As a Millennial and a pretty decent home cook, I’d still rather spend my hard-earned cash on unforgettable meals—those special dishes I could never recreate at home, no matter how many Netflix cooking shows I’ve binged. Bonus points if the meal comes with a side of drama, spectacle or an epic story to tell.

That’s why we’ve rounded up a few gems across Canada to add to your ever-growing Google Map bucket list of unique and culturally specific dining experiences. Whether your next trip lands you in Parry Sound or Montreal, these places ensure you won’t have an experience that’s anything less than amazing.

Immersive Omakase at Okeya Kyujiro
26 Bellair St., Toronto, Ontario

Omakase is a Japanese term that roughly translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” While often grouped with other tasting menu-style meals (from the elaborate to the simple), omakase is much more attentive to the diner’s needs in the way it caters to specific tastes and textures. 

Chef Takuya Matsuda redefines the omakase tradition by blending Japanese precision with the theatrics of a Cirque du Soleil performance. With three locations now open (Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto), his Vancouver location earned a coveted Michelin star in 2023.

The evening kicks off with a touch of intrigue: guests enter through a discreet, hidden door. Before the meal, diners are invited to immerse themselves further by changing into vibrant, traditional kimonos—a playful nod to Japanese culture.

The performance begins as a curtain is raised around the bar to reveal the chefs and servers. Each meticulously crafted course showcases seasonal ingredients, many flown in directly from Japan. The menu will change depending on the time of year to reflect the seasonally available produce. 

Supper with a Side of Change at Paisley Notebook
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Bend It Like Beckham, the early 2000s rom-com, didn’t just inspire a generation of girls to embrace sports—it told the story of a South Asian teen who was much better at football than Keira Knightley (unimaginable at the time). I like to imagine that the sequel followed Aman Dosanj, a former Arsenal and England football player who traded the pitch for the kitchen, becoming a chef, entrepreneur and the brilliant mind behind Paisley Notebook.

Dosanj and her family host intimate secret suppers from May to September in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. These seasonal pop-up dinners are more than a culinary experience; they’re a conversation. The menus are shaped by the rhythms of local produce and the stories of the farmers and artisans who grow them, while the meals themselves serve as a platform for tackling big ideas—climate change, social justice and Indian culture—through food that’s as bold as the topics at hand.

Tableside Noodle Pulling at Haidilao Hot Pot 
1571 Sandhurst Cir #106F, Scarborough, Ontario

Haidilao Hot Pot turns dinner into a spectacle with its famous tableside “noodle dance.” Equal parts gymnastic ribbon routine and Double Dutch jump-roping, this mesmerizing performance involves chefs stretching and twirling dough into long, springy noodles right before your eyes—perfectly blending culinary craft with theatrical flair.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Robot waitstaff glide through the dining room, delivering trays of fresh ingredients, while diners can enjoy complimentary hand massages or even manicures during their visit. Children, too, can enjoy adjacent play areas at some of the restaurant’s other locations. Haidilao truly redefines what it means to be pampered on a night out.

On the menu, you’ll find everything from hot pot staples to adventurous delicacies like tripe, tongue and brains, catering to both traditionalists and the daring foodie crowd. For those craving a little more, premium options include Kobe beef and AAA sirloin, ensuring a meal as delicious as it is entertaining.

A Peruvian Party in Pink at Dolly’s Cocktails
9902 109 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton has often been dismissed as a “flyover province”—cold, windswept and uninviting if you’re not from there. But Dolly’s Cocktails is flipping that narrative with a burst of neon pink energy and an unapologetically fun vibe. Helmed by chef Joshua Nhan, this vibrant spot serves up a playful fusion of Peruvian and Asian flavours that will leave you wondering why you haven’t booked a ticket west yet.

Take their Lomo Saltado: Nhan swaps out the traditional fries for crispy tater tots—honestly, no complaints here. Or the Girl Dinner, a cheeky nod to internet culture featuring a spread of cheesy empanadas, Dolly’s salad, truffle tots, chicken tenders and an array of dipping sauces. Then there’s Dolly’s Spaghetti, a comforting mash-up of Peruvian sausage, prawns and a rich, tangy red sauce.

Add to that drag brunches and an innovative cocktail menu that leans heavily into kitsch (and features plenty of pisco and cachaca for some extra cultural flavour), and suddenly Edmonton doesn’t feel like such a flyover city anymore. Is it time to visit the family out west? Or maybe I’ll just swing by for a cocktail or two. 

Underwater Disco Dining at The Eatery
3431 W Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia

Sushi restaurants are often synonymous with sleek, minimalist decor—a zen-like reflection of nature. The Eatery? Not so much. Stepping into this Kitsilano institution is like entering an underwater rave: think twinkling lights, life-sized sea creatures (and some supernatural ones) suspended from the ceiling and a vibe that’s maximalist in every way.

While its quirky decor might suggest a focus on style over substance, this Kitsilano gem has been a beloved institution since 1983. While you can find Japanese classics like miso soup, gyoza and tempura on the menu, what truly sets The Eatery apart is its inventive mash-up menu. Highlights include sushi pizza bites—crispy rice discs topped with spicy tuna—and the Fat Elvis, a creative concoction featuring tempura avocado slices, tomatoes and unagi mayo. Pop culture references abound, too, with playful dishes like the Barbie Roll (including tempura prawns, asparagus, inari and roe), the Captain Crunch (a California roll with unagi mayo, tempura-style) and the Bob Marley (an avocado and mango roll, topped with tuna and cusabi sauce).