Contributors: Amy Van Veen, Ali Siemens, Dessa Bayrock – Email
Print Edition: January 25, 2012
10. Little Saigon
Whether you like your Vietnamese food in the form of soup, or perhaps the fresher taste of vermicelli noodles, Little Saigon serves it up best. Their obviously fresh ingredients and in-house specialties provide something for every patron. Paired with the great atmosphere, this classy joint is great for a date night or for sampling great Vietnamese cuisine. – A.S.
9. Roasted Grape
Abbotsford’s recently opened Roasted Grape offers patrons a menagerie of flavours from local farms in a unique platter experience. Even though the outside still resembles the boredom of a financial institution, the proprietors have done an excellent job of making the interior their own – the only downside is the awkwardly sized platters with not quite enough food to fill them. – A.V.
8. Hilltop Café
Do you ever think to yourself in that extremely hungry state, “I hope they have big portions, I’m starving.” The Hilltop Café on Fraser Highway may look a little shabby, but its home-cut French fries, huge portions and friendly staff make up for the outside appearance. (Not to mention both The Butterfly Effect and Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants had scenes filmed there.) If you’re feeling extra adventurous, order the Everest Burger, and if you finish this monster—well—you probably get something free. – A.S.
7. Nikko Sushi
If Cheers was a Japanese restaurant, Nikko Sushi would be that place. When you walk in, Sushi Bob and the gang all greet you with a sincerely welcome “hello” and the service is always prompt, always friendly and often comes with perks – especially for the regulars. Even without the atmosphere, the quality of ingredients and unique combinations bring line-ups both to eat-in and take-out. Order the I Love It roll. It will change your life. – A.V.
6. Little Farmhouse in the City
One of my favorite breakfast spots in the city – this quaint and often-unnoticed restaurant has a great selection of menu options. Little Farmhouse offers both a full page plethora of different eggs benedict and organic free-trade coffee, as well as a quieter place to eat and chat. Its homey atmosphere adds to the homey style of food. – A.S.
5. Beatnik’s Bistro
Fort Langley offers many places to stop and grab a bite or sit and lounge with a martini, but there is one standout restaurant. Literally. It stands alone between the once-hardware store and ever-changing strip of boutiques, offering foodies something delicious and unexpected in a homey, intimate atmosphere. Excellent place for a first, second or fiftieth date. – A.V.
4. Mr. India
There are often those places that people speak of in hushed tones – those places where only the insider foodies know of because they’re hidden in locales off the beaten path. Mr. India has arguably the best butter chicken in the Valley despite its unassuming exterior. With three different levels of heat, they can accommodate any palate.
– A.V.
3. Cookies Grill
Cookies Grill is a prime example of decent, satisfying, delicious food. Their all-day breakfast and crispy hash browns are the archenemy of hangovers everywhere. Inexpensive meals, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff combine to make a home run out of this truck stop diner. – D.B.
2. Vi-La Vietnamese
Whether you are eating in or taking out, this family-run business will make sure your needs are met. The new location is completely renovated and a great place for a casual lunch or dinner. You can sit in and admire the modern circular fish tank or take out and enjoy Vietnamese cuisine from your couch. (I recommend #17.) – A.S.
#1. O’Neill’s
Vern O’Neill knows how to make a sandwich. That fluffy sweet potato bun, those fresh local ingredients with the perfect partnership of cheddar and ham and that winning smile all make O’Neill’s the place to be. Whether a student between classes or a contractor on break, the O’Neill breakfast sandwich is able to bring sustenance and flavour any day of the week. – A.V.
