My wife and I had a great meal here. A pleasant, understated interior with well spaced tables, and interesting music that was at a reasonable volume – you could have a conversation. Excellent service, our server was very knowledgeable about the food and wine, appeared like magic when you need something, and let you eat in peace when you didn’t. The menu changes frequently, but I expect that it will always be of very good quality given our experience. We started with a perfect brioche with Tiger Nut giving it an unique flavor with thin butterscotch on top. A tasty, if sticky way to start the meal. Then a mango dish. We were told it was compressed mango which must made the flavour more intense because it was very intense. The leaves and spices all came together for a very good overall flavor. Next up a yam dish. I’m not a big fan of vegetarian dishes (a true omnivore, I am), but I really enjoyed this one. Once again, some new, very good flavours combined in a perfectly executed dish. Then fish, a thin piece of fish on top of fluffy spiced rice, and again a great combination of flavours and textured. Final meat dish was rabbit, but rabbit unlike any I’ve had before. I really enjoyed the Nigerian (and other parts of Africa) flavours that were used to inspire these dishes. Dessert gets its own paragraph. I find that dessert is often the poor cousin at restaurants. Not much thought goes into it. It is pretty common to see a sorbet, a Creme Brulé, and something chocolate on the dessert menu. You don’t get a choice here, but it was wonderful. A cylinder of pasty with spiced apples cubes inside, a crème caramel, and something light and coiled on top. My description isn’t doing this dessert justice. It looked great, and tasted better. Not too sweet, not too heavy, a nice combination of flavours and textures, and the chef obviously put a lot of thought, time, and care into creating it. All in all, one of the better meals I’ve had in Vancouver. Being Vancouver, it was raining, but in the summer the restaurant is steps way from a nice walk at English Bay which could be a nice activity after a great meal.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+

my boyfriend and i were so looking forward to trying out arike after seeing them on the michelin recommended ! i booked a reso for us on dec.14/22 for 6pm and we were running late but they weren’t busy and were super understanding. i rlly like the contact free payment option by pre booking on tock, which was mandatory to get a reso anyway lol. i’m writing a review for the first time bc when i was researching this place i didn’t see many updated, detailed reviews. first impression, cute spot only 6 tables in the restaurant. i was confused if it was open bc there were no parties seated when i arrived and the sign on the front said open friday and saturday by reservation only ? it has a pretty dark ambience so i got sleepy pretty fast lol. i was greeted by a gentleman (server ? manager ?) who allowed me to seat myself at any table. once we were seated, he introduced himself and asked us if we wanted any wine (we booked for the optional wine pairing) and we decided against it and went for a ginger beer instead. there were 5 courses i believe plus this palate cleanser thing and dessert. super super unique flavours and concept. i would say my favorite was the second course (torched scallop nigiri concept on i think it was jerk rice). i’ve never tried a tasting menu before so i was confused why it took so long between each course lol, but i guess im just used to eating and leaving at restaurants. before each course our server explained each dish in detail which was fascinating, and we got to hear the concept behind each dish. the portions were good for me and i left with food coma haha. all in all, i had the most amazing experience here— great service, unique food, for a reasonable price (compared to other restaurants with tasting menus) in a quiet romantic setting. thank u so much for making our night a great one !!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–70

Arike restaurant is a hidden gem that delivers an unparalleled dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a vibrant, tropical haven away from Vancouver's winter. The staff's warm welcome and attentive service set the tone for an exceptional evening. The cocktail ceremony was a delightful surprise; the hibiscus rum tea punch served in a charming cast iron pot was a personal favorite, offering a refreshing, juicy, and spicy kick. The tasting menu was a journey through divine flavors. The fresh green curry with salt-baked pineapple salad was a standout, alongside the perfectly cooked fluffy omelet and the heavenly bannock-covered parfait. The expertly seasoned fish and the unique chocolate-infused pasta for dessert showcased the chef's creativity and mastery. The wine pairing, featuring local natural wines sans sulphites, added depth to the culinary experience, enriching our knowledge. I wholeheartedly rate Arike 5/5 for its exceptional service, delectable cuisine, and intimate ambiance. It's a place where you're pampered without any pretense. The small and intimate setting allows for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Keep an eye out for their revised menu in the new year; it's a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an extraordinary evening out. I'd highly recommend Arike to friends and anyone looking for a uniquely pampering dining experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Although this restaurant doesnt appear to be Nigerian owned, the food is good overall. The space is modern but cozy and the service is very attentive.The casava fries with a sauce assortment and suya were highlights for me. A couple things to note though: 1. The portions for most of the food are quite small and tapa style so expect to order at least one other item with your main. 2. The food and the suya in particular would be considered a little bland by Nigerian standards so this place would be great for the spice averse. 3. This menu doesnt include plantains which is a fundamental part of Nigerian cuisine and fairly easy to get in Vancouver. 4. This is a very westernized take on Nigerian food and although it was delicious, not very representative of authentic Nigerian cuisine. 5. The service was great but there was a general lack of an African presence at this restaurant which to me took away from the experience. Worth a try though and I would go back to try the jollof.

Update: I returned to Arike last night for dinner and had another 5 star experience. We tried the goat spoon, prawns, steak/fries and goat dumplings. Service and the food were all amazing. The presentation, colours and flavours of all the food continue to impress. Original: Arike has quickly become one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver. Its an amazing experience with great service and Nigerian fusion food done in a fine dining style. Fritters were next level. The flavour and texture. Onion rings were awesome (though small portion) and the cassava fries were good too. They both came with great sauces. Tried the ox tail and pork belly flat bread which was amazing and so was the joffi rice with beef tenderloin. The rice was so flavourful and the beef just melted in your mouth. Tried both desserts and they were amazing too. Best mini donuts ever... almost like gulab jamun mini donuts and best ice cream in West End.

From start to finish this place is amazing! The service was extremely knowledgeable & friendly, they describe the menu as Nigerian fusion. The Cocktails & Flatbreads were to die for. The Cassava Fries were crispy on the outside, soft & fluffy on the inside & the sauces that accompanied them were delicious. The Chicken Wings were well seasoned with a bit of heat, exactly what one would look for in a great Wing. The Corn Fritters were nothing like I've ever tasted & they had a great little bite of heat. The Pof Pofs, were described as little donut holes but I can tell you right now they're better than any donut hole I've ever had & were the perfect way to end our meal. Although this restaurant hasn't been open for long, I know it's going to make a name for itself, so grab some friends & head on over there before the word gets out & you have to wait months for a table. I promise you won't be disappointed!

The five course tasting menu explores a global array of spices and influences paired with beautifully sourced ingredients. Located in the West End, down a set of stairs off Davie St, Arike is an approachable and global dining experience. Every course had a remarkable variance in spice and heat, even the bread which contained beberé spice. My favourite courses were the Moroccan Ratatouille and the Sea Bream Ceviche. The ceviche was notably spicy, in a delightful way, and presented with a peanut hummus. I also had the wine pairing which was a stellar accompaniment. My sister found the melon course with the serrano sofrito and yogurt foam as her favourite. The meal was a wonderful progression from start to finish and we were delighted by it all.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$70–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Walked by and decided to do a quick turn at a random hole in the wall place. We turned right walking down Davie street down the stairs when we discovered the absolute best bar experience we have ever had in the city. The bartender shared his experience of how his experience through Africa inspired his drinks... we were beyond impressed, he took us on a journey we never thought we would experience in the city. Sweet, sour, elegant, sophisticated, smooth... the city used to be boring and cloudy, but I found my place to enjoy the sun while all of you suckers hide under your umbrellas. Grab at the seat near the bar and say hi to me, I will be there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I just finished dinner here, and man oh man, I am blown away! Every single dish on the tasting menu was unique and flavourful. Joel was attentive and knowledgeable. We also got the wine and cocktail pairing. The cocktails here are the best I’ve ever had, hands down. The bartender, Awesome, was so genuinely passionate about his drinks, I was so happy to have experienced his creativity. We are absolutely elated that we found this place. Their tasting menu rotates every 6 weeks, so there’s always something new to go back and try! I would give 6 stars if I could, you won’t be disappointed!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I'll give a 5star for the service, the chef was excellent and all round professional. The food was really good and it's a pass mark for me, in fact I wasn't expecting it to be that good so in that regard I'll say it surpassed my expectations. However, being a Nigerian with a Nigerian tastebud (my tastebud is yet to adjust to Canadian foods), a very picky eater and someone who cooks good food at that, I'll withhold a star. For every person tasting Nigerian food for the first time, I believe they would enjoy the food. I highly recommend it. The milo ice cream for dessert was everything, that gets a 5 star as well. Overall, good food in a nice place, delivered by awesome people.

We had been meaning to come to Arike for quite some time. We have some dietary restrictions, which we were able to specify when we made the booking, and we got a prompt response confirming. At the restaurant, the service (our server was Joel) was excellent - courteous, informative and personalized. The food was very tasty, innovative, and perfectly paced. We weren't rushed at all, and spent 2.5 hours. The background music was tasteful and soft, and there was not the clamour of background noise so common in restaurants these days. As a result, we were able to converse easily with our friends. Our dining experience was excellent all around, and we look forward to returning.

Came here during the grand reopening for the tasting menu. It was an incredible & unique experience with perfectly selected natural wine pairings. The bartender had us sample a few different complimentary cocktails as they sorted out their menu. Each cocktail was well-balanced, spirit forward, and layered with complex and intriguing flavours/fragrances. You could tell how passionate both the server, Joel, and the bartender, Awesome, are about food and drink which only accentuated an already delightful evening.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Would give 6 stars. The food here is so unique, stunning combinations of flavors. We had a chicken sausage + red pepper ( I think) gnocchi + mint chutney + baked manchego crisp. Sound good enough yet? Each item on its own was good, like fine, but together it was a sensational eating experience. As if that wasn't enough, the wine pairings were phenomenal (the two of us split one), and the ambience and decor topped it off. Hats off to Sam the chef, Jesse (who I'm told did the wine pairings), and Jen the wonderful, fun hostess. Check out Arike when you're in town! And be sure to ask what the logo means :)

Spectacular. If I could give Arike more stars I would. For both my wife and I, this was one of the best meals we've ever had. We have both visited and lived in various East African countries and were curious to taste the mix of these flavours with local ingredients. Arike delivered, and then some. We also really enjoyed the unique cocktail menu. Some of these cocktails were unlike any we'd ever had. We'll be back, and with friends next time.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Truly an exceptional dining experience. The food is simply divine, with expertly prepared meats and seafood bursting with flavor. The service is outstanding, with friendly and knowledgeable staff willing to go above and beyond. And the atmosphere is beautiful, with a cozy, intimate feel that's perfect for a romantic date or special occasion. Trust me, if you want a memorable dining experience in Vancouver, Arike is the place to go.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$70–80

Can't wait to return. Highly recommend and consider it the top restaurant in Vancouver thanks to its amazing atmosphere, approachable dining experience, and great taste for a fair price. Nice pace good for a long conversation with your dining partners and tasty, perfectly seasoned dishes.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$90–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Vegetarian only, no vegan options

We had an amazing time at Arike Restaurant last night. The food was absolutely amazing! It’s one of a kind. The service was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to try something that’s not ordinary and is one of a kind. You will love the food! My friend has the wine pairing with the tasting menu. I just had the tasting menu. She co formed that the wine pairing was also perfect! Thank you so much Arike for the great experience!

Hospitality at its finest. Between Awesome's cocktail list that reflects his personal journey as a bartender and the service provided by Joel this is a true gem. It was a pleasure to connect with people who care and want to share flavor combinations that work and are anything but ordinary. Thank you for a great evening.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–90
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Loved everything. So glad we chose this place to celebrate our anniversary. I was greeted by name and service felt very personal. True care is given to each aspect of dining here. The food was truly unique and the cocktails were incredible. We will definitely be back to bring friends.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I knew the food would be good, but this was outstanding. My flavour buds were in ecstasy as I consumed each course. There were so many unique flavours, as well as textures and just a beautiful array of tastes for a dining experience. I cannot suggest this place more to anyone curious. Service was spectacular, ambience was peaceful and warm. Just an overall wonderful experience. I wish I could give 6 stars.

Friends and I did take out and got the below. All of the dishes were delicious. 1) Jollof Rice 2) Tamarind & Scotch Bonnet Curry (with Beef Shank) 3) Tomato and Cinnamon Curry (with Chicken) 4) Rice Pilaf Our absolutely favourite though was the Tamarind & Scotch Bonnet Curry (with Beef). So tender and flavourful. Just the right amount of sweet too. Will definitely be back.

Arike’s tasting menu was a burst of flavor We had the wine pairing and our tastebuds were pleased even though our bellies would argue this due to the portions. Definitely recommend this experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking options
Paid street parking

If you love fine dining but are tired of the same (even if delicious) flavors over and over, Arike will wake up your taste buds with new spices, flavors, and combinations and excellent service in an intimate atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$90–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Had takeaway tonight. Great service and delicious food. The pies are a real winner with perfect pastry and a delicious beef filling. Also tried a curry and the pineapple chicken. Everything was great. Highly recommend and if you are in the neighborhood phone them directly for takeaway so they don’t have to pay those ridiculous fees.

Great dining experience, every dish we had was so tasty. There were some really unique flavours that I had never had before but everything was really nicely balanced. Service was great, my only complaint is that it was a bit cold in the restaurant.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$70–80

The food was fantastic. I do not eat porc and they kindly accommodated their tasting menu to my dietary restrictions. Personally, we expected more Nigerian influence in the food but nonetheless the food was phenomenal. The service was also great
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place is a hidden gem! The food is wonderful and each course has a unique flavour and presentation. Do not hesitate to give this place a try. It has a well deserved Michelin recommendation.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Beyond excellent. Every single bite is packed full of flavour. There were so many “wow” moments. It is clear how much thought, effort, and care goes into every choice that is made. The wine pairing was so worth it! We will definitely be back, and I can’t recommend it enough!!

yum yum yum this is one of the most delicious dining experiences I have ever had and the service was amazing . You can taste the attention to detail and care in every scrumptious bite it is definitely worth a visit , i’d give 6 stars if it was an option . More

Was expecting Nigerian food but it was a mixture of mostly Canadian and Nigerian food. Can't even taste any Nigerian flavour in it. Ordered suya and was surprised to see the thing I was served. I dont even know what to call it. All I know is that Its not suya

Excellent! The vibe, the service & the food. Girlfriend even said, "best onion rings I've ever had" and the Oxtail Boudin...OMG. So good as was the goat dumplings (did not photo). We came for the Dine Out Vancouver experience however

Unique dishes bursting with flavour! My friends and I tried every item on the menu and the food just got better and better with each bite. A fantastic meal from beginning to end. Don't even get me started about how delicious their Milo ice

Great dinner! We took the suggestions from our server and tried some of the most popular dishes: Corn Fritters, Goat Dumplings, Mini Burgers, Onion Rings. We enjoyed everything very much. Service was excellent and pricing very good for the

We decided to try Arike since it just opened recently and the smells coming out of the place whenever we walked by it were quite inviting. On the table for 2: Oxtail flat bread, habanero-corn fritters, joloff rice with beef skewers, Milo

Really tasty food and love the care and attention to detail from the chef, who comes out for each course to explain the dishes. Great vegan menu! Wish they would do a vegetarian menu so I could have had the bread and ice cream though.

The food was so delicious. These guys deserve our support. Make a point to visit this hidden gem.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$70–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Food was amazing! Staff friendly, welcoming and attentive. It’s a great place to hang out, we stayed way longer than initially planned. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone and will be adding it to my favourites!!

Pretty solid, the wine pairing went well with the food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Phenomenal cocktails and new and exciting flavours. Service is impeccable and decor and music is beautiful. Will surely be back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The food was fantastic! Every dish from the tasting menu was a hit! We will definitely come back since the menu changes frequently.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Had the cassava fries, abacha salad, oxtail flatbread and pof pofs -- all of it was delicious. Service was great and they were very friendly. I definitely will be coming back!

This was a lovely experience. Every meal was a hit... From the bread and butter through to suya chicken and suya beef, it was all so delicious. Will definitely be going back.

Lovely experience at Arike! Go with a few people and share everything, every dish we got was delicious:) Our favourite was the oxtail and pork belly flatbread - a must try!

Nice small place tucked away downstairs - quite and comfortable. Good friendly service and interesting plates to share - something different and defiantly worth a try!

Absolutely amazing food, the flavours really speak for themselves and are unique and impressive. Very friendly service, this is a must try. Can’t wait to come back.

This place is unreal. The food was amazing, the sauces are so good, even the spices are favourable and zesty. Do yourself a flavour and come here for dinner.

Amazing mixed drinks and hospitality! They nailed some custom long island iced teas we wanted, too. However, more servers would help with serving times.

Had a lovely time with the tasting menu, complete with wine pairings. They also had a vegan option, which was delightful.

Maybe not spicy enough for Nigerians, but excellent all the same: request hot sauce if you must …

Unique food, great service. Corn fritters, ice cream and pof pofs were our favourites! Try it!