Niwa

Niwa is a Japanese-influenced farm-to-table restaurant in Port Town at the corner of Powell and Victoria, run by chef and owner Darren Gee with Robin Corbett, Stephen Whiteside, and Miki Ellis. The kitchen works from the best local ingredients, with a perpetually changing menu built around seasonal produce from nearby farms. The room seats about 30 guests and keeps a calm, intimate feel.

The five-course omakase lets the kitchen guide the table through meticulously crafted dishes built on freshness and flavour balance. The menu is always changing, but dishes like the Coligny Creek egg omelette and bone-in pork belly show the seasonal approach. The drinks program is sake-forward, with natural wines, cocktails, and beer alongside.

Hours are Monday through Friday 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM and the restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday hours may differ, so call ahead on public holidays