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(3) (3.3) (3.1)We came to Hapa Umi because of a groupon type deal, and felt very lucky that we had found this gem. It's quite a large space, tucked into the side of the Tourism Vancouver/Tickets Tonight building. Don't give up on looking for the door - it's worth it!
Our deal gave us a three course dinner which unfortunately meant that we missed out on sushi - it looked great as it went past the table. I started with the Fanny Bay tempura oysters, nicely presented in manageable pieces with a miso vinaigrette and pickled shallots. My dining partner's beef medallion things looked pretty great, and I don't even eat much meat. Our mains were some form of deliciously tender chicken for him, and salmon for me with gnocci, vegetables, sauce. All nicely presented, great sides, delicate flavours.
We were already quite satisfied, and then came dessert. Truly, one of THE BEST desserts I've ever had the pleasure to experience. The menu undersold it as a warm chocolate cake with banana tempura and vanilla ice cream. It was actually a good sized molten lava cake, with two generous pieces of warm banana tempura on the side. The textures and tastes complemented each other in a fabulous way. The cake was topped with fresh sliced strawberries and some carmelized sugar art. There were fresh blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and the ice cream was very tasty. Pretty much a party on my plate.
The only negative was that they all knew we were in a rush, but the service was on the slow side. Otherwise, my highest recommendation on this place.
PS - washrooms are lovely - three small self-contained rooms for each gender!
I'd submitted an earlier review of Sokela, soon after they opened. Recently I returned, and was really disappointed.
The ambiance was fine, but service was uneven and food was uninspired. Tastes were 'just okay', and not anything I'd return for. Disappointing, as there aren't many good dining options in the tricities and I was hoping this would step up to be one of them. It hasn't.
Cat's Social House is in a terrific setting near the pond on Granville Island, and has nice Cactus Club-type decor and ambiance. I've been there a couple of times recently with a Groupon-type coupon, so have had several experiences there.
They really need to step it up in the food department. Burger with bacon etc was very average, not a great meat taste at all (subbed yam fries were delish!). Dynamite rolls only had deep fried prawns as the filling - no veg of any kind. And the Cowgirl Salad sounded great, and at about $15 for an entree salad I was expecting great....but it was really quite small for an entree salad (especially at that price!), and the add-ins were skimpy.
I'll stick to Browns Social House, their parent company, as I've had much more enjoyable meals there.
Hot summer night, and we stopped in for an early dinner before a beach walk. Granted, the restaurant was near-empty given the early hour, but we had none of the issues with service experienced by the previous reviewers. Service was efficient, friendly, prompt, and we didn't feel rushed in any way.
Bread on the table with a nice olive butter. The pepper-crusted tenderloin special was fantastic, served with risotto rather than potatoes as requested. The halibut was served on risotto with some nicely cooked vegetables, and a divine sauce. We weren't intending on ordering dessert (too full!), but a complimentary apple pie of sorts arrived on the table along with ice cream - nice touch.
Prices were a bit on the high side, but the Entertainment Book helped with that. We had a wonderful evening, and - despite the negative reviews - plan on returning.
We wanted something relatively quick and yummy, and popped into the Turtle Lounge on a whim. We both ordered paninis and a cappuccino (order/pay at the counter in the back, sit at a table and they bring it out to you). While waiting for our food, we watching a Bond movie on the large screen, and took in the decor. Very thoughtful, interesting touches - surprising ambiance for a place which is in essence a cafe.
When the food arrived, we were already impressed at first glance. My panini was overflowing with chicken and peppers.....and tasted even better than it looked. Cappuccinos were nicely made, proper Italian style. We were very impressed with this little place and will be back. Even has a nice deck out front for a sunny day.
Stumbled across Martini's (directly across Broadway from the Mountain Equipment Co-op) and were very happily surprised! Excellent service, very tasty food (neptune stuffed chicken breast, and chicken tortellini with red peppers), verrry generous portions, and great prices. The room has a cozy feel, and the place was hopping for a holiday Monday evening. We'll definitely be back.
PS - my one big criticism was the green salad, which was an odd mix of nasty iceberg lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, olives, and pineapple (??), topped by a yummy house garlic dressing.
Stumbled upon this place with a group of friends. Long, narrow space, with funky painted walls, bikes hanging from the ceiling, and a perfect stage in the front window. Small menu, but good choices. The spinach/cheese crepes (comes with salad) were excellent, chicken pizza was just okay but nothing special. We plan on coming back for the music and ambience.
Stella's is all about the Belgian beer, and that alone makes it stand out from the rest. But the decor (lots of wood, glowing lights, cozy tables) and general atmosphere also make this a distinct location. Not the place for a romantic evening (way too noisy!), but perfect for a group of friends. As noted in other reviews, the Belgian beer menu is very detailed and extensive; a note of caution for regular beer drinkers - these beers sneak up on you with a big whack of alcohol! The tapas menu is hit & miss. Mussels (Thai, Stella's) were tasty and delicious chewy bread was the perfect accompaniment. But frites were uninspired with a terrible 'lemon' aioli, and calamari was poorly done. Keep talking with the friends and you won't notice the shortcomings!
Rosa's is like eating mama's home cooking - in her rec room. The food is delicious though the menu selections are limited. Service is soooo slow. Fake brick/stucco walls are decorated with photos of famous people and sports pics. Plastic-covered tables are small and very close together. There's a happy/loud atmosphere and you get a lot of food, but this certainly won't be the place for every occasion or group of guests.
Have driven by this place for years - nothing much from the outside. But a friend asked me to eat there, and I'll be forever grateful! I love a proper Greek meal, but generally speaking they tend to miss the mark, with flavourless rice or potatoes, etc. Not here.
First of all the souvlaki meals are a heck of a deal, at 11.95 for chicken or lamb, etc. Generous portions. Potatoes were amazing. Rice was perfectly cooked and very flavourful. Delicious Greek salad with a generous amount of feta. BIG chunks of chicken for the souvlaki. Rich and perfectly balanced tzatziki. Fabulous meal.
Fast service despite a very full/busy restaurant. Ambiance is nothing to write home about, but I'll take the food over the ambiance any day. I'll be back - a lot!
Hidden in a strip mall with a deceptive name. This place has so much more than just gelati (though there are a ton of those to choose from). Very tasty, well-priced Panini – even a half Panini and soup will fill you up. Soups are inventive and delicious without being over-salty. A solid lunch - or treat! - location.
Ate at Monks Upstairs on a sunny Saturday evening with a jazz trio for entertainment. Great table by the window. Fabulous chewy bread with olives to whet the appetite. Started with very tasty crab cakes, served with diced papaya and enhanced by shrimp. Moved on to the sablefish. Melt in your mouth moist & tender, accompanied by seared scallops and delish potatoes. Definitely on the pricey side especially once you add the practically mandatory valet parking, but a terrific special night out. We weren't in a rush, and had the luxury of an unhurried evening.
Stylish place that feels more like a bar than a restaurant; definitely not for romance. Drink menu is more extensive than 'Tasting Menu' - use that as your guide. Chinese Ravioli were delish and beautifully sauced....but $18 for 5 medium ravioli?!? Kung Pao Chicken was delish and quite substantial for two. All in all, overpriced but convenient pre-movie at Tinseltown. Next time would do drinks and Kung Pao only.
First time at Jameson's since it changed from Carumba's; odd switch from the former nice/standard booths to enormous circular black booths. The room is VERY noisy and is absolutely not for a romantic dinner; loud music and room noises make it difficult to chat, even at a table for two. Crab cakes were excellent and nicely presented. Thai Chicken pizza should have been called the Mango Chutney pizza, as that flavour overpowered everything, and the chicken was hard to find. Great service from our Liverpool waiter. Overall, a fun experience, but it's hardly fine dining.
The Hart House is a classic in a beautiful park setting - too bad the food is so horribly disappointing. Very pricey. Odd pairings - scallops with veal? Halibut with beef short rib? Of four seafood offerings, three included meat. Had the chicken with gnocchi....or at least I think that's what those ill-shaped globs overpowered by the balsamic sauce were supposed to be. At least the chicken was tender. The whole evening was a sad disappointment, including an extremely noisy room (we were reduced to silence because we couldn't hear each other over others' conversations anyway - odd acoustics). Might be back for a summer lunch by the lake. Won't be back for dinner.
This is my new favorite restaurant, after having eaten here five times in the last few months. The ambiance is lovely - sophisticated, calm, relaxing (though they do need to work on the background music a bit!). Great decor. Feels like you're downtown. Service is unobtrusive but attentive. Great menu with lovely options. Highly recommend the spinach salad with goat cheese, kamasutra skewers, salmon with mango salsa (perfectly cooked & presented), and the mocha brule. Have had consistently excellent food and presentation. Met Steve, the chef tonight. Will definitely be back - many times!!
