The 5 Best Steakhouses in Downtown Vancouver
Steakhouses are restaurants that serve a wide selection of meat. These establishments typically provide steaks cooked in a variety of ways, along with other dishes such as hamburgers, ribs, chicken wings, and other poultry options.
Many people love going to steakhouses because they can enjoy a delicious steak cooked to their exact specifications with an array of accompaniments to choose from.
If you’re one of them, then keep reading as we list some of the best steakhouses in downtown Vancouver.
Best Steakhouses in Downtown Vancouver
There are countless steakhouses lined up in downtown Vancouver, which is why it’s important to do your research first before deciding which one to visit.
You must first consider the quality of the steaks they serve, the reputation of the restaurant, and its overall atmosphere.
However, we’ve assessed the following restaurants based on the criteria below so you don’t have to!
1. Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
CRITERIA | RATING |
Variety of Steaks | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Cooking Methods | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Selection of Side Dishes | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar serves high-end steaks, fresh seafood, hand-crafted cocktails, and award-winning wines.
We were surprised by the high ceilings, art decor, and leather and velvet theme when we entered. We thought it gave customers an elegant and sophisticated setting in which to enjoy their dining experience.
In fact, the building where this restaurant is located is one of Vancouver’s few remaining art deco buildings that was built in 1933, which we think sets them apart.
We also liked that they have a wide variety of steak dishes on their dinner menu, and we think you would too. Whether you’re in the mood for porterhouse steak, rib-eye, or filet mignon, the steak selection at this restaurant is endless.
But perhaps our favorite would be their T-bone steak. This dish is cooked to perfection and has outstanding flavor. We would also like to add that it’s best paired with red wine.
Speaking of wine, Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar also has an impressive selection of wine and handcrafted cocktails.
We were also impressed that their head chef, Chef Jean-Claude Douguet, has worked in many restaurants in France and Montreal and has a lot of experience in the food business.
In our opinion, Chef Jean Claude Douguet’s extensive experience adds to the restaurant’s quality of food.
That said, we’re not big fans of them being frequently booked. However, we appreciate that they have a convenient online reservation system that allows customers to make reservations quickly and easily.
Overall, we think Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is one of the best steakhouses in downtown Vancouver, as they serve a wide variety of steaks alongside cocktails and wine.
If you’d like to take a peek at their different menu items and latest happenings, check out their instagram where they post mouth-watering photos of their dishes and updates on events.
Pros
- Elegant and sophisticated indoor setting
- Located in one of Vancouver’s few remaining art deco buildings
- Wide variety of steak dishes
- Numerous appetizer options
Cons
- Frequently booked
- Relatively higher rates
Customer Reviews
Great food and excellent service
“Came here twice for a lunch and dinner service, and both times were fantastic. The atmosphere is immaculate, service is excellent, and the food of course is just divine!…” -Narae L.
Attentive waiters
“Our favourite steakhouse in Vancouver! Their service is always lovely and attentive, and the waiters know the menu well and have good communication amongst each other…” -Cindy G.
2. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
CRITERIA | RATING |
Variety of Steaks | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Cooking Methods | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Equipment | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Selection of Side Dishes | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is known for its prime-grade steaks and cold martinis. It has a classic brick exterior and a luxurious interior with carpeted floors, intimate lighting, and dark mahogany accents.
What we liked best about this steakhouse is their tableside service, which provides diners with the feeling of having a personal server right at their table.
We liked this feature because it lets customers focus on the food and conversation rather than getting up to order drinks or refills.
Perhaps our top pick is their “New York Strip” steak, as it’s juicy with a well-seasoned crust. The sides that come with it are also delicious and complement the steak nicely, which includes baked potato, french fries or mashed potatoes.
The prime steaks at this restaurant are hand-picked and aged for at least 28 days. This made a good impression on us because steaks that have been aged are more flavorful and much more tender.
Another must-try on their menu is the Vegetarian Loaf. This dish is served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy that veggie lovers can’t pass up!
In our opinion, the Vegetarian Loaf is perfect for diners who want to enjoy a hearty meal without meat. Take a look at other options on their menu as well on their instagram where they showcase their Canadian Prime steaks.
We were also impressed by their staff’s ability to prepare three different meals: steak tartare, steak Diane, and bananas foster, which can all be prepared tableside.
Now, we’re not big fans of their limited dessert selection, which only included cheesecake, crème brûlée, and lime pie.
Nevertheless, we’re happy with what we’ve seen, as far as steaks go. That’s why we thought to include Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar on our list because they provide convenient tableside service and an upscale dining experience.
They also host various events throughout the year during holidays and special events. You can check updates on their Twitter account to stay informed about upcoming events and activities.
Pros
- Known for prime-grade steaks and cold martinis
- Tableside service
- Steaks are aged for at least 28 days
- Can prepare tableside meals
Cons
- Limited dessert selection
- Can’t accept pre-paid credit cards
Customer Reviews
Fulfills requests
“They were able to cook the steaks medium as requested, fire-seared, and not too salty. The mushroom soup was very fragrant and home-made. My baked potato had all the fixings…” -Lister C.
Great quality of food and excellent staff
“By far the best steakhouse I’ve been to in Vancouver. The prices are certainly justified with the quality of food. Excellent staff and even better ceasar salad! You will not regret the visit. I can’t wait to go back!.” -Hashem K.
3. Chop Steakhouse & Bar
CRITERIA | RATING |
Variety of Steaks | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Cooking Methods | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Selection of Side Dishes | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Established in 2006, Chop Steakhouse & Bar has a wide range of Canadian steaks, seafood, and hand-picked side dishes.
We immediately liked that they have over 17 locations in Canada, as we think this makes them more accessible to a large customer base.
First and foremost, this steakhouse’s interior is spacious and refreshing thanks to its warm decor, wooden accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which we liked. There’s also a sleek bar area where guests can enjoy signature cocktails, wines, and beers.
We also appreciated how convenient their downtown location is, as it’s walking distance from Waterfront Station. This location also features scenic views of the Vancouver Harbour, North Shore Mountains, and Canada Place.
Now, Chop Steakhouse & Bar menu offers interesting cuts of beef, such as smoked ribeye and flat iron steak. All of the steaks are aged in-house, cut by a master butcher, and come with delicious sides like fresh seasonal vegetables.
But perhaps our top pick has got to be their prime rib steak. This steak is slow roasted with rock salt, pepper, and rosemary and thyme, which honestly makes for one of the most flavorful bites we’ve ever had.
The meat is very tender and juicy, and it’s served with horseradish, au jus, and fresh seasonal vegetables.
We also suggest the “Whiskey Smash” as a suitable accompaniment to your meal. This drink is made with bulleit bourbon, mixed with pineapple juice and syrup, lemon juice and mint and has an overall refreshing flavor.
Unfortunately, they don’t provide tableside service. We also noticed that they only use one cooking technique, coating the steak in a custom blend of Old Chicago spice before placing it in their infrared broiler.
In our opinion, this technique might be limiting if you prefer to cook your steak in other ways. Despite this, we believe that Chop Steakhouse & Bar is one of the best steakhouses in downtown Vancouver.
This is because of their in-house aged steaks and refreshing restaurant space, which you can check out on their instagram and twitter page.
Pros
- 17 locations across Canada
- Convenient store location
- Features spectacular views of Vancouver’s famous landmarks
- All steaks are aged in-house
- Can accommodate different diets
Cons
- No tableside service
- Only uses one cooking technique
Customer Reviews
Tasty food and pleasant staff
“The food was excellent. The chicken was very tasty and the chocolate torte was the perfect desert to finish with. The staff really went above and beyond with their service too.” -Jas B.
Delicious steaks and great atmosphere
“Great meals and beautiful atmosphere. Claire, sure has great staff. The steaks were so delicious…” -Teresa C.
4. Elisa
CRITERIA | RATING |
Variety of Steaks | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Cooking Methods | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Selection of Side Dishes | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Elisa is a contemporary steakhouse that offers modern takes on steaks alongside seafood, salads, and sides.
We thought it was remarkable that they source their meats from around the world so diners could enjoy different tastes and flavors from various places.
We really think that what makes them stand out is their modern take on steaks, which combine classic steak flavors with the distinct smokey flavor of their Grillworks Infierno wood-fired grill.
However, the smoked bison tartare was the dish that most satisfied our appetite. Served on grilled bread, this sandwich is stuffed with pickled green onion, lotus chips, arugula, and smoked bison.
Another recommendation we have is their Blue Dot, Prince Edward Island. This dish is made from ‘vancouver cut’ bone-in tenderloin and is served with a side of seasonal vegetables.
If you’d like to see more of their premium steaks, check out their instagram page!
In addition to steaks, Elisa serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, classic sides, and a wide range of wines made by small-scale producers.
Now, from what we’ve seen, this restaurant’s ambience focuses on boldness, as they have red leather seats, dark wood furniture, and dim lighting, which we liked.
We also liked how simple their decor was, and the different pieces of art on the walls gave the whole place an artistic touch.
That said, we were a bit disappointed that their private dining reservations are a bit costly. Although we thought it was reasonable given that they offer a tailor-made menu, which we thought was ideal for different special occasions.
Still, most of the customers we’ve talked to have said that the food is delicious and beautifully presented, and that the staff is friendly and helpful.
Ultimately, we highly recommend Elisa if you’re looking for one of the best steakhouses in downtown Vancouver.
Pros
- Offers modern takes on steaks
- Bold restaurant ambience
- Combines classic recipes with a distinct smokey flavor
- Offers an array of fresh seafood dishes and classic sides
Cons
- Relatively pricey private dining reservations
- Limited patio capacity
Customer Reviews
Tasty and beautifully-presented dishes
“We were so impressed by our entire experience at Elisa! The food was so tasty and beautifully presented. We went for the steak and were not disappointed!..” -Christa L.
Fun restaurant vibe
“The atmosphere was amazing. The setting of the restaurant is truly aesthetic and sets a fun trendy vibe. The service was amazing, our waiter was really nice and paid close attention to our needs…” -Arham N.
5. The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
CRITERIA | RATING |
Variety of Steaks | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Cooking Methods | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Selection of Side Dishes | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Another option worth considering is The Keg Steakhouse and Bar. This restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, and they have over nine locations in Canada.
The steaks at The Keg Steakhouse and Bar are aged for more than 30 days and seasoned with their signature Keg spices, which we found to be both unique and flavorful.
We also loved that they serve their steaks in a variety of cuts, such as prime rib, sirloin, filet, striploin, and rib steak, so customers have plenty of options.
But if we’re being honest, we think the Blue Rare steak is what you should order. This particular dish is our favorite, not only because of the warm crust, but also because of the juicy, tender inside.
This dish includes a serving of mashed potato topped with blue cheese sauce and mushrooms and veggies on the side.
Their Kansas City Striploin is also a must try as it’s grilled and topped with creamy confit garlic butter. And may we say, like most steak meals, this dish is a terrific pair with red wine.
It’s also a nice touch that they can accommodate special cooking requests like medium rare, medium, or well done.
In fact, we talked to some of their past customers, and they told us that their steaks were always cooked to their liking, which is a good sign of how good their service is.
Having said that, we’re a little concerned about the lack of an outdoor seating area. Still, we liked that they have an online reservation system where customers can book a table at one of their four restaurants in different cities.
You may also want to check out their Twitter page since they often share updates on special menu items and upcoming events there.
In sum, we thought to include The Keg Steakhouse and Bar on our list of the best steakhouses in downtown Vancouver because they serve steaks in a variety of cuts and they have an easy online booking system.
Pros
- Years in business
- Steaks aged for more than 30 days
- Can accommodate special cooking requests
- Convenient online reservation system
Cons
- Relatively higher rates
- No outdoor seating area
Customer Reviews
Steaks are cooked to customers’ liking
“The steak was cook to my liking of medium rare the size of the main dish was very filling. And the red wine I had with it was all definitely worth it. The service was great and professional…” -Sandya H.
Consistently great steaks
“Perfect steak everytime. Hubby’s birthday he wanted steak and lobster and it was fabulous.” -Momae T.
FAQs about Steakhouses in Downtown Vancouver
That ends our list of the best steakhouses in Downtown Vancouver for those looking for a high-quality dining experience.
Whether it’s a romantic evening out or a special occasion, the steakhouses on this list can provide an enjoyable experience with quality cuts of meat and great service.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for tasty meatless dishes, check out our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver.