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Description
AnnaLena Vancouver: Kitsilano's Two Michelin Star Tasting Menu Restaurant
AnnaLena is a contemporary Canadian restaurant on West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano. It runs a single seasonal tasting menu, pairs it with serious cocktails and thoughtful wines, and serves it all in a room that feels relaxed rather than stuffy. In October 2026, the Michelin Guide made AnnaLena the first restaurant in Vancouver to hold two Michelin stars, which makes it one of the most talked-about tables in the city right now.
If you're planning a special night out in Vancouver, this listing covers what to expect, how the menu works, when it's open, and how to get a reservation.
About AnnaLena
AnnaLena is led by Chef Michael Robbins, who owns the restaurant with partner Jeff Parr. The name is personal: it honours Robbins' two grandmothers, Anna and Lena. Before AnnaLena, Robbins built his reputation in Vancouver kitchens including the former Oakwood Canadian Bistro, and he has since become one of the most recognized chefs in British Columbia.
The restaurant first earned a Michelin star in 2022, when the guide launched in Vancouver, and kept it every year after. The 2026 promotion to two stars puts AnnaLena in a category Michelin reserves for excellent cooking that's worth a detour. AnnaLena has also been a regular on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list, placing in the top 20 several times in recent years.
What sets AnnaLena apart from other fine dining spots in Vancouver is the atmosphere. There are no white tablecloths and no hushed formality. The service is polished but easygoing, the music is on, and the room feels like a modern neighbourhood restaurant that happens to cook at a world-class level.
The Tasting Menu
How It Works
AnnaLena serves a multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. The kitchen builds it around whatever is at its best at the time, so the menu you get in May will look very different from the one in November. Because it changes so often, the restaurant notes that the menu is always subject to change and that not every ingredient appears in the printed descriptions.
The Style of Cooking
Robbins' food is rooted in West Coast produce and seafood but borrows freely from other cuisines. Expect a precise, technique-driven kitchen that isn't afraid of bold flavours. Past menus have included dishes like peak-season Sungold tomatoes with house-made XO sauce and a Thai green curry–infused caramelized buttermilk, and fresh pasta with charcoal-roasted asparagus finished with a white wine sauce poured at the table. Local seafood such as Dungeness crab and BC spot prawns often shows up too, prepared with Asian, European and Canadian influences.
Dietary Needs
AnnaLena offers vegetarian options. If you have allergies or other dietary restrictions, mention them when you book so the kitchen can plan ahead. A tasting menu is prepared with a lot of advance work, so last-minute changes are harder to accommodate.
Drinks: Cocktails and Wine Pairings
The bar program is a big part of the AnnaLena experience. The cocktail list is creative and well made, and many guests start the night with one before the menu begins. For the full experience, add the wine pairing. The team chooses wines to match each course, and the pairings are one of the things regulars mention most. Non-alcoholic options are also worth asking about if you're not drinking.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
The dining room is modern, stylish and comfortable, with an open, lively feel. It works well for:
- Date nights and anniversaries. This is AnnaLena's sweet spot, and the pacing of a tasting menu makes for a long, unhurried evening.
- Birthdays and celebrations. Let the restaurant know when you book.
- Food lovers visiting Vancouver. If you're travelling and want one standout meal, this is the city's highest-rated Michelin restaurant.
- Small groups. Groups of two to four suit the room best. Contact the restaurant directly for larger parties.
Plan on spending a good part of the evening at the table. Tasting menus here typically take a few hours from the first bite to dessert.
Location: Kitsilano, Vancouver
AnnaLena is at 1809 West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano, a few minutes' walk from Kitsilano Beach and close to the south end of the Burrard Bridge. It's an easy trip from downtown Vancouver by car, taxi or bus, and Granville Island is close by if you want to explore before dinner. Street parking is available in the area but can be limited on busy evenings, so give yourself a little extra time.
Kitsilano is one of Vancouver's best neighbourhoods for a night out. Arrive early for a walk along Kits Beach at sunset, then head over for dinner.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Hours can change around holidays, so check the restaurant's website before you go.
Reservations
Reservations are required at AnnaLena, and they've always been competitive. With the new two-star rating, expect demand to climb further. A few tips:
- Book as far ahead as you can, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.
- Weeknight seatings from Tuesday to Thursday are usually easier to get.
- Check for cancellations if your preferred date is full.
- Book through the official website at annalena.ca.
Price Range
AnnaLena is a high-end dining experience, priced at $100+ per person before drinks, tax and tip. Wine pairings and cocktails add to the total. For the current tasting menu price, check the restaurant's website, as it changes with the menu.
What Diners Say
AnnaLena holds a 4.7-star rating on Google from more than 1,700 reviews. Guests regularly praise the creativity of the tasting menu, the friendly and knowledgeable service, the strength of the cocktail program, and the fact that a meal at this level never feels pretentious.
Awards and Recognition
- Two Michelin Stars (2026). First restaurant in Vancouver to receive two stars.
- One Michelin Star (2022–2025). Awarded in the inaugural Vancouver Michelin Guide and held each year after.
- Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. Ranked among the country's top restaurants multiple years, including top-ten finishes.
Contact Information
- Name: AnnaLena
- Address: 1809 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 5B8
- Phone: (778) 379-4052
- Website: annalena.ca
- Cuisine: Contemporary Canadian, tasting menu
- Price: $$$$ ($100+ per person)
- Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AnnaLena have two Michelin stars?
Yes. In October 2026, the Michelin Guide upgraded AnnaLena from one star to two, making it the first restaurant in Vancouver with two Michelin stars.
Who is the chef at AnnaLena?
Chef Michael Robbins leads the kitchen and co-owns the restaurant with Jeff Parr.
Do I need a reservation at AnnaLena?
Yes, reservations are required. Book well in advance through the restaurant's website.
Does AnnaLena have vegetarian options?
Yes. Let the restaurant know about vegetarian or other dietary needs when you book.
Is there a dress code?
There's no formal dress code. The atmosphere is relaxed, and smart casual clothing fits right in.
When is AnnaLena open?
Tuesday through Sunday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It's closed on Mondays.
Where is AnnaLena located?
At 1809 West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano, near Kitsilano Beach and the Burrard Bridge.
Is AnnaLena good for a special occasion?
Yes. It's one of Vancouver's most popular restaurants for date nights, anniversaries and celebrations.
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