Top of Vancouver

Aniz Alani

Since it was built in 1977, Harbour Centre has enjoyed a prominent space in Vancouver’s skyline. Today it houses the Top of Vancouver, one of the city’s three revolving restaurants. The restaurant offers guests an unobstructed view of Vancouver through specifically angled windows at an elevation of 553 feet (167 m).

Make no mistake, though: with regular entrees ranging from $28 to $64, you’ll be paying for the view – not the food, and certainly not the service. After an elevator ride up to the restaurant deck, you’ll be seated – fingers crossed – at one of the tables overlooking the city, the mountains, or the harbour. If it’s a busy night, don’t count on having your drink order taken within the first 15 minutes. But who needs a well-prepared mojito (or even a glass of water) when you’ve got a view of the city to enjoy? The restaurant completes a revolution every 60 minutes, so time your meal just right and you can maximize your view of downtown and the waterfront rather than the slightly less inspiring views of East Vancouver.

If you’re considering a first experience at the Top of Vancouver, try to avoid a particularly busy night. There was no shortage of couples dining on Valentine’s Day, when the restaurant offered up a limited menu with higher than usual prices. The servings were decidedly modest and not especially friendly for vegetarians. Then again, when you’re dining in the third tallest building in Vancouver, you go for the view, not the haute cuisine.