Yuyo’s Pizza & Mexican Kitchen

We were on a tour in Sitka, and our guide told a story about how he had a friend who grew up in Sitka and was in college before he figured out that pizza wasn’t Mexican (because the only place that he’d had it had been at this Mexican restaurant). This restaurant does indeed serve an excellent pizza, although we opted for the Mexican food, which was great too.

It was delightful to find so many authentic flavors so far from Mexico. The enchiladas and chile relleno were both excellent, and the pastor served in a crispy taco was unusual but very tasty as well. Top marks to the refried beans also, which are difficult to do right. There’s no liquor license, so no margaritas.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/yuyos-sitka

Nightingale

Nightingale is from the owners of Hawksworth, which I thought was a very good but not necessarily great restaurant, but I really like Nightingale. It’s a two-story space off of Hastings with a bar downstairs that has table seating and a somewhat quieter upstairs dining area where the kitchen is. I prefer the upstairs area, but both are fine. Don’t be misled by the fact that reservations for the bar don’t mean that you have to sit at the bar. It could mean anywhere in the downstairs area.

The menu is a combination of surprisingly upscale food and straightforward dishes such as pizza, but the pizza is just not ordinary pizza, even though it’s reasonably priced. In fact, it’s one of the best pizzas in Vancouver.

The appetizers are varied and extraordinary. We had the hamachi, which let the fish shine through, and the kanpachi, which was a complex preparation that we particularly enjoyed.

Another surprise was the cauliflower hummus, which was much more layered and intricate than you might expect.

Service was excellent, and there is a thoughtful wine list plus an enormous selection of liquors such as whiskies and even Amaro. In fact, they have tasting flights of different whiskies and Amaro, which I always particularly appreciate.

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

Olympia Pizza

This is a thirty year old restaurant that looks like the focus is on Greek food, so that’s what we had for lunch. It was just okay. The spanakopita was probably the best item we had. 

The first time we went here we waited for ten minutes and no one ever showed up form the kitchen, but the second time the service was good.

They have quite a few wines by the glass at good prices, although I wish they had more Greek and Santorini wines beyond just retsina.. My Australia Pinot Grigio was good.

It looks like pizza might be the way to go.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/olympia-pizza-vancouver

Nook

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

Caviar Bistro

This lovely spot overlooking the marina offers a varied menu of pastries, coffee drinks, cold drinks, a few sandwiches and wraps, omelets, egg dishes, hummus, baba ganoush, and even pizza. Just about the only thing Caviar Bistro doesn’t offer is… caviar!

The pizza had a nice thin, crisp center with a chewy edge. Hummus was nicely seasoned.

Shout out for the blueberry roibos tea!

Service was friendly and quick. 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/caviar-bistro-vancouver