Vancouver’s Culinary Crown: Celebrated Chefs & Their Award-Winning Restaurants
Vancouver has become one of the world’s top food cities. Thanks to its diverse flavors, passionate chefs, and award-winning restaurants, the city is proudly earning stars, trophies, and loyal fans. In this feature, we spotlight some of Vancouver’s most celebrated chefs and the restaurants that consistently win awards—both locally and internationally.
Angus An – Chef of the Year 2025
Chef Angus An has become a household name in Vancouver. He was named Chef of the Year 2025 at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards for his dedication to bold flavors and team loyalty.
His flagship restaurant, Maenam, serves modern Thai cuisine with fresh BC ingredients. His other spots, Fat Mao Noodles and Sen Pad Thai, are just as loved.
Visit Maenam’s official site
Read more about Angus An’s award
David Hawksworth – A Triple Winner
Chef David Hawksworth continues to lead one of Canada’s most respected restaurant groups. At the 2025 Vancouver Magazine Awards, he won:
- Best Special Occasion (Hawksworth Restaurant)
- Best Downtown (Nightingale)
- Sommelier of the Year (Bryan Yu)
Discover Hawksworth Restaurant
Try shared plates at Nightingale
Explore the full list of winners from Vancouver Magazine
St. Lawrence – The French-Canadian Gem
Led by Chef Jean-Christophe (JC) Poirier, St. Lawrence blends Quebecois charm with classic French technique. Since opening, it has received:
- A Michelin Star in 2022
- Best French Restaurant in Vancouver
- Ranked #2 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in 2020
Book your table at St. Lawrence
See its Michelin Guide review
Kissa Tanto & Masayoshi – Michelin Magic
Two very different restaurants, one shared honor: Michelin Stars.
Kissa Tanto, from Chef Joël Watanabe, serves dreamy Japanese-Italian fusion in a cool, vintage space. Masayoshi, by Chef Masayoshi Baba, offers a peaceful omakase experience with only a few seats per night.
Try Kissa Tanto
Reserve a spot at Masayoshi
See their Michelin recognition on the Michelin Guide website
Andrea Carlson – Canada’s First Female Michelin Chef
Chef Andrea Carlson of Burdock & Co. made history in 2022 as Canada’s first female chef-owner to receive a Michelin Star.
Her menus are hyper-local, featuring organic ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. She also supports ethical sourcing through her “100-mile diet.”
Explore Burdock & Co.
Learn more about Andrea Carlson
Published on Main – A Local Favorite
Voted #1 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in 2022, Published on Main focuses on contemporary West Coast fare with creative plating.
Its warm, modern space makes it a go-to for both special occasions and laid-back nights.
Dine at Published on Main
Check out our McDonald’s Big Announcement: Spice Meets Nostalgia in New Menu Drop!
Boulevard Kitchen – Best of Land & Sea
In 2024, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar won big:
- Best Seafood Restaurant
- Best Pastry Chef for Chef Kenta Takahashi
From fresh oysters to elegant desserts, the restaurant combines precision with flair.
Book a seat at Boulevard Kitchen
Read the award news on GlobeNewswire
Elisa & Elio Volpe – Rising Stars in 2025
Elio Volpe, an Italian trattoria, won Best New Restaurant in 2025. Meanwhile, Elisa, a luxurious steakhouse, was named Restaurant of the Year.
Both places celebrate top-quality ingredients and stylish interiors.
Reserve at Elio Volpe
Experience fine dining at Elisa
Hall of Fame Legends
Two of Vancouver’s most loved institutions were added to the Hall of Fame in 2025:
- Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, by Chef Pino Posteraro
- Le Crocodile, by Chef Michel Jacob, since 1983
These timeless spots continue to set the bar for excellence.
Visit Cioppino’s
Discover Le Crocodile
Full story on the Vancouver Magazine Hall of Fame
Why Vancouver’s Food Scene Keeps Winning
“The Vancouver food scene is amazing! One can pick a random restaurant and still get great food.”
— Local food lover on Reddit
Since Michelin’s arrival in 2022, Vancouver now boasts:
- 10 One-Star Restaurants
- 16 Bib Gourmand Picks
- A growing list of local and global awards
Your Go-To Map of Celebrated Chefs
| Chef | Restaurant | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Angus An | Maenam, Fat Mao, Sen Pad Thai | Chef of the Year 2025 |
| David Hawksworth | Hawksworth, Nightingale | Best Downtown, Sommelier |
| JC Poirier | St. Lawrence | Michelin Star, Canada’s 100 Best |
| Andrea Carlson | Burdock & Co. | Michelin Star, Local Food Leader |
| Joël Watanabe | Kissa Tanto | Michelin Star |
| Masayoshi Baba | Masayoshi | Michelin Star |
| Kenta Takahashi | Boulevard Kitchen | Best Pastry Chef 2024 |
| Elio Volpe team | Elio Volpe | Best New Restaurant 2025 |
| Elisa | Elisa Steakhouse | Restaurant of the Year 2025 |
| Pino Posteraro | Cioppino’s | Hall of Fame |
| Michel Jacob | Le Crocodile | Hall of Fame |
Final Bite
Vancouver’s chefs are doing more than cooking—they’re creating experiences. Whether it’s a hidden noodle bar, a Michelin-starred fine-dining space, or a 40-year-old French institution, the city offers something special for every kind of eater.
Stay hungry. Stay curious. And explore more delicious finds right here on EveryAna’s Food & Drink Section.
