Given the speed with which restaurants and bars grab onto words like “bistro” and “tapas,” I offer no guarantee you’re getting the genu¬ine item. But a wider trend to lighter eating makes smaller (and less expensive) dishes that can be civilly shared a sensible option.
Some are already listed under “Bistros,” “Al Fresco,” and “Latin American.” But don’t overlook Baithazar, nicely ensconced in an historic Spanish-style building near English Bay (1215 Bidwell Street, West End, 604-689-8822) or the Tapastree (1829 Robson Street, Downtown, 604-606-4680). “Try the Ahi tuna with white and black sesame seeds, seared and served rare with hot Chinese mustard,” advises a reliable food writer.
The Living Room (2958 West 4th Avenue, Kitsilano, 604-737-7529) is a casual Kits sort of place. Film industry types are said to hang out at The Alibi Room (157 Alexander Street, Gastown, 604-623-3383). Maybe they’re drawn by the crab and corn cakes, or the yucca and yam chips with chipotle mayonnaise — as well as each other, of course.
The Asia Dining Lounge (3761 West 10th Avenue, Westside, 604-244-5558), is not formally a tapas house, but the pan-Asian eatery serves small, inexpensive plates that come across as a fusion of chic Chinese and imaginative Indian, with a little Thai thrown in. It’s run by, and geared to, a youngish crowd — with low-level seating, dim lighting, and hip music. But the delicate dishes will satisfy anyone — perhaps grilled beef marinated in garlic and sweet-potato cakes with green curry sauce, followed by a coconut cardamom custard tart.
Picasso Café (1626 West Broadway, Central Vancouver, 604-732-3290) is a warm, cheery restaurant founded to train street youth in the arts of the kitchen and dining room. Despite funding problems, Picasso lives on, consistently serving good, stylish dishes at lunch, and tapas at dinner.
A downtown reliable, and open into the early morning hours, is La Bodega Restaurante & Tapas Bar (1277 Howe Street, Downtown, 604-684-8814). Tangerine (1685 Yew Street, Kitsilano, 604-739-4677) has made a name for itself with modestly priced tapas and Asian crossover cuisine. It’s open fairly late and has a small but pleasant porch-patio.
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