J-C Poirier

For acclaimed and well-travelled chef Jean-Christophe (J-C) Poirier, St. Lawrence represents more than just the culmination of a career spanning more than 25 years — it’s a homecoming in every sense of the word.

A heartfelt homage to his heritage, formative years spent in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec and early experience in renowned Montréal restaurants, St. Lawrence is as much J-C’s story as it is a celebration of classic French fare and a thoughtful exploration of the distinctive gastronomic identity and culture of Les Québécois.

After honing his skills under celebrated chef Normand Laprise at Toqué!, J-C voyaged west in 2004 and worked with Rob Feenie at Vancouver’s Lumière before forging an eight-year partnership with local hospitality group Kitchen Table Restaurants and opening such acclaimed restaurants as Pizzeria Farina, Ask For Luigi and Di Beppe.

Since launching St. Lawrence in 2017, J-C has led the restaurant to rave reviews, critical acclaim and numerous accolades. One of the most celebrated restaurants in Canada, St. Lawrence is proud to have recently been awarded One Star by the Michelin Guide. In 2022, the restaurant received a series of other recognitions, including Restaurant of the Year and Best Upscale by the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, 'Top 3' Placement in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, and inclusion on the World’s 50 Best Discovery List.

Under J-C's direction, previous accolades include: No. 4 on enRoute magazine’s 2018 list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants; Vancouver Magazine awards for Best New Restaurant (2018), Restaurant of the Year (2018 and ’19), Chef of the Year (2019), and gold awards for Best Gastown and Best French (2019 and ’20); consecutive top-five spots on the prestigious annual ranking of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (No. 5 in 2019, No. 2 in ’20, No. 3 in ‘22); and recognition as one of Monocle Magazine’s 50 Favourite Restaurants in the World in 2019.

St. Lawrence affords J-C the opportunity to showcase his razor-sharp focus, dedication to craft, and time-honoured traditions in an elevated-yet-approachable enclave where food, drink and atmosphere combine for a transportive dining adventure unlike any other.

In 2022, J-C released his first cookbook, Where the River Narrows: Classic French & Nostalgic Québécois Recipes From St. Lawrence Restaurant. Chronicling J-C's culinary journey and the recipes that are dear to his heart, Where the River Narrows is a loving homage to his home province, Québec — the phrase is a direct translation of the Algonquin word “kebec,” describing the area around Québec City where the St. Lawrence River is hemmed in by towering cliffs. Québec is where J-C’s love for the nostalgic beauty of French cooking began. In his debut cookbook, he shares recipes from both cultures, Québécois and French, and the intersections between them—whether from the menu of his Michelin-starred Vancouver restaurant, St. Lawrence, or his kitchen at home.

“We pride ourselves on preparing food that is at turns rustic, generous and honest and showcases haute country cuisine in all its glory,” says J-C. “For us, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.