Holts Cafe Opens at Holt Renfrew Vancouver

October 26, 2016

3 min read

Modern restaurant interior with blue walls, round and square tables set with glassware, and a bar with white stools and hanging lights.

Luxury shopping has been pretty much defined by Canada’s Holt Renfrew since 1837, and with the downtown Vancouver store’s recent expansion it only seems fitting that a new restaurant is part of the plan. Holts Café is open during store hours, meaning stopping in for a break during your shopping or work day for a swishy lunch, casual dinner or cozy weekend brunch is a must. Post-power-shopping cocktails at the sleek bar isn’t a bad idea either, especially after you’ve given your credit card a bit of work out in the newly expanded departments including David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and the handsome new Mens Store.

The café and bar ‘s modern take on the west coast look is what first made the biggest impression on me. Designed by Canadian design group Yabu Pushelberg, the 1,750 square foot space has a soft, natural, coastal vibe, in a palette of dove grey, pearl, palest blue and sand with dreamy lighting that seems carefully chosen. A custom, hand-painted mural by Canadian art studio Moss and Lam on the Café’s façade evokes a serene seascape. Rope details on the walls give a nod to the nautical, without being too over the top in sailor-style. Wraparound banquettes in deep navy blue leather bookend curved walls, with the iconic ABI chair in wheat-toned leather, by French designer Christophe Delcourt sharing real estate in this ethereal space.

A hand drizzling sauce over a plated gourmet dish with fish, potato wedges, and garnishes in a professional kitchen.

Person in a white chef coat and blue apron standing with arms crossed in a kitchen doorway with shelves of plates in the background.

Cooked mussels with herbs and toasted bread on a white plate.

Open burger with fried egg, bacon, beef patty, greens, and sauce on a sesame bun on a white plate.

However, most importantly in any restaurant? The food of course. Executive Chef Nicolas Hipperson focuses on regional ingredients, and with an impressive resume that includes stints at C Restaurant and Raincity Grill, I knew we were in good hands at dinner. Start with the Potato & Black Pepper Soup, with its slow-cooked egg, crème fraîche, and sea asparagus – perfection. Salt Spring Island Mussels, the Roasted Chicken with warm figs and parsnips, and the Wagyu Burger are signature dishes. Gluten-free options plus a good cocktail and wine list also made for an “I’m going back soon’ take away.