Spring is in full swing, bringing fresh flavours and exciting culinary experiences across Metro Vancouver.
In April and May (and beyond) there are plenty of ways to sip, savour, and support local restaurants, chefs, and businesses. Yes, we're already looking ahead to some of the glorious hot-ticket summer happenings like long table dinners with sweeping Whistler mountain views and Vancouver's incredible Brewery and the Beast event.
In the meantime, we've got heaps of sakura inspired treats, a few thrilling pop-ups, special collab dinners, the peak spot prawn season events, and more.
Whether you’re in the mood for a winemakers' dinner or elegant afternoon tea, these upcoming events in and around Vancouver offer the perfect way to explore the city’s ever-evolving food and drink scene.
Oh Canada menu at The Flying Pig
The Flying Pig launched its new "Oh Canada" menu on April 2, featuring local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients to celebrate Canadian products. The menu will change every 30 days, maintaining a Canadian theme to support local producers.
For the debut April menu, appetizers will include fried B.C. oysters with pickle and dill dip, Alberta beef croquettes, PEI mussels and spicy frites, and Canadian bison carpaccio. For main courses, there will be Fraser Valley game hen with smashed B.C. potatoes, B.C. ling cod with local prawn risotto, and PEI beef cheek ragu with red wine-braised beef cheek and pappardelle. Desserts include Quebec maple sugar pie, based on an old family recipe. The feature cocktail, the Okanagan Sunrise, is made with Reifel rye, elderflower, apple, lemon, and sparkling wine. The wine selection includes options by the glass and bottle, highlighting B.C. wineries like Monte Creek and Burrowing Owl.
When: Changes monthly, starting April 2
Where: The Flying Pig - 1168 Hamilton St.
Around the World in 80 Days Afternoon Tea at H Tasting Lounge
This travel-inspired afternoon tea will whisk you away on a virtual world tour. Pay tribute to Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, following in the footsteps of the legendary Phileas Fogg. Experience faraway lands through the flavours of tea and an enchanting selection of sweet and savoury treats — where tradition takes a backseat to adventure.
Rather than the usual finger sandwiches, this globally inspired experience reimagines afternoon tea with bold and unexpected flavours. Nibble on Parisian macarons, taste the bright spices of India with chocolate cardamom cake, and take a virtual trip to Hong Kong with a deconstructed pork spring roll. Elevate your journey with fine Champagne by the glass or bottle, or explore an exquisite selection of black, white, green, oolong, and herbal teas from O-Five Rare Tea and Tea Leaves. A children's menu is available, featuring cotton candy, scones, bite-sized tea sandwiches, s’mores pie, and more.
When: Weekends, now through May 10
Where: H Tasting Lounge - 1601 Bayshore Dr
Cost: $75 per adult; $50 per child; prepaid for parties of 1 to 6. Reservations via Tock
In the Heights: Ned Bell and Kurtis Kolt Pop-Up
Chef Ned Bell and sommelier Kurtis Kolt are teaming up for a 12-night seafood-centric pop-up at The Gray Olive Cafeteria in Burnaby Heights, running Thursdays through Saturdays from April 3 to 26. Bell, known for his work with Ocean Wise and food sustainability initiatives, is making a return to restaurant cooking with a menu featuring dishes like wild Pacific albacore tuna tacos, creamy geoduck and halibut chowder, and roasted wild Pacific halibut. Kolt has curated a lineup of non-alcoholic pairings, including zero-proof wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic beer.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 3-26, from 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Gray Olive Cafeteria - 4190 Hastings St, Burnaby
Cost: $99 includes three-course dinner, gratuity, GST and Eventbrite fees; tickets available on Eventbrite
The Secret Garden at the H Tasting Lounge
The clear, cozy outdoor domes of H Tasting Lounge have been reimagined for 2025 with the whimsy of vintage air travel in mind. From March 5 to May 11, take a spring voyage to this dreamy, imagination-sparking landscape where pastel-hued hot air balloons float overhead, cascading floral garlands drape from above, and flower-adorned archways invite you in. Each panoramic dome is equipped with a sound system, adjustable heaters, and everything needed for up to six guests to dine in comfort. At lunch or in the evening, savour cocktails and modern-coastal cuisine while taking in the beautiful waterfront views. Reservations are available via Tock. Please note, minimum spends of $150 to $300 apply.
When: Lunch and dinner daily from now through May 11
Where: H Tasting Lounge - 1601 Bayshore Dr
Vino & Vibes: Burger Edition at Wildlight
Wildlight Kitchen + Bar wine director Michael Cooke has sourced some hard-to-get wines and will be pouring them alongside some delicious food, specifically burgers. Diners can expect a fun, chill vibe and a casual tasting of multiple vintages from a few wine producers on three different nights, all while enjoying one of Wildlight's juicy burgers.
The schedule is as follows:
- April 9: Chablis/White Burgundy & Fried Chicken Burger
- April 23: Brunello & Aussie Burger
When: April 9 and 23, 2025.
Where: Wildlight - 5380 University Blvd.
Cost: $99 per person. Reservations and pre-payment via OpenTable
Mission Hill Wine Dinner at The Teahouse
Since 1981, Mission Hill has been a trailblazer in elevating the Okanagan Valley to world-class status, earning international acclaim. Indulge in a five-course dinner, each dish thoughtfully paired with selections from their acclaimed Reserve collection. The West Coast-inspired menu features fresh, local produce and seasonal ingredients, with pairings that highlight the perfect combination of local flavors and exceptional wines. Menu highlights include beet and goat cheese tart with 2023 Exhilaration Brut Rosé, sablefish cakes with 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, salmon Wellington with 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir, a blood orange sorbet topped with mezcal as a palate cleanser, beef striploin with 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and a lemon meringue pie with 2017 Reserve Riesling Icewine for dessert.
When: April 9 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Teahouse in Stanley Park - 7501 Stanley Park Dr.
Cost: $172.22 per person. Reserve online.
Dine Chilliwack
Celebrating the vibrant local culinary scene with Dine Chilliwack, running from April 11 to 27. Tourism Chilliwack's two-week event offers two-for-one deals, prix fixe menus, and more at various local restaurants, wine bars, breweries, and attractions. Some of the participating establishments include Fortitude Wine Bar, Farmhouse Brewing Co., The Lakeside Beach Club, Kelly O’Bryan’s, Duke’s Country Pub, and Hugo’s Mexican Kitchen, among others. Other participating locations include Elevated Pizza, Bravo Restaurant & Lounge, Sidekick Brewing, Hana Sushi, and more, with new businesses being added daily on the Tourism Chilliwack website.
As part of a cross-promotion, diners can collect stamps on their Dine Chilliwack Passport, which can be redeemed for two-for-one entry to the Sweet Spring Flower Festival at Greendale Acres or the Botanica Tulip Festival.
When: April 11 to 27
Where: Participating venues in Chilliwack, B.C.
Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz
The 2025 Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz Gala, in support of Culinary Team Canada , will be hosted by Fairmont Pacific Rim Executive Chef Damon Campbell. Top culinary talent from the Vancouver and Kelowna areas will be providing exclusive dishes specifically designed for the event. All proceeds from ticket sales for the event will support Culinary Team Canada. The Gala’s host, Chef Campbell, was team captain for Culinary Team Canada in 2005 and 2006, leading them to gold medal victories at the World Culinary Olympics in Germany. Must be 19+ to attend.
When: April 11. VIP 6:30 p.m., General Admission 7:15 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim - 1038 Canada Pl
Cost: $300 VIP; $185 GA. Purchase online.
Nomo Nomo menu takeover at Oku Izakaya
"An eight-course menu, killer cocktails, and the kind of flavours that hit deep," promises the operators of Vancouver's forthcoming Nomo Nomo restaurant and bar on Commercial Drive. Their team will be taking over the kitchen and bar at Gastown's Oku Izakaya for a one-night ticketed pop-up preview of the new concept that is set to open this summer.
When: April 14; seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Where: Oku Izakaya - 2 Water St
Cost: $176 per person. Tickets and menu info via link in bio of Nomo Nomo on IG
Hawksworth's The Reverence Dinner
Hawksworth Restaurant will host The Reverence Dinner on April 15, a one-night-only culinary event celebrating legacy, mentorship, and culinary craftsmanship. Chef David Hawksworth will collaborate with Chef Michel Jacob, the founder of Le Crocodile in Vancouver, and Chef Thomas Haas, a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef. The evening will begin with a Champagne reception, followed by a six-course dinner showcasing the chefs' unique styles. The menu will feature dishes like yellowfin tuna carpaccio, wild mushroom agnolotti, and crispy chocolate fondant. The event honours the influence of mentorship in the culinary world. Tickets are priced at $249 per person, with limited seating available. Wine pairings available for an additional charge.
When: April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Hawksworth - 801 W Georgia St (Rosewood Hotel Georgia)
Cost: $249 per person. Purchase via OpenTable.
Vegan Night Market
Fans of plant-based food and products should have the Vegan Market on their radar. The market, which features everything from food to clothing to skincare products to books, has set dates for two Wednesday night events in East Van at the Waldorf on April 16. Entrance is $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food. Shop from 45+ vendors, and enjoy live music, bonfires, giveaways, and "soy" much more.
When: April 16 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Where: Waldorf Hotel - 1489 E Hastings St
Cost: $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food
Sakura Sake Flights at Ancora
Cherry blossom season is here — toast to it with limited-edition Sakura Sake Flights inspired by the beauty of spring in bloom at both Ancora locations.
When: Now through April 28
Where: Ancora False Creek - 1600 Howe Street #2, Vancouver and Ambleside - 11351 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver
Four Hands Dinner at Elem
Elem is hosting its first-ever "Four Hands" collaboration dinner on April 16, featuring award-winning chef Ron McKinlay (formerly of Canoe) and Elem chef-owner Vish Mayekar. This exclusive evening will highlight the combined culinary skills of the two chefs with a five-course menu (plus snacks). Optional cocktail pairings by beverage director and partner Winnie Sun and wine pairings by sommelier Daniel Klintworth are also available.
When: April 16
Where: Elem - 2110 Main St
Cost: Tickets are $225 plus tax and tip per person. Tickets available online via the restaurant.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Notch8
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s beloved Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea returns for the season, offering an elegant tribute to the beauty of sakura. This exquisite experience features a curated selection of teas, handcrafted pastries, and savoury bites, all delicately adorned with cherry blossom-inspired touches. Highlights include Morello cherry and buttermilk scones, pork menchi katsu sandwiches, sakura matcha mousse cake, and specialty floral teas. Enhance the experience with sakura-infused cocktails for a truly indulgent springtime treat.
When: Now through May 25; Wednesday to Sunday, seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. (excluding March 8-9, April 20; open on Monday, April 21)
Where: Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - 900 W Georgia St
Cost: $75 per adult, $45 per child (ages 12 and under)
Half-price bottles of B.C. wine at Belgard Kitchen
Belgard Kitchen is making B.C. wines more accessible with 50% off bottles from its exclusively local wine list every Monday and Tuesday. A longtime champion of BC’s wine scene, Belgard has been highlighting the region’s top producers since opening in 2014. At a time when supporting local is more important than ever, this initiative offers an easy way to enjoy exceptional wines at an unbeatable value while directly supporting B.C. wineries.
When: Every Monday and Tuesday
Where: Belgard Kitchen – 55 Dunlevy Ave
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival
Organized by Noms Magazine, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival is in its second year. Though it is not affiliated with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, its spirit of sakura is the same (and anyone can most certainly take part in both). The event is once again bringing together several cafés and restaurants in Metro Vancouver who will feature special cherry blossom-inspired treats and drinks for a DIY multi-week event. From March 14 to April 27, you'll find special items on offer at nearly two dozen businesses spanning Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby.
When: March 14 to April 27
Where: Various locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond
Aprés Beach Happy Hour at Kits Beach Coffee
This daily happy hour, running from 4 to 6 p.m., invites beachgoers, locals, and visitors to enjoy the café's vibes. With a refreshing cocktail, beer or glass of wine, guests can unwind after a day in the sun or a busy workday. To make this even more convenient, the café will be extending its hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, ensuring that guests can enjoy their favourite drinks, food and baked goods all day long. The café plans to keep chasing the sunset with longer evening hours coming in May.
When: Daily from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Kits Beach Coffee - 1945 Cornwall Ave
All-Star Snack Part at DD Mau
DD Mau Chinatown is celebrating seven delicious years with an All-Star Snack Party on Sunday, April 20. This milestone event will feature a lineup of fan-favourite bites, including Corn Ribs, Shrimp Skewers, Charlie’s Fried Chicken Sliders, and Phở Gà Trộn, alongside creative cocktails like Grandma’s Tea and Hanoi Hannah. With great food, drinks, and live DJ sets, the evening promises to be a true tribute to DD Mau’s legacy and its beloved Chinatown community. Tickets are $59 and include a cocktail, all four snacks, tax, and gratuity, with additional food and drinks available for purchase.
When: Sunday, April 20. Seatings at 5:30, 6, 7:30, and 8 p.m.
Where: DD May - 145 E Pender St
Cost: $59 per person. Purchase tickets online via Eventbrite
Whisky & Words
Whisky & Words returns to Vancouver on Friday, April 25 for a night of unlimited pours of Canadian and international whisky and spirits. The event supports the Vancouver Writers Fest's year-round programming, as well as its flagship October festival.
This year, Whisky & Words is proud to welcome the following distillers to a classy evening of tantalizing drinks, good company, and a celebration of community:
- Liberty Distillery (BC on Granville Island)
- Alimentaria Mexicana (BC on Granville Island)
- Roots & Wings Distillery (BC)
- Shelter Point (BC)
- Central City Brewers & Distillers (BC)
- Odd Society Spirits (BC)
- Craftwork Spirits (AB)
- TS Global (Canada)
- Charton Hobbs (Canada/Scotland)
- Tomintoul (Scotland)
- Magnum Scotch Malt Whisky Cream Liqueur (Scotland)
- Whyte & MacKay (Scotland)
When: Friday, April 25. VIP hour 7-8 p.m.; general admission opens at 8 p.m. Event ends at 11 p.m.
Where: Performance Works, Granville Island
Cost: $125-$170. Purchase tickets online. 19+ only.
Taste Sound: An Immersive Dining Experience at Burdock & Co
Burdock & Co continues its Taste Sound dinner series with an evening of sonic gastronomy featuring musician and biologist Tarun Nayar (Modern Biology). On three upcoming dates, guests will experience Chef Andrea Carlson’s menus while listening to the bioelectric activity of its ingredients through biodata sonification. This multisensory collaboration explores the connection between taste and sound, offering a unique way to engage with food. Beverages available in addition include natural wines curated by Kelcie Jones, the Vancouver Michelin Guide’s 2023 Sommelier of the Year and a signature cocktail. The themes for the dinners in the series are Resin (May 22), Road Trip (Sept. 25) and Radicchio (Nov. 20). Tickets are on sale for all dinners in the series now.
When: May 22, Sept. 25, and Nov. 20, 2025
Where: Burdock & Co - 2702 Main St
Cost: $200 per person + tax & gratuity (includes a four-course meal and headphone rental). Reserve and pre-pay online.
Spot Prawn Festival
On Sunday May 25 join the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia for a celebration of an iconic B.C. product at the annual Spot Prawn Festival. The popular event is the primary fundraiser for the org, which provides education, mentorship, scholarships and sustainability initiatives across the province. The Spot Prawn Festival is held outdoors and will take place rain or shine, so plan accordingly. There are three ways to enjoy the event:
- FREE – access to the docks, view cooking demos and more (family-friendly)
- $10 – 8 oz of Prawn Bisque + a Bun– to go if you want! (family-friendly)
- $79 – Spot Prawn Brunch – grazing stand-up style with a tasting menu of 6 delicious spot prawn dishes. This event is limited to guests 19 years and older only (no pets)
When: May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen's Wharf - 1505 W 1st Ave
Cost: Free / $10 / $79. Purchase via Eventbrite.
Sipping Around B.C. Dinner Series at L'Abattoir
L'Abattoir’s popular Sipping Around B.C. dinner series returns, expanding to explore even more of British Columbia’s diverse wine regions. Presented in partnership with S. Pellegrino, each dinner brings together top BC winemakers and winery principals for an evening of expertly paired food and wine, celebrating terroir, microclimates, and the unique varietals shaping BC’s wine industry. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase featured wines at cellar door pricing. Tickets for each dinner will be available in the month before the event, with priority access for past attendees. Tickets for the first dinner on April 4 are now available.
When:
- Friday, June 13: Similkameen Valley (Clos du Soleil Winery, Orofino Vineyard, Little Farm Winery)
- Thursday, October 23: B.C. Islands (Averill Creek Vineyard, Unsworth Vineyards, Kutatás Wines)
Where: L'Abattoir (Private Dining Room) - 217 Carrall St
Cost: $195 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Purchase tickets online.
Wild Blue Long Table Dinner Series (Whistler)
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar is bringing back its Long Table Dinner Series for the third consecutive year in Whistler Village. Set for July 20 and August 10, 2025, these outdoor dinners will take place at The Range at Whistler Golf Club, offering stunning mountain views. Chef Alex Chen and Executive Chef Derek Bendig have curated a four-course menu featuring local ingredients, complemented by wine pairings from the restaurant’s partners. Neil Henderson, Restaurant Director, will host the evening. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. Tickets are $259 per person, with the events expected to sell out quickly.
When: July 20 and August 10, 2025
Where: The Range at Whistler Golf Club - 4025 Whistler Way, Whistler
Cost: $259 per person plus tax and gratuity. Purchase via Wild Blue's website.
Brewery & the Beast returns to Vancouver on Sunday, July 27, bringing an afternoon of open-fire cooking, incredible food, and refreshing drinks to Concord Pacific Place. This highly anticipated annual event showcases some of the region’s top culinary talent, offering guests an all-you-can-enjoy experience featuring expertly grilled meats, seasonal sides, and a selection of wine, beer, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages—all without the hassle of drink tickets. Live entertainment, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to watch chefs in action make it a true feast for the senses. For those looking to enhance their experience, the VIP tier offers exclusive early access, special dishes, and a private lounge. A full lineup of participating chefs and restaurants will be announced soon.
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. (VIP lounge access opens at 1 p.m.)
Where: Concord Pacific Place - 88 Pacific Blvd
Cost: VIP Experience $299.95; Main Event $178.95 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets available online.
With files from Brendan Kergin
Want to have your event included? Email [email protected] with the info and links.
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