Commercial Design

5 Beautiful Restaurant Bars in Vancouver

From minimalist lounges to elegant, jewel-toned speakeasies, we've gathered some of the most beautiful bars in Vancouver for design inspo.

By Aastha Sethi /
Maxine's Restaurant bar design in downtown Vancouver
Kyoko Fierro

As summer comes to an official end, we’re hunting for sheltered spaces to spend our time. Preferably, one with food and drink—and a gorgeous interior. Here’s a curated a list of some of Vancouver’s restaurant bars that have uniquely captivating designs.

Kyoko Fierro

Maxine’s

Designers at Ste. Marie wanted to create a space that was both comfortable and classic, and this West End restaurant is just that. Maxine’s  has a European-style bar (modeled after an antique bookcase) and vintage furniture. The walls are beautifully decorated with framed posters and the naturally ceiling that completes the traditional, yet fresh aesthetic. See more of this cafe here.

Straight and Marrow Bar
Adam Blasberg

Straight and Marrow

Formed 4 Design repurposed discarded items to redesign this 108-year-old commercial spot into something more modern. Electrical cable, conveyor belt wheels and gears and cogs (all gold-painted and primed) make up Straight and Marrow’s 23-foot feature wall. A zinc bar, mahogany tables, and old barn wood shelving makes this spot sing—see more photos here.

Laowai
Ema Peter

Laowai

This secret resto-bar is in Vancouver’s Chinatown, hidden behind Blnd Tger Dumplings. Taking inspiration from 1930s Shanghai, Bergman Interiors wanted to evoke a sense of freedom. Green-black malachite is used to craft out the feature wall. Phoenix-shaped pendant lights hang over the main dining section. See more of this award-winning secret bar here.

Botanist Restaurant

Ste. Marie team redesigned the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Botanist Restaurant into a space close to nature (the menu is influenced by the principles of botany). Besides the main dining area, there’s also a terrace garden which is ideal for plant-lovers. A black marble bar gives the look of a conservatory with a glass-enclosed cocktail area. See more of this ultra-green space here.

Anh and Chi

Designer Karin Bohn turned this vibrant hub into a modern Vietnamese resto-lounge. Anh and Chi, which means “brother and sister,” encapsulates Vietnam with historical French influences. The light decor, patterned designs, and potted plants add a contemporary element to the space. See more of this restaurant (and get more design inspo) here.

Aastha Sethi

Aastha Sethi