A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Remembering the Restaurant That Made Vancouver Think It Had Officially Hit the Big Time

The ever-evolving Restaurant Graveyard series looks back at the countless, long-shuttered establishments that helped to propel Vancouver’s food and drink forward. Full A-Z with maps and photos here. May they never be forgotten!

The 2009 arrival of Market by Jean-Georges in the new Shangri-La Hotel was exciting. The coming of an international celebrity chef like the French-American Jean-Georges Vongerichten was trumpeted as a turning point for Vancouver, a signal that our little town had all the elements required to join the ranks of food cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo (see also the arrival of Daniel Boulud’s DB Bistro Moderne). Unfortunately, its impact was lessened by circumstances beyond its control, as its opening coincided with the Great Recession. The downturn broadly hamstrung Vancouver’s dining scene and flattened the trajectory of the same rise that drew the attention of Vongerichten in the first place. Market will nevertheless be remembered for its plush dining room; its excellent service; its tight menus of Jean-Georges’ greatest hits (mmm, black truffle and fontina pizza!); and, most importantly, its employment of many local talents over the course of its 11-year run, several of whom went on to do great things, among them Lee Cooper (owner/chef, L’Abattoir), Justin Tisdall (owner, Juke), Kristian Eligh (chef, Toptable) and Paul Grunberg (owner Savio Volpe). The restaurant closed on January 1st, 2020 to make way for an as yet unnamed new concept.

  • Black Truffle Pizza
  • Restaurant Manager - Brittany Anderson
  • MARKET by JEAN-GEORGES
  • Tuna Tartare
  • Steamed Shrimp Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
  • MARKET by JEAN-GEORGES
  • Seared Scallops, Caramalized Cauliflower
  • Seasonal Terrace
  • Bubbles, Beats & Brunch on MARKET Terrace
  • Brown Butter Waffle
  • Market by Jean-Georges
  • Express Lunch - Grilled Pork Loin
  • MARKET by JEAN-GEORGES
  • Shangri-La Vancouver_MARKET By Jean-Georges Bar
  • MARKET Bar
  • Beet Salad
  • Beef Tenderloin, Carrots and Miso
  • Bathrooms
  • B.C. Blueberry Caipirinha

MARKET by Jean-Georges
Neighbourhood: Downtown
1115 Alberni St.
(Closed)
604-695-1115

On Liquor, Licensing and Loopholes, with Keenan Hood of The Keefer

We catch up with The Keefer Bar’s General Manager, Keenan Hood, for a recap on the closing of the Keefer Yard, and the successes of the past couple of years…

The Cozy Prairie Themed Bar Tucked Away on Cordova Street

This cozy, unpretentious Saskatchewan-themed Gastown tavern was a beer- and bourbon-lovers' living room, with a food menu that could have been featured entirely in Scout's 'Comfort Food Guide to Vancouver'.

The Slick, Pacific Rim-Inspired Restaurant Was a Yaletown Fixture for Five Years

Goldfish Pacific Kitchen was a professionally-run, West Coast meets Asian restaurant owned by the legendary Bud Kanke.

Remembering the West End’s Charming Ligurian Restaurant and Its Stunning Patio

The 110-seat restaurant and bar specialized in the regional cuisine of Liguria, with seafood dishes figuring highly.