Kitsilano Welcomes the Oakwood Canadian Bistro

Casual, Down-to-Earth Room Serves Seasonally-Driven Fare

Owner Mike Shea brings a wealth of industry knowledge from his previous tenure with the Donnelly Group; while Executive Chef Michael Robbins, after 5 years with the Glowbal Group (as Glowbal’s Executive Sous Chef, Coast’s Chef de Cuisine and Sanafir’s Executive Chef), has teamed up with Mike Shea to open this new independent neighbourhood bistro. General Manager Amy Wheatley (formerly at Bin 941 and Lolita’s) has implemented Oakwood’s stellar-yet-simple bar program.

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro’s food philosophy is focused on fresh, house-made dishes crafted from locally sourced products. The seasonally changing menu caters to market availability and the sustainability of the products. All meats are organic, local and free of hormones and antibiotics, while the seafood is sustainable, seasonal and Ocean Wise certified. From the breads and pastas to the butchery and sauces, all products are made in-house with quality and consistency.

The small, straightforward menu showcases honest Canadian fare influenced by French techniques. Menu highlights include the acclaimed AAA Burger made with hand-cut meat, house-made poppyseed bun, buttermilk fried onion and smoked chedar; Albacore tuna duo with seared and confit tuna, jalapeno aioli, jicama and frisée salad; mussels in tomato-coconut broth with chorizo, fresh basil, cilantro and grilled corn bread; and seared scallops with pork-stuffed potato pasta, corn purée and beet garnish salad. With a reasonable price point of $6 to $24, the Oakwood Canadian Bistro offers a fun, unpretentious dining experience.

At the bar, guests will find an excellent selection of local craft beers, classic cocktails and an expertly chosen wine list. The bar menu includes 11 BC craft beers on tap and select bottled beers, along with a well rounded selection of wines by the glass.

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro welcomes with a comfortable, down-to-earth room designed by Mike Shea, who was inspired by restaurants he has experienced on his travels. Shea worked with SSDG Interiors and master carpenter Roman Mann to help implement his vision for the 85-seat room, which features key design elements — including a 16-seat communal table — made from reclaimed fir, oak and cedar. The welcoming patio seats 15 guests.

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro serves fresh, honest food in a casual neighbourhood environment. This modest Kitsilano room encourages diners to gather around the central communal table with old and new friends, sip BC craft beers and linger over one of Chef Michael Robbins’ seasonally driven dishes. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to late (1am on weekdays, 2am on weekends) and will open for Saturday/Sunday brunch on July 23.

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro is located at 2741 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver, BC. For more information, please call 604.558.1965. Visit www.theoakwood.ca, and find them on Facebook OakwoodCanadianBistro and Twitter@theoakwoodkits.