Wanoma Izakaya
When: Sunday, March 28 2009. (1:45 pm)
We say: We were walking up and down Denman Street trying to find a place to eat lunch and decided to give this place a try. Relatively new, it was intriguing us.
The room is clean and minimal, a sharp contrast of dark wood and white everything else. The 30-seat room was pretty quiet - we got the feeling that things probably pick up in the evening, as long as the restaurant next door (the incredible Kingyo) is full to capacity (which happens all the time).
We were brought green tea and ordered a Saporo to share. We had asked for a large, but a small ($5) arrived instead. We didn't argue.
M ordered the Chicken Teriaki Bowl ($9.95), which come with miso soup and a choice of salad or pickled vegetables. M chose the salad. The salad arrived first - it was fresh, crisp and topped with friend noodles. The vinaigrette was quite oriental, with notes of sesame oil, soy, mirin and nori. The miso was more disappointing - it was not the usual flavour profile and not the best. The teriaki dish, on the other hand, was quite pleasing - the sweetness was well balanced. The dish was flavourful and filled with nice pieces of chicken leg and crisp vegetables.
T ordered the Nabeyaki Udon soup ($10.50) - it arrived in a cast iron bowl and was unbelievably hot. The cast iron really did it's job! The broth was excellent, and the noodles were excellent. The dish also came with a rice ball and pickled vegetables.
We also shared the Ebi Ten ($2.95), a sushi cone filled with prawns, tempura vegetables, greens and avocado. This dish also fell flat, as the flavours didn't have enough punch.
Pro: Overall, the food was good and the presentation was lovely. The portions are quite large - neither of us could finish our plates. The cost is low and you get a lot of value for what you pay for. What we ordered could have easily fed another person. Our final bill was $30.32 with taxes.
Con: Don't go there if you are a fan of miso soup! Some of the food needed more work, but there wasn't much for us to criticize. Some may find the service too relaxed for their taste.
Verdict: Both of us would go back - and if you are trying to go to Kingyo and the restaurant is full, try next door instead! You might be pleasantly surprised. T says yea, M says yea.
Wanoma Izakaya
867 Denman St
Vancouver
604-687-6601
We say: We were walking up and down Denman Street trying to find a place to eat lunch and decided to give this place a try. Relatively new, it was intriguing us.
The room is clean and minimal, a sharp contrast of dark wood and white everything else. The 30-seat room was pretty quiet - we got the feeling that things probably pick up in the evening, as long as the restaurant next door (the incredible Kingyo) is full to capacity (which happens all the time).
We were brought green tea and ordered a Saporo to share. We had asked for a large, but a small ($5) arrived instead. We didn't argue.
M ordered the Chicken Teriaki Bowl ($9.95), which come with miso soup and a choice of salad or pickled vegetables. M chose the salad. The salad arrived first - it was fresh, crisp and topped with friend noodles. The vinaigrette was quite oriental, with notes of sesame oil, soy, mirin and nori. The miso was more disappointing - it was not the usual flavour profile and not the best. The teriaki dish, on the other hand, was quite pleasing - the sweetness was well balanced. The dish was flavourful and filled with nice pieces of chicken leg and crisp vegetables.
T ordered the Nabeyaki Udon soup ($10.50) - it arrived in a cast iron bowl and was unbelievably hot. The cast iron really did it's job! The broth was excellent, and the noodles were excellent. The dish also came with a rice ball and pickled vegetables.
We also shared the Ebi Ten ($2.95), a sushi cone filled with prawns, tempura vegetables, greens and avocado. This dish also fell flat, as the flavours didn't have enough punch.
Pro: Overall, the food was good and the presentation was lovely. The portions are quite large - neither of us could finish our plates. The cost is low and you get a lot of value for what you pay for. What we ordered could have easily fed another person. Our final bill was $30.32 with taxes.
Con: Don't go there if you are a fan of miso soup! Some of the food needed more work, but there wasn't much for us to criticize. Some may find the service too relaxed for their taste.
Verdict: Both of us would go back - and if you are trying to go to Kingyo and the restaurant is full, try next door instead! You might be pleasantly surprised. T says yea, M says yea.
Wanoma Izakaya
867 Denman St
Vancouver
604-687-6601
Labels: japanese, restaurant, review, value
posted by Magalie at 10:17 PM
0 comments
