Published On Main

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I approach Michelin-starred restaurants with caution, because a lot of the things that Michelin raters seem to care about are things that I don’t care about. Happily, Published on Main avoids all of these pitfalls, while still definitely deserving it star.

There is no presumption here. The servers are not wearing uniforms, and their interaction with guests is friendly and informative. Yes, the plates are served in a fairly synchronized fashion for each course, but without an elaborate show or pretense. Wine and water service is attentive, and meal pacing is perfect.

We had the tasting menu which, counting all the little bites, consisted of more than 20 courses. Every single item was stellar. Standouts included the pickerel, the forest elixir (a broth) and the very unique saltspring chevre cheese course.

There were multiple desserts as well, but they avoided sugar overload and were consistently interesting.

We had the premium wine pairing to accompany the meal, and seven of the eight wines were interesting and perfect matches without being the bizarre sorts of things sommeliers sometimes come up with. Each one was presented with an informative description of its provenance and why it was being served with a particular dish.

This is certainly the best restaurant I have been to in Vancouver so far, and it is justly deserving of its praise.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/published-on-main-vancouver-2

Kiku Sushi

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Of all the sushi places in the area, this one seems like the nicest restaurant inside. The ceilings are at least 30 feet, and the decor is great. It has a great expensive feeling. The menu is fairly extensive. For lunch, I think either the combo deal or the bento boxes are the way to go. it’s really nice to be able to get a lunch deal that includes your choice of three completely varied items at a reasonable price.

The quality and variety of fish is excellent.

Service was prompt and efficient, and everything was delicious. This is a new favorite in the neighborhood.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kiku-sushi-vancouver

Dinesty Dumpling House

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This place doesn’t look that big from the street, but it’s got to be one of the largest restaurants on Robson. Both the prep area where they are making dumplings, visible through large glass windows, and the restaurant are quite large. The menu is vast, and includes many Chinese favorites plus items we hadn’t tried before.

The pan, fried shrimp and pork potstickers or a dish unlike any I’ve had before. It looked like they started with traditional potstickers, but then fried them all together on a semi sweet, thin crêpe, forming a single crispy item. It was pretty interesting and quite tasty.

We were less enthusiastic about the pan, fried Chinese, green onion, pancake, which was pretty tough and had a rather lead consistency.

My favorite item was Gongbao Chicken. It was the traditional preparation with peanuts, and just enough spicy peppers to make it interesting.

Service was pleasant, and pricing is reasonable.

Was quiet on the Friday lunch when we were there, but it was good Friday, and I hear the place gets quite crowded during busy times.

The bento boxes look like a good deal, and I think I would try one of those next time.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/dinesty-dumpling-house-vancouver

Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen

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If you’re not sure what Himalayan food is, just think about Northern India. While there are definitely some Tibetan items on the menu, if you’re familiar with Indian restaurants you will feel right at home here, with items like papads, naan bread, and raita.

We purposely tried to order items we wouldn’t find at most Indian restaurants, and we were very impressed.

I had the Nepali Bhojan (Traditional Plate) with chicken at spice level 4 of 6, and it was perfect. The chicken was interestingly spiced and sauced, and the plate came with a delicious potato and spinach dish, rice, soup, raita, yogurt, naan, and papad.

The star, though was my companion’s Creamy Chicken Curry, a rich, tomato-based generous helping at spice level 3. It came with rice and soup. This will be my go-to next time.

Service was friendly, and the atmosphere of the intimate space is nice.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/gurkha-himalayan-kitchen-vancouver

Nook

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This charming and intimate trattoria offers authentic rustic pizza and pastas in a cozy, welcoming environment.

The pizza is just like in Naples, with a thin center and poofy crust, perfectly sauced and cooked.

A small but well-thought-out wine list focuses on Italian wines.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Budino is a fabulous chocolate mousse-like dessert that goes great with an espresso.

The servers are friendly and enthusiastic, and obviously enjoy what they are doing, which creates wonderful hospitality.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/nook-vancouver

Miko Sushi

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This is the best sushi in the area. The place is charming and very authentic. The menu is extensive, to say the least. There’s the main menu, a lunch menu, and then the walls are covered in specials.

We went at a busy lunchtime and sat at the bar. The two sushi chefs were hustling. I had the 18-piece deluxe sashimi combo because that’s the way to judge a place’s fish. Everything was top-notch.

Service was friendly, and pricing is reasonable.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/miko-sushi-japanese-restaurant-vancouver

Lavidas

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This cozy little place offers a wide-ranging menu and a short but well-curated wine list.

It’s reasonably priced, like a small plate concept, but everything we tried was a generous serving, more of an entree size.

We particularly liked the vegetarian chili, mussels in curry sauce, and the dumplings. The ceviche was also interesting, more about the corn than the fish, and nicely spiced.

Caesar salad was the only miss; please stop messing with this classic dish and stick with romaine and croutons!

Service seemed a bit overwhelmed on a busy Saturday night, but the kitchen had no trouble keeping up.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/lavidas-vancouver

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

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Like its sister restaurant, Gotham Steakhouse, Hy’s offers a terrific afternoon happy hour in its bar. You can get a multi-course feast of snacks, cocktails, and wine for well under $200 per couple, which is much less than lunch or dinner here.

We started with the prawn cocktail, four large and very fresh prawns served with an excellent cocktail sauce. The we had the “famous” cheese toast, which is butter-grilled with a layer of cheese on top, and served in aluminum foil to keep it warm.

Our mains were the mini lobster rolls, which came on grilled feather-light brioche, and the prime rib sliders, the most substantial dish. Each slider included a wonderful onion ring, encouraging us to make a note to order onion rings as a side next time.

In addition to the great drink prices such as 40% off sparkling wines during happy hour, the dessert menu prices are also very reasonable. We had tableside Bananas Foster and Irish Coffee. Both were prepared in true classic fashion.

The bar area is cozy, with only a few tables, but I think I like the ambiance at Gotham’s larger bar better. But both are excellent choices for an afternoon meal.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hys-steakhouse-and-cocktail-bar-vancouver-3