Cardero's food is average (think Earls) but their location is awesome, service is good, and atmosphere is laid back. One of my favorite chilling patios in Van.
Some other recommendations:
Sushi - Sakana in Yaletown or Kishimoto on the Drive.
Beer - Alibi Room in the DTES, or any of the breweries in town (Parallel 49 is strong, Main Street has ready access to several)
Wine - Check out Urban Winery in the DTES, one of Vancouvers best kept secrets
Nature - the seawall and Stanley park are all you really need. The beaches at Spanish Banks are great, and the view from Grouse is awesome. Lots of nearby day hikes near the Lions or up in Squamish or Lynn Canyon.
Fishy stuff - Granville Island and Steveston.
Night life - Granville street if you're young (though the Roxy is all ages fun), Yaletown if you're a bit older or more dressy, Commercial Drive if you're a laid back beer drinker.
Getting around - bring a bike if you can. The whole city can be explored in a day.
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