Category Archives: Robson

Nomnom Seoul

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This is an interesting concept, sort of a Korean fast food place. It’s actually sit-down dining downstairs, or you can go upstairs if you’re ordering for takeout.

I had the Kimbap, which is a Korean form of sushi similar to a sushi roll that might have pickled vegetables in it, plus whatever other ingredient you want. I had the bulgogi beef, and it was very good and quite filling. One would be a complete lunch.

I also tried the Tteokbokki, which is an unusual dish that is technically rice cakes, but I would compare it to a bowl with sliced-up hot dogs, gnocchi, and melted cheese in a slightly spicy and slightly sweet broth

Service was friendly.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/nomnom-seoul-vancouver

Ramen Danbo Robson

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There are many, many noodle and hot pot places on Robson within a few blocks of each other, and quite a few of them rate five stars. Your preference will depend upon subtleties about noodle thickness and texture and broth flavors, but there is always, always a line in front of Ramen Danbo. A lot of it is probably due to hype or fame, but I have to admit that I think it does edge out the others in several ways.

I think the noodles themself are more flavorful and more delicate. And I have to say the pork was extremely tender and flavorful. The egg was perfectly prepared, and the broth was perfectly seasoned to my desired spiciness level.

They also do a great job searing their gyozas.

Because of its overwhelming popularity, they have perfected the ordering process so that you can fill out a form while you’re in line, which greatly reduces your wait time. It’s easy to get in and out of here in 30 min, and I’m sure that is their goal. As a result, the dining experience might not exactly be relaxing, but if your focus is on the best quality bowl of noodles that you can get, I think it is worth the wait.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ramen-danbo-robson-vancouver-4

Nine Dumplings

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Forget Din Tai Fung. These are the best dumplings in all of Vancouver. You also have to overlook the fact that it’s in a decrepit 1960s mall upstairs in a nearly abandoned food court, but the place has amazing food and it’s spotlessly clean. The owner is a lovely gentleman who brings your food to your table.

The best approach is to order the rainbow sampler of all nine different flavors. I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite. They were all among the best dumplings I have ever had.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/nine-dumplings-vancouver

Freah Donair – Robson

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The donairs at this place are really generous. They’ve got tons of ingredients that make them super flavorful, and they’re very flexible as far as allowing you to mix and match different meats or vegetarian items. I had a combination of chicken and lamb, and it was spiced up just perfectly. Super hot, nicely pressed to get a little bit of a crust on the outside of the wrapper. This is definitely my go-to donair place in the neighborhood.

Tim Hortons

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Somehow, in the forty years it’s been open, I’ve never made it to Tim Hortons. Well, now I have. It was… okay.

Preparing hot food quickly is not really their forte, but they’re great at coffee and pastries. If you’re looking for a cup of delicious coffee that is actually a cup of coffee and not some fancy schmancy beverage, it’s incredibly cheap. My decaf coffee with a pump of chocolate was the stand out of the meal.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/tim-hortons-vancouver-47

Kuro Katsu

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This place is a terrific find. In an area dominated by excellent Korean restaurants and excellent sushi restaurants, it’s nice to have a Japanese alternative that offers a hot personal grilling experience.

The interior is open and inviting, and service is friendly and enthusiastic. The menu focuses on a range of set meals that generally include:

  • soup
  • salad
  • some Japanese pickles and side dishes
  • Shredded cabbage with dressing
  • an assortment of sauces depending upon which main protein you select

The protein choices for your personal grill are:

  • beef loin
  • premium beef
  • chicken
  • cheese
  • tofu

They also offer a chicken karaage meal that is some of the best fried chicken I’ve had anywhere. The pieces are much bigger than the traditional bite-sized pieces, and the mound of chicken was enough for two people. We took half of it home and shared it for dinner the next night.

I really can’t say enough nice things about this place. It’s very close to where we live, and I’m glad we discovered it.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kuro-katsu-vancouver

Le Belisse Café

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Le Belisse Café bills itself as having been voted best croissant in Vancouver, and it’s easy to see why. All of the pastries here are truly beautiful to look at. But that’s a bold claim, especially when you’re across the street from Ladurée (admittedly, though, Ladurée in North America isn’t quite as good as in Paris or at Harrods in London).

I tried the two most basic offerings, the plain croissant and the pain au chocolat. The pastry for both was very nice—flaky with just the right mixture of moisture and crispness. The pain au chocolat was an unconventional shape, which I think adversely affects the chocolate to pastry ratio, but it was good.

I’d definitely go back and try some of the other beauties in their display case.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-belisse-cafe-vancouver

Sushi Hyun Omakase

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No question this is the top omakase restaurant in Vancouver, and one of the top ten in North America. It avoids the pitfall of many omakases by providing a great mixture of preparations, all executed masterfully by Chef Ju Hyun Lee and his talented staff.

From sashimi to nigiri to broths, cooked dishes, cakes, ice creams and even a fascinating fried rice course where the leftovers get turned into a delicious soup, the twenty or more courses consistently stay interesting and delicious.

The elegant simplicity of the interior, chill background music, and perfect service combine to make this an experience you won’t forget. The price is quite reasonable given the rarity of the ingredients–nearly everything fresh from Japan.

A thoughtful wine list and extensive sake list provide excellent accompaniment. Highly recommended.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-hyun-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