Cherry blossom season is upon us, which means it's time for Sakura-themed events to usher in spring and all its beauty across Metro Vancouver.
But there are plenty more opportunities to sip and savour the season and support some of our local restaurants, chefs, and businesses. There is likely something for everyone, from an evening of whisky-tasting to a fun plant-based night market.
Whether it’s a dinner of burgers paired with great wines or an elegant afternoon tea, these upcoming 麻豆传媒映画events offer plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s food and drink scene.
Choucroute Garnie à L’Alsacienne at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie
Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie invites guests to experience Choucroute Garnie à L’Alsacienne, a cherished Alsatian tradition, for two nights only on March 25 and 26. This special five-course menu highlights the classic dish of sauerkraut braised in Riesling and served with a selection of cured and slow-cooked meats, a staple of Alsace’s wine taverns. The menu also features foie gras terrine with ice wine jelly, duck consommé with black truffle, and indulgent apple and cinnamon beignets. Inspired by his travels, Feenie pays tribute to this hearty and celebratory dish while infusing it with West Coast influences.
When: March 25 and 26
Where: Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie – 909 Burrard St
Cost: $110 per person. Reservations available via .
What began as a celebration of local restaurants has grown into a premier dining festival, showcasing the city’s rich culinary diversity. With more than 65 restaurants offering exclusive prix-fixe menus and special deals, this month-long festival is a must for food lovers looking to explore Burnaby’s evolving food scene. From casual eats to elevated multi-course meals, participating restaurants will offer curated dining experiences that highlight their signature dishes.
Alongside prix-fixe menus, this year’s festival brings new immersive dining experiences. Highlights include Dinneraad, a long-table experience pairing Dageraad Brewing’s award-winning Belgian-style beers with locally inspired dishes; A Taste of Japan at Nikkei, featuring a traditional tea ceremony, artisan chocolate-making, and miso fermentation workshops; Taste of Trattoria, a multi-course Italian feast at Trattoria by Italian Kitchen showcasing house-made pastas and regional specialities; and Celebrate Holi with Kurry Wala, where guests can enjoy a festive buffet, live music, and the vibrant energy of colour play.
When: Now through March 31
Where: Participating restaurants in Burnaby
Vino & Vibes: Burger Edition at
Wildlight Kitchen + Bar wine director Michael Cooke has sourced some hard-to-get wines and will be pouring them alongside some delicious food, specifically burgers. Diners can expect a fun, chill vibe and a casual tasting of multiple vintages from a few wine producers on three different nights, all while enjoying one of Wildlight's juicy burgers.
The schedule is as follows:
- March 26: Barolo & Wagyu Burger
- April 9: Chablis/White Burgundy & Fried Chicken Burger
- April 23: Brunello & Aussie Burger
When: March 26, April 9, and April 23, 2025.
Where: Wildlight - 5380 University Bl.
Cost: $99 per person. Reservations and pre-payment via
The Annual Crab Fest is back this month, showcasing a delicious menu of crab dishes crafted by the team at Water St. Cafe. Along with the special menu, the Crab Fest Passport Contest returns. Pick up a passport and collect stamps at any of the three Island locations to receive a $20 Gift Card for the new sibling restaurant location opening at the Fairwinds Golf Course Clubhouse on the Island.
When: March 7-31
Where: Water St. Cafe - 300 Water St (2nd floor)
From March 9 to March 27, Published on Main is relaunching its special $100 prix-fixe menu in celebration of the community that has supported them since day one. Founded with a focus on seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes and locally sourced produce, the restaurant quickly became a beloved neighbourhood spot. Now, after gaining recognition and demand, they’ve remained true to their roots by offering an accessible dining experience that combines exceptional value with the quality they’re known for. This limited-time menu is designed to celebrate their growth and reconnect with the people who helped shape their success.
When: March 9-27
Where: Published on Main - 3593 Main St.
Cost: $100 per person. Reservations and pre-payment via
Oaxacan Menu at
Ophelia’s Executive Chef Francisco Higareda is showcasing the flavours of Oaxaca with a limited-time Oaxaca Regional Menu, available nightly until Sunday, April 6. This $60 three-course menu highlights the diverse ingredients and culinary traditions of one of Mexico’s most celebrated food regions, featuring staples like corn, beans, chile peppers, Oaxacan cheese, and mezcal. Guests can also opt for an Oaxacan Sunset cocktail ($15) or a Mezcal Species Flight ($35), featuring a trio of mezcals from Santiago Matatlán, known for its deep mezcal-making traditions.
When: Through Sunday, April 6
Where: Ophelia - 165 W 2nd Ave
Cost: $60 per person. .
Blue Jay Sessions 麻豆传媒映画pop-up at Café Medina
Award-winning songwriter series Blue Jay Sessions is making its 麻豆传媒映画debut with a special one-night event at Café Medina on Thursday, March 27. The after-hours showcase will feature two sessions of storytelling and live performances from top independent Canadian musicians, offering an intimate listening experience with only 50 seats available per session. The first session, with doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7 to 8:15 p.m., features Antonio Larosa and Tea Fannie as co-hosts alongside performances by Katie Rox (Nice Horse), Amy Hef, and Sail Cassady. The second session, with doors at 8:15 p.m. and music from 9 to 10:15 p.m., will also be hosted by Larosa and Tea Fannie and includes performances by Jade Turner, Emma Peterson, and Zenon. Guests can enjoy Café Medina’s signature hospitality with a curated evening menu of elevated bites and music-inspired cocktails.
When: Thursday, March 27, 7 and 9 p.m.
Where: Café Medina – 780 Richards St
Cost: $12.50-$20, tickets available via
Aprés Beach Happy Hour at Kits Beach Coffee
This daily happy hour, running from 4 to 6 p.m., invites beachgoers, locals, and visitors to enjoy the café's vibes. With a refreshing cocktail, beer or glass of wine, guests can unwind after a day in the sun or a busy workday. To make this even more convenient, the café will be extending its hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, ensuring that guests can enjoy their favourite drinks, food and baked goods all day long. The café plans to keep chasing the sunset with longer evening hours coming in May.
When: Daily from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Kits Beach Coffee - 1945 Cornwall Ave
at Notch8
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s beloved Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea returns for the season, offering an elegant tribute to the beauty of sakura. This exquisite experience features a curated selection of teas, handcrafted pastries, and savoury bites, all delicately adorned with cherry blossom-inspired touches. Highlights include Morello cherry and buttermilk scones, pork menchi katsu sandwiches, sakura matcha mousse cake, and specialty floral teas. Enhance the experience with sakura-infused cocktails for a truly indulgent springtime treat.
When: Now through May 25; Wednesday to Sunday, seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. (excluding March 8-9, April 20; open on Monday, April 21)
Where: Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel 麻豆传媒映画- 900 W Georgia St
Cost: $75 per adult, $45 per child (ages 12 and under)
at Container Brewing
Don't stop by Container Brewing for a bevvy on April 1 unless you can handle some serious staff from the staff, who have been getting ready for the brewery's annual "Karen" day. Come through for an all-day "UN" Happy Hour — that's $2 off full pours and cans, all day long, served with a side of playful cheek from the crew.
When: Tuesday, April 1
Where: Container Brewing - 1216 Franklin St
at Belgard Kitchen
Belgard Kitchen is making B.C. wines more accessible with 50% off bottles from its exclusively local wine list every Monday and Tuesday. A longtime champion of BC’s wine scene, Belgard has been highlighting the region’s top producers since opening in 2014. At a time when supporting local is more important than ever, this initiative offers an easy way to enjoy exceptional wines at an unbeatable value while directly supporting B.C. wineries.
When: Every Monday and Tuesday
Where: Belgard Kitchen – 55 Dunlevy Ave
Organized by Noms Magazine, the 麻豆传媒映画Cherry Blossom Food Festival is in its second year. Though it is not affiliated with the 麻豆传媒映画Cherry Blossom Festival, its spirit of sakura is the same (and anyone can most certainly take part in both). The event is once again bringing together several cafés and restaurants in Metro 麻豆传媒映画who will feature special cherry blossom-inspired treats and drinks for a DIY multi-week event. From March 14 to April 27, you'll find special items on offer at nearly two dozen businesses spanning Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby.
When: March 14-April 27
Where: Various locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond
Apprentice Dinner Series at
Chambar is launching its inaugural Apprentice Dinner Series this April, celebrating mentorship, creativity, and rising culinary talent. Each month, a promising young chef will craft a menu inspired by their heritage under the guidance of co-founder Chef Nico Schuermans. The series kicks off on April 1, with Chef Nikola Janitsova, who will present a Slovak-inspired feast featuring dishes like filo tart with lingcod rillette and roasted pork tenderloin with klobasa and sauerkraut spätzle. Future dinners will highlight Nepalese and Belgian influences, with long-table experiences priced at $65 per person. Dishes will be available as part of a set menu available to diners for the rest of the month.
This initiative, part of Chambar’s legacy of fostering talent offers guests a unique opportunity to connect with emerging chefs and their stories. Reservations for the launch dinner are now open.
When: April 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chambar - 568 Beatty St
Cost: $65 per person. .
Sipping Around B.C. Dinner Series at L'Abattoir
L'Abattoir’s popular returns, expanding to explore even more of British Columbia’s diverse wine regions. Presented in partnership with S. Pellegrino, each dinner brings together top BC winemakers and winery principals for an evening of expertly paired food and wine, celebrating terroir, microclimates, and the unique varietals shaping BC’s wine industry. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase featured wines at cellar door pricing. Tickets for each dinner will be available in the month before the event, with priority access for past attendees. Tickets for the first dinner on April 4 are now available.
When:
- Friday, April 4: Naramata Bench (Little Engine Wines, MacIntyre Heritage Reserve, Terravista Vineyards)
- Friday, June 13: Similkameen Valley (Clos du Soleil Winery, Orofino Vineyard, Little Farm Winery)
- Thursday, October 23: B.C. Islands (Averill Creek Vineyard, Unsworth Vineyards, Kutatás Wines)
Where: L'Abattoir (Private Dining Room) - 217 Carrall St
Cost: $195 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Purchase tickets .
- UBC
The Greater 麻豆传媒映画Food Truck Festival is rolling in 21 vendors to the Commons in front of the on April 3 and 4, showcasing a smorgasbord of international street cuisine.
The line-up includes favourites on wheels like Chickpea, Shameless Buns, Say Cheese, Crema, and many more. Admission is free and the event will take place rain or shine, so grab your wallet and your umbrella if there are April showers.
When: April 3-4, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: UBC Commons in front of AMS Nest - 6133 University Blvd
Cost: Admission is free
In the Heights: Ned Bell and Kurtis Kolt Pop-Up
Chef Ned Bell and sommelier Kurtis Kolt are teaming up for a 12-night seafood-centric pop-up at The Gray Olive Cafeteria in Burnaby Heights, running Thursdays through Saturdays from April 3 to 26. Bell, known for his work with Ocean Wise and food sustainability initiatives, is making a return to restaurant cooking with a menu featuring dishes like wild Pacific albacore tuna tacos, creamy geoduck and halibut chowder, and roasted wild Pacific halibut. Kolt has curated a lineup of non-alcoholic pairings, including zero-proof wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic beer.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 3-26, from 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Gray Olive Cafeteria - 4190 Hastings St, Burnaby
Cost: $99 includes three-course dinner, gratuity, GST and Eventbrite fees; tickets
Fans of plant-based food and products should have the Vegan Market on their radar. The market, which features everything from food to clothing to skincare products to books, has set dates for two Wednesday night events in East Van at the Waldorf on April 16. Entrance is $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food. Shop from 45+ vendors, and enjoy live music, bonfires, giveaways, and "soy" much more.
When: April 16 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Where: Waldorf Hotel - 1489 E Hastings St
Cost: $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food
All-Star Snack Part at DD Mau
DD Mau Chinatown is celebrating seven delicious years with an All-Star Snack Party on Sunday, April 20. This milestone event will feature a lineup of fan-favourite bites, including Corn Ribs, Shrimp Skewers, Charlie’s Fried Chicken Sliders, and Ph峄� Gà Tr峄檔, alongside creative cocktails like Grandma’s Tea and Hanoi Hannah. With great food, drinks, and live DJ sets, the evening promises to be a true tribute to DD Mau’s legacy and its beloved Chinatown community. Tickets are $59 and include a cocktail, all four snacks, tax, and gratuity, with additional food and drinks available for purchase.
When: Sunday, April 20. Seatings at 5:30, 6, 7:30, and 8 p.m.
Where: DD May - 145 E Pender St
Cost: $59 per person.
Whisky & Words returns to 麻豆传媒映画on Friday, April 25 for a night of unlimited pours of Canadian and international whisky and spirits. The event supports the 麻豆传媒映画Writers Fest's year-round programming, as well as its flagship October festival.
This year, Whisky & Words is proud to welcome the following distillers to a classy evening of tantalizing drinks, good company, and a celebration of community:
- Liberty Distillery (BC on Granville Island)
- Alimentaria Mexicana (BC on Granville Island)
- Roots & Wings Distillery (BC)
- Shelter Point (BC)
- Central City Brewers & Distillers (BC)
- Odd Society Spirits (BC)
- Craftwork Spirits (AB)
- TS Global (Canada)
- Charton Hobbs (Canada/Scotland)
- Tomintoul (Scotland)
- Magnum Scotch Malt Whisky Cream Liqueur (Scotland)
- Whyte & MacKay (Scotland)
When: Friday, April 25. VIP hour 7-8 p.m.; general admission opens at 8 p.m. Event ends at 11 p.m.
Where: Performance Works, Granville Island
Cost: $125-$170. . 19+ only.
Taste Sound: An Immersive Dining Experience at Burdock & Co
Burdock & Co continues its Taste Sound dinner series with an evening of sonic gastronomy featuring musician and biologist Tarun Nayar (Modern Biology). On three upcoming dates, guests will experience Chef Andrea Carlson’s menus while listening to the bioelectric activity of its ingredients through biodata sonification. This multisensory collaboration explores the connection between taste and sound, offering a unique way to engage with food. Beverages available in addition include natural wines curated by Kelcie Jones, the 麻豆传媒映画Michelin Guide’s 2023 Sommelier of the Year and a signature cocktail. The themes for the dinners in the series are Resin (May 22), Road Trip (Sept. 25) and Radicchio (Nov. 20). Tickets are on sale for all dinners in the series now.
When: May 22, Sept. 25, and Nov. 20, 2025
Where: Burdock & Co - 2702 Main St
Cost: $200 per person + tax & gratuity (includes a four-course meal and headphone rental). .
Brewery & the Beast Vancouver
Brewery & the Beast returns to 麻豆传媒映画on Sunday, July 27, bringing an afternoon of open-fire cooking, incredible food, and refreshing drinks to Concord Pacific Place. This highly anticipated annual event showcases some of the region’s top culinary talent, offering guests an all-you-can-enjoy experience featuring expertly grilled meats, seasonal sides, and a selection of wine, beer, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages—all without the hassle of drink tickets. Live entertainment, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to watch chefs in action make it a true feast for the senses. For those looking to enhance their experience, the VIP tier offers exclusive early access, special dishes, and a private lounge. A full lineup of participating chefs and restaurants will be announced soon.
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. (VIP lounge access opens at 1 p.m.)
Where: Concord Pacific Place - 88 Pacific Blvd
Cost: VIP Experience $299.95; Main Event $178.95 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets available .
With files from Kyle Balzer and Brendan Kergin
馃嵔 Find more delicious Metro 麻豆传媒映画food and drink video stories by following V.I.A's Forking Awesome on and , and signing up for our Forking Awesome newsletter 馃摤 delivered fresh to your inbox every Thursday.
