Last week I met up with a girlfriend for lunch at The Smoking Dog Bistro, for French and Italian food in Kitsilano. We were looking for a patio, since it was a gorgeous sunny day out (as we’ve been so lucky to experience in Vancouver over the past couple of weeks), and it seemed to be the perfect fit. Neither of us had ever tried out the restaurant before, and thought we would give it a shot.
We walked through the front entrance, and passed through the main dining area inside to make our way out to the patio. It wasn’t really busy out there, with only two other tables occupied, as it was still a little bit chilly out. We figured we’d sit down and move in if we got too cold, but we managed to stay out for the course of our meal.
I wasn’t feeling particularly ravenous at the time, so we both opted to just go for main lunch courses, and skipped any appetizers – something I almost never do! So instead, I ordered the Moules Frites. I’d have to say I was a bit disappointed when the Salt Spring mussels arrived – they were quite small in size, although there were quite a few of them on my plate within the lemon white wine broth. There were also plenty of julienne carrots and leeks, along with shallots. The broth had a decent flavour, but nothing that really had me in awe. On the other hand, the fries, fried in a peanut oil, were salty, very hot, and quite tasty.
Mussels 
Pommes Frites 
My girlfriend ended up going with the Cajun Chicken Burger, with lettuce, tomato, red onion, house mayo, and pommes frites (mixed greens are also available instead). She said it was pretty average and didn’t really have much else to report. I didn’t actually try it myself, but I’ve included a picture regardless.
Overall, I’d say that Smoking Dog Bistro has a great patio for those warm and sunny summer days when you want to be outside and people watching, but there wasn’t anything spectacular about the food that will have me rushing back. I’m not sure if dinner options would be more exciting or not, but if I return, it will likely just be for a glass of wine on the patio.
Smoking Dog Bistro
1889 W 1st Ave
Vancouver, BC, V6J
604.732.8811
View Map
Overall:
Food:
Service:
Atmosphere: 
Price: $$$
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve heard mixed reviews on the Smoking Dog. The mussels and fries do look small though. Think I’m spoiled by Chambar and Stella’s moules frites
Valid comments, but that was then and this is now! Actually, we were between Chefs for a few months and our food suffered to be sure. We have a fabulous new chef, actually he’s an old chef, Pascal was the original Exec Chef when the Smoking Dog opened. We just brought him back from France and the new menu, though still being tweaked a wee bit, is running and we are really happy with the food again. Come back in as our guest, we’ll email you or DM you on twitter