3 tasty reasons to cross the Lions Gate Bridge

For many outsiders, West Vancouverbringsto mind Park Royal Shopping Centre,the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminaland hillsides covered with sprawling, multi-million-dollar homes.

But the municipality's lesser-known attractionsincludesome excellent restaurants.

On the Coast food columnist Gail Johnson delved into the West Van dining scene.

"I love exploring different areas through food," Johnson said.

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"Summertime is prime time to explore West Vancouver," Johnson said."You've got Whytecliff and Lighthouse parks and Ambleside and Dundarave beaches."

"In between exploring so much natural beauty, you also have so many great places to eat."

CVGalleryCaf

The CV Gallery Caf,perched near the top of the British Properties,is a popular stop for cyclists riding up Cypress Mountain, withspectacular views of Vancouver, the oceanand Mount Baker.

The caf also features a uniqueinterior, using items from the adjoiningCV Luxury Design Centre fromart deco dining chairs to magnificent contemporary crystal and metal chandeliers.

Breakfast, brunch and lunch includes items such as herbed roast chicken panini on focaccia and slow-braised short rib sandwich served on ciabatta, vegetarian ratatouille sandwich on Italian flatbread and a kale-and-quinoa salad.

TerroirKitchen

Johnson also recommended Terroir Kitchen, run by chef Faizal Kassam, a veteran of the local restaurant scene.

His restaurant career started as a dishwasher in the very same Dundarave neighbourhood location where his debut restaurant now stands.

Its tapas-style menu features rustic fare influenced by French, Spanish, Italianand North African flavours. Top-quality ingredients include organic and antibiotic-free meats.

Seasonal menus include crispy pork belly with slow-cooked lentils and smoked cauliflower; lamb short loin with a warm chickpea salad, large-leaf arugula, chiliand mint; and a daily fresh fish, served whole with potatoes, capers, and olives.

The Anchor Eatery

The Anchor Eatery on Marine Drive just off 15th Street in Ambleside has asurf-shack vibe inspired by theislands of Hawaii.

The menu features fresh-baked muffins and goodies, power smoothies and raw, freshly pressed juices, such as the Honolua, which has pineapple, mint, appleand ginger.

Acai bowls includetoppings such as strawberries, chia seeds, bee pollenand cacao nibs.

The restaurant also serves popular poke bowls with local albacore tuna in a ginger marinade with rice and organic edamame beans.

The Anchor's location makes it handy for picking up picnic fare to take to the beach, which is just a few steps away.

With filesfrom CBC Radio One'sOn The Coast