Monthly Archives: January 2026

Osetra

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We had a delightful 70th birthday dinner here. I love the space with its modern styling and high ceiling but narrow profile so that it doesn’t get too noisy. The service was amazingly attentive and friendly, and the food was superb. It left us wanting to immediately go back and try all of their other dishes.

We arrived starving, so right off we ordered the sourdough bread, which was wonderfully grilled with a bit of olive oil on it. We added a little flaked salt, and it really accompanied the Champagne we ordered.

Because it was a special celebration, we of course had to have caviar. The offer for the complete raw bar assortment was the perfect way to go. It included a full tin of Osetra, plus half a lobster, a generous portion of truly jumbo prawns, a lot of oysters on the half shell, a large serving of a delicious scallop crudo. Slices of their red tuna and some very tender young octopus. Also on the plate were a variety of sauces including cocktail sauce, mignonette, and hey, delicious mayonnaise-based sauce.

It was a feast for two, and we could not do more, which left us craving all the delicious vegetable preparations on the other side of the menu. We almost went back the next day!

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

Anna Lena

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We had a delightful evening at Anna Lena. It easily demonstrated its reputation as one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver. It’s a small space that is both intimate and welcoming.

There are a lot of servers and staff here in addition to the kitchen personnel. I suspect the ratio is about one to one between employees and customers. Everyone was extraordinarily welcoming and gracious.

The menu is both fun and complex without being pretentious. My favorite dishes were:

The Cheeseburger 2050, a deconstructed combination of their amazing torn bread, oak tartare, and a lovely cheese dipping sauce.

The oyster with shaved foie gras was also remarkable.

The prawn that came with the off the coast course.

The frozen cookie at the end of the meal was also a lot of fun.

I thought the pricing was quite reasonable considering the quantity and quality of the food. There’s also an optional add-on that includes caviar, truffles, and wagyu, which I think is worth it if you particularly enjoy those things.

Two wine pairings are offered. I feel it’s worth upgrading to the premium pairing because it includes a lovely glass of Dom Pérignon and the spectacular 2021 Avrell Creek Barrel 36 Pinot Noir, which so impressed me that I ordered several bottles from the winery while we were still dining!

On all the delightful evenings, and I look forward to returning.

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

PaulPaul Bakery, Cafe & Restaurant

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I’ve always loved Paul in France. My favorite item there is a true French sandwich. A perfectly fresh baguette with a delicate crust served with ham, cheese, and butter. So of course that’s what I ordered at this Paul, the first I’ve been to outside of France. I was not disappointed. It was an absolutely delicious and authentic sandwich.

This Paul also has an assortment of pastries. You order the pastries or the sandwiches at the counter and then sit anywhere in the front of the restaurant to enjoy them along with your coffee drinks or what have you. There’s a separate seating section in the back where a full menu is served, including brunch, traditional dishes such as steak frites, and an elaborate formal tea. I’ll definitely want to go back and try those fancier options.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/paul-bakery-cafe-and-restaurant-vancouver-2