Hot as a plugged in curling iron, Sanafir injects zesty, tasty, life into the Granville strip. Mixing modern Western aesthetics with Arabian accents and warm, Egyptian hospitality, this it-spot revels in its exoticism.

Sanafir, meaning “meeting place” in Arabic, is a bi-level restaurant adorned with handcrafted Egyptian amber urns, harem style draperies, and richly upholstered beds; as you know, nothing says romance like harems and beds. With 40-foot ceilings, handcrafted glass chandeliers, and gilt paintings, Sanafir exudes culture and style. The atmosphere is chic yet elegant, and offers a rare Eastern/Western fusion.

The menu, simply divided into Chicken, Tuna, Beef, Prawn, Lamb, Scallop, Salmon, Pork, and Vegetarian selections, is diverse enough to placate, tempt, and ravish even the most fickle diner. For foreplay, try the Seared Coho Salmon Medallion topped with smoked bacon, monad lentils and candied carrot or try the Sautéed Thai Prawn with curry silvered almonds and braised Savoy cabbage before finishing off with the Tea Smoked Spring Salmon Fillet (includes lemongrass, cream lychee salsa and silvered coconut).
Wash it all down with a glass of Stag’s Hollow Pinot Noir ($12) then top it all off with an exceptional Tapas Dessert ($9), which includes a Chocolate Fruit sushi Roll with too many treats to mention. It's one of the most satisfying full course meals available on Granville.

Before you go, check out the upper level: a loft including lounge beds with vividly coloured silk pillows and drapes, that suggestively implants post-dinner ideas into your date's mind (I swear it's not a brothel; it's all for show). - L.H.