11 Vancouver restaurants for an office holiday party
Got stuck planning the office holiday party again this year? It can be a challenge to find a venue that’s fun, affordable and appropriate for everyone on your team. At these Vancouver restaurants, you can get in on the holiday spirit and enjoy the festive feast with your co-workers. Just remember to pace yourself with the spiked eggnog. [Image courtesy of Royal Dinette. Photo credit: Fred Fung]
Revel Room Holdings Ltd The
238 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8Revelry is the name of the game at this celebratory spot on Abbott Street. The raucous Southern-style bar features boozy cocktails, live music and a loud party-like atmosphere reminiscent of NOLA’s own Bourbon Street. Private dining spaces are available for small and large groups, with a variety of food options. Those who want a sit-down meal can request a three-course dinner ($35, $45 or $55 per person), which is served family-style on sharing platters to keep things interactive. Alternatively, book a cocktail-style party (between $15 and $30 a head) with passed hors d’oeuvres and casual canapés to encourage mingling.
Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3This fine-dining spot on Beatty Street is always a hit. Chambar impresses with its European and Moroccan dishes and caters to the office crowd with plenty of options for workplace gatherings. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams give the space a trendy industrial vibe, and the lower-level private dining room accommodates up to 84 people or can be divided into separate rooms for smaller holiday parties. Group menus are available throughout the day for breakfast, lunch or dinner at a variety of different price points ranging from $25 for a set breakfast menu to $75 for a four-course evening feast.
Salt Tasting Room Ltd
248 Georgia St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7Is there anything better than nibbling on charcuterie and cheese while sipping a glass of wine? If all you want for Christmas is a night of tapas and vino, then book a small-scale fiesta at this Spanish wine bar in Blood Alley. The team at Salt can put together a party to suit your style and budget, whether that means a three-course dinner, meat-and-cheese boards or a simple wine flight. Salt also offers non-alcoholic tasting flights for those who choose not to imbibe. Reserve the cellar for 50 guests or sit 22 at the main dining room’s communal table.
Black+Blue
1032 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3Black and Blue puts a contemporary spin on the classic Canadian steakhouse. The swank multileveled space on Alberni Street attracts well-heeled office workers throughout the week with its upmarket vibe and appetizing happy hour specials. Group dining opportunities cover get-togethers of all sizes with private and semi-private rooms available for smaller bookings and a buy-out option for parties of up to 260. Set menus are meat-forward (think grilled tenderloin, lobster tails, wagyu carpaccio) but can be customized for the vegetarians on your team. If you want to host an al fresco affair, consider the heated rooftop patio.
The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen
540 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3Want to try something a little different for this year’s staff holiday shindig? Why not plan an interactive cooking class for some hands-on holiday fun with your colleagues. The Dirty Apron hosts private parties and team-building events for gastronomically inclined groups; options range from fast-paced Iron Chef style competitions to more laid back instructional sessions. Expert chefs will teach your gang how to create an impressive three-course menu from scratch. Groups are then invited to sit down and enjoy the meal together at the on-site dining room. Daytime and evening events are available for up to 22 participants
Coast
1054 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3This refined seafood spot on Alberni Street caters to an upmarket clientele. The private dining rooms, lounge space and cocktail reception area can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 260 people for holiday events. For the 2016 holiday season, COAST has created multi-course group menus for both lunch (ranging from $29 to $125 per person) that showcase a bounty of sustainable under-the-sea selections, including chilled seafood platters, grilled salmon, roasted sablefish and chef Max San’s signature sushi selections. There’s even a festive turkey option for anyone who’s craving a traditional Christmas feast.
NUBA
3116 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H3Whether you’re a small 10-person squad or a large company with a staff of 150, Nuba’s Kitsilano location is a great spot for a merry holiday gathering. The multileveled Lebanese tavern is a labyrinthine space with intimate nooks, a plant-filled courtyard and unique Mediterranean-inspired architectural details throughout the restaurant. Guests can enjoy canapés, buffet-style fare or sit-down dining menus in one of the five private rooms, each boasting its own distinct atmosphere. The supportive staff will help ensure a stress-free party planning process and are more than happy to customize group menus to fit your budget and dietary preferences.
Royal Dinette
905 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1A8Given its impressive pedigree, this buzz-worthy eatery is THE spot for authentic farm-to-table dining in the heart of downtown. David Gunawan, founder of the acclaimed Farmer’s Apprentice, opened his latest culinary venture earlier this year. Nestled among the office buildings at the corner of Dunsmuir and Hornby, Royal Dinette is a fun and convenient locale for a corporate holiday bash. Chefs will be serving a special multi-course family-style menu for the festive season; expect plenty of locavore-approved dishes with seasonal ingredients. The fashionable diner can accommodate parties for up to 60 people (80 if you include bar seating).
Miku Japanese Restaurant
70-200 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4Looking for an intimate and elegant venue for an unforgettable staff celebration? You can’t beat the view at Miku’s Blue Sky Room. The picturesque private dining room is adorned with hand-painted wall murals by Japanese painter Hideki Kimura and offers scenic views of the Vancouver harbour and the North Shore Mountains. Miku’s multi-course group menus certainly aren’t cheap, but the outstanding fresh sashimi platters and aburi-style sushi rolls are worth every penny. The room accommodates between 18 and 24 guests and includes WiFi and AV equipment if needed. Tip: plan a lunchtime party for a more affordable affair.
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