Gyoza King

No pictures - sorry.  We came here after attending the Christmas lights event at Stanley Park one evening several weeks ago (pre-Christmas).  We were a bit hungry but not quite starving, and we wanted something yummy but not too expensive.  I remembered Gyoza King from our Dining Out Guide 2009 magazine; they said that this place was where many of the city's chefs went to eat after work.  It's apparently an inside secret that this place offers quality goods at affordable prices.

So, without a reservation, we sauntered in one evening.  We were seated right away, but the tables were super close to each other and it was raining outside so we were soaking wet, as were our umbrellas.  We made a total mess of the floor near our seats and probably unintentionally sprayed the couple beside us with our drippy umbrellas.

We ordered a few dishes; we didn't recognize many of the names but I know we had the chicken karaage, which we were introduced to by our bro-in-law Bengee the previous week.  Of course we also had some gyoza, a bowl of udon (don't recall which one), and a deconstructed negitoro. All of the food was fresh and delicious.  Nothing sat too heavily nor did any of the items stand out in a bad way to us; we thorougly enjoyed the food as well as the relatively efficient service.  The price was right too; I believe our total was around $35?  It was affordable and the Japanese tapas had hit the spot perfectly. 

Best of all, I'm pretty sure that one of the bloggers who I read regularly, Lainey (from e-Talk), was the girl sitting beside Hubbs at the table next to ours.  I kept looking at her trying to figure out if she was who I thought she was, but I wussed out and didn't actually ask for confirmation. Still, it made me a little giddy to think that I ate at the same place that she eats at :)  

 

Anyway, we love Gyoza King and will definitely be back.  Affordable quality food, in a casual atmosphere accepting of all patrons (including the drowned-rat varieties) - what more could you ask for? 

Service: 4 out of  5

Food: 4. 5 out of  5

UPDATE:  Of course we couldn't stay away, so we were back for more kaarage, ramen, gyoza, and negitoro.  Once again, the place did not disappoint.  We thoroughly enjoyed the food, and the cozy atmosphere, and the affordable prices.  Even though we had to wait to get a seat, it was worth the extra 10 minutes to get that delicious grub.  We'll be back again soon, I'm sure of it.  Hubbs is in love with their negitoro. :)