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| - Anytime a familiar place from Vancouver opens in Toronto, one cannot help but make comparisons.
Did I frequent Hapa Izakaya in Vancouver is an understatement? LOL....I lived down the street. I walked by it on the way home from work each day. To say, familiar with the food is an understatement.
But this is a new venue so I am giving this a `college try!`
Walking in during its opening hour on a Saturday, I was greeted by the bartender and hostess. Both managers of the restaurant from what the website said. I was seated promptly but it was clear that they were booked with reservations. By the time I left, an hour later, the house was full.
Definitely borrowing that dark and atmospheric setting from its predecessors, it does so with class and seriousness.
As one is seated you are greeting by the staff . Loud, fun and bellowing in unison! For someone experiencing it the first time, a bit of a shock. I love it though. Here, you will find regular seating. Regulars of Hapa Robson Street will find the shoeless section missing. This was of my favorite parts of the place.
I was disappointed that there was no fresh sheet menu . I believe after they are open for a little longer that will appear as the menu insert states. I really was curious what they were going to make though. I enjoy ordering from that as well as the main.
What about the food? The food is almost as tasty as the Robson granddaddy. In fact, if you have never been, this food experience is wonderful. Dishes like the ishi yaki and aburi saba offer table side cooking. Nothing like some fire and sizzle while you eat.
The drink menu has some very Japanese-esque options to choose from. I ordered Harajuku girl. A cream soda flavored drink with the colours of hello kitty screaming from it. Very tasting. I could have drank those at night and wobbled on home.
The customer service is wonderful. Prompt and helpful to answer any questions.
With dishes meant to be shared, the prices are a bit on the pricier side from what I remember in the past. However, that being said, the flavors are zesty and after a few dishes you will be full.
A must have dish is the renkon gyoza. Made with pork and lotus root with a delightful dipping sauce. Ask for extra sauce if you can. You will want to use it for everything. Maybe that is just me though.
For those of you missing Vancouver, this is a welcome addition to the scene. It definitely will push everyones izakaya game up. For newcomers to the izakaya scene, this is the best way to start.
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