A long time ago we posted a reader’s poll listing what we considered to be the top five restaurant tables in Vancouver. We received so much in the way of reader feedback – both positive and negative that we’ve decided to shine a brighter light on the subject, one excellent table at a time. You’ll find more great tables here.
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by Andrew Morrison | Upstairs at Nightingale – hidden away from the main floor lounge action and isolated from the see-and-be-seen scenery of the second-storey dining room – are three identical tables that stare into the bright and bustling open kitchen. Numbered 701, 702 and 703, they are side-by-side hightop deuces; guests are sat next to one another, old school carriage-style, on elevated banquettes that are tucked inside little booths (more accurately: boothlets). Given their unique positioning, there are no other tables like them in Vancouver. Since they are located opposite the kitchen galley, each one affords those who sit in them relative privacy; once comfortably installed, guests can only be seen by staff. The flipside is that guests can only see out into the kitchen (which might be a bad thing if this wasn’t Nightingale and the food didn’t look so damn good). Of the three tables, the middle one – #702 – is best as it looks directly on to the pass where finished plates are given a final look before being sent out. If equal parts pass-porn and relative privacy is your thing, this is the table of your dreams.
DETAILS
1021 West Hastings Street | Vancouver, BC | V6E 0C4
Telephone: 604.695.9500 | Email: [email protected]
Web: www.hawknightingale.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
GALLERY
The People
Owner: David Hawksworth
General Manager: Taylor Mikasko
Head Chef: Phil Scarfone
About Nightingale
Celebrating the here and now, Nightingale delivers fresh and vibrant modern Canadian cuisine that’s designed for the way people want to eat today. Fresh vegetables, seasonal salads and creative proteins are offered in a range of share plates that contribute to the fun, convivial atmosphere of the industrial- chic space. Located in a heritage building in downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, Nightingale’s buzzing dining room is anchored by a focal bar that complements the compelling flavour profiles of the food with G&T on tap, an approachable wine list and a range of local craft beers.
Ha Ha. This is so funny for me. I was looking at this article because I have sat in that booth with my husband and REALLY enjoyed our experience – both the fabulous food AND the great table location looking directly at the well oiled machine that is Nightingale’s kitchen. Upon closer inspection of the lead photograph, I realized that the people in table 702 were US! I guess it goes to show you that we’ve been together a LONG time (32 years to be exact) when you recognize each other’s FEET.
That’s awesome. 🙂