Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Top 10

Destinations Worldwide

Must Visit

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Vancouver

North America

Canada

Nestled in the heart of Central Vancouver, Is That French is a hidden gem located at 45 Blood Alley Square. This intimate wine bar and restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that blends French-inspired dishes with a vibrant local twist. Its cozy atmosphere, accentuated by warm lighting and rustic decor, invites guests to unwind and savor each moment. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night or a casual gathering with friends, this spot promises an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at Is That French is a delightful exploration of small sharing plates that change regularly, ensuring there's always something new to try. Standout dishes include the Duck Tartare, which is a revelation with its tender, refreshing meat paired with a rich brown butter sauce, and the Cured Scallop Aguachile, a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and showcases the chef's creativity. Each plate is designed to be paired with a carefully selected wine from their expansive list, featuring unique options available by the glass.

Uni Toast: A decadent offering loaded with fresh uni and complemented by a medley of flavors that dance on the palate.

Matsutake Risotto: A harmonious blend of Italian and Japanese flavors, this dish is a must-try for any food lover.

One of the most charming aspects of Is That French is its intimate setting, which feels like a well-kept secret. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to recommend the perfect wine pairing, ensuring that each sip complements the meal beautifully. The ambiance is further enhanced by the soft music playing in the background, creating a warm and inviting space for diners.

Conveniently located in Central Vancouver, Is That French is surrounded by a plethora of attractions. After enjoying a meal, guests can take a leisurely stroll through the historic Gastown district or explore the nearby waterfront. The vibrant atmosphere of the city makes it an ideal spot to continue your evening, whether you're heading to a show or simply enjoying the sights.

What is Is That French known for?  
This wine bar is celebrated for its eclectic menu of small plates and an impressive selection of wines, making it a perfect spot for food and wine enthusiasts.

Why should I visit?  
Is That French offers a unique dining experience with dishes that are both innovative and comforting, set in a cozy atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment.

What’s nearby?  
The restaurant is close to Gastown, known for its historic charm, and the waterfront, perfect for a post-dinner stroll.

Ready to indulge in a culinary adventure? Visit Is That French today and discover why it’s one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious food, this wine bar promises an experience that will linger in your memory long after the last sip.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOUs3WGdBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJPV6Qs7lxhlQRZF3eHOogFUI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOUs3WGdBRRAB

Nice wine bar! Good selection of the wine and tasty foods but portions are smaller than other restaurants. If you like to enjoy a bottle of wine and good foods, this is the one. Enjoyed it a lot. I will definitely go back to try other dishes.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnNGVQd3l3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJPV6Qs7lxhlQRZF3eHOogFUI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnNGVQd3l3RRAB

This tucked-away gem remains one of my favourite spots in the city for practically any occasion: a delightful solo dinner, a romantic candlelit date night, a quick oysters-and-scallops stop, a glass of wine (or four) to round out the evening, really anything I could think of.

Wine list is expansive in quantity and variety. Lots of fun, sexy, different things, and wines available by the glass change often. I believe they offer wine flights which are very fun and also nice lol.

The food menu of small sharing-style plates is updated regularly as well. There are always things I want to eat! Oyster condiments are delicious. The uni toast (she is loaded) and cured scallops are always excellent. Currently, the duck tartare and torched steelhead are fantastic too. Yummy sauces abound.

Kovic and the entire team are eternally welcoming, knowledgeable, and pleasant. Keep doing what you’re doing! Love you *all* xx

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfZ3RmTDJnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJPV6Qs7lxhlQRZF3eHOogFUI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfZ3RmTDJnRRAB

Was that French? Haha…. I really don’t know. But the dinner was indeed
a very special and satisfying culinary experience. Never had I tried “Duck Tartare” before but I was stunned to find the dish so full of its own character. The duck meat was tender and refreshing. It was simply delicious. Service-wise, it was warm, hospitable and attentive.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2cjVEZjFnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJPV6Qs7lxhlQRZF3eHOogFUI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2cjVEZjFnRRAB

Fantastic little wine bar in Blood Alley. It’s tucked away, barely visible when it’s dark outside, and the atmosphere inside is warm and inviting. My partner booked us in last minute before we went to a show, and the service was fast and had great recommendations. They’re very knowledgeable about their wines and how they’re made. We tried a few wine and food picks out of our usual comfort zone, all of which we enjoyed. The menu for food is eclectic and each dish was incredibly enjoyable. We ordered two different half dozen plates of oysters, cured scallop aguachile, matsutake and wasabi oil risotto (this was especially delicious, you could tell whoever put this recipe together really understood how to combine Italian and Japanese flavours in a unique way), jamón iberico, and the lamb tartare. I highly recommend this wine bar, and I’ll be coming back soon!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzNTZ2bXNBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJPV6Qs7lxhlQRZF3eHOogFUI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzNTZ2bXNBRRAB

I visited this place on my birthday and really enjoyed the experience. We ordered a few dishes to share: Oeuf Mayonnaise, Ikura/Trout Belly Rillette with fines herbes, Cured Scallop Aguachile, Torched Steelhead Trout with nasturtium, and Lamb Tartare au Couteau with brown butter.

The portions were mostly tapas-sized, making it fun to pair each dish with different wines. That said, considering the portion sizes, the prices felt a bit on the higher side.  and some dishes felt slightly under-seasoned. Interestingly, the Torched Steelhead Trout was a dish we received by mistake due to a server’s mix-up, but it ended up being our favorite.

As for the recommended wine, a few of them lacked aroma, leaving me wondering if it wasn’t fresh or if that was just the style, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, I think this is a great spot to visit with fellow food and wine enthusiasts.

Is That French: Cozy Wine Bar in Central Vancouver

Indulge in exquisite French cuisine at 'Is That French' in the heart of Vancouver! Savor every bite and experience culinary delight. Book your table now!

Is That French | Fine Dining in Central Vancouver

Metro Vancouver Municipality

Is That French

Metro Vancouver

Experience luxury dining at Is That French in Vancouver! Enjoy exquisite wine pairings and gourmet small plates in a cozy atmosphere. Book your table now!

Is That French: A Hidden Wine Bar in Vancouver

Discover the best tips for enjoying your visit to Is That French in Vancouver. From wine selections to must-try dishes, elevate your dining experience!

Top Tips for Visiting Is That French in Vancouver

Learn about Is That French in the heart of Vancouver! Uncover the unique features, ambiance, and why this wine bar should be on your travel list.

Is That French: Cozy Wine Bar in Central Vancouver

Dining & Culinary Delights

Signature Highlights

Location & Nearby Attractions

FAQs

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience