One of Vancouver’s best-known fine-dining restaurants has entered a new chapter under the leadership of award-winning chef Alex Kim.

The restaurant at the Pan Pacific Vancouver is now officially known as Five Sails by Alex Kim, reflecting Kim’s expanded role as Chef-Partner and Co-Owner. Formerly Culinary Director of Glowbal Restaurant Group, Kim will assume full creative and operational leadership of the restaurant.

His responsibilities will extend beyond the kitchen to include menu development, service, wine and the overall guest experience.

“Five Sails has long been one of Vancouver’s most iconic restaurants, and it’s an incredible honour to become a partner in its future,” says Kim. “I’m excited to continue shaping an experience that reflects my culinary philosophy in seasonality, curiosity and genuine hospitality.”

A chef-driven direction for Five Sails by Alex Kim

Founded in 1986, Five Sails has long been a fixture in Vancouver’s fine-dining landscape, known for its waterfront location overlooking Vancouver Harbour and the North Shore mountains.

Under Kim’s leadership, the restaurant will continue to focus on refined seasonal cuisine inspired by British Columbia’s landscapes, ingredients and producers. Five Sails by Alex Kim plans to work closely with local farmers, fishers, foragers and artisans to develop tasting experiences rooted in the province’s bounty.

Guests can expect the restaurant’s culinary direction to evolve alongside thoughtful updates to its design. The existing Five Sails team will remain in place.

Glowbal Restaurant Group founders Emad Yacoub and Jack Lamont will also continue as owners of Five Sails while stepping away from its day-to-day operations.

National recognition for Chef Alex Kim

Kim was crowned National Champion at the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa. He reached the national competition after winning both the Gold Medal and People’s Choice Award at the British Columbia regional event.

He was also one of two finalists on Season 12 of Top Chef Canada, further establishing him as one of the country’s leading culinary talents.

The new partnership gives Kim the opportunity to apply his culinary philosophy throughout the restaurant, from the dishes presented in the dining room to the style of service and hospitality experienced by each guest.

“Every dish and every guest experience will reflect that vision,” says Kim.

All existing reservations will be honoured, and previously issued Five Sails gift cards will continue to be accepted.

Five Sails by Alex Kim restaurant details

Five Sails by Alex Kim
Pan Pacific Vancouver
999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Email: info@fivesails.ca
Telephone: 604-844-2855