871 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-608-1677

Web: http://www.kingyo-izakaya.com/

Advice: The specials often sell out early, they are popular.

One of the best places in the city for Izakaya, the menu features a great selection of appetizers Japanese tapas along with some larger plates, some great beers from Japan, a good range of cocktails and a few desserts. The specials sheet always features an intriguing selection of items worth trying. On my recent visit with friends we shared the Crab Spring Rolls ($7), Chicken Karaage with 3 salts ($8) boneless pieces of fried chicken with three kinds of salt (Utah, Himalayan, Japanese)! Very cool. I loved the dessert, Sake Kasu Crème Brulee ($4.50) made this brulee from remnants of the sake making process into a divine brulee.

The décor is very apropos and the bathrooms are quite unique as well. Great options for seating include the bar, sushi bar, small or large tables. The green tea is a good accompaniment and every meal is finished with a beautiful arrangement of frozen grapes on a skewer, in a tiny vase with an orchid, wonderful way to end the meal.

Review by: Richard Wolak

871 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC