Photo credit Stuart DeSpain
We just came back from one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and it’s all thanks to Vij’s in Vancouver. We first heard of this fine restaurant via Anthony Bourdain’s visit in 2008. Along with Tojo’s and Campagnolo (also on our list to visit), Vij’s was lauded as the best of the best. I’m a big fan of Indian, but Tina isn’t as much. So we stood in the cold and the rain alongside fifty or so people waiting for the doors to open at 5:30. Boy, I thought to myself, this better be worth it.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The restaurant was tastefully decorated with a clear nod to the cuisine, but without the tackiness sadly common to many Indian restaurants. Plus it smelled great -- the kitchen was ready to go and so were our appetites.
We quickly decided to share two starters and two entrees. While we were looking over the menu, one of the many friendly staff wandered by with a plate of crisp potato nibbles. She cheerfully offered and we gratefully accepted -- and they were delicious. This was the first of many small samples offered to us throughout the night -- and what a welcome and wonderful surprise!Â
My wife, Tina, and I settled on lamb samosas and chicken liver pate to start. We also ordered two Punjabi Heart Attacks. Frightening name aside, they turned out to be tasty little spoons piled high with cashews, paneer, and ghee. All the starter dishes were uniquely wonderful. The pate, in particular, garnered a lot of attention from the staff. More than a few dropped by to see how we liked it. One even brought by an accompanying sauce to complement the pate -- and it really did! My lemon-ginger drink was the perfect accompaniment to such tasty dishes.
The momentum kept going with our main courses: beef tenderloin with almonds and garlic, and Vij’s signature lamb popsicles. I was really torn between the two; I tried to pick a favorite but both dishes were equally delicious. And the sauces -- oh, the sauces. Would that we weren’t too full, otherwise we’d have cleaned every drop with naan.
We closed the evening with a mango desert topped with edible silver. Indulgent but fresh and calming. It was the perfect capper to one of the best meals I’ve every had. And it wasn’t just the food that made my experience -- as singularly spectacular as it was. The service was as incredible as the food itself.
We had a wonderfully attentive waitress, but the entire staff made our satisfaction their personal responsibility. The maitre de came by several times to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Waitresses and their assistants would, periodically, stop by to ask about the dish before us. Their enthusiasm for the food was contagious; we felt part of a very special club. That, alone, is such a rare treat that it would have been worth the wait.
Vij’s is now a must-go whenever we visit Vancouver (which is, thankfully, often). Between the wonderful food and caring staff, it’s a restaurant you can’t help but love -- even if you’re not a fan of Indian.Â
PS - if you want to go, arrive early! They open at 5:30 and don’t take reservation
★★★★★
1480 West 11th
Vancouver, BC
Website:Â https://vijs.ca
(604) 736-6664