Zagat issues updated guide to Vancouver

Zagat issues updated guide to Vancouver

NEW YORK — Just in time for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Zagat has released an updated guide to Vancouver, with recommendations for restaurants and attractions in the city as well as for the ski resort town of Whistler and for beautiful Vancouver Island, which is reachable from Vancouver by ferry and air.

Most popular attractions in Vancouver, according to the 2,721 surveyors who participated in ratings for the guide, are Stanley Park; Vancouver Aquarium; Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia; the Capilano Suspension Bridge through a forest of tall trees; and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Most popular nightlife spots, according to the Zagat surveyors, are the Opus Bar, the Commodore Ballroom, Bacchus Lounge, Celebrities and the Shark Club. The Commodore is a downtown institution that’s been drawing crowds since 1929.

Top food ratings went to La Belle Auberge; Vij’s; Cioppino’s; Le Crocodile; ToJo’s; Bishop’s; West; and Shiro Japanese.

Best bang for the buck honors went to Nat’s NY Pizzeria, Pajo’s, Go Fish!, Vera’s Burger, Tomahawk Barbecue, Cafe Medina, Saravanaa Bhavan, Nuba Restaurant, Vij’s Rangoli and Gyoza King.

In Victoria and Vancouver Island, top ratings for food went to Panache, Sobo, Hastings House, Sooke Harbour and Camille’s. At Whistler, top food ratings were earned by Bear Foot Bistro, Rim Rock, Arazi, La Rua and Elements.

The new pocket-sized Zagat guide is $6.95. You can also access Zagat ratings online via subscription, and through mobile applications including Zagat To Go for iPhones and nru for Androids. Zagat.mobi is the company’s mobile site.