VC08 - West End

Legendary Noodle (#1) Hand-pulled noodles — made with blinding speed in the open kitchen — are served in fragrant, delicate broths. Try the fresh shredded pork and preserved vegetables in chicken broth ($7.25), with a cold bottle of Zhu Jiang ($4.50). 1074 Denman St., 604-669-8551.

1400 block of Haro Street (yellow area on map below) One of the densest neighbourhoods in North America, the West End began as a genteel single-family ’burb chock-a-block with elegant arts-and-crafts-style homes. This picturesque stretch offers a glimpse of the original version. Back across Denman Street is the Buchan Hotel, notable not for its tired rooms but for Parkside (#2) (1906 Haro St., 604-683-6912), the excellent, understated restaurant that occupies the space beneath.

Nat’s New York Pizzeria (#3) Any of the aromatic thin-crust pies served up at this locally loved joint (1080 Denman St., 604-642-0777, and 2684 W. Broadway, 604-737-0707) should be chased down with a hefty B.C. red purchased from either Marquis Wine Cellars (1034 Davie St., 604-684-0445) or Broadway International Wine Shop (2752 W. Broadway, 604-734-8543).

Kingyo Izakaya (#4) In a city obsessed with izakaya, Kingyo’s subtle flavour pairings and elegant room stand out. In May, the restaurant once again earned gold in the Casual Japanese category in Vancouver magazine’s restaurant awards. 871 Denman St., 604-608-1677.

Second Beach Pool (#5) End your seawall workout here — a heated, spacious, beach-entry pool framed by Stanley Park and English Bay. Stanley Park Drive, 604-257-8371.

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

35–1101 Nicola St.
$489,000
{Specs} 750 sq. ft., one-bedroom, one-bath suite with inlaid hardwood floors, original mahogany doors, and Murphy bed in the living room.