Dan Closed...Good Replacements?

[dillybravo]

I've been a huge fan of Dan since they opened, and try to go back every time I'm in town. Not this time, it appears, as they're closed for another couple of weeks! This is a serious bummer.

Can anyone suggest a good replacement? No doubt someone will say Kimura, which to me doesn't quite compare...perhaps it was an off night the one time I went though, I could be open to correction... And while I like Zakkushi, I've been already, and aside from the robata that's not quite it either.

Is there an upscale-ish or just really good izakaya? I haven't been following that scene. Any other equally-tasty-as-Dan, not-sushi-centric Japanese options?

[twinkienic]

How about Zest? Very close location-wise. It's fairly upscale. Not an izakaya, but similar to Dan in that it was traditional-with-a-twist, and an emphasis on non-sushi items.

[waver]

We've always enjoyed Zest too but haven't been for a while, mostly because of how much we like Dan. We also like Kingyo a lot. Suika is OK but IMO more fun for the scene (and indeed chandelier) than the food.

[peter.v]

Suika is in the same neighborhood. Had a terrific meal there a few weeks ago. It's run by the same folks as Kingyo.

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Kingyo
871 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G2L9, CA

Suika
1626 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6, CA

[barcosbarcos]

Yupp, had a killer meal at Suika last night. Definitely one of my favourite izakayas in town. Isn't it run by G-Man group, i.e. Gyoza King?

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Gyoza King
1508 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G1C2, CA

Suika
1626 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6, CA

[grayelf]

Good to hear that Suika is on point. I've been a few times and found it just okay, and I really want to love it as it is so convenient for me. Deffo the same folks as Kingyo.

We had a fairly awesome meal at Kishimoto this evening. Standouts were the sunomono, the salmon oshi sushi and the okonomiyaki but really everything was great, and the presentation is quite dramatic. Only quibble was they don't seem to have a proper handle on the deep frying.

Excellent value, $26 all in per person. And they are licenced, though we did not indulge. Chuffed to finally have worthy Japanese on the Drive again. We already booked a return engagement for next Sunday :-).

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Kingyo
871 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G2L9, CA

Suika
1626 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6, CA

[barcosbarcos]

Yeah, it was definitely on point. Had the torotoro chashu, which was quite tender and flavourful. Also went for the for tako karage which was purportedly marinated in plum and couldn't taste it, but was still super delicious. The cold ramen salad had a bit too much sesame in it, but that was only noticeable towards the end of the bowl. The Gindara Battera was alright, a bit fishier than I had expected. The beef short rib in port reduction (I think) was excellent though not totally what you would expect from an Izakaya. Superbly cooked.
Suika is a bit more expensive than the Izakayas downtown, but the quality is definitely there. Went with a friend last night and was 75$ before tip for the two of us with only one beer each, We had five dishes and were definitely full. I must say though, the old episodes of Kamen Rider on the screen behind the bar do up its enjoyability factor.

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Suika
1626 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6, CA

[grayelf]

Thanks for the deets. And agree that the decor is quite stunning -- I love the sake bottle chandelier and the "plumbing" wall.