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.
Hawksworth restaurant is an upscale dining experience that offers creative cuisine with an emphasis on fish. There is a nightly tasting menu, but we opted for à la cart selections in order to try more items.
We started with the chips and dip and the bread service, both were good choices to get warmed up for our starters.
All of the starters were excellent. We had asparagus soup, steelhead tartare served on endive, and Burrata cheese.
Our entrées included Lamb, Seabass, and Hamachi (which was served raw, but with a broth poured over it). We all liked the entrées, but I don’t think they were as good as the starters.
Service throughout was friendly and professional.
There is an extensive wine list from a broad range of countries, but with no depth of vintage.
Banana Leaf offers a nice variety of traditional Malaysian foods, well prepared. The seven course lunch is a great way to experience a broad range of flavors. Our favorites were the very refreshing salad, the curry sauce, and the vegetables. I thought the roti could’ve had a little bit more sear on it. Try their lemongrass and ginger iced tea.
This cozy tapas bar offers an assortment of small plates that are interesting twists on traditional tapas. We particularly enjoyed the Spanish tortilla, the sautéed mushrooms on toast, and the cheese assortment. Be sure to try the churros, which are almost more like beignets, offered with two different dipping sauces. There’s a nice selection of appropriate wines by the glass. Reservations are needed on Friday and Saturday nights, even to sit at the bar.
Great Banh Mi but also an extensive menu of other dishes. The chicken curry was a real stand out–layers of complex flavors and a nice kick.
The combo of a Banh mi, spring roll, and boba drink is a great deal.
Broad assortment of Indian favorites, well prepared. The vegetarian korma was particularly good. The tandoori mixed grill is a great assortment, with especially delicious fish. Limited beer and wine list.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/modern-handi-indian-cuisine-vancouver
Good variety of traditional Korean food including all the side dishes. The lunch deals are a nice assortment at a reasonable price.
I was a bit disappointed in the Dolsot Bibimbap because the rice never crisped up, but the ingredients were good.
We had dinner here twice during our stay. Great location with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
The menu and wine list are both compact, but they have all the bases covered. We particularly enjoyed the edamame, smoked duck banh mi, seafood tower, and french fries.
The service both times was excellent.
***** (5 stars)
Capilano is a must stop when visiting Vancouver. The very impressive suspension bridge spans a lush valley, and takes you to a series of scenic paths through the forest on the other side. It’s great for adults who will enjoy the spectacular views, and kids who will love the feel of the swaying bridge. Even our friend who is afraid of heights enjoyed it!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
Canada
https://www.yelp.com/biz/capilano-suspension-bridge-park-north-vancouver
**** (4 stars)
Five stars for the view (and exhilarating ride getting there) and three stars for the food.
To get there you go through North Vancouver, past the Capilano Bridge and park at the base of Grouse mountain. From there you take the gondola to the 3700 foot summit for dinner at The Observatory.
While the food is elaborate, it strikes me as one of those restaurants that is trying way too hard. Certainly the scallops were spectacular looking, but not a particularly tasty or easy to eat preparation! But it’s been a while since I visited, and I should go back to see if things have changed–and for the view.
The Observatory At Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Canada