Is That French

Wine bar · Downtown ·

Is That French

Wine bar · Downtown ·

Natural wine bar with oysters, raw bar & PNW small plates

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45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V5B 0C4, Canada Get directions

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"Tucked in Gastown’s marvelously named Blood Alley between Carrall and Abbott Street, Is That French offers up some of the city’s best low-intervention and natural wines, paired perfectly with fresh-shucked oysters, a raw bar with lots of zing, and innovative PNW-inspired small plates showcasing local ingredients and international techniques. The restaurant hosts a weekly jazz night on Thursdays, and it often hosts winemaker dinners and other events downstairs. Note: Even as the Gastown neighborhood faces real challenges with safety surrounding its large houseless community, restaurants in the area like ITF continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces." - Nikki Bayley

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-vancouver-restaurants-bc-canada

Is That French

HEYO J.

Google

Tucked away in an alley, this place was a bit difficult to find, but it was so worth it!!! The front door has a question mark but no name (unless I missed the name somewhere). Walking in, it was a cozy environment with a really nice gentleman who walked us through the menu and the drinks. Superb guy. The food: we took advantage of the oysters on Happy Hour Monday. The oysters were all stellar! But the star of the oyster show was the baked oyster with Uni hollandaise and lobster oil - 10/10. Beyond that, the foie gras was also immaculate and perfectly balanced - 10/10. Not sure if I would order the deviled eggs again. Overall, awesome dining experience!!!

Farryn V.

Google

Came after seeing the great reviews and it lived up to the hype!! Fantastic and unique offerings. Nick took great care of us- so knowledgable and personable. I recommend sitting at the bar for a view of the chefs making their art!

Kanako S.

Google

This place reminds me of ‘A room with a view’ in modern gas-town way (with question mark and large windows). Their foods were fresh and original, and went very well with the wines. Its smaller tapas style plates were very much enjoyable for both drinker and non-drinker. Excellent wine selection with some of my favorites in the list but I wish more variety in natural wine. This wine category is getting very popular and many local wineries both in gulf islands and in Okanagan are producing them. It would be nice compliment to their locally sourced foods. Casual and intimate ambience was great but the chairs were a bit hard and took us for a while to be comfortable.

Alexandra S

Google

Impromptu trip to Vancouver from Seattle, and a friend recommended we try and go here. Walked in and sat at the bar. Staff, vibe, and food were all amazing. We ordered oysters to start, the pork dish, the cabbage wedge, and our favorite… the crab pasta.

N!ta Z.

Google

Went on a busy weekend night without a reservation and luckily got a last-minute seat. The menu is simple with limited food choices, but there’s a great selection of wines. Service was slow, and it’s definitely more of a bar than a dinner spot. Very loud inside, but the dim lighting and candlelit tables create a cozy vibe.

Brian H.

Google

Oysters suck. Tried the 3 types they had night. The toppings (hot sauce and vinaigrette) that came with it were bland and didn’t enhance anything. 1/5 Waitress suggested to my girlfriend and I to get the daily special which was a cracker and caviar. You would think it comes in 2 pieces or the waitress should’ve told us to order 2 … came with 1 small bite size piece. $19 CAD in outrageous. 1/5 Beef tar tar is probably their best dish I had. Still towards the bottom of all beef tar tar I’ve had in my life. 3/5 I also got the scallops. It had a curry taste to it with carrots. Flavors did not go well with scallops. Huge disappointment. 2/5

Michelle L.

Google

A hidden gem! I almost missed this restaurant cuz the door was literally just a question mark. I fully walked by it and thought wow that’s so cool I’m gonna have to come back and try this💀 wish came true immediately Food was fabulous definitely very high quality. Highlights were the foie gras parfait, scallop crudo, and veal tongue burger. Butter with foie gras you’d think you’d feel sick but somehow the they’re both buttery and paired super well with the brioche. Scallop was so fresh and sweet low key best I’ve ever had. THE BURGER. THE JUICE. the meal wasn’t chewy or like dry it was thin and light beautiful burger. Our waitress was friendly and funny

Lizzie S

Google

Had a great experience at Is That French?—a cozy wine bar and restaurant with a creative menu. I especially loved the fresh oysters and the small, well-curated portions that let you try a bit of everything. The salad was perfectly seasoned, and the pork belly was tender with a tasty sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. The only dish that didn't quite hit the mark for me was the gnocchi—it was a bit too soft and lacked texture. Overall though, I really enjoyed the meal and would love to come back to try more dishes!

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 38 Essential Vancouver Restaurants

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-vancouver-restaurants-bc-canada

Is That French

HEYO J.

Google

Farryn V.

Google

Kanako S.

Google

Alexandra S

Google

N!ta Z.

Google

Brian H.

Google

Michelle L.

Google

Lizzie S

Google

Is That French

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The 38 Essential Vancouver Restaurants

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The 38 Essential Vancouver Restaurants