Sushi, curries, noodles, tacos – it’s easy to find what you’re lusting after in Kitsilano, yet our neighbourhood falls a little short on proper tapas restaurants.
So we’ve done some thinking for you and came up with the following restaurants that come pretty close to small plate sharing, in order of affordability.
Rajio $
Technically in the Point Grey neighbourhood but we’re counting it in because it’s a darn good choice for fun pre-drinks (served out of watermelons and pineapples) and satisfying skewers of fried and grilled things. Reservations recommended.
Rajio, 3763 West 10th Avenue, 604-558-1679, rajiopublichouse.com
Baru Latino $$
Ok, also on the other side of Alma but hey, tapas are part of Spanish cuisine so Baru fits in nicely. And while Baru’s menu is modest, the small plates on offer are fantastic. Try the Braised Short Ribs, the Latin Empanadas, and the Patacones (plantain smashed into a pancake and double-fried). Arrive between 5pm and 6:30pm for their happy hour when sangrias are just $5.
Baru Latino, 2535 Alma Street, 604-222-9171, barulatino.com
L’Ufficio $$$
Next to its stellar parent La Quercia sits this classic northern Italian wine bar. Daily creations are noted on the large blackboard and always include cheese and antipasti plates in various sizes. As it’s a shared kitchen with La Quercia you can expect top-notch dishes as well and fine wines to match. No reservations available.
L’Ufficio, 3687 West 4th Avenue, 604-676-1007, laquercia.ca/lufficio.html
Kinome Japanese Kitchen $$$
If you’re able to splurge, then the $60 omakase (chef’s tasting menu) is an adventurous option here where five or six small but mighty traditional Japanese dishes are served to you in casual elegance. Organic, local meat and produce are used in Kinome’s creations, and some ingredients are sourced directly from Japan to keep it authentic. There’s also a sake tasting menu to go along with your edible art. Reservations recommended.
Kinome Japanese Kitchen, 2511 West Broadway, 778-379-1925, Facebook page
Last modified: August 23, 2017
