Michelin Adds Another Star in Vancouver

The Michelin man is in Vancouver again!

The 2024 Michelin Guide Vancouver results were announced this evening and some relatively not well known restaurants were given some prestigious nods.

Sushi Masuda only opened in March and just has six seats and was awarded a Michelin star, along with its chef-owner Yoji Masuda, who also won the Young Chef Award. It costs C$230 per person to eat there.

Masuda with his wife Akari (right)

The Vancouver-born Japanese chef only days away from turning 33 and he has many years of experience under his belt, having worked in Japan on and off; he moved back to Vancouver two years ago.

Now there are 10 one Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver, though no two stars yet. I had wondered if Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie would be included, as it's just been opened for six months, but some argue it's a rebrand of a restaurant so it doesn't count as a new one, whereas others think it deserves to be considered new.

Another under-the-radar restaurant that won the Bib Gourmand this year is Gary's on South Granville, which also won the Outstanding Service Award. It looks interesting, using local seasonal produce, a place to try next time -- if I can get a reservation.

The other awards were Exceptional Cocktail to Kissa Tanto, and Sommelier to AnnaLena. Interestingly no Green star was given out, which is supposed to recognise a restaurant that is in the forefront when it comes to sustainable practices. I heard Burdock & Co was bummed they didn't win the award.

All 10 one Michelin-starred restaurants on stage

Other than that last year's nine restaurants retained their one-star rating, though a handful dropped off the Recommended and Bib Gourmand lists. What's the difference between these two lists? According to Michelin, Bib Gourmand restaurants are those that "offer good quality food for a good value", and apparently are the anonymous inspectors' favourite places to dine on their own time; there isn't a particular description for the "Recommended" restaurants...

Some of the Chinese restaurants that were highlighted:

iDen and QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (one star)

Seaport City Seafood Restaurant (Bib Gourmand)

Chef's Choice (Recommended)

Dynasty Seafood Restaurant (Recommended)

Neptune Palace Seafood Restaurant (Recommended)