My wife and I went to Higashi West just as the sun was setting and the view to Downtown Vancouver was beautiful - especially because it was one of those rare non-outdoor-shower days. Many of the dishes are very similar to what you will find at most Japanese restaurants, but I do agree with previous reviewers, the price/value combination is excellent at this restauraunt. Try the crispy duck confit rolls (with Hoisin Sauce). My wife hates duck but loved the rolls. The Tuna Tataki is melt-in-your-mouth tender accompanied with a great soya based infusion. The garlic butter prawns were cooked perfectly - not rubbery at all. Even the Lychee soda cocktail was great. You can tell the owner/chef takes a lot of care in his craft. We will definitely be back. We hope more people discover this place. The only downside I could think of is the constant stream of people getting on and off the Seabus at Lonsdale Quay - it takes away from the ambiance...

I was in North Van to meet some friends to watch the fireworks on that side of the Burrard Inlet. But, arrived a bit too early and my stomach was growling. Just outside the Seabus station, towards Lonsdale Quay, is this small place. When I have a small menu, instead of thinking "that's all?", I usually think the chef would rather be good at what he does.

I was seated at the bar and was given the menu. Unlike the other reviewer though, I was given a sheet with the specials. Probably they learned from that comment? I ordered lemon chili squid ($5), Bok Choi ($3) and okonomiyaki (think a savoury vegetable pancake - this was a special - $5). Since I was seated at the bar, I was able to see the chef/cook prepare the dishes. Again, I will agree with the previous reviewer: since there is only one (yes, one) person in the small kitchen (cooking area is similar to a 1 BD apartment kitchen), it took a while for him to prepare the other dishes already in the queue.

The squid was season as soon as it was out of the fryer and plated. It tasted as it should be: a light batter and not chewy. The mayo matched the squid very well. The bok choi was simple, as it should be. The okonomiyaki arrived a bit latter. Compared to other okonomiyakis I had before, I found the sauces and bonito flakes balanced the whole dish. It was really good. My only complalin would be the temperature of the dishes. I usually like my dishes sizzling hot. But, since it was a bit windy outside, I won't blame them.

Just as the previous reviewer mentioned, they only have that many people so the service was a bit slow. However, I didn't care much about service speed. I was there for the food! As for ambiance, I will say it is simple but functional.

Overall, the trip there was worth it. Will definitely come back and try other dishes.

We loved the delicious offerings at Higashi West -- from the ebi-mayo to sesame chicken bites to seared scallops. Nice atmosphere, convenient location (at Lonsdale Quay), and friendly service. In retrospect, I do wish their chalkboard specials were on some kind of table menu... as I totally missed the specials (which also looked great), not having seen them until leaving. However, I loved this place, and the price was reasonable, so I will most certainly be back!