It’s not necessarily the first neighbourhood I think of to dine out, but it’s full of reliable classics. From affordable eateries to suit the budgets of nearby UBC students, ethnic eats, and even some upscale options, it caters to neighbourhood locals as well as those wanting a breather from downtown. The food doesn’t disappoint, as to why many Kitsilano restaurants have secured their spot with the help of loyal clientele.
The following recommendations are not necessarily “the best of Kits” or listed in any particular order, but I dined at these in the last three months so I’m familiar and refreshed with their current menus.
Octopus Garden
Sada-san is one of the most well-respected sushi chefs in the city. Easily loved by his customers as well as the sushi chef community in general, his Kits restaurant is one of my favourites for omakase. He only serves his very special 200-pound Japanese blue fin tuna head (considered small for a blue fin tuna) once a month and the sushi bar fits seven, so you must book this unique omakase experience in advance. Put in a special request for his udon with uni butter cream sauce, and you can thank me later.
Fable
The staples here are chef and co-owner Trevor Bird's signature "Canned Tuna", chickpea fritters and spaghetti and meat balls, so if you haven't tried those, it's a good starting point. If you like something richer, the smoked duck breast with brown butter hollandaise will bring out the "fat kid" in you. A shout-out to his lentil ragout as well. It's served with ling cod, but the fat girl in me would kindly request it with duck, or the bone-in pork belly he does once in a while. I love fish, but the rich lentils cry for rich meat. For something lighter, the tomato soup and tuna Niçoise take “soup and salad” to the next level.
Maenam
I’ve said it before, but pre-order the Lobster Miang and black pepper crab – both off-the-menu creations and some of my favourite seafood dishes in the city. Ordering from the menu is great too and as good as chef Angus An’s pad thai probably is (I haven’t tried it yet), give it a break and try his other creations. This is traditional Thai food, but An is trained in French cooking, so “modern Thai” is more appropriate than calling it “fusion”. Sister restaurant, Longtail Kitchen in New Westminster is also worth the trip. Keep an eye out for seats at his special BC Spot Prawn Dinner on Monday, May 25.
La Quercia
It’s one of my favourite Italian dining experiences in Vancouver and dinner alla famiglia has never failed. The food is simple (as Italian food should be), ingredient-focused, and well-executed. They consider themselves casual, but it’s quite sophisticated and refined, although I wouldn’t wait for a special occasion to visit.
A shout out to other favourites in the area, Thomas Haas, Harvest Deli, Bishop’s, The Oakwood Canadian Bistro, Dan Japanese, MamaLee Malaysian Delights, and Beyond Bread Artisan Bakery.
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