Niwa

“I had the pleasure of dining at here in early May. From the welcome at the door to the dessert at the end, we were looked after beyond our expectations. Niki our server was a wealth of knowledge for pairing beverages and explaining the menu. She was the perfect balance, instinctively knowing our needs whilst not being too on top of us. Robin the manager was a dream. We opted for the chefs menu with the beverage pairing and each dish surpassed the last. Every item on the menu was curated and well thought through. A balance of perfect flavours. Each course featured a local or foraged ingredient and you could tell that every item had been considered and perfectly curated to meet the season. A particular stand out was the mash infused with nettle and the pickled burdock. Flavours I have not experienced before. You can tell that the team behind Niwa are passionate and serious in what they do. This is what makes them stand out for me. They know what they are doing and if I was to visit Vancouver again, Niwa is top of my list. A hidden gem. Highly recommended.”

“The farm to table menu is all local, fresh and interesting for all foodies! I had the tasting menu which had the right amount of food and every dish was quite tasty and delicious. I particularly loved the black cod and the ramen. The only photo I took was the tempura devils’ club and mushrooms which doesn’t look very impressive, but the flavor and texture were perfect! They also have a nice wine list that includes orange wines, which is a favorite!. The open kitchen is a nice touch that makes the restaurant very inviting and unpretentious. The attentive and friendly service I had was also enjoyable! Will visit again!”

“Niwa is one of those rare restaurants that stays with you long after the meal ends. Robin and the team took such wonderful care of us, and that warmth was felt throughout every visit. What truly sets Niwa apart is the passion behind it all. A seasonal menu that changes daily, constructive feedback genuinely welcomed and received with grace, and owners who clearly care deeply about what goes into their guests’ experience. You simply don’t find that everywhere. This is a team doing something meaningful, with love and intention. Please keep going. The world needs more of it, and my heart is rooting for you.”

“Niwa is a bit out of the way, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Street parking was manageable, and once you walk in, the space immediately sets the tone—clean, minimalist design with warm lighting, a calm energy, and an open kitchen that feels quietly confident rather than showy. Service was a highlight. Our server was welcoming and genuinely attentive, taking time to walk us through the menu and even explaining the meaning behind the name—“Niwa” (garden)—along with a short story about the concept. That small touch made the experience feel personal and intentional. We went with a chef’s choice / omakase-style approach and loved it. The meal felt like Asian-fusion comfort food done with fine-dining restraint: beautifully plated, balanced portions, and consistently well-executed. Standouts for us included the rich, perfectly cooked slices paired with mushrooms, the bright, crunchy vegetable dish, and the delicate rice courses. The fish was excellent, and dessert was a strong finish—refined, not overly sweet, and very satisfying. Pricing felt reasonable for the quality—definitely not cheap, but fair for the care, technique, and overall experience. We left impressed and happy, and we’ll be back.”

“Came here for a pre-set menu event so cant really speak to the regular menu. But, what we had was fantastic! The restaurant itself is ideally located with lots of street parking in the area, attentive service staff, and a talented chef. The crew made our friend's wedding dinner a wonderful experience.”