7 Comfort Dishes From Your Favourite B.C. Restaurants

B.C. chefs love a savoury, hot meal that warms the soul and sticks to the ribs just like the rest of us. These dishes are cozy, comfort in a bowl (or plate), and craveable now that the outdoor temperatures have dropped to sweater weather numbers. We asked seven B.C. chefs to tell us what they’re tucking into from their own globally inspired and seasonal menus.

1. French Onion Soup from Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie

“My favourite comfort food for fall is our French onion soup,” says Rob Feenie, executive chef of Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie. “It is rich, cheesy, truly warms you up on a cold, rainy day, and we get lots of those in Vancouver.” The classic soup is featured on Le Croc’s lunch menu, gooey with melting Gruyère and caramelized onions in a rich, exceptionally savoury broth. “Perfect for dipping!”

2. Green Curry from Sainam

Angus An, chef and owner at Vancouver’s Sainam tells us, “We recently added a Thai favourites section on our Sainam menu, and we knew we had to include green curry for fall. It’s really comforting and great for sharing, especially on a chilly day.” Made from scratch of course, this dish doesn’t skimp on fresh Thai basil, green beans, baby corn and bell pepper. Choose chicken or prawns as your protein. “We always recommend a side of rice to go with it,” he says.

3. Lobster Youvétsi from Nammos Estiatorio

“Lobster youvétsi is our version of a classic Greek comfort dish,” says Petros Dimopoulos, head chef at Nammos Estiatorio in Vancouver. “It’s made with orzo, which soaks up our rich, flavourful Nova Scotia lobster bisque, then topped with pieces of lobster and garlic breadcrumbs for added texture. It’s creamy and cozy and great for fall!”

4. Chili from Rosie’s Hospitality

Rosie’s Hospitality is known as one of B.C.’s best for BBQ, and pitmaster/owner Karl Gregg loves a hot bowl of his signature chili on a chilly day. “I make it with pinto beans, Guajillo chillies, roasted hatch chillies, onions, garlic, brisket and pork,” he says. Satisfying, with the perfect ratio of meat to beans, and a topping of shredded cheddar, this steaming, hot bowl is served with a side of gluten-free cornbread.

5. Steak from House of Dawn

Executive chef James Yang of House of Dawn’s ideal comfort dish? “The perfect steak! As the weather cools, people naturally crave something hearty and full of flavour,” says Yang at the Richmond-based restaurant. “A beautiful piece of steak, juicy, tender on our famous sizzling plate, brings that sense of comfort and satisfaction that only a truly great meal can.”

6. Chicken Pho from B House

Chicken Pho gets chef/owner Hung Nguyen of B House’s vote for the autumn meal he reaches for on repeat. The broth simmers for over three hours, layered with the deep, aromatic flavours of onion and ginger brûlée, star anise, cinnamon, coriander and chilli flakes. Each bowl is finished with fresh basil, cilantro and green onions for a bright, herbal lift. “The chicken soup has just a hint of spice that warms you from the inside out,” says Nguyen. “It’s the kind of dish that feeds your soul—simple, nourishing and made with love.”

7. Beef Tartare and Bone Marrow from Lorette Brasserie

Although beef tartare and bone marrow might not be typical as a fall comfort meal, when it comes to food, rules are made for breaking. Chef Shane Sluchinski of Lorette Brasserie in Whistler creates his dish with hand-chopped beef, roasted bone marrow, black garlic and a touch of cured egg yolk for warmth and depth, all balanced with crisp lavash for texture. “It’s indulgent yet refined, the kind of dish that feels right when the weather starts to cool. It brings together bold flavours and that cozy, luxurious feeling people crave in the fall.”