Without fine dining establishments, ordinary people would have no excuse for wearing a crown at the table and demanding to be called Copernicus. Live out delusions of grandeur with today's Groupon. For $30, you get $60 worth of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and drinks at Nu Restaurant, located on Granville Street.

Nu Restaurant's seasonal brunch and dinner menus display inventive dishes derived from locally sourced ingredients. Ignite evening ingestion with a white anchovy bruschetta ($14) or casually consume a plate of souvlaki chicken, pork, and lamb skewers ($12) enhanced with an onslaught of grilled pita, shallots, and cucumber-infused yogurt. The BC Albacore Tuna ($25) jumps out of pans and onto plates seared, accompanied by green beans, calamata olives, fingerling potatoes and Christmas eve visions, and the braised lamb shank ($25) features a coronation of herbed orzo, organic greens and white anchovy dressing. Appease whiny weekend stomachs with a croque madame ($13.50), where brioche, ham, aged cheddar, poached egg and greens join forces to politely ask hunger to use inside voices. Or, fuel up on the brie and black truffle omelette ($14.90) with a warm brioche and a port reduction.

A comfortably chic interior provides a space for patrons to enjoy the illuminations of the West Coast sunset. An outdoor seating area is available for sharing the atmosphere with a friend, date, or fraternal twin once removed.

Reviews

Good Life Vancouver and Vancouver Foodster reviewed Nu Restaurant. Yelpers and DineHere reviewers give it an average of three stars and OpenTable reviewers give it an average of 3.5 stars. Though reviews are mixed on the service, everyone loves the view:

• The service was excellent--informative, friendly and helpful. The food was also outstanding. We particularly liked the Gruyere Cheese Soup and the Duck Confit. – H.Anne, DineHere
• Great restaurant on the water with a wonderful view. Best Fish & Chips in Vancouver for the money. – OpenTable reviewer who dined on 4/9/2010