The GOODS from Hapa Izakaya

Vancouver, BC | Hapa Izakaya’s first Calgary location, at 816 11th Avenue SW, opened its doors to Calgarians on July 8th, 2014. The newly renovated 106-seat restaurant offers locals a taste of Tokyo’s izakaya pub scene; hot and cold Japanese tapas, fused with the West Coast’s emphasis on local, sustainable Ocean Wise seafood.

Seasoned Chef-Owners, Toshiyuki “Iwa” Iwai and Takashi “Kin” Kanamori bring from Vancouver 18 combined years of Hapa Izakaya experience. Their passion for cooking is only equalled by the excitement they share of finally realizing their dream of opening their own izakaya in Calgary. Joining them from Vancouver is General Manager, Barret Jackson who spent the last three years honing his izakaya experience at Hapa’s Coal Harbour location. Born and bred in Edmonton, Barret is thrilled to be back in his native Alberta. Joining the Calgary team for the opening is Hapa Izakaya founder, Justin Ault, and Hapa Robson manager, Andrea Sing.

“As Calgary’s dining scene continues to blossom, ambitious and creative chefs and restaurateurs will bring to it new international influence. Hapa Izakaya is very proud and excited to be joining this vibrant community and we hope to one day join the ranks of Calgary’s best loved restaurants,” says Chef Iwa.

The menu includes all of the favourites from Vancouver and Toronto. Canada’s original Ebi Mayo (tempura prawns tossed in spicy Japanese mayo sauce) makes it first appearance in Calgary, joined by standouts such as Gindara (baked sablefish, sake-miso marinade), Tuna Avocado Salsa Dip (Chopped Ahi Tuna, avocado, tomato, house-made plantain chips) and three Ishiyaki (hot stone bowl rice dishes) options. Fresh sashimi and creative sushi rolls round out the menu.

From the bar, a selection of premium sake, fun cocktails and craft beer along with Hapa’s famous Takezake (chilled sake in bamboo flasks) help complete the izakaya experience.

VIEW THE FOOD & DRINK MENU.

Hapa Izakaya Calgary is open daily from 5pm until late. For reservations, please phone 403.452.6737.

For more information, please visit HapaIzakaya.com, follow @HapaCalgary on Twitter and HapaCalgary on Facebook.

Details

Robson Oyster Bar: 1479 Robson St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-689-4272
Coal Harbour: 909 W Cordova St, Vancouver B.C. Tel:604-420-4272
Yaletown: 1193 Hamilton St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-681-4272
Kitsilano Beach: 1516 Yew St, Vancouver B.C. Tel: 604-738-4272
Toronto: 602 College St, Toronto, ON, Tel: 647-748-4272
Ritz Bar: The Ritz-Carlton 181 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON Tel: 416-585-2500
Open: Monday to Saturday, 5:00pm – late
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.hapaizakaya.com
Twitter: @hapaizakaya | Facebook: Hapa Izakaya

Gallery

The People

Owners: Lea & Justin Ault
Chef Masafumi Okuno, Yaletown location
Chef Daiji Tanaka, Kitsilano location
Chef Nobutaka Watanabe, Coal Harbour location
Chef Toshiyuki Iwai, Robson location
Chefs Koichi Fujioka and Takayuki Sato, Toronto location

About Hapa Izakaya

Voted “Top Five Izakayas In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine; topping “Industry and Readers Choice” Georgia Straight awards for Best Japanese in 2012 and Best Izakaya in 2013; and “Best Casual Chain, Silver” by Vancouver Magazine in 2013, Hapa continues to offer a winning combination of Japanese cuisine, fun, and culture, paired with local seasonal and Ocean Wise ™ ingredients.

Awards & Accolades

MARCH 2014 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2014 VANCOUVER COURIER 2014 | Stars of Vancouver – Reader’s Choice Awards | Gold, Vancouver’s Best Tapas

APRIL 2013 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Silver, Best Casual Chain

MARCH 2013 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Industry’s Choice | Best Japanese (GOLD)

MARCH 2013 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2013 WESTENDER | Best of the City Dining, Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

NOVEMBER 2012 WESTENDER | Best of the City Dining, Readers’ Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

APRIL 2012 VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | Restaurant Awards | Silver, Best Casual Chain

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Industry’s Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

MARCH 2012 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

FEBRUARY 2012 WESTSIDE BUSINESS AWARDS OF DISTINCTION | Best Restaurant

AUGUST 2011 BON APPETIT MAGAZINE | Top 5 Izakaya’s in North America

MARCH 2011 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Best Izakaya (GOLD)

FEBRUARY 2011 TOURISM VANCOUVER | Best $28 Dine Out Vancouver Menu | Best Japanese

FEBRUARY 2011 WESTENDER | Best of the City , Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

APRIL 2010 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT | Golden Plates – Reader’s Choice | Silver, Best Japanese

MARCH 2010 WESTENDER | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | Bronze, Best Japanese

OCTOBER 2009 WESTENDER | On The Plate – 50 Favourite Things to Eat & Drink in Vancouver

FEBRUARY 2009 WESTENDER | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | 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 | Best of the City, Readers’ Choice | Silver, 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