Reviewing Haven Kitchen + Bar: Enjoy ‘modern casual dining with a global, adventurous approach’ in Langley, BC.
Haven was the first restaurant I stepped foot in when places started slowly opening back up in late 2020. Just the mere act of going out for dinner again was exhilarating and I was eager to check out Haven — Langley’s newest and hippest restaurant that was causing quite a stir. It had a buzz going on during the early stages of the pandemic, so naturally, my curiosity was piqued. The experience turned out to be fantastic, and since then, I’ve returned numerous times, making Haven one of my go-to’s in the area.
For my most recent visit, I was seated on the mezzanine, whereas I previously only sat outside on the patio or on the main floor. The mezzanine was by far my favorite as it gave a great vantage point over the entire establishment. I like how all three seating sections have uniquely distinct vibes yet are all cohesive with one another.
The restaurant’s atmosphere was loud and lively with cocktails and laughs galore. The vibe was perfect for a Friday night with table upon table cheering for the weekend ahead. The general energy was dynamic and spirited, and this bustling ambiance definitely added to the overall experience.
The first thing you notice about Haven is just how beautifully designed it is. The restaurant is eclectic, hip, and a maximalist lover’s dream. There is a jungle chic theme rooted all throughout the space. The eye stays busy with all the varying patterns and textures. Despite the fact that there is so much going on, nothing clashes. It just works, and that is a testament to its thoughtful design. Nature motifs fill the space and gold accents echo throughout. The restaurant’s design is a marvel of abundance.
Just like the design, the menu is innovative with excellent attention to detail. For starters, my friend and I had the sweet potato hummus, which contained cashew dukkah spiced flatbread, chili oil, fried chickpeas, and pea sprouts. It was simple yet sensational. The dish had great flavor and was quite enjoyable to eat. Once we saw that there was fried brie on the menu, it was a no-brainer to add that to our list of appetizers. The almond crusted dish contained red onion marmalade, balsamic glaze, raspberry sauce, and black pepper crostini. The dish was wonderful in both taste and color.
For dinner, I elected to choose the ohana bowl. I was torn between that and the braised pork belly, but it looks like I’ll need to return to try the latter. The bowl contained hoisin sesame marinated chicken thighs, sticky rice, wok tossed broccoli, red pepper, celery, onion, house-made teriyaki sauce, pineapple, spicy aioli, and crispy wonton. There was a lot going on, but each ingredient complimented the next to make the dish a triumph.
If you come to Haven for anything, let it be cocktails. The cocktails here are always a certifiable hit. This time, I had the rose sangria, which included Aperol, passion fruit liqueur, white cranberry, freshly squeezed lemon, apple, orange, and pineapple. It was refreshing, and I can’t wait to try all the other drinks on the list.
Long story short, Haven lives up to its name. It’s a culinary oasis nestled in a commercial warehouse. The restaurant is brimming with sensational food and drinks, lively ambience, and quirky design — a perfect concoction just like their cocktails!