Amber Listening Bar opens on Powell Street with Japanese kissa tradition, B.C. ingredients
New intimate venue combines Japanese philosophy with Pacific Northwest cuisine and vinyl-only music. Chef Ryan Mills helms a menu focused on careful sourcing.
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Amber Listening Bar has quietly opened at 99 Powell Street, introducing Vancouver to the Japanese kissa lounge tradition—a space designed to slow diners down and encourage deep listening.
The restaurant spins vinyl exclusively on vintage hi-fi equipment, intentionally creating warm, rounded sound worth hearing closely. The intimate space invites guests to linger over a thoughtfully crafted Pacific Northwest menu. Chef Ryan Mills designs small plates and more substantial dishes: Sablefish arrives with pea velouté, charred scallions, foraged morels, and pickled sea asparagus; "Chicken Fried" Spot Prawns come with Meyer lemon aioli. Steamed Mussels feature spring garlic and coconut broth, while Ricotta Gnudi pairs corn cream, bacon, morels, and Pecorino Romano.
The drinks program includes house cocktails like the Barbados (house grapefruit cordial, Patrón Silver, Tanqueray Sevilla, and fresh lemon juice) and the Pepi (Hendrick's, cucumber juice, jalapeño syrup, Ancho Reyes, and celery juice topped with jalapeño wine and garnished with an oyster).
Amber is open daily, with a brunch program available weekends starting at 10 a.m. The concept reflects an ethos of intentionality—every detail, from the plate to the playlist, is deliberate.
Good to know
Where is Amber Listening Bar?
Amber Listening Bar is located at 99 Powell Street in Vancouver.
What kind of food does Amber serve?
Chef Ryan Mills offers Pacific Northwest cuisine with small plates and more substantial dishes, including Sablefish with pea velouté and foraged morels, 'Chicken Fried' Spot Prawns with Meyer lemon aioli, Steamed Mussels with spring garlic and coconut broth, and Ricotta Gnudi with corn cream and bacon.
When does Amber's brunch service start?
Amber Listening Bar serves brunch on weekends starting at 10 a.m.
