C Restaurant

I’m so sad this restaurant closed down. The food was always fresh and delicious here. Staff were good too. Ya the insides probably needed a little renovating but the view and patio are priceless. Hopefully what they have new planned is great too. I’m not sure why more people around this neighborhood didn’t come here as often as we use to. It was a good spot.

Great place and wonderful seafood. Unfortunately it has now closed. New ownership
will renovate, change the name and re-​open in a few months — according to the Globe & Mail newspaper November 3, 2014.

A great view and a great place to unwind on a Wednesday. Don’t come here if you’re trying to get in and out fast. The food is good, take your time, enjoy a couple of courses, and look out the window. Thumbs up

Do not, do not, do not buy the Groupon. I won’t even go anymore. A ways back we had one great part of the meal, some oysters (remember, you don’t need to cook these things, just shuck ‘em and try not to get any shell in them… and they did that just fine). There may be a famed reputation for having introduced sustainable fish in this industry years back, but riding on that is simply not enough. Read these reviews. Be forewarned. It is so unfortunate. I prefer Provence if you want something like this close by, with view, great service, the nicest staff, and pretty nice food (it doesn’t aspire to be C. but then it Provence doesn’t fail at what it aspires to and knows it is good at. and their newish wine bar, open a year, fantastic!).

Three strikes and you’re out. Last year we had a good experience ordering their steak and frites on their bar/​lounge menu (under $ 20). I find their regular menu over-​priced for what you get, both quality and quantity.
This year, I went May 31^st, to be told the bar menu would start June 1^st. I went by end of June and it still wasn’t available. I just went again now July 7^th, this time I checked their website, and was told it is still not available and when we asked the waiter why his reply was that was not his department. We asked the head waiter and he said it would be in another few days. We suggested they update their website and he just walked away.
They were not busy — maybe 4 tables. I can see why. service sucks! And the menu’s they publish on their website is not what they offer.
Sorry C, won’t be going back. we had a great meal across the water at Sandbar with excellent service. Took the aquabus there and back.

Per my last review, I haven’t return for 3 years. We went to C restaurant for Mother’s Day brunch. I made the reservation at 11.45am, it took over 15 mins to seat us! Such a great views, we planned to sit at patio. However, it was quite windy.
We were not sure what’s wrong with them! We had to waive the server when we needed to order and get coffee. Food portions were quite small and food came cold!
3 course brunch menu for $ 44 per person
Fish and crab cake — It’s ok and quite crispy outside.
Tuna — It presented nicely and tuna was fresh
Smoke salmon — It’s surprisingly small and wrapped with seaweed.
Grilled salmon — It’s ok but a bit dry.
Braised short rib and poach egg — Quite salty and overcooked poach egg!
Mushroom omelette — Worst omelette I ever had! Overcooked egg and watery mushroom!
Lemon tart, Cream brulee, Chocolate Ganache — Any bakery shop can make better dessert than them.
Such mediocre food and slow service, C will out of my list from now on!

We had a very bipolar experience at C. Had the evening continued as it began, they would have gotten 1 or 2 stars. Had the evening begun as it ended, it would have gotten 5 stars.
We had a reservation for our anniversary dinner at 7:00. We arrived a touch late, maybe at 7:05. The server offered us water, and we requested the tasting menu. Only the former arrived promptly. He did not take our drink order until about 7:30, and our first drinks didn’t arrive until about 7:45. When I asked for a «riff on a Manhattan,» he very awkwardly told us the bartender wasn’t very good, and he wouldn’t be able to do that. He was right, but he threw his bartender under the bus.
I make Manhattans all the time at home, and I know the ratio is 2:1 whiskey to sweet vermouth. This one was red and sweet; it was very heavy on the vermouth. I don’t know how such a classy place ends up with a bartender who not only cannot make an interesting Manhattan, but cannot even make a satisfactory classic one.
I ordered the tasting menu, pointing out that I have a dairy allergy. I told him I was happy to have whatever modifications the chefs saw fit to make, but was a bit concerned when he didn’t ask me at all what my preferences might be – there were some extras that could be added, like foie gras and caviar, as well as the wine pairing. My husband did not order off the tasting menu; he ordered an appetizer and an entrée.
Considering the poor quality of service we’d already received, I was quite concerned that the food I was served would be safe for me to eat. My suspicions were not incorrect.
The first thing that was brought out was a veloute — by a gentleman who seemed to be the head server. We pointed out that my husband hadn’t ordered that, and perhaps it was mine, as I couldn’t recall exactly what was on the tasting menu, but, oh wait, does that have cream in it? I cannot eat it.
At that point, I explained the issues we’d already had with the slow service, and the gentleman who’d brought out the veloute instantly took over our table. It was smooth sailing from there; he was clearly a seasoned professional. The food was amazing, the wine was great, the service was great, and I had no further concerns about whether the food was safe for me to eat. I could finally relax and enjoy our anniversary dinner.
He accidentally brought out my foie gras in the incorrect course order, but was very apologetic and comped it to us on our bill, even though I didn’t even mind the mixup.
In the end I really enjoyed our meal, but if I went there again, I would be cautious about who served me. Throughout the evening, I watched as our initial server fumbled orders at other tables, while the server who took over for him breezed along. I would also avoid the cocktail menu.

C was a good experience for a seafood dinner. The food was fresh and the presentation was well done, although like most fine dining restaurants, the portions were small. I suggest filling up on the warm bread they serve to start unless you have a big wallet. Oysters were fresh and medium sized. I requested a view beside the window which faced Granville island. The service was very tentative and helpful in deciding what to order of you’re undecided. Cool design of the restaurant and a nice view of the harbour. I’m not sure I would return but enjoyed the dinner overall.

The food was delicious! The seared scallop and the mushroom risotto was my favorite. The only thing that bothered me was the lack of service. Yes the waiters are attentive but they give the attitude that they don’t want to serve you but «have to». When they served the food they didn’t even wait for my boyfriend to come back from the washroom and just explained to me what was in the dish. When the bill was being paid there was no thank you or anything. It was our 6 year anniversary and I wish it was a more pleasant experience

treasure chest
Groupon or no Groupon, C Restaurant will cost you. It’s over-​priced so I’m about to whine about it. For the price, the place is lacking the refinement and lustre of Hawksworth and the like. To me, it is not in the same company. The food isn’t as polished and the service isn’t as fabulous. Remember, I’ll gladly dish out $ 100 for dinner, but it better start a party in my belly and put a bounce in my step.
My two dining companions and I were underwhelmed. It was good but the experience was tainted by the pace of their price fixed menu — too slow — d r a g g e d o n. There needs to be a steady beat — time for you to rest your palate, but not time for you to get hangry. Which we were by course four, at which point we said fire it all up.
I’m not saying don’t go — I’m saying be prepared. It’s a great place for couples — so romance. Just save it for a rare occasion, not necessarily a special one.
Here are the first three courses:
The soup was too runny, the salad was quite good, and the tuna was interesting, it came with a basil sorbet.
The foie was delicious but it took a second try. The first foie was clearly overcooked and they brought it out anyway.
The next dishes– two courses of fish — were just okay. The salmon was slightly overcooked.
I opted out of the set menu and started with lobster risotto which was divine. Big chunks of lobster, perfect risotto and and topped with a little lobster bisque. Layer and layers of goodness. Then I followed it with mussels and fries, which you can’t get wrong.
All in all, service was pleasant and polite, but it lacked attention to detail. If you’re not sure what I mean by that, I invite you to visit one of the following restaurants: Hawksworth, L’Abbatoir, Yew or in Toronto, Splendido, Harbour Sixty, North 44 or Nobu, Jean Georges in New York… there are many. These restaurants earn their price tag — both on the plate and how they serve it.
I did appreciate the fact our server brought me a dessert too (I didn’t order one but Roxy and the sister got one with their set menu). That was nice, and unexpected. A bonus point for their thoughtfulness.
C Restaurant is like the Boathouse Restaurant met an expensive plastic surgeon. Let’s remember, a face lift, botox and fillers can make you hot, but imperfections find a way to seep out, little by little. And that was my problem with C. It was just short of what it should be.

There was a deal for $ 78 Royal Tasting Menu so my husband and I decided to have quiet dinner here for his birthday. The tasting menu was a 6 course meal and it was just enough to fill us up. For those of you with a huge appetite, you can add an extra entrée and I think it would be sufficient. There were some inconsistencies that prevented the food from getting ⁴⁄₅.
First course: Roasted-​artichoke soup with marcona almonds, mint pesto, and a crab cracker. It was creamy, savoury and tangy. It was my favorite course and I could have eaten another bowl.
Second course: Tuna tataki with citrus-​chili rub, wasabi emulsion, ponzu, and pickled mushrooms. It came with 3 pieces of tuna. Two of my tuna tataki were just right and one was too salty. My husband’s dish was too salty and not enjoyable.
Third course: Line-​caught ling cod with basil mayo, saffron and prawn emulsion, and fingerling potatoes. Simple and good, no complaints.
Fourth course: Olive-​oil-​poached salmon with citrus and fennel risotto, lobster cream, watercress, and smoked octopus. The salmon was cooked perfectly, but we didn’t get the fennel risotto or smoked octopus. The salmon was on lentils and I found it boring and plain as lentils can be dry.
Fifth course: Land and sea with braised short rib, Clayoquat Sound sablefish, carrot foam, and truffle oil. Almost perfect. The sablefish was served hot, buttery and the carrot foam was a nice compliment to the fish. The short rib was good, except it was a little under room temperature. This dish would have been better if all the items were at the same temperature.
Sixth course: Pumpkin cheesecake with pear sorbet. Loved the dessert and wish it was bigger, but it is only a taster so that’s fine.
The one thing that stood out with C Restaurant is the service. Our babysitter fell through at the last moment and I called ahead to ask if we can sit somewhere so we didn’t disturb the other diners. Good thing our baby ended up sleeping through the entire meal. Every staff member we encountered were wonderful and accommodating. I would have given them a ⁴⁄₅ if the food was better. As I’ve mentioned before, the dishes were inconsistent so it would be difficult for me to pay full price. We still had a good time though.

We found this restaurant because my husband happened to see the chef on an episode of Iron Chef he was randomly watching while we were here. The location on the water gives you an amazing view of Granville Island, and when the weather is warmer, the patio looks like an ideal place to dine! We ordered the seared sable fish which came with pacific octopus, fingerling potatoes, roasted artichoke hearts, basil and saffron aiolis, and an eggplant smear mixed with squid ink. The fish was cooked perfectly, still soft and juicy, and the aiolis and eggplant smear added some wonderful flavors to the dish! We also had the lobster risotto which was equally tasty! The lobster was tender and the risotto wasn’t too heavy and had a lovely orange foam on top. For dessert we had a deconstructed Rocky Road which was interesting looking but super tasty! The service was friendly and very attentive. We’ll definitely be coming back next time!

My friend bought a Groupon for lunch here in late July, and the two of us did not enjoy it at all. Perhaps it was because it was a Groupon deal, but it seemed like everything was frozen and then fried. The appetizer was a very fatty and fried pork belly with lots of batter, the lobster bisque which we paid extra for was so-​so, and when the halibut entrée came we had to send it back as the middle was still raw and cold (my first time ever sending food back !). The best part about the meal was dessert, which was a berry ice cream cone. We left very disappointed. I am guessing from reading other reviews that their normal menu is much better.

One thing that sets C apart from other seafood restaurants in Vancouver is the service you receive the moment you step into the restaurant. The hostess was friendly and took the Boy to our window side table right away. The view was amazing with the sun setting while overlooking False Creek and Granville Island. Our waiter, Larry, then magically appeared with the menu, which he explained thoroughly.
The 6 course tasting menu took around 2 hours from start to end, but each course was served in very reasonable and timely manners. Larry’s numerous magical appearances to replenish our drinks and to see how we were doing also helped shorten the long dinner time.
The artichoke soup was presented in quite a unique way with Larry pouring the soup from a teapot. Yummy, creamy and one of the better soups I’ve had in a while. The tuna tataki was fresh and soft and the accompanying emulsions just enhanced the dish. The ling cod was my least favourite dish because it was a tad overcooked, however the basil mayo was really good. Larry then brought a salmon sashimi amuse bouche, which was very nice. The salmon and the sable fish dishes were the highlights of the evening, both were cooked perfectly and the Boy LOVED the risotto with lobster foam which was paired with the salmon. C really knows how to cook its salmon and sablefish.
It was very easy to find street parking very near the restaurant.
The only downside was that when it got busier at the end of the meal, Larry was then less hands on with our table as he had to help other tables which meant it took us around 20 minutes to get our bill.
I would come back for the food at a less busy time, because when the waiters have time, the service is really impeccable!

After a brief walk on along the pier, we decided to stop by for a bite. What appealed to us was the outside menu but it was too cold to sit outside so the host accommodated us with inside seating and an outside bar menu. Pretty cool.
The wait staff were amazing as was the food. I had the steak with a Caesar salad and fries then the lemon meringue pie. The chef did an excellent job with his presentation — impressive!

I’ve got to give C restaurant a one star review, even though I admit I’ve never eaten there.
I bought a Groupon four course for two people fixed price/​menu lunch. When I phoned to make a reservation (which you are required to do for the Groupon offer) I was called back by a very rude gentleman. Right away he said they were booked up on Sunday lunch for Groupon offers. Highly doubtful as I was calling on Wednesday afternoon and C restaurant is a large place. Then he went on to say that the lunch menu is only available weekdays, and they serve brunch on weekends (a different offer and the menu isn’t something I was interested in). Nowhere on the offer for this deal or the Groupon itself does it say weekdays only. I work workdays so this would mean I had wasted about $ 50 on a deal I couldn’t use. No apologies were offered.
I contacted Groupon and they did give me a credit. However I can’t give Groupon more than two stars either. The customer support person handling my issue made it clear that they were doing me a favour (and implied they wouldn’t do it in the future) because I hadn’t complained about an offer before.

Went here for a work dinner, so wasn’t too concerned about pricing. Service was pretty good except for one thing, that I will discuss later.
Restaurant itself was nice and can only imagine how lovely it would be, in the middle of summer. Food was very good. We had a few lobster poutines to start, which was amazing. The sauce was too die for and there was a lot of lobster for an appetizer. I ordered lobster as a main and wondered how it would compete. Unfortunately, for me it was almost exactly the same dish. Same sauce and instead of fries more of a potato gratin. I couldn’t believe that the server wouldn’t have said that the main was a «grown up» version of lobster poutine and the sauce was rich! Thankfully, for me it was also extremely good, but would have appreciated the heads-​up, so I could have sampled something different.

This was my 5^th time dining at C Restaurant and it has never let’s me down!
The view and ambiance of this restaurant being on the water is amazing and the service is always exceptional! I have My Level 2 WSET, and I find the servers to have excellent wine knowledge and they are extremely professional. The food was perfectly prepared and plated and the taste was bang on! I went for Dine Out Vancouver and I had the BC Albacore Tuna Cru and it was to die for!!! So fresh and I absolutely loved the shimiji mushrooms! For dinner I had the Roasted Striploin with Braised Beef Cheek… it was like heaven! The levels of flavour were many and I love love loved the truffles! For dessert I chose the Orange Panacotta and this was one of the best I have ever had! I suggest having it with the recommended See Ya Later Ranch «Hunny» Late Harvest Riesling. Well done C I will continue to come back!

I bought a 9 course tasting menu from Groupon for $ 47. I see they’ve offered quite a bit of these deals lately, which is never good news for non-​Groupon diners.
Here’s what we got:
* Wild– and cultivated-​mushroom velouté with garlic confit and croutons
* Charred octopus salad with frisée, bacon vinaigrette, and soft boiled egg
* Seared scallop with crushed minted peas, veigi sauce, panchetta, and lemonade foam
* House-​smoked salmon with corn risotto and green onion relish
* Seared albacore tuna with lyonnaise potato, zucchini ribbons, and parmesan soubise
* Farmhouse chevre with poached pears, artisan honey, and spiced walnuts
* Cucumber sorbet with pickled ginger and crisp basil
* Chocolate brownie with berry chantilly and lemon curd
* Petits fours
Overall, it was a good experience. We were seated promptly. Service was not speedy — all three times, it took a little longer for our drinks to arrive than I would have liked. But it was fast enough. And I ended up appreciating a little spacing between the courses because it made things feel less rushed. Waiters were attentive, described each course, answered questions, and kept our water glasses filled.
I’d rate the food as pretty good. My dining partner was a little underwhelmed because he wanted more of the dishes to be things that he’d want to order a full portion of. I do agree with that assessment, but I liked the creative presentation and flavors in the dishes, and the seafood was fresh and delicious. Standout dishes for me were the octopus salad (you wouldn’t think so, but it was fantastic) and the smoked salmon risotto. I found everything else to taste good. My dining partner wasn’t keen on the lemonade foam with the scallop and thought it overpowered the dish. Wine by the glass was on the expensive side, but I liked the pinot gris I had.
I think the food would have to be better to justify the regular price, but at the Groupon rate, it’s worth it for a nice dinner.

Did that brunch groupon thingy today. Paid $ 40 for two. After 2 coffees, 1 warm glass of champagne ($ 9), tax & tip it was another $ 45 for a total of $ 85. The food was good, but if I paid $ 40 each for that menu I would have been really disappointed!
The tasting menu is 4 courses and they served an amuse of corn bread. The granola and salad were very tasty. Loved the trout on the salad though I wish there was more! Benny was just like any other and I had to send mine back because my eggs were hard as rock with no running yolk. Then I waited again… the fingerling potatoes served with it tasted like vinegar and were not cooked through. The hollandaise was very good.
The restaurant has a nice view of Granville Island but the restaurant feels old and shabby. The floor, the chairs, the ceiling, the décor… it’s not great ambience inside there… and that’s being kind.
Service was super slow. Brunch took over 2 hours to be served and it was too long. I tried to be patient since we weren’t in a hurry and my son reminded me a couple of times not to stress out about how long everything took.
I’ve posted photos of all the brunch.