Trafalgars Bistro – A Best-Kept Neighborhood Secret

Trafalgars Bistro is one of those hidden gems; off the beaten path of the hustle and bustle of busy Kitsilano. Located on Trafalgar and 16th, this delightfully cozy French bistro is welcoming and unpretentious; a great pick for any dining occasion and well worth the trip.

This 40-seat restaurant is simple yet elegant, and its inviting décor is an extension of the quality of food it serves. The menu is quite diverse, offering a selection appetizers, small, medium, and entrée-sized dishes; many of which feature local, seasonal or sustainable ingredients.

The menu itself is considered true bistro fare, but with eclectic international influences. The portion sizes are not disappointing and the prices very reasonable for an upscale/casual-style restaurant In addition, all menu items are available a la carte, making the dining experience adaptable and flexible for larger groups or for those who love the art of sharing. The wine list is equally impressive, with a strong focus on BC wines.

Currently, a seasonal three course feature menu is available that highlights the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise Program – a conservation program that allows customers to make environmentally friendly seafood choices

I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Chris Moran during my recent visit, who gave me a preview of his newly updated menu. Chris describes his playful cross-cultural culinary style as ‘cooking without borders’. Coupled with his passion for exotic, fresh ingredients, the recent additions to the menu are sure-fire hits.

"We strive to use local, sustainable and natural ingredients,” says Chris. “Many guests don’t realize that most of the produce we use is local and our proteins are non-medicated or natural. The Ocean Wise Program was just another great way to extend this vision to our guests.”

A ‘must try’ is a tasty Mushroom Ravioli appetizer, made from home-made pasta, seasonal mushrooms and a mouthwatering brown butter cream sauce. Unlike many ravioli dishes I have tried at other restaurants, this version was fresh, tender, moist and bursting with flavour.

Another great addition is the Berkshire Port Rack Chop, a delicious combination of tender pork and roasted apples drizzled in a flavourful gooseberry jus, all atop a bed of rosemary spatzle, an effective accompaniment that balances the sweet and savory profile of this dish.

For dessert, I finished with a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake that was light enough not to share. Not surprisingly, the dessert selection at Trafalgar’s Bistro is a sweet-tooth’s dream as its sister company Sweet Obsession Cakes & Pastries is conveniently situated next door. This allows for guests to access to myriad delightful desserts that most restaurants only wish they could offer.

Trafalgars is a second home to many local residents, as its location is accessible and a well-regarded part of the neighbourhood . Street parking is available and a protected, year-round patio welcomes diners on almost any Vancouver day. The restaurant’s atmosphere is intimate, yet energetic; quaint, yet hip. It’s a perfect place for a romantic evening out, or just to get together with family and friends, with a ‘come as you are’, unpretentious feel that leaves the attitude at home.

Trafalgars Bistro is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. For reservations or more information, visit www.trafalgars.com.

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