Concierge.com's insider take:

Gregarious owner Vikram Vij and wife Meeru are best known for their fabulous, dinner-only, reservations-not-accepted Vij's. By all means, try to squeeze in there; the lamb popsicles are by themselves worth the wait (you can usually be seated pretty quickly if you arrive around 9 or 9:30 pm). But don't overlook Rangoli, the more casual annex next door (1488 W. 11th Ave.; 604-736-5711); it's an easier way to try some of Vij's scrumptious subcontinental food. Grab a table in the unassuming, diner-style room and order such seasonal dishes as Bengali tilapia curry or jackfruit paratha with lentil dumplings and spiced yogurt. If you're worried about late-night cravings for more or plan to spend an evening in your hotel room, Rangoli has a counter selling upscale takeout, including curries, chutneys, cumin rice, chapati, and naan to reheat in your hotel microwave. There's even a special dessert to go: Chocolate Sparkle cookies, developed by Vancouver's leading chocolatier, Thomas Haas, and flavored with Vikram's own garam masala spice blend.

Vij's open for dinner daily at 5:30 pm. Rangoli open daily 11 am to 10 pm.