Elisa

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Steakhouse Reimagined

Elisa sits at 1109 Hamilton Street in Vancouver's Yaletown, and its own description cuts straight to the point: "a steakhouse reimagined." The defining piece of equipment is a Grillworks Infierno wood-fired grill, which shapes the kitchen's entire philosophy — prime ingredients, fire, and precision. The format is a supper club, with the bar opening daily at 4:30 pm before the dining room follows at 5 pm, and the atmosphere dressed up enough that hats, tank tops, and flip flops are politely discouraged.

The Team Behind the Fire

Executive Chef Andrew Richardson arrived in Vancouver in 1999 after cutting his teeth under Michelin-starred chef Terence Laybourne at 21 Queen Street in Newcastle, England. His résumé spans Cioppino's, West, Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar in Whistler, a stage at The French Laundry, and a stint as part-owner of Calgary's top-rated Blink. He rejoined Toptable Group in 2012 to lead CinCin Ristorante + Bar before taking the helm at Elisa. His focus here is explicit: "to elevate the art of wood-fired cooking for Elisa's signature dishes and to perfect the craft of presenting prime ingredients on the plate."

The front of house is equally credentialed. Restaurant Director Ricardo Ferreira has led celebrated Vancouver rooms including L'Abattoir and CinCin. Wine Director Franco Michienzi — a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers with WSET Level III Distinction — curates a floor-to-ceiling glass cellar of over 6,000 bottles spanning California, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, and British Columbia. That program has earned Wine Spectator's "Best of" Award of Excellence every year from 2019 through 2025, and Platinum recognition from the Vancouver International Wine Festival in 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2025, the Michelin Guide named Michienzi Vancouver Sommelier of the Year.

Recognition Across the Board

The accolades around Elisa have accumulated steadily. The Michelin Guide has recommended the restaurant continuously since 2023. Vancouver Magazine named it Restaurant of the Year for 2025 and Best Steakhouse for 2025–2026. The 101 Best Steak Restaurants in the World ranking for 2026 places Elisa first in Canada, fifth in North America, and 32nd worldwide — a measure of just how seriously this kitchen takes the craft of beef cookery. The DiRōNA Award of Excellence rounds out a trophy case that reflects consistent excellence rather than a single lucky year.

Beyond the Steak

Elisa's own Instagram notes that "beyond steak, guests can enjoy pristine seafood," and the menu carries a Yellowfin Tuna Tartare described as a signature. The cocktail list is inventive and extensive — an Earl Grey Martini with egg white, a Danger Zone built on bourbon and Ardbeg, a Fern + Flame with burnt cinnamon syrup — alongside a thoughtful spirit-free selection. The wine program's approachability is deliberate: "although many prestigious labels reside within our compilation, the focus has been towards diversity of origin and pairing with unique cuts of beef."

For a fine-dining steakhouse and seafood destination in Vancouver, Elisa makes a persuasive case that wood fire and serious hospitality belong together.