Globe and Mail Gives Kitsilano’s Nook Restaurant Rave Review

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pastaRestaurant critic Alexandra Gill visited Nook Kitsilano and gave the experience a qualified rave review. She made a point of distinguishing Nook, a great neighbourhood restaurant, from destination restaurants for which diners would go out of their way.

According to Gill, a great neighbourhood restaurant: “. . . has to be close to home, at least for the locals who frequent it regularly . . . It has to be warm and welcoming with a convivial atmosphere, offer high-quality food and good value.”

Nook opened in the West End almost five years ago and is a popular eatery for Neapolitan-ish pizzas and housemade pastas. According to Gill, they’ve managed to transport the same magic to the Kitsilano location at 1525 Yew Street, formerly Rossini’s jazz bar.

Here are excerpts from the write up:

“The first room boasts a takeaway counter (which they don’t have on Denman Street). It also accommodates larger tables and families in need of highchairs and space to sprawl, which is probably essential to its success in this neighbourhood.”

“The pizzas are not Neapolitan style, but they have thin crust, bubbly air pockets, golden spotting, a light yeasty chew and traditional toppings. Think buratta, rapini, garlic, sausage and pancetta.”

“The meatballs, moist and bathed in a bright, freshly crushed tomato sauce, are as delicious as always.”

“The prices are not the cheapest around. But the high-quality ingredients and freshness of flavour are worthwhile. When two can dine well for less than $80, including tip and a bottle of wine, that’s good value for Vancouver.”

“The wine program is one of the best in town. although not extensive, the list is extremely well edited and full of unusual gems with very low markups. If you like Brunello, try their Crognolo. It’s a juicy, tannic, full-bodied steal for $58.”

Nook will be expanding into lunch service come spring.
With 60 seats, Nook Kitsilano is twice the size of the original location. The front windows will open in summer, and given its proximity to Kitsilano Beach and other popular Yew Street destinations such as Hapa Izakaya, Chewie’s and Local, it’s sure to be busy.

Have you tried Nook? How was your experience? Fill us in below.

Nook, 1525 Yew St., 604-734-0099, www.nooktakeaway.com

Last modified: March 3, 2014

One Response to " Globe and Mail Gives Kitsilano’s Nook Restaurant Rave Review "

  1. Julia says:

    I’ve only gone to Nook once. I don’t know why I waited so long, it was an excellent experience.
    My husband and I sat at the bar and the waiter was super cool, recommended a delicious wine, and the rappini, procuitto, egg pizza was to die for.