Gordon Ramsay Steak has been one of Metro Vancouver’s most watched restaurant openings since it was first announced back in the summer of 2023.

Inevitably, there’s a heightened level of anticipation that comes with any celebrity-backed dining establishment, but this one felt supercharged in that respect.

Part of the hype was likely the rarity of grand and opulent openings around town these days, but the main reason is that this restaurant stems from a multi-Michelin-starred chef and culinary icon.

It’s safe to say Metro Vancouver diners had worked up an appetite for the celebrated steakhouse concept, and they were curious to see if the world-renowned TV personality would make it to B.C. for the launch.

Turns out he did. Dished had the chance to speak with Ramsay during his whirlwind trip to town, which included a stop at his other Metro Vancouver restaurant in Coquitlam, Gordon Ramsay Burger, and his attendance at the grand opening of the new location, which is situated in the heart of the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.

This latest opening from the restaurateur, who operates eateries all over the globe, marks a milestone not only for B.C. but also for Canada in general, as Gordon Ramsay Steak in Richmond is the concept’s first location in the country.

While the business might be new to Canada, Ramsay is not. The chef told Dished he became familiar with the region two decades ago.

“My journey started in Vancouver, 20 years ago, up in Whistler, and then having some of the most amazing fishing trips here, catching salmon like no other,” Ramsay said.

“I did part of my Ironman training in some of these beautiful islands, and it was just a win-win.”

Fast-forward to now, and Ramsay says B.C. and Canada’s food scene in general will give global dining spots like London, Paris, New York, and Milan a “run for their money.”

Ramsay was extremely complimentary of our culinary standing, mentioning Michelin and the calibre of our homegrown talent in the same breath.

“Canada’s food scene is a standalone,” Ramsay said.

As for Gordon Ramsay Steak, the chef said Richmond is the perfect location to kick things off for the brand here in Canada.

“This location is just off the charts. I opened my first steakhouse in Vegas back in 2012, and the partners from Caesars migrated up towards B.C.,” he explains.

The steakhouse itself is known for its signature dishes like Ramsay’s world-famous Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The Richmond location brings the bounty of B.C. to the forefront, highlighting bites such as B.C. King Salmon, sablefish, scallops, and Atlantic oysters.

When it comes to beverages, the 266-seat restaurant boasts an extensive list of B.C. and Canadian wines.

Ramsay reiterates that the heart of the food program at the new restaurant is the produce, making this opening a very special one for food enthusiasts.

“To be given this opportunity here, in front of that incredible harbour, knowing what’s going on locally and that sort of foodie eruption, 85 per cent of our produce is sourced locally, and so that’s that’s a blessing.”