I don’t live in Kitsilano, but visit the neighborhood on a frequent basis. One restaurant that I always make sure I eat at is The Smoking Dog.
The decor and menus are excellent. The option of small plates as well as entrees means that I don’t just have to go there for a large meal. One of my favourite comfort foods is their Coquilles St. Jacques (a small plate) – scallops, bechamel, gruyere, and a glass of wine. The world is a better place after consuming this.
The salads (in particular the Cypress Street salad), steak and frites are also on my highlight list.
The staff are pleasant and accomodating. I once asked if I could get a take out order of soup as my husband wasn’t feeling well, and they graciously prepared my request. They’re not in the take out business, but certainly treat unusual requests with professional attention.
As for dessert, I never get beyond their creme brulee and creme caramel to try any other choices. These are both delicious. As you can tell, my visits are about comfort food.
They have enough choices in both the small plates and entrees to visit a number of times and not repeat your choices, but that’s not what I go for (although I have tried more items than I’ve listed here).
The wine list has a nice number of choices by the glass. Bottle prices are mid to higher range. The Smoking Dog is a great neighborhood restaurant.
Last modified: September 9, 2009
