Gary's — Restaurant in Vancouver

I first tried Gary's during DineOut Vancouver 2024 back in January where I sat at the bar and dined alone. I went purely out of curiosity because the establishment was a new face I hadn't seen before and the restaurant instantly became one of my favourites from there.

I returned in June with my partner in tow, insisting that he would love Gary's too and we both had a fantastic experience.

The service team at Gary's is so excellent at delivering a casual and friendly vibe, had great timing bringing out each dish and were quite knowledgeable in recommending wine pairings for the dishes we selected.

The atmosphere was lively without pretense and above all the food is delicious.

The kanpachi crudo with blood orange and olive tapenade was the perfect combination of smooth, savoury, sweet and citrus flavours and is my favourite dish I've had at the restaurant so far.

The rye rolls are pillowy soft with a large quenelle of seasonal butter, this time it was spring garlic.

The hen-of-the-woods had an incredible crispy texture surrounded by a generous amount of mustard sauce.

I greatly enjoyed the beef tartare despite my dislike for blue cheese and the potato chips had a soft snappy texture which not only was great with the tartare but also dipped in all the sauces from the other dishes.

The pork collar was wonderfully tender and juicy with a bit of a fat cap, the caulilini was charred beautifully and the parsley sauce was so creamy.

The wine pairing I got recommended was Broc Cellars, a light red wine that brought out the olive flavours in the crudo and mellowed out the blue cheese in the tartare.

The desserts are also fantastic and a fair size. During my previous visit I had the chocolate mousse, although I often find chocolate to be quite heavy, the bergamot cream topping helped bring an extra layer of depth and lightness to the dessert. This time I tried the rum baba which was soaked in chamomile, topped with pistachio custard and whipped cream. I don't typically enjoy pistachio desserts either but the chamomile aroma really shined through and elevated the nuttiness of the custard atop the soft cake.

I've become a big fan of Gary's and I'm looking forward to the next time I can...

WOW — such an amazing experience here! The food was so generously crafted and delicious, plus the service was top notch. Everyone was so sweet and the arrival of each plate was perfectly timed.

We started off with the rye rolls + cowboy butter as well as the little gem salad. Great way to start the meal — the butter that was paired with the rolls had such an incredible flavor, and on a similar note the little gem (which resembled a cob) packed a wonderful punch between the blue cheese and bacon inclusion. Had a cucumber + mussels in green juice which was so incredibly refreshing and was perfectly acidic — I do however almost wish that it had been served as the very first course. The jalapeño chicken sausage w/ grilled broccoli was easily the best dish of the night — I could drink that cheese sauce it was so insanely good. Although the demi glace + cherry tomato wasn’t my favorite pairing with the buvette, the steak itself was cooked to absolute perfection so I really cannot complain. The fries were definitely a specific style (very thin and somewhat soggy?) and definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, however I personally loved them and the dijonnaise was to die for. Lastly, we ended off with the chocolate mousse which was the absolute perfect way to end the meal. Quite rich in flavor however light on the stomach. Having it paired with the bergamot cream, almonds, and sea salt was such an insane move — truly a match made in heaven.

I absolutely LOVE the entire concept of this place with the rotating seasonal + local menu. It is so incredibly worth it and I couldn’t recommend enough. The place itself is quite small (but charming!) so I would def recommend making a reservation. Do note that it is also only suitable for singles, couples, or small groups. I truly cannot wait to come back and try some of their other menus...

Gary's Restaurant - Vancouver: A Culinary Gem

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gary's Restaurant in Vancouver, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. From the moment I stepped inside, the ambiance set the stage for a truly remarkable dining experience. Since it was Valentine's Day, the rose petals, candles, and red ribbons added a beautiful touch to the atmosphere.

The food was nothing short of exceptional. The two-way oysters were a standout dish, offering a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. The freshness and quality were evident, and I couldn't get enough of them. The scallop crudo with vichyssoise was another highlight, beautifully balanced with the richness of the scallops and the creamy, refreshing touch of the vichyssoise. Every bite was a harmonious explosion of flavors.

But the pièce de résistance was the bavette steak. Cooked to perfection, it was tender, juicy, and bursting with savory goodness. The blue cheese on top—wow! So delicious. The seasoning was spot-on, and each bite melted in my mouth.

The staff was very attentive, regularly refilling our sparkling water without being overbearing. I also received a lovely compliment on my dress.

In summary, this dining experience was one of the best I've had this year. The impeccable quality of the dishes, along with the expert preparation and presentation, makes Gary's Restaurant a must-visit in Vancouver. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary experience! And at $100 for the set menu, it’s worth every penny. I only wish I had...