Category Archives: Robson

Kosoo (on Cardero)

Posted on by

We live in this block, and there are three excellent Korean restaurants. This is my favorite!

It would be hard to beat their “Lunch Course” which has a wonderful variety of flavors in ten courses, far more than we could possibly eat. Fortunately they do a huge takeout business, so containers are plentiful.

That said, it’s really a lovely place to dine in. It’s off Robson, on a quiet section of Cordero, with huge trees outside the picture windows. (Note that there is another Kosoo just a few blocks away on Robson, but the vibe there is completely different, more quick server, while this leans more to fine dining.)

It’s hard to pick a favorite dish, and since you can try them all, why bother?!

Service was pleasant and all the food came out course by course, with great pacing, piping hot or ice cold, and fresh.

Note that they don’t have tea, but they do have hot water, so bring your own teabag!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kosoo-restaurant-vancouver

Coco Rico Cafe

Posted on by

This cozy cafe/sports bar offers brunch from morning until afternoon and then switches to more of a sports bar menu.

The bacon and cheese omelet was tasting, and accompanied by nicely crisped home fries.

The cinnamon French toast included two poofy pieces of brioche, nicely grilled, and served with assorted fruit.

Service was friendly, and the background music audio quality was impressive enough that we noticed their excellent playlist.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/coco-rico-cafe-vancouver

Pho 37 – Robson

Posted on by

This is our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Despite the name, it’s not just about pho. There’s an extensive menu that includes a wide range of appetizers and mains, including Bun (vermicelli bowls) and Banh Mi sandwiches.

The sampler platter appetizer makes a great lunch for two at a reasonable price.

The interior is very pleasant; they’ve done a nice job decorating the relatively small space.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-37-vancouver

CinCin Ristorante + Bar

Posted on by

Don’t be put off by the fact that this is an upscale restaurant in a tourist district. This is a great spot for local regulars, too. Accessed through a steep stairway, the space opens out into a large area with an expansive balcony overlooking Robson. 

The menu offers far more than traditional Italian food. 

The Hamachi Crudo was a spectacular dish of fish, flowers, scrumptious olive oil, and mild olive slices that didn’t overpower the fish.

The Parmesan Souffle was flavorful, light, and delightfully crusty.

Caesar salad is a good choice for sharing.

Wagyu Carpaccio came with a generous topping of freshly shaved truffle.

Perhaps my favorite dish was the Dungeness Crab Linguine, served in a cream sauce with just a hint of jalapeno.

The broccolini was an excellent side, fire-grilled with a touch of rosemary.

Pistachio gelato was the true essence of ground pistachios.

There’s a nice assortment of apertivos and amaros.

Service is friendly and well-paced.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/cincin-ristorante-bar-vancouver-3

Hello Nori – Robson

Posted on by

This is an original sushi concept where hand rolls are prepared to order from a fixed menu consisting mostly of pre-prepared fish tartares. We tried the five-roll lunch, and the standouts were the scallop roll and the yellowtail roll. I also had an eel roll that was excellent. It was the only roll that involved a more traditional preparation of sushi, where the fish was seared to order. Service was fast and friendly.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hello-nori-vancouver-3

Avo House

Posted on by

Avo House has a delightful selection of sushi and other Japanese treats. The fish is fresh, and the rolls are creative. The Bento box lunch combination is a great deal, combining your choice of main (mine was sashimi plus a dynamite roll) with soup, salad, and side dish of your choice, which can even include tempura! I love that hot green tea is served as soon as you sit down. Service is friendly.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/avo-house-vancouver