As we made our way to the doorway of the welcoming, yet somewhat discreet restaurant we were immediately assisted by the host standing outside. As he brought us into the restaurant, just about every staff member shouted out in Japanese, which I can only assume they were saying something along the lines of: "Welcome!"
Now you know how usually when you are brought into a restaurant by a host/hostess they will proceed to sit you wherever they see fit? Our host on the other hand offered us a variety of seating options.
"We have a larger booth table here, (which normally you would expect them to save for a larger party) a smaller more intimate table for 2 available, or if you would like to watch the kitchen in action we can seat you right in front of them!"
Naturally we chose to watch the excitement of the calm yet fluid and precise workings of the chefs in the modest yet beautifully designed restaurant. As we sat at the stools of the bar our server brought warm hand towels to us, a pleasant treat! Once freshened up we continued on the adventure to what became an eleven course meal!
And what a delicious dinner it was, I just wished I had gotten more pictures besides this chocolate brownie dessert. But when you're belly-growling hungry and you're flying through eleven courses, it's kind of hard to keep your mind on anything else but tasting the delicious dish(es) in front of you!
Hapa Izakaya is located at Cornwall and Yew in Vancouver, B.C. just across the street from Kitsilano Beach. I bet any person you talk to that has happened to try something from Hapa Izakaya will instantly follow with a recommendation.
Some of my favorite dishes: Ebi Mayo is a must. I had two orders! The Bintoro dish, a flash seared Albacore Tuna with their special Ponzu Sauce, is very delicious. Their Cod dish is another must try, the baked, sweet, yet buttery fish literally melts in your mouth.
