Five Sails Restaurant at Vancouver’s Canada Place is a refined dining experience that seamlessly blends spectacular waterfront views with elevated cuisine. Now owned by the Glowbal Group and beautifully redesigned by Box Interior Design in 2020, Five Sails has become an even more luxurious yet welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
The elegant renovation has enhanced the restaurant’s ambiance, with modern, sophisticated decor that harmonizes perfectly with the natural beauty of Vancouver’s iconic waterfront. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Coal Harbour, the North Shore Mountains, and Stanley Park, providing a stunning backdrop for any occasion, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations.
The menu at Five Sails, crafted with precision and flair, showcases contemporary West Coast cuisine, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is artfully presented and highlights the best of BC’s producers and globally inspired flavours. Service is impeccable—attentive yet unobtrusive, with staff who are both knowledgeable and passionate about the dining experience they deliver.
For those seeking an unforgettable meal, Five Sails delivers in every way, pairing exceptional cuisine with views and service that set it apart. Whether for a special occasion or a casual evening in a sophisticated setting, Five Sails is a must-visit destination that exemplifies Vancouver’s culinary scene at its finest. The restaurant has received too many awards to recount but memorable ones include the Gold Award of Excellence Dirona Award, TripAdvisor’s Top 1% of Restaurants Worldwide & Top 4 Best Fine Dining in Canada. Recently, Chef Alex Kim claimed top honour at the Great Kitchen Party, winning the Gold Medal and the People’s Choice Award.
AN EVENING UNDER THE SAILS
Our meal began with a delightful amuse-bouche: a bite of nori and creamy avocado rice accented by a tangy ponzu gel, setting the stage for the vibrant flavours to come. Next, we savoured a Beetroot Tartlet, a delicate shell filled with earthy Pemberton golden beets and drizzled with a cilantro miso dressing, capturing a balance of freshness and depth. The North Arm Farm Autumn Squash Tasting followed a celebration of fall flavours with Modena balsamic, crisp green apple, spiced pepitas, and fragrant shiso, each ingredient adding its unique touch to the medley. The Hen of the Woods Mushrooms course arrived next, a rustic blend of farro and roasted root vegetables complemented by a velvety miso almond emulsion and bright purple kale—a perfect marriage of earthiness and warmth.
Pastry Chef Daria Andriienko presented a luscious Dark Chocolate Crémeux, paired with a tart raspberry coulis and refreshing raspberry sorbet to finish. This exquisite dessert provided a final burst of flavour, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and indulgence.
THE DREAM TEAM
At the helm of Five Sails is Culinary Director Chef Alex Kim, whose approach to food is deeply personal and inspired. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Chef Alex’s passion for cooking was nurtured on his grandmother’s farm, where he learned the art of working with fresh, local ingredients, a philosophy that guides him to this day. His career, influenced by culinary luminaries like Jamie Oliver, spans prestigious roles at the Fairmont and Shangri-La, where he developed his signature style under chefs from around the world. At Five Sails, Alex emphasizes sustainability by collaborating closely with local producers, crafting menus that bring out the best of BC’s ingredients. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of chefs and instilling a respect for quality ingredients is central to the restaurant’s ethos.
“In the past few years, my visits to North Arm farm in Pemberton, BC, were always delightful experiences. Nestled at the base of Mt. Currie, the farm in the scenic environment offers beautiful locally grown vegetables and fruits year-round, from strawberries and raspberries to winter squash, burdock & salsify. As a chef, it was a truly delightful experience to stroll around the farm seeing where my vegetables originated from and how they are grown. I got to speak with the farmers that are very passionate about their produces as well as the organic practices in farming that benefit the environment (certified by pacific agricultural certification society).”
Pastry Chef Andriienko’s journey began in the Ukraine, where she honed her craft alongside top culinary professionals. After moving to Canada in 2018 and joining the Glowbal Group, she spent two years at Coast Restaurant before bringing her passion for fine desserts to Five Sails in 2020. Daria’s dessert menu features a sophisticated selection of classic cakes, seasonal tarts, and intricate French-inspired confections, offering diners a beautifully crafted sweet finale to their West Coast dining experience.
Guiding the team and creating a welcoming experience for every guest is GM Jason Husmillo, a Vancouver native who has been part of Five Sails for over a decade. Starting as a server in 2011, Jason’s dedication and natural hospitality have led him through roles as Maitre D’ and Assistant General Manager, making him a familiar and trusted face to guests. His experience and commitment to guest satisfaction are invaluable to the restaurant’s warm, attentive service.
For those looking to indulge in the best of Vancouver’s culinary offerings, Five Sails is an extraordinary destination that continues to shine, combining exceptional food with a team dedicated to excellence in every detail.
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Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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