Hānai

Note: This restaurant is temporarily closed.

Situated on a prominent corner and painted a tropical pink, it's hard to miss Hānai, but this relative newcomer has quickly become a neighborhood darling. Tess Bevernage and Thomas Robillard bring a little slice of Hawaii to Vancouver at this inviting spot where colorful artwork and great music put everyone in a relaxed mood. 
Locally sourced products star in a potato salad opener that puts the picnic variety to shame. Boiled in dashi, seasoned and tossed with bonito flakes and a soy-poached egg with a creamy yolk, then bound by Kewpie mayo, it's outrageously good. Garlic shrimp, a beloved street food in O'ahu, are messy but oh-so-delicious, while kulolo, a coconut and taro cake served with shoyu caramel and fior di latte ice cream, makes a nice finish.