As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers. We've already covered Best Standbys, Top Newcomers, Best Restohood, and 2013 in one word. Now it's time for the biggest dining surprise of the year. Readers, please add your thoughts to the comments.
Andrew Morrison, is the editor & publisher of Scout.
"Bestie. I love this place. So what if they don't even make their own sausages. Good people, honest food, and a wonderful vibe."
Alexandra Gill, Vancouver Restaurant Critic for the Globe & Mail.
"Gooseneck barnacles. What a fantastic new fishery."
Anya Levykh, CBC correspondent and food writer.
"No big surprises."
Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun restaurant critic and food writer.
"Beeswax ice cream at Farmer's Apprentice."
Coleen Christie, is the anchor of CTV News week nights.
"Pigin – it isn't just hype."
Stephanie Yuen, seasoned food & travel journalist for both English and Chinese print and online publications.
"Under the smart cover of 'mystery', how easy-to-sell 'pop-up restaurants' are, even those with awful set-up and lousy food could draw a full house!"
Carolyn Ali, Travel/ food editor for Vancouver's Georgia Straight.
"Boneta closing."
Joanne Sasvari, Writer and Editor of FLAVOURS magazine.
"Bad: The closure of Boneta. ?Good: That a former dive like Jack Lonsdale's in North Van could reopen as a fun, cool yet friendly neighbourhood hangout with great food and drink. Hope it starts a trend."
Sean Neild, Sean's Adventures in Flavortown
"Hotels are happening!"
Lee Man, a regular contributor to Urban Diner and a judge for the Vancouver Magazine annual restaurant awards.
"I've got two: An absolutely spot on French meal at Bistro Wagon Rouge. Such elevated and focused cooking - in many ways, very different from Red Wagon Diner, but true to the spirit of great food at great prices.
Dunleavy Snack Bar is low key, genuine, and fits into the Downtown Eastside in an easy going way. The food is smartly put together Korean influenced small plates that would not be out of place at Momofuko. If DSB was located in LA or NY - it would be mobbed. "
Eagranie Yuh, writer, author and chocolate expert.
"Boneta closing. To be honest, I think they did a better job in their old digs, but I'm still sad to see them go."
Cassandra Anderton, Good Life Vancouver .
"Ottawa. I had no idea how delicious the city is!"
Sherman's Food Adventures:
"Mosaic because it used to be a boring hotel restaurant."
Mijune Pak, Followmefoodie.com
"Mash ups. Cronuts. Ramen Burger... I didn't expect any of those to come up."