Hidden at the bottom of a flight of stairs below street level, Arike is a true hidden gem. This Nigerian-inspired restaurant located in West End is a perfect option for an intimate dining experience.
The Atmosphere
It’s not an easy task to find quiet establishments with amazing food. Arike has a very intimate setting that allows you to enjoy perfectly executed dishes while having an audible discussion, and that was a real plus for me.
The décor was simple. A little bit more could have been done to make the place look more upscale and feel more “Nigerian”, but the playlist made up for what the décor lacked.
The Food
My partner and I went with the Fall Tasting Menu ($65) and the optional wine pairing ($27).
Preserved Pear, Aerated Coconut and Ginger, Basil
Paired with “Rigour and Whimsy Rousanne Marsanne”
The 5 course meal started with a beautiful Preserved Pear, Aerated Coconut and Ginger, Basil dish. The pear dish was delicate yet flavorful. It was fresh and it had a great balance of fruity and acidic notes.
Wild Boar Belly, Pineapple Jerk Barbecue, Coconut Rice
Paired with “Summerhill Biodynamic Pinot Noir”
Next, we were served a Musubi, which is a typical Hawaiian dish. The usual spam was traded for a slice of Wild Boar Belly with a Pineapple Jerk Barbecue Sauce sitting on fragrant Coconut Rice. The meat was juicy and cooked to perfection. It was one of my favorite dishes of the evening.
Hibiscus Granita
The Hibiscus Granita was a great palette cleanser, although the hibiscus was very subtle.
Char Grilled Leek, Ginger Crayfish Chili Sauce, Bonito
Paired with “Daydreamer Riesling”
The Char Grilled Leek was amazing. The Ginger Crayfish Chili Sauce took this dish to the next level. It was both sweet and spicy, and the bonito flakes added some smokey flavors.
Roast Boar Chop, Plantain and Cipollini, Bone Marrow Butter, Chermoula
Paired with “Rigour and Whimsy into The Darkest Wood Syrah”
The main was outstanding. The buttery Boar Chops were extremely tender with the perfect amount of moisture. The Chermoula was so delicious it could have been enjoyed on its own.
Dessert
Panna cotta, Thyme Shortbread, Poached Pear, Macadamia
The Panna cotta was a great ending. Visually, it was extremely appealing and it was also delicious. I really liked the contrast of textures between the crunchy macadamia, the crumbly shortbread and the jiggly panna cotta. This dessert was very well balanced and enjoyable.
Overall
The food was a 10 out of 10. It was obviously not a traditional West African culinary experience, but there were a few touches of Nigeria here and there. The Musubi and the Wild Boar Chops were the highlights of the evening. Quantity-wise, we had just the right amount of everything.
Unfortunately, the wines did not match the greatness of the food and I wish we had more explanation about the wine selection.
I would highly recommend Arike for a special date or occasion. The healthy distance between each table and the quiet setting were so refreshing. Keep in mind that the place is rather simple, so if you want to wow your date, it may be a minus. That being said, the service was good and our server was really nice and friendly.
Another point to note is that you need to pay for the entire meal during the reservation. The restaurant charges a 18% gratuity fee. Personally, I found it convenient to walk out without having to handle the payment or thinking about tipping, but it may turn some people off.
Arike
Opening hours: open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm
Website: click here
Address: 1725 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W5
Telephone: (604) 336-9774
Note that prices and information featured in this article are subject to change.
