The GOODS from Hapa Izakaya

Vancouver, BC | Lea and Justin Ault of Vancouver’s Hapa Izakaya restaurant group are pleased to announce the opening of a Hapa Izakaya in the Coal Harbour neighbourhood, on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The transformation is already under way at 909 West Cordova (Waterfront Centre), at their former Hapa Umi restaurant location, across the street from the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Hapa Umi opened as a higher-end “sister” restaurant to Vancouver’s famed Hapa Izakayas in March of 2011. Over the past year, critics and guests alike have praised Hapa Umi for its wide range of exceptional Japanese and Japanese-inspired dishes including a large selection of Ocean WiseÔ sustainable sashimi and sushi favorites. After listening to a great deal of guest feedback, however, the Aults felt there was an even greater, un-met demand for an izakaya-style restaurant in the Coal Harbour area.

Since Hapa prides itself on exceeding the needs and expectations of its guests, the Aults felt it was appropriate to adapt and transform the upscale Hapa Umi into a Hapa Izakaya and offer guests the experience that the Hapa brand is known for.

The Coal Harbour menu will offer all of the Hapa favourites, from satisfying Ishi-Yaki with ground pork, tomato, chive, lettuce and egg in a hot stone bowl, to delectably light AAA Beef Tataki drizzled in sesame-chili sauce, as well as Ocean Wise seafood forward dishes inspired by kaiseki trained, executive chef Nobu Watanabe.

Hapa’s well-edited lunch menu promises the corporate crowd efficient elegance, from Edamame Ravioli and Tempura Oysters, to Polenta Fries and Short Rib Lettuce Wraps. Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour will offer great value with most dishes priced between $8 and $12.

The 150-seat restaurant spans a large bar, lounge, and private dining room, and in warmer months, a 50-seat patio. This sleek and modern room is outfitted with textured fabrics, luminous tiles, warm walnut finishes, and sexy leather seating overlooking the vibrant harbour.

Hapa Umi had its final dinner service on Saturday, March 3. The location will reopen as Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour for dinner at 5pm on Wednesday, March 7, with lunch service beginning on Monday, March 12.

The Hapa team is excited about these changes and is confident that the switch over will be well received by its long-time regulars, as well as the thriving visitor and business crowds in the area.

For more information, please visit HapaIzakaya.com or follow @HapaIzakaya on Twitter.

Details

Downtown: 1479 Robson St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-689-4272
Kitsilano: 1516 Yew St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-738-4272
Yaletown: 1193 Hamilton St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-681-4272
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.hapaizakaya.com
Twitter: @hapaizakaya | Facebook: Hapa Izakaya

Gallery

The People

Owners: Lea & Justin Ault
Chef Hokuto Yamanaka, Yaletown location
Chefs Daiji Tanaka and Ben Berwick, Kitsilano location
Chef Tomoki Yamasaki, Robson location

About Hapa Izakaya

When Lea and Justin Ault introduced Hapa in 2003 they exploded the izakaya concept in Vancouver. Hapa Izakaya’s combination of a sexy room, well-priced portions of Japanese tapas, cocktails and premium sake took the city by storm; Hapa set the bar high for the host of contenders that followed. In 2010 Hapa was the first izakaya to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise™ seafood conservation program and one of only a handful of Japanese restaurant partners in the program to-date. Hapa Yaletown is now open for lunch weekdays, and all three locations – Robson, Kitsilano and Yaletown – are open for dinner nightly. Reservations by phone are recommended. Visit www.hapaizakaya.com for information or follow @HapaIzakaya on Twitter.

Awards & Accolades

April 2010 – Georgia Straight Golden Plate Awards | Silver, Best Japanese

March 2010 – Westender BEST OF THE CITY Reader’s Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

October 2009 – Westender ON THE PLATE | 50 Favourite Things to Eat & Drink in Vancouver – “Hapa’s marinated mackerel and being able to watch your server blowtorch it tableside.”

February 2009 – Westender BEST OF THE CITY Dining Out | Gold, Best Japanese

May 2007 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards | Bronze, Best Casual Japanese

April 2006 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards | Gold, Best Casual Japanese

March 2006 The Georgia Straight | Golden Plates, Readers’ Choice, Best Japanese (4th)

February 2006 Westender | Silver, Readers’ Choice Awards, Best Japanese

April 2005 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards | Gold, Best Casual Japanese

April 2005 Vancouver Sun | Best Izakaya

January 2005 National Post | #2 of Five Best Canadian Destinations for Small-Plates Dining

April 2004 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards | Editors’ Choice Award | Bronze, Best Japanese | Premier Crew Award (Vancouver’s Best Service) – Kana Yanagawa

April 2004 Vancouver Sun | Best Robson Street, Budget | Best Contemporary Japanese | Best New Hip

November 2003 EnRoute Magazine | Listed among Best New Restaurants in Canada