This is one of my wife and I's favorite restaurants in the mid-range price level ($30-$40 with a couple of drinks). This is a small, but very busy restaurant. The later it is, the busier it gets. It's a great place to chill with your friends over food and drinks.
Service is hit and miss. Always courteous upon entering and leaving (as are all Japanese restaurants), but in between, they might "forget" you for a little while, now and then. Staff is always polite, though. :)
Food is excellent. Having been there over 30 times for sure already, we have our favorites: for those of you who like fried chicken, your best bet is the Toro Karaage dish which includes a generous 5 (big) piece portion with plenty of mayo on the side. A dish we ALWAYS order is the seaweed (Kaisou) salad. Very unique and refreshing. The dressing is not always perfect though (quality control?). Hopefully the first time you try it it will be as flavourful as it can be (if not, give it a second chance).
Also try the Saba (Mackerel) Miso; a decent-sized portion of fish in a sweet, creamy miso sauce. I can't remember the name (Ton Toro maybe?), but there is a dish that is thin slices of pork with a light mustard-based sauce that is also excellent, but unfortunately, I don't think you get much for the price, though. Same thing for their Atlantic Salmon Sashimi. Best I've ever had, but very thin and pricey (but still good). Finally, being a "Gyoza King", try their gyoza, especially the "ebinira" (shrimp) gyoza. Oh, which reminds me, their Ebi Mayo fried prawns is very tasty as well. Did I mention this was our favorite restaurant?! lol
As long as you're not looking for a quiet romantic evening at the restaurant, I think you will find that Gyoza King delivers. ;)
Gyoza King is one of the best Izakaya in Vancouver, and this explains why their line at the door is always long. The chinese owner has a wide range of traditional plus a few inspiring dishes. Must-trys are their gyoza (dumplings), if you like total raw beef gyu yukke and the tofu soup. Service-wise, it is just like the tiny restaurants in Yokohama, Japan. If you have a chance try to sit by the bar and talk to the kitchen staffs. Not sexy, but interesting.
This is a great location where you can enjoy a large assortment of Japanese style tapas. The food is very tasty and is very authentic. The price range per dish ranges from $5 per dish and up. I would highly recommend it. My wife and I always come when visiting Vancouver.
