New owners Darrell and Leslie Hannibal have transformed the once-formal bistro into a more cozy spot. They kept the service, cuisine, and wine list that the Smoking Dog's known for but relaxed the atmosphere. The result: a full house most nights for accessible French cooking, and lively patio action on sunny days. Witloof chicory salad ($12) and flatiron steak with fingerlings ($24) are always... more

To date, the little Kitsilano neighborhood of Yorkville Mews has remained a local secret, perhaps because the few tourists who do venture into this delightful 1-block stretch are immediately confronted with a confusing variety of choices. This French bistro with international fusion overtones is generally a safe bet for a good meal. The menu features strip-loin steak with bordelaise sauce,... more

Smartly, the Smoking Dog’s owners, Jean Séguin and Judith Andrews, have bolstered the wine list, kept the classics, but freshened the menu. The result: a full house most nights for accessible French cooking, and lively patio action on sunny days. Find the classic mimosa salad ($8), onion soup ($9), and very good steak frites ($15). And what’s this—some of the better pastas in town in a French... more