From the minute you enter Richmond, you are steps from tasting delicious food in every direction. Convenience is the result of the city’s location – home to the Vancouver International Airport and close to BC Ferries (taking you to Victoria) and the U.S.A. border to Washington State. The unique gateway to both Asia and the rest of North America provides the history and culture to feature a multi-ethnic community that is a true foodie’s dream.
Once you’re in Richmond, kick things off by checking into your choice of many hotels. This is your home away from home, and no matter what your budget is, you can find something to suit your needs and wants.
Whether you are looking for true 4-star luxury, casual and comfortable, or something a short walk from the water, you won’t have a problem finding a place to stay. In fact, you can’t miss the 26 brand-name hotels here.
Once checked in and freshened up, it’s time to start tasting. Ease into the food scene with something uniquely West Coast. A good place to start is the Sockeye City Grill right on the waterfront. The name says it all, you’ll find the freshest wild Sockeye salmon, pan seared halibut with shiitake mushrooms, tomato relish, and a tantalizing balsamic reduction. You also can’t go wrong with the relaxing West Coast environment and seasonal fresh ingredients of Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant. Or you could just sample some small plates, tapas style, at The Point. That means tuna sliders with mango salsa, smoked salmon bruscetta, and delicious baby Dungeness crab cakes.
The best thing about Richmond is the diversity. Within minutes, you can be at the best local Greek restaurant or get fresh sushi. You can be diving into the best mousakka at Kisamos Greek Taverna, or you can find two great ways to enjoy some real hot pot. At Posh, you can take in the hot and sweet Japanese sukiyaki version, featuring organic Asian veggies, tofu, and noodles, along with thin sliced beef and pork. Or you can get more adventurous at the Cattle Hot Pot Restaurant. Here you will find traditional soup with tofu, noodles, seafood, or you can kick it up with pork blood and tripe.
It’s Saturday morning. The sun is coming up, and Richmond is coming alive. Before you head out for some outdoor adventure, a stroll on the boardwalk, or some power boutique shopping, it’s time to fuel up. Start with a morning coffee in the village at Steveston Coffee Company. Or you could fill your belly at the Steveston Hotel, where locals and fishermen start the day with hearty breakfast fare.
Save some room for another cup of coffee at Robusto’s Cigars & Coffee. For some post-breakfast activity on a gorgeous fall weekend afternoon you can check out London Heritage Farm, where warm scones complement a tour of the home and gardens of this beautifully restored 1860s farmhouse. Or you can have post brunch coffee and cakes at Diplomat Bakery, which specializes in some serious European cakes. Just follow the delicious smells that will be wafting from the bakery long before you step inside.
In the afternoon, another good place to engage your taste buds will be sampling freshly picked fruit and fabulous wines at Sanduz Estate Winery. Richmond’s first farm-based winery was created as an extension of an already successful blueberry and cranberry farm. It is now BC’s largest fruit winery. Owners Dave and Neeta Sandu hold bragging rights to BC’s largest selection of fruit wines. Not to be missed are the truly unique blueberry and cranberry varietals.
Okay, it’s time for some of that famous Chinese food. You have many options in Richmond – more than 300 authentic Asian restaurants. You can take the more traditional route at Shiang Gardens Seafood Restaurant, an elegant teahouse restaurant. Or take modern flavours for a spin at Hakkasan Contemporary Chinese Cuisine – serving original Chinese food with a very contemporary twist. This is food as art.
There’s lots more than Chinese food as well. At Tsujiki Japanese Restaurant you’ll find imported fish directly from the world’s biggest seafood market in Japan. Savour the most delicious lamb popsicles, grilled and marinated in ponzu sauce or sample the sashimi and sushi creations.
A Sunday morning tradition on the West Coast, and one Richmond is especially good at serving, is traditional dim sum. A lot of small, delicious dishes served alongside tea must be experienced as the ultimate brunch food. Dinesty Chinese Restaurant is a hot spot for specialties from Taiwan and Shanghai. Another great option for your Sunday morning dim sum is Fisherman’s Terrace, a Cantonese restaurant with a modern and contemporary style that will have something for everyone.
After brunch, go for a tasting at the Lulu Island Winery. They have been leading the charge of British Columbia exporters, making fine raspberry, blueberry, and ice wines. Owner John Chang learned winemaking on his grandmother’s knee and brings in touches of Chinese medicine and antioxidants to his winemaking. It’s wine as philosophy. The winery now has a 15-acre site, including a 22,000-square-foot facility and three-year-old grape fields for you to tour and sample. Their Muscat grapes should be perfectly ready to taste.
While you’re in the area, make a point to check out the market at Papi’s Ristorante Italiano. Chef Ken Laci presides over a culinary institution in Richmond. While Papi’s may be regional Italian in origin, the food is clearly homegrown. The hand-chosen fish, meat, poultry, and produce are all from the local area. The house salad is a mix of hand-picked lettuces and herbs from London Heritage Farm every day. Talk about fresh! And Papi’s isn’t just about sitting down and eating family style; the location houses Mondo Burger, a classic burger joint, alongside its gourmet market to take plenty of tasty treats on the go.
And you can’t leave Richmond without the freshest fish and chips around. By the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is Dave’s Fish & Chips. A local joint that has been serving up golden fried fish and classic chips for years. It’s an institution. It doesn’t get any more West Coast than this. Soak up the lifestyle and breath in the fresh air before heading back to wherever home is for you.
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