Q4 in Kitsilano
byYesterday I finally took in a meal at Q4 Ristorante in Kitsilano. I lived in Kits for about 3 months during the summer of 2005 and since then, I’m afraid to say, I haven’t spent much time there at all. This is a real shame as Broadway and West Fourth are prime locations for fabulous dining establishments created and maintained by local culinary masters.
Q4 is right on the corner of Trafalgar and West Fourth, surrounded by a covered garden patio complete with lounge space. Inside under the wrought iron chandeliers, the atmosphere is comfortable and casual. Families sit around big circular tables, while business associates enjoy cocktails at a quiet table in the corner.
Our server recommended we start with the antipasto platter that we could all share, so we began there.
It was off the menu so I do not have a price listing for the platter. This was followed up by our entrees:
Spaghetti Quattro $17.95
Salmone Carciofi $28.95
Fresh wild B.C. salmon with arugula, sundried tomato pesto and panko crust
Linguine di Mare $19.95
Linguine with baby clams, white wine, peperoncino and Italian parsley
My salmon was candy-like and there was a zesty lemon flavour on the plate that complimented it perfectly. I tried the pastas as well, which were both very well seasoned however I don’t think I would have been able to eat the dishes in their entirety due to the spice (mind you, the server gave fair warning). For dessert they offered four selections and we chose the brownie and the tiramisu.
Lacking tall cavernous ceilings and a pumping house beat that is hard to talk over, Q4 is a great alternative to Vancouver’s usual EarlStonesClub offerings. Current specials include daily thin-crust pizza creations from their new oven and $10 pasta dishes on Mondays and Tuesdays. I think if you stick to specials, cocktails, and share plates (such as the antipasto) this can be a great place to frequent with friends that won’t bust your bank account.
Prior to heading to Q4 I checked out reviews on Yelp. Most praised the food, service, and ambiance. I would have to rate this right up there as well. It was relaxed, friendly, and… (this was also noted on Yelp) ladies can enjoy a special treat in the restroom with the certain facilities that they have available.
Q4 Ristorante was formerly known as Quattro, in case you recognize it under that name like me. Patrick Corsi took over the the ownership (that was a partnership with his father Antonio) and the name change occurred. Over the years the restaurant has won several awards and has established a loyal customer base. They will be opening a second Q4 Ristorante downtown at L’Hermitage this November.
Disclosure cmp.ly/2 My meal was on the house
7 Comments — Comments Are Closed
The food looks positively delectable – too bad I don’t eat seafood (if it comes from the sea, it’s not for me). How’s the menu for someone like myself?
Our friend that came with us last night doesn’t like seafood either. He got the spaghetti and enjoyed about 50% of the antipasto platter (it changes all the time but we had crabcakes, smoked salmon and prawns on ours). There’s a pizza menu, pasta menu, veal, chicken, and steak options as well.
Everything looks so delicious! Living downtown, I rarely get out to Kits… will have to change that.
Rebecca, Your photos always blow me away. Sounds like you had a great time at Q4 and I am delighted. you didn’t try the pizza though? It’s a perfect casual bite on the patio.
Excellent – I have plenty of time on my hands, so I’ll see about Marnie and I heading to Kits to check it out.
Great shout out on the $10 pasta nights and the patio! I haven’t been there in the summer time… looks like I’ll have to remedy that!
great! thankyou for the pictures!!! you saved my days, planning to try it for our anniversary dinner.
and as for the antipasto platter, they said it is counted per head for $19.99. min 2 ppl, which is $40