Restaurants/Nightlife

Hapa Izakaya exploded the izakaya concept in Vancouver when it first opened on Robson in 2003. Now with three locations, including Kitsilano and Yaletown, Hapa’s combination of a lively atmosphere, hip room, well-priced portions of Japanese tapas, cocktails and premium sake continues to take the city by storm.


Hapa’s addictive dishes keep regulars coming back for more, and delight Vancouver visitors night after night. A few favorites include Hapa’s original Ebi Mayo (tempura prawns, tossed in a spicy mayonnaise sauce), Gindara Saikyo Yaki (sablefish, marinated in sake and miso and baked), Saba (marinated mackerel sashimi, seared table-side). Plus Hapa Izakaya Kitsilano’s Executive Chef, Daiji Tanaka, puts together a nightly fresh sheet inspired by local seafood and produce finds, as well as Vancouver’s multi-cultural palate.


In 2010 Hapa was proud to become the first izakaya to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise™ seafood conservation program and is still one of a handful of Japanese restaurant partners involved with the program.


The restaurant offers well-matched beer and wine lists, inventive cocktails and one of the city’s most comprehensive sake menus.


Hapa is well known for its energetic and likeable staff. Part of the experience is a hearty “irasshaimase!” (welcome) called out to guests as they enter the restaurant and “arigato gozaimasu!” (thank you) or “mata irasshai!” (please come again) when people leave. It makes for a very lively atmosphere.


All that energy is counter balanced by Hapa’s dark and sexy interior design highlighted by geometric lighting that casts a warm amber glow around the room.


Hapa Izakaya Kitsilano is located adjacent to Vancouver’s world famous Kitsilano Beach and is a perfect spot to dine as part of the quintessential Kits experience.


While Hapa’s positive reviews and awards have certainly garnered the restaurant lots of attention, it’s the delicious Japanese comfort food and exciting dining experience that have won the hearts (and stomachs) of Vancouverites, food critics and visitors alike.


Hapa Izakaya Kitsilano is open for dinner nightly. Reservations by phone are recommended. Visit www.hapaizakaya.com for information or follow @HapaIzakaya on Twitter.