CinCin Ristorante + Bar

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

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

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