By Tara Lee and Tourism Richmond
From elegant décor, gorgeous views and impeccable service, there’s definitely a restaurant or two that fits any budget for a romantic date night meal in Richmond. Here are four date-night-worthy restaurants that you may not have tried yet.
Located in the Pacific Gateway Hotel (3500 Cessna Drive), Pier 73 Restaurant is waterfront dining at its very best. The Fraser River, Mount Baker, the Cascade Mountain Range and the North Shore Mountains are within easy view of the restaurant, day or night. Executive chef Morgan Lechner and executive sous chef Edison Antejos are known to feature fresh, local ingredients in all of their menu items.
In fact, Pier 73’s made the whole month of February known as the ‘month of luuuuv,’ during which they’ll be serving dishes for sharing, inspired by the romance of Valentine’s Day. For them, ‘luv’ entails ordering a bottle of wine for two, as well as some share plates. To take things over the top, the restaurant suggests feeding your sweetie by hand if you want to go over-the-top-romantic!
On the menu for the ‘month of luuuuv’ are dishes that encompass the best of west coast dining: chilled prawns with lemon pepper aioli and cocktail sauce; BC ling cod with Kalamata olives, pico de gallo (salsa fresca), watercress and extra virgin oil; and a 6 oz. flat iron steak with radish, watercress and a red wine sauce. Don’t forget to order dessert, like a warm chocolate fondant or blueberry pear crisp. You’ll be feeling the food ‘luv’ in no time!
Likely one of the coolest places in Steveston, gudrun tasting room (150 – 3500 Moncton Street) makes for a fine date night spot, any day of the week. Chef Paul Finlay crafts a different menu each night, with sandwiches, soups, salads and more substantial mains (e.g. slow cooked pork with puy lentils, celery root, Cipollini onions and pork jus).
What makes gudrun unique though, is their well-curated wine and beer list, as well as their selection of cheeses. The wine and beer lists include local pours like the Philips’ Longboat Chocolate Porter and the Kettle Valley 2011 Gewurztraminer.
The restaurant also periodically holds very popular Dinner Club events that involve six or seven course meals ($70-75 per person, plus beverages, tax, and gratuity). Guests are seated together at long tables, allowing for much conversation and conviviality.
Sushi Hachi
Arguably one of the best kept secrets as well as best sushi restaurants in Richmond, Sushi Hachi (8888 Odlin Crescent) is a tiny restaurant hidden in plain sight. With its entrance facing Cambie street, this 20-seat sushi restaurant is only open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. Sushi Hachi is definitely a date night worthy restaurant.
Run by a husband and wife team, Sushi Hachi serves the freshest (and tastiest) sushi and sashimi plates in Richmond. Our top picks for a satisfying dinner include the Chef’s Choice sashimi (10 pieces) and Chef’s Choice sushi (10 pieces plus 1 roll), both available for $25 each. The Chef’s Choice options are served omakase-style – piece by piece – a luxurious experience at a steal. Don’t forget to ask what the daily specials are: whether they’re fresh oysters or live uni, you’ll be able to find some exquisite dishes here!
Despite its name, Sugarholic (4151 Hazelbridge Way, inside Aberdeen Centre) doesn’t just serve sugary desserts and dishes. They also offer lunch sets and dinner specials, along with an impressive drink and dessert menu to go with your savoury dishes. Drawing on flavours from both East and West, Sugarholic’s extensive tea menu includes Chinese Rose and Red Date Longan Tea, as well as more traditional teas such as Earl Grey.
Enjoy house-made desserts, such as their Ferrero Rocher chocolate cake, in their powder-blue dining room with white accents and sparkling chandeliers. Feeling fancier? Afternoon tea service is available any time of day and starts at $13.95 for the 4-piece dessert set with the choice of any herbal tea. One and two-tier dessert sets are also available at $29.95 and $49.95.
Wherever you go for date night, these places will definitely not disappoint!
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