Airy Atmosphere
As smaller spaces and intimate rooms are becoming increasingly popular, Metro shunned the trend and created a refreshingly large, open, airy space. The simple room exudes West Coast chic with wood tables, white seats, wood panelled walls and neutral tones throughout with aquamarine and slate tile accents. The décor is simple, with a series of hanging globe lighting fixtures as the most notable art. There’s a large bar at which you can grab a seat if you’re treating yourself to a solo meal. Or, you may opt for a spot right at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, which can get a little loud and warm, but certainly offers an exciting vantage point. In the summer, the large patio is the place to be. Right in Coal Harbour, there are exquisite views of Canada Place, the marina and Stanley Park.

Ecological Eating
More and more restaurants in Vancouver are making efforts to be environmentally friendly, but no more so that Metro. In addition to focusing on using local organic ingredients, Metro goes a few steps further. When the restaurant opened in 2007, it was the first in Canada to use an ecologizer, which ensures all air leaving the building through the vents is clean. Moreover, cleaning, paper and linen products are organic and recycled whenever possible and Metro strives to have a paperless restaurant, save the menus which are, naturally, printed on recycled paper.

Build Your Plate
In these days of increased concern over our waistlines, Metro puts portion control back in the hands of the diner. A unique concept, Metro’s menu lists different proteins — from the land or from the sea — and you order by the ounce. Mix-and-matching is encouraged. Same goes for dishes from the field — the accompaniments such as truffle risotto and winter mushrooms. Protein choices like Pemberton Meadows beef; Nicola Valley game, bison and deer; Prairie chicken; and Baffin Island caribou, while the specialty is seafood from the Pacific. Metro is also a great spot to stop in for a cocktail, which can be enjoyed in the lounge area. Refreshing choices include the Cucumber Swizzle and the Mint Smash, while traditional mixes and an extensive and celebrated wine list are also available.