The Coolest Date Night Spots in Vancouver

It might be the shortest month of the year, but February has many of us itching to shake things up. Whether you need a fresh idea for Valentine’s Day, or you’re just so over the rain and need a break from Netflix, I’ve got you covered. Take a date, take a friend or take a solo trek out to some of Vancouver’s best spots to mix it up and keep yourself busy while we all wait for spring.

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Date Nights for Foodies

If you’re looking for a classy night out where reservations might be your best bet, there’s no need to go far because we have plenty of hot spots this side of the river.

If you’re on Vancouver’s new waterfront and wanting an upscale experience, options abound, but here are a few of my favorites. Make a reservation at Maryhill Winery or get there early enough and you can dine in a hollowed-out barrel and munch on their small plates while enjoying a tasting flight. In the mood for dinner? Go big and order their shrimp linguine. If you’re a sushi lover and want an elegant yet traditional Japanese experience, try ShinSen Sushi & Lounge. Order a bubble bath drink, and don’t skimp on the spicy tuna rolls! For some incredible paella and gorgeous views, I highly recommend Dosalas, a Latin restaurant and tequila bar. And finally, if you’re willing to spend a little more for quality steaks, try El Gaucho, and treat yourself to a tableside Caesar salad where you can request as much garlic as your heart desires.

Moving away from the new waterfront, Cecilia recently transitioned from brunch only to serving dinner as well, but you can’t go wrong with either option. With a modern, classy vibe and great drinks, my personal recommendations are the chilaquiles at brunch and the filet Oscar for dinner, but it’s only winners here.

If you’re craving great seafood with a view of the marina, The Cove offers up some of my favorite seafood chowder and seared scallops that will change your life.

If it’s Italian you’re in the mood for, Nostra Tavola bridges a family vibe with elevated food, and they have some of the best pizza in Vancouver. With plenty of freshly made sauces to choose from, I’m partial to the Bolognese or the hazelnut pesto, but try them all out!

For my 40th birthday this year, I ate downtown with a group of friends at The Sedgwick and loved it—we devoured the small plates, and the ginger butternut soup and the Spanish croquettes were absolute stars.

Elements Restaurant downtown prioritizes cooking with the seasons. The chef works tirelessly to support local farmers, ranchers and bakers to keep the cuisine regional and fresh. The rotating seasonal menu will keep you coming back to try new things all the time, but always try the beets if they’re available!

Finally, for a unique and authentic dining experience, you must try DEDIKo. This restaurant, run by a mother and son from the country of Georgia, serves traditional regional food such as handmade dumplings and baklava. Their authentic menu and quality cooking means regulars and newcomers keep the place packed, so you will most likely need a reservation. Andy Kartchner, who used to live in Armenia (which borders Georgia on the south), was craving authentic food from the region and was thrilled when DEDIKo opened. He says, “Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!” He raves about the authentic dishes, the gorgeous presentation and one of the most unique culinary experiences in the Clark County area. “The flavors immediately transport me back, even down the amazing pear lemonade, which is a must-try.”

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Casual Dining Experiences

If you are interested in great food with a low-key atmosphere, consider some of these local gems.

Woody’s Tacos moved locations from downtown to further east on Mill Plain, but the flavors are still outrageous, and it’s my go-to place for shrimp tacos. Matt Wastradowski moved to Portland a while back, but says, “I love Woody’s Tacos and will happily cross the bridge for them.”

If you’re a shrimp lover like I am, you’ll love Magnolia Tavern. Their shrimp and grits are a must, but they also have an impressive selection of whiskey and beers and serve up classic southern dishes like jambalaya and fried chicken.

For some delicious and homey Filipino food, you’ve got to try Manila Couve for traditional dishes like chicken adobo and lumpia. The staff is lovely, and the food is pure comfort.

A staple in our household that we keep in the regular rotation is Frontier Public House for their mellow vibe, drinks and classic dishes that consistently hit the spot. They serve a little bit of everything, but I can never resist the beet salad or the quesadillas. If you are on a family date, my kids love the paper tablecloths to use as their own personal canvases.

And if you’re on the downtown waterfront and want something relaxed, I suggest Stack 571 for any burger you could dream up, plus milkshakes. (It also happens to be a favorite spot for Brussels sprouts in Vancouver.) And if you’re craving pasta, Grassa is a very chill and tasty spot with anything from carbonara to a rigatoni with pork ragu. So. Good. Brussels sprouts here are also incredible.

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Coffee and Sweet Treats

Trips to Starbucks have their place, but if you’re looking for more of our local specialties, these are a few of Vancouver’s best coffee shops: Thatcher’s, River Maiden, Terrain Coffee Project, Compass Coffee and Great North Coffee. Try one or try them all, but with locally sourced coffees and fresh pastries, they are the cutest spots for a date.

And if dessert is more your speed or you want to add on after a night out, consider these sweet spots: Treat (next door to DEDIKo) is a hand-made ice cream haven. Another family favorite in our household, you can’t go wrong with flavors like ooey gooey butter cake and salted peanut butter cup. Worth any wait in line!

Ice Cream Renaissance is another classic for ice cream and other sweet treats, but it’s also a hang out spot with games and an adorable vibe. Liisa Dilley says, “This is the best ice cream in Vancouver, hands down.”

For an enormous display of freshly baked goods like macaroons and Ukrainian sweets, head to Sweet Touch Bakery and pair your pastry with their locally brewed coffee. You can make an entire meal out of this place because they have plenty of tasty savory options as well.

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Active Dates

Wanting to get some exercise and adventure but remain indoors? Try a date at The Source Climbing Center, the rock-climbing gym downtown!

If you’re on a family date or just want to tap into your inner child, try Sky Zone for trampolines galore and Urban Air for more bouncing, zip lines and obstacle courses suspended in the air.

For a combination of good food and indoor golf, check out Courses Golf and Grill to eat, drink and try your hand at an incredibly realistic golf simulator. It’s a super fun spot for golf lovers or aspiring golfers who don’t want to brave the elements for 18 holes.

If you’re looking for a nice walk or bike ride somewhere scenic, here are a few personal favorite trails for a casual, afternoon date with family and friends: Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, Salmon Creek Trail and Whipple Creek. If you want a cozy walk in an old-growth forest without having to drive far, head to Salmon-Morgan Creeks Trail.

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Dates for Art Lovers

Take a pottery class with Kilnfolk and create something memorable that will live in your home and remind you of your date forever. I have a souvenir mug from a mother-daughter date I gifted my mom last Christmas. Whether you’re a pro or an absolute beginner—learning something new together is the ultimate bonding experience.

Live, Laugh, Love Art Studio is for people who want to paint the pottery that’s already been made for them! It’s also a family-friendly or date night spot for artists wanting to experiment with glass blowing, glass fusing, canvas painting or candle making.

Are you and your date book lovers? Consider a day of grabbing a coffee or a sweet treat and heading to the local bookstores in Clark County. A few of Vancouver’s best offerings are White Oak Books, Birdhouse Books, Vintage Books and if you love comics, I Like Comics is aptly named!

If you want to learn something new by yourself or together, Clark College offers entire series or one-off classes to learn new skills in cooking, writing, painting or anything else you’re curious about!

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – Dates for Gamers

Another way to keep it fresh and interesting? Games! I thought I would hate escape rooms—locked in a room and having to do puzzles to get out? No, thank you. But I could not have been more wrong and now I’m hooked. I’ve done all but one of the rooms at NW Escape Experience and am starting to work my way through paradigmQ. These require teamwork and alternating perspectives and whether you “win” or not, you’ll be laughing about it and dissecting your skills over dinner later!

What I lack in athletic skills, I make up for in curiosity, so I had to try axe throwing. I’ve tried both Firehouse Axes and Celtic Axe Throwing at Hopworks, and they’re both great spots to eat, drink and try out a new skill (that you will be shown how to do safely and accurately). Use an axe for target practice, tic-tac-toe and any other game you can come up with.

If you love enormous pizza and love arcades, Hungry Sasquatch and their adjacent bar, Thirsty Sasquatch is a beloved spot. Grab a slice and challenge each other to some old school classic arcade games like Pac-Man or pinball.

Date Night Spots in Vancouver – One-of-a-Kind Dates

If you and your partner or friends are up for something out of the ordinary for a memorable evening, Vancouver has options! If you want to take out some frustration or just show off your physical prowess, head to OutRaged Rage Room. They also now offer black light paint throwing! With plenty of five-star reviews, visitors have described the experience as cathartic, freeing and an absolute blast.

For a unique experience that you don’t have to travel to Portland for, try Underbar. Head downstairs to this basement-level bar for food, beverages and your pick of entertainment. They’ve got trivia, karaoke, stand-up-comedy, drag shows and bingo with craft cocktails to boot. Check their calendar and try something new!

Finally, this one isn’t technically in Vancouver, but if you want something fresh and memorable, try dining at Wyld Pines Public House in Camas, one of only six “dark dining” experiences in the country. With a fixed seven-course menu, diners are given black-out goggles before the meal even begins to heighten the other senses and enhance the dining experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, want some lively debate with your date about what flavors you detect and an experience you won’t forget, this is one meal you’ve got to try!

Whatever you decide, Vancouver has so much to offer. Try something new with someone special and treat yourself to an outing that’s uniquely you!

Read the full February 2025 issue here:

Go here to find more creative date ideas in Clark County.