how intimate? how quiet? how lively?

most intimate:  

Jules

La Brasserie

Les Faux Bourgeois

Salt Tasting Room

Six Acres

Kingyo

Lolita's

East is East

Campagnolo

quiet and calm:

Grub

Jules

East is East

Motomachi Shukodo

Zipang

Modern Cafe

lively and happening:

Guu on Robson

Hapa Izakaya

Diamond
Rodney's Oyster House

Burgoo - Main St.

Nuba - gastown
Habit
Alibi Room
Six Acres

Cascade Room

Cafe Montmartre (sometimes)

The Greedy Pig

loud:

The Narrow