Eat The City: Granville and Broadway

Cru

1459 W. Broadway, 604-677-4111. Cru.ca

The room is small and a bit dated, which makes it easy to overlook. But the brief menu is perfect, and it’s just the spot for a quiet business lunch.

Most popular
Duck leg confit, with bacon vinaigrette, spätzle, and goat cheese hash.

Chef’s pick
Pan-seared Qualicum Bay scallops, on lentils and pancetta with lime aioli.

My favourite
Green pea risotto—springtime in a bowl, topped with parmesan.

Rangoli

1488 W. 11 Ave., 604-736-5711. Vijsrangoli.ca

All of the elegant, nouveau-Indian flavours found next door at Vij’s, minus the lineups.

Most popular
Portobello mushroom and bell pepper curry on paneer

Chef’s pick
Goat meat and jackfruit curry.

My favourite
The people don’t lie. I second the portobello mushroom curry vote—it’s creamy and delicately warm, complemented by a refreshing diced beet salad.

West

2881 Granville St., 604-738-8938. Westrestaurant.com

Under executive chef David Gunawan, this room has regained its lustre. Imaginatively curated fine dining
meets light French technique that incorporates local ingredients at their peak.
 
Most popular
Lois Lake steelhead trout with beets, morel mushrooms, Alsatian bacon, hazelnuts, and caramelized orange jus.

Chef’s pick
Fraser Valley lamb with Provençal sausage, roasted shoulder, Klippers Farm lettuce purée, and summer vegetables.

My favourite
A starter of roasted sweetbread and smoked organic beef tongue with pickled chanterelles, beans, and gribiche vinaigrette.

Ocean

3121 Granville St., 604-736-3121.

A modern sushi room where the service is a tad slow, but the achingly fresh sashimi is worth the wait.

Most popular
Salmon, tuna and crab meat roll topped with chopped scallops and tobiko.

Chef’s pick
Unagi and avocado roll topped with mango and roe.

My favourite
Fantasy Garden: asparagus, cucumber and avocado topped with seaweed salad.

Planning a visit to one of these restaurants? Click on this map to get a better idea of their locations: 

 

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