I recently spent a week test driving the 2026 Honda Prelude around metro Vancouver while visiting some favourite eateries, catching up with friends and celebrating some birthdays.
Started the week catching up with a friend at Singapore Hawker in Burnaby, it was a first time visit for us both. Specializing inSoutheast Asian street food, this spot is legendary for turning out vibrant, authentic dishes that pack a serious flavour punch. It is the ultimate pit-stop to refuel with bold, uncompromising flavours. I had the Gado Gado salad, and the Chicken curry.
One of my favourite fairly new Mexican restaurants is located downtown on Alberni and I visited again this time with friends to celebrate my birthday. Acuyo is a stunning addition to the downtown dining scene, founded by partners with roots in Guadalajara who wanted to showcase the deep sophistication of Mexican cuisine. Named after the indigenous word for hoja santa an aromatic herb essential to traditional Mexican cooking the kitchen utilizes traditional techniques, fire-driven cooking, and handmade tortillas. The menu that evolves monthly highlights different areas of Mexico. We shared the Aguachile and then I enjoyed the Tortilla soup, Grilled red snapper, and for dessert the Pan de Elote with a candle!
This is a car I remember from years ago and Honda has brought it back making its triumphant return. Reborn as a sleek, sophisticated hybrid sport coupe, the Prelude bridges the gap between classic driving dynamics and modern, eco-conscious engineering. Boasting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-motor hybrid system, it pushes out a crisp 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, giving you immediate punch right off the line. With sharp MacPherson strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, and a premium Brembo braking system, this coupe is built to carve through city streets and winding coastal highways with effortless poise.
The next night I drove back downtown and this time it was to C Prime Modern Italian Steakhouse to taste the spring menu and the new dishes by Executive Chef Behshad Zolnasr and Chef de Cuisine Jo Hognestad. Located at the corner of Burrard and Nelson, this upscale destination seamlessly fuses classic Italian traditions with the indulgence of a premium steakhouse. The restaurant has exceptionally warm hospitality, it also offers a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere that mirrors the refined design of Honda’s new coupe. These were the dishes that I tried.
The next day I drove to the Riley Park neighbourhood to a recently opened café that I love, I had been there are a few times already and this time around it was for a Cortado. If you appreciate precision engineering in your morning routine as much as your car, a drive to Noct Coffee in Riley Park is a must. Taking over a spacious, beautifully bright heritage spot on Main Street, this specialty micro-roaster operates with an uncompromising focus on quality, ethical sourcing, and employee welfare notably functioning as a proud living-wage, no-tip establishment. Inside the serene, minimalist space, coffee aficionados can enjoy meticulously crafted pourovers and espressos pulled on world-class equipment, using bean varieties that feature transparent pricing down to the green cost per kilogram.
Inside, the Prelude combines sporty character with premium comfort. Highlights include:
- Heated leather-trimmed front sport seats
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9-inch HD touchscreen
- High-quality materials with contrast stitching
- Driver-focused cockpit design
Honda has created an interior that feels both modern and upscale while remaining practical for everyday driving.
The next day I drove to Chinatown for another birthday celebration, this time a mutual one for my friend Jay and I. Uchu Cevicheria & Raw Bar is a is a gorgeous, coastal-inspired space that serves as a love letter to the seafood traditions of Peru, infused with Japanese Nikkei nuances.The restaurant is complemented by an exceptional pisco-forward cocktail list and an intimate, ocean-toned interior, it provides a high-energy, soul-satisfying dining experience. I enjoyed the Albacore Tuna ceviche, Scallop Batayaki, Chicken Empanadas and the Picarones for dessert with a candle!
The next day I drove to Gastown to a visit a new café that had just opened, Celeste Cafe which is tucked away into a historic Anchor Building on Powell Street. Founded by local cycler Thomas Eleizegui, this charming neighborhood spot pays homage to European racing culture with vintage jerseys and track bikes mounted against exposed brick walls. I had a Cortado while Lawrence had an Americano.
Technology plays a major role in the new Prelude. Drivers benefit from:
- Google Built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- USB-C charging ports
- HondaLink connected services
These features ensure the car stays connected whether commuting or taking long road trips.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: Honda Canada provided me with the 2026 Honda Prelude for a week to test drive, and photograph.