I have been hearing much buzz over Noah’s Cafe and tonight I got to learn first hand that everything I heard was true. This is a wonderful spot for quality Japanese fusion in the West End.
They are fairly easily to spot on their corner location with their neon graphic lights.
As a smaller restaurant, reservations are recommended. There was a line waiting when we walked to the door, 10 minutes before opening, and were informed that our seating would be limited to 90 minutes, to accommodate the weekend crowd.
We started with a couple of drinks. My guest gravitated to their Zen Whisper Elixir as their take on an espresso martini with Coffee infused Vodka, Jameson Cold Brew Whiskey, Heavy Cream, Matcha Syrup, and Amaretto Whip. Described as smooth, earthy, and indulgent.
I like a good minty anything so immediately went for the Bubble Grass Hopper, that as a bonus comes with an aromatic smoke bubble blown via gun, table side. And this isn’t just one that I have seen at other restaurants, but a tower of bubbles to pop. Creme de Menthe Green, Creme de Menthe White, and Cream. This was like a dessert in a glass. Not necessarily complimentary with all the dishes to come, and in hindsight I should have ordered this towards the end of our meal for a drinkable dessert.
The Dirty Daikon Martini was on the savoury side, and a lot more complimentary to the food. Daikon Radish infused Gin, Dry Vermouth, and Pickled Daikon Brine. Not as pickley or briney like with other martinis, this was more even toned.
My guest wanted her own bubbles so ordered the Japanese Greyhound as a sweeter cocktail that was refreshing and tart with citrus. She then asked for extra bubbles on hers as well. Vodka, Grapefruit, Yuzu, Lemon, Simple Syrup, and Aromatic Smoke Bubble.
Seeing as this was the first time dining in for both of us we took our server’s suggestions and had their best sellers, to get a proper feel for them.
The Negitoro x Focaccia was chopped albacore tuna sashimi with shiso, wasabi, nori sauce, and fried onion bits; served as a spread of fish to enjoy with extra crispy slices of black charcoal focaccia. A little lean for the herbal bread, I would have preferred a light cracker to have with this instead.
The Eggplant Garden was new on the menu, and a nice vegetarian option. Agedashi Eggplant, ricotta, arugula pesto, house pickled vegetables, strawberries, and mixed nuts. It was like a salad stuffed into a shell of soft, but firm eggplant. I liked the variety of toppings for textural interest.
My favourite dish that we tried was the Hokkaido Scallop Motoyaki with their own house made motoyaki aioli, bacon bits, and parsley. Juicy shellfish with the perfect amount of rich and creamy topping smothering it.
A must try is their popular Uni Creme Pasta available in full and half servings for both sharing and trying sizes. Linguine, dashi uni cream, prawns, parmigiano reggiano, truffle oil, black tobiko, ikura, and fried crispy onion. A saucy slurpable noodle with a hint of uni for a well rounded umami essence.
They are also well known for their omelette rices like Noah’s Hayashi with sautéed mushroom omelette rice, Japanese style hashed beef stew, parmigiano reggiano, and fried crispy onion. The texture of the whipped and churned egg is the standout. Ribbony smooth, it contrasts the firm rice, coated evenly with sauce. Like everything else flavour was not an issue here.
And for dessert we ended on a gentle note with their Chestnut Cheesecake with a starchier texture from the nuts. It had an almond flower flavour, coupled with the neutral earl grey ice cream.
Once again, everything was fantastic. We left absolutely raving about everything and wanting to come back to try more.
Noah’s Cafe
1096 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2M8
(604) 559-1096
noahscafe604.com
