9 Restaurants That Delight the Senses

Meo Bar, Vancouver

Stepping into Meo, nestled in Vancouver’s Chinatown, feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret—one that transports guests to a nostalgic world inspired by the carefree nightlife of 1970s and ’80s Hong Kong. Designed by Ste Marie Studio, the cocktail bar and restaurant “feels evocative of another time and place,” says Craig Stanghetta, founder, partner, and creative director of the locally based firm. The concept draws from local photographer Greg Girard’s vivid depictions of Hong Kong and the kitschy charm of vintage love motels. The result is a space layered with textures, curated vintage décor, and details that unfold gradually. Anchoring the room is a glowing retro jukebox, a nod to one of Girard’s iconic bar scenes, while curios collected during owner Tannis Ling’s travels through Taiwan infuse the space with personality. “Each element was selected to build on the layered, slightly offbeat character of the space, encouraging guests to take in details at their own pace,” Stanghetta says. Those quirks include a flea market-sourced portrait of a white Persian cat lounging on a chaise, a vinyl mural inspired by North Korean hotel lobby art, and pendant lights that nod to 1950s Jell-O molds. “It’s meant to be immersive,” Stanghetta adds, “in a way that allows each visit to feel like its own discovery.”

Photo by Conrad Brown