Cherry Blossom Season Eats and Treats in Vancouver

Local chefs and bartenders put the cherry on top of sakura season

Cherry blossom season is here—and many Vancouver restaurants are serving up special menu items to celebrate the beauty of the blooms.

We’ve rounded up some of the prettiest cocktails, food and dessert features being served up this sakura season…

1. Gotham Steakhouse and Bar

Gotham is offering up a special spring cocktail. The Tokyo Rendezvous features Roku Japanese craft gin infused with hibiscus flowers, Choya Yuzu liqueur, lemon juice, Giffard hibiscus syrup and lavender bitters.
Available now until April15th; $18; 615 Seymour Street

2. Coast Restaurant

Coast is celebrating the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival by offering a selection of sakura-themed sushi, seafood and dessert features.
Throughout April; 1054 Alberni Street

3. The Cascade Room

Stop by The Cascade Room for the Once and Floral cocktail with Sheringham Kazuki Gin (which actually features cherry blossom petals), cream sake, Hayman’s Sloe Gin, fresh grapefruit juice, lemon, egg white and rose water.
Throughout April; $14; 2616 Main Street

4. The Victor

The Victor is celebrating cherry blossoms all month with a special sakura menu, including food and drink features, plus a sake flight. Reservations are available online.
Throughout April; 39 Smithe Street

5. The Sandbar

The Sandbar’s master sushi chef Hoshi has created a special Sakura Roll, an avocado maki with spicy tuna on top, tobiko, fried garlic, wasabi mayonnaise and tempura crisp.
Throughout April; Granville Island

6. Honey Salt

Honey Salt welcomes the season with a special sipper. The Sakura Shake features sake, Roku Japanese craft gin, hibiscus syrup, yuzu syrup, egg white and orange bitters.
Throughout April; $18; 39 Smithe Street

7. Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street

Feeling thirsty? Smitty’s is mixing up a Cherry Springer Sour with vodka, Maraschino syrup, simple syrup, and fresh lemon and lime juice.
Throughout April; $15; 3124 Main Street

8. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio

Executive chef Jorge Kim’s sakura à l carte tasting menu features items like Halibut Salsa ($18) to start; Seared Coho Salmon ($36) with couscous, pine nuts, golden raisin, fennel, green olive sofrito and sakura beaurre blanc; plus, Sake Kasu Cheesecake ($16) for dessert. Pair your dinner with an Oishii Fizz ($16) cocktail made with Liberty Endeavour Pink Gin, Rose Aperitivo, lemon, orange and juniper bitters, egg white and soda water.
Throughout April; exclusive to Ambleside location; reservations can be made by calling 604-926-0287 or booking online

9. Jules Bistro

Gastown’s Jules Bistro is doing a whiskey-based cocktail for the season. The Cherry Bourbon Smash features bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice amarena cherry syrup, Angostura and Peychaud’s Bitters and egg white.
Throughout April; $16; 216 Abbott Street