Kozakura takes over former Notturno restaurant in Gastown
The intimate Gastown space that used to house Notturno is now Kozakura, offering Japanese-inspired eats and an omakase menu, with a small but stellar library of booze.
The same team behind Notturno, chef/owner Bill Robitaille and partner Scott McTavish, are behind the new project and have revealed a fresh culinary concept, new menu, and a revamped interior.
While Notturno, which closed its doors on April 30, was famed for its seasonal Italian small plates, Kozakura offers kappo-style Japanese food–think a traditional and sophisticated meal brought out in courses in a space where all the cooking is done out in the open.
Kozakura’s hideaway space on Carrall Street is the perfect place to showcase this kind of service. The compact, 25 seater-restaurant boasts an inviting bar, where diners can pull up a stool and watch Chef de Cuisine Keith Allison (previously of Sea Monstr) masterfully prepare the food about to be sampled.
See also
Inspired by the seasons, Kozakura’s menu is made with fresh local ingredients and occasional special imports.
“We try to source locally as much as we can, but we bring [ingredients] in from Japan — we’re not afraid to do that,” says Robitaille. “We’re all for supporting local but some things you cannot find here,” adds Robitaille.
Diners who drop by the Gastown locale in the evening will find fresh sashimi, daily shellfish, sous vide octopus, sweet soy cooked duck breast, marinated sockeye salmon, and other tantalizing options. Three tiers of omakase are also available.
From 10:30 pm the eatery’s late night menu kicks in and features a range of savoruy bites, including a selection of sashimi, braised chicken wings, devilled eggs, and a featured rice bowl, which play nicely with the alcoholic libations at hand.
Speaking of drinks, Kozakura offers a variety of beer, sake, barley and sweet potato shochu, Japanese whisky, American bourbon and rye, and wine.
Currently the restaurant is open for dinner only (from 5 pm until late) with lunch hours to follow.
Inside Kozakura (Jess Fleming Daily Hive)
Jess Fleming/Daily Hive
Jess Fleming/Daily Hive
Jess Fleming/Daily Hive
Kozakura
Address: 280 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-720-3145
Twitter: @Kozakuragastown
Follow Channels and Categories