suggested, also Les Faux Bourgeois is a nice French place, Vij's is great for Indian, and Stepho's Souvlaki Taverna is a pretty inexpensive but good greek restaurant.