A Kettle of Fish

900 Pacific Street
604-682-6661

Atmosphere - I would go to this restaurant solely for the decor, with tons of plants and an actual tree growing indoors plus the low lighting and several different eating areas make for a very unique setting.

Service - Our waiter was great, really funny and worked very hard to make sure we had a great experience.

Food - For a place with the word 'fish' in the title I was disapointed with my meal. I ordered the Blackened Vermillion Rockfish and it was served with cous cous and vegetables. The fish was cooked too much so it was tough and instead of being served as a whole filet it was piled up on my plate like it had to be scraped off the grill and came apart (which might explain why it was tough). However I did try the clam chowder that another person I was dining with had ordered and it was fantastic.

Whom to take - Out of town guests who will foot the bill, such as your parents.

What to Wear - It was Monday night and I noticed quite a few tourists around so the dress was very casual.

Value for Money - Poor. I say either lower the prices or up the standards. I might go again for the ambiance.

Cappones Restaurant & Live Jazz Club

1141 Hamilton St.
604-684-7900

Atmosphere - Low lighting and and live jazz create a relaxed tone. The small round tables situated in front of the stage attracted a very ecclectic crowd, especially considering the location.

Service - Excellent. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly throughout the evening.

Food - We ordered the portobellini mushroom and the crab cakes to start and shared the smoked salmon pizza. I both loved the starters, the mushroom was juicy and had lots of flavour and the crab cakes were fresh and nice and crispy, they were served with a tasty aioli. I have been to Capone's before and enjoyed one of the best pizzas I've ever eaten. But this time I found the smoked salmon pizza was just too rich for me, though my date loved it.

Whom to take - Jazz lovers or for just a cool night out. If you go with a group I would suggest sitting towards the back of the restaurant away from the stage. You'll still hear the music.

What to wear - Looking around I spied everything from business wear to Harley Davidson jackets.

Value for money - Average. I agree with most pricing on the menu but the pizza prices seem a little high.

The Dawg House

Hot Dog Stand
Located outside the doors of Broadway/Burrard Futureshop

Atmosphere - Well.....it's a hot dog stand, lots of cars and people going past.

Service - Quick and friendly service.

Food - They have tons of choices (as far a hot dogs go). I usually get the veggie dog and it's definitely the many different condiments that make it so great.

Whom to take - anyone.

What to wear - Whatever you happen to be wearing when walking past.

Value for money - Good, $5 for lunch or dinner isn't bad.

Sushi Yama

371 E Broadway
604-872-0053

Atmosphere - This tiny sushi restaurant is located about 2 blocks east of Main Street and is busy at all hours of the day whether you go at 12 noon or 9pm.

Service - The servers to an amazing job keeping up considering the traffic, especially at lunch time. Plan to wait for a table at peak times but they are friendly and quick staff will to take down your name and get you seated as soon as the next table becomes available. If you are in a hurry at lunch they do take reservations.

Food - I'm convinced that it would be impossible to top Sushi Yamas spicy tuna roll. As far as the other sushi each roll that is served is fresh, delicious and beautifully prepared.

Whom to take - Go for lunch or with friends for dinner, they will be glad that you did.

What to wear - Casual all around.

Value for Money - Excellent. You will be hard pressed to find a better sushi restaurant along Broadway.