6 Restaurants in Kitsilano for Date Night

Spicy Pork Ishi-Yaki, part of the Omakase Menu at Hapa Izakaya

Whether you’re planning on going out with the old ball-and-chain or taking that new fling out for dinner, here are 6 restaurants in Kitsilano that are perfect for a spot of romance.

6 Restaurants in Kitsilano for Date Night

1. Dark Table
Originally a Swiss concept, at Dark Table you’ll both be eating in a completely dark dining room so that your sense of touch, taste, hearing, and smell are intensified. As a bonus, your date won’t see your lack of table manners or that piece of spinach between your teeth. To try: The Surprise Dishes for starter, entree, and dessert for $39 per person.
Dark Table, 2611 West 4th Avenue, (604) 739-3275, Darktable.ca

2. East is East
With a head chef whose background is Afghani-Indian, East is East does Silk Road flavours beautifully. Add to that soft salt-rock lighting, the smell of sweet spices in the air, and exotic live music and you’ll definitely feel like you’re not in Kansas anymore. To try: The all-you-care-to-consume Chai Feast (formerly the Silk Route Feast) for $25 per person and some of their amazing chai tea and/or yoghurt lassies.
East is East, 3243 West Broadway, (604) 734-5881, Eastiseast.ca

3. Hapa Izakaya
This Japanese tapas-style restaurant near Kits Beach makes a perfect first-date spot since you’ll likely be sharing the small plates of unsual but deliciously flavoured and textured bites. The atmosphere is smart but laid-back so dressing up or down will work just fine either way. To try: The Set Omakase Menu which features 11 courses for $29.99.
Hapa Izakaya, 1516 Yew Street, (604) 738-4272, Hapaizakaya.com

4. La Quercia
Frequently booked up, this snug little favourite has just the right casual-yet-fine-dining setting for a romantic dinner for two. Classic, simple northern Italian dishes are created here using organic and locally sourced ingredients. To try: The Alla Famiglia which is a 7 course meal based on your wine preference for $50 per person.
La Quercia, 3689 West 4th Avenue, (604) 676-1007, Laquercia.ca

5. The Eatery
Noisy, busy, crazy, but great fun for a night out with your paramour, The Eatery is usually full of students drinking cheap cocktails out of mason jars and munching on funky conversation-starting sushi rolls. To try: The menu is extensive with everything from curries, to rice bowls, tapas, large sushi platters, noodles and more. Perhaps the Erotica Roll or the X-Rated Roll will be suitable for date night? Maybe not… But do try the Mars Attacks for dessert – a deep fried Mars bar topped with vanilla ice cream, apparently a Scottish invention.
The Eatery, 3431 West Broadway, (604) 738-5298, Theeatery.ca

6. Bistro Pastis
Let’s flog a cliche and assume that the French know romance. With decent prices for classic bistro fare, a crackling fireplace, an  intimate dining room and a genuine French Maitre d’, you have all the ingredients for a memorable meal. To try: Start with the huître du jour (oyster of the day).  Then opt for the daily special which include coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. Finish by cracking open a crème brûlée together.
2153 West 4th, (604) 731-5020, Bistropastis.com

 

Last modified: November 20, 2013