The Bottom Line
One of Vancouver's best restaurants, Chambar serves fine Belgian cuisine--including perfectly cooked mussels paired with the traditional frites--in an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.
Chambar Belgian Restaurant
562 Beatty St., Vancouver
604-879-7119
Pros
- Delicious Belgian cuisine in a fashionably urbane setting
- One Vancouver's best Belgian restaurants
- Includes "ocean friendly" seafood options
- Attentive service
Cons
- Street parking may be difficult to find (though valet is available)
- Not for vegetarians
Description
- Open daily 5:30pm - 12am
- Most entrées $27 - $29
- Reservations recommended, even on weeknights
- More adult oriented
Guide Review - Chambar Belgian Restaurant
Chambar is one of the most highly-acclaimed fine dining restaurants in Vancouver, a reputation it more than deserves. You won't find better fine Belgian cuisine in the city.
It's not hyperbole to say that every item on the menu is a taste treat. There are the perfectly-cooked mussel dishes: big pots of BC mussels cooked in traditional Belgian broths, like Vin Blanc (white wine butter, braised celery and leeks) and Coquette (white wine cream, smoked bacon lardons, spring onions). Or there are the multi-layered entrées and appetizers, full of unexpected flavour combinations, like Les Asperges & Jambon, an appetizer pairing warm asparagus with prosciutto, chanterelle mushrooms and a truffle vinaigrette.
A particular favourite of mine is the Veau Provencal, served with fingerling potatoes and a divine mix of greens and other ingredients I can't begin to name but that, when taken all together, make every bite a taste extravaganza.
In addition to the delectable food, diners concerned with keeping green can take heart: several seafood options are designated "ocean friendly" by the Vancouver Aquarium.
One thing to note: BC mussels are huge. Personally, I prefer small mussels and find these too large (though the broths are heavenly). My partner loves them big, though, and if you do too, then get over to Chambar tout suite!
