Gary's: Vancouver's Award-Winning Newcomer 🏆✨
📍 1485 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 1M7 Fresh off its bronze win for Best New Restaurant by Vancouver Magazine, Gary's promises a European bistro vibe—intimate, wine-forward, and buzzing with chatter. 🍷 While the cozy space was packed (every table clinking glasses!), our experience leaned more toward ambience over bold flavors. Perfect for slow evenings with friends, but temper those tastebud expectations! The Dishes (Honest Takes!): 🍞 Phyllis' Pickles Rye Roll Star of the night! Tangy pickled garlic + rye bread slathered in green-onion-butter-esque spread. Could’ve eaten three. 🐟 Halibut Lightly seared, delicate—but needed the creamy veggie base to shine. Healthy, not thrilling. 🍚 Risotto Cheesy, veggie-loaded comfort. Imagine your fanciest mac & cheese, but risotto-style. 🍣 Kanpachi Crudo Strawberry + balsamic glaze on fresh fish? Unexpectedly zesty! A quirky hit. 🐔 Chicken Liver Mousse Silky texture, but SWEETER than expected—like a savory dessert. Not for purists. 🐷 Pork Collar "Char siu vibes", but needed the parsley sauce for flavor. Good, not memorable. 🍫 Chocolate Mousse Smooth, balanced sweetness. (PS: The strawberry dessert at the next table? Major FOMO.) Verdict: ✅ BC organic ingredients + curated wines = eco-foodie points. ✅ Cozy, convivial atmosphere—ideal for date nights or long catch-ups. ⚠️ Flavors? Subtle. Come for the experience, not the "wow" factor. Pro Tip: Order extra bread (you’ll want to swipe every sauce!). Been to Gary's? Agree/disagree? Sound off below! 👇 #Vancouver #VancouverEats #VancouverDT #VancouverLife #RestaurantReview #FineDining #WestEndEats #FarmToTable #WineLovers #DateNightSpot