Restaurant Recommendations for National Canadian Association of Journalist Conference Attendees

David Akin, CTV and Globe and Mail journalist, is attending the national conference of the Canadian Association of Journalists.

David asked for some Vancouver recommendations and has a list of some very good Vancouver restaurants on his blog. Here's my two cents.

I focus here on restaurants that are walking distance of the conference hotel, the Hyatt Regency, and inexpensive ethnic 'hole in the walls', because David seems to have all the other categories covered. More recommendations at http://www.vaneats.com/reviews/restaurants/

1. Brioche in Gastown - great Sicilian pastas, soup, desserts and coffee:

2. The Boss in Chinatown - Cheap and cheerful Cantonese breakfast, lunch and baked goods:

3. Mexico Sabroso on West Hastings near SFU Harbour Centre - great pork al pastor

4. Guu with Otokomae in Gastown (375 Water Street, not open for lunch), Guu with Garlic (1698 Robson) and the original Guu on Thurlow (838 Thurlow) (3 locations of home style Japanese cooking, no sushi, no tempura, no pretension, just great inexpensive food)

5. Phnomh Penh in Chinatown - Chicken Wings and Papaya Salad and other great Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine

6. Jang Mo Jib (all locations are good but the one nearest you is at: 1719 Robson - Korean - check out the back bone stew

7. Banana Leaf - Malaysian food (roti canai, etc.) - the new Denman location at 1096 Denman is the closest

8. Take 5 Cafe - WiFi, coffee and great Italian Food (like real toasted paninis) - 429 Granville Street

NOT Walking distance but definitely worth checking out if you have a car or can split a cab:

1. Habibi's - Lebanese Vegetarian (some of the best food with or without meat in the city, great flavours and spices)

2. Au Petit Cafe - Best Vietnamese sandwiches in the city! Fun Vietnamese ice coffee too (this will cure your jet lag!)

3. Double Double - great Cantonese congee and Chinese doughnuts

4. Green Village - Great Northern style Chinese food (dumplings!)

5. Grand Honour Hot Pot - best Chinese fondue in the city

I could go on and on but the above are just a few.

By the way, the Victoria Chinese restaurant in the Hyatt where you are staying has tasty (albeit expensive) dim sum.

Enjoy eating in Vancouver!