This place is the most difficult reservation in the city. We’ve been trying to get a spot for months and haven’t been able to get in here until finally we got a spot yesterday. Short of the long, it was worth the hype.
The restaurant is unmarked in an assuming spot. When you enter, the space is beautiful with seating surrounded the yakitori grill. The restaurant seats maybe 10-12 guests. They get right into it and scent of charcoal grilling completely fills the spot. There is tons of smoke but the ventilation system does incredibly well to keep it out of the dining area.
Beer, wine and sake list is short but excellent. They curate some of the best BC wines and they all pair incredibly well with the dishes that come. They take drink orders and ask about add ons of pieces of the chicken I’ve never heard of.
Food comes in rapid fire. They explain some of the seasoning options in front of you but truly, nothing needs additional. It was fun to try a bite on its own and try some of the spicy seasonings they had on the other pieces and how it impacted flavour. My favourite bite was the chicken thigh. Everything was juicy, tender and crispy all in one. We had maybe 20 or so courses including the add ons which were all well worth it.
Service was immaculate. Everyone worked in perfect harmony. Wine, beer, water etc were never empty. Prompt service when getting up to the bathroom and there were many check ins. Staff ensured you understood what you were eating and how everything works.
The bill was relatively expensive but well worth it given the unique experience we had. There is nothing else like this in Vancouver. We left full and excited for our next visit. We cannot wait to go back. What a place and what an experience.
by ochief19
4 Comments
I thought this was a very average yakitori experience and way, way over priced for what it is.
It’s only got a Michelin star because Vancouver has very subpar restaurants on average and they paid the Michelin guide to visit.
They use local cheaper chicken that sources a few other restaurants in the area. At 175 cad per person plus tax and tip is ridiculous.
You can go to a premium yakitori place in Japan serving Kousaka Chicken for 130 cad after tax and service charge.
The grilling technique is subpar and there is no defining crispiness of chicken skin on various skewers. Also for chicken heart there is no distinct hardening of exterior membrane which is key for hatsu. Also due to food regulations, the chicken itself is often overcooked and not served as it should.
After coming back from Japan and trying a handful of great to excellent Yakitori experiences I am a little skeptical given comment below. I’m curious OP how this compares to other * star restaurants in Vancouver, because I’ve largely been unimpressed by most offerings except St. Lawrence prior to being awarded.
Most of these looks like normal dishes you gets from any Yakitori in Japan :/
Best Yakitori in Vancouver… but that’s a very low bar.
Have great respect for the chef, especially given just how much trouble it was to even get the place started due to the shitshow that is Vancouver business licensing.
However, the food is extremely mid and overpriced for anyone who has had proper yakitori in Japan.
Interesting experience for those who have never tried and can’t access proper yakitori places, but overall not worth it for anyone with any proper fine dining experience.