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Located in the heart of The Port of Vancouver, The Cannery Seafood Restaurant has been a prime lunch and dinner destination for business people, locals and visitors since 1971. Permanently closed as of March 27th, 2009.
We had an early dinner here on Saturday evening. Because we were early we were able to get a seat right by the window upstairs. If we did not have a window seat I would have to classifty the ambiance as only decent. The restaurant has been around since 1971. Their lease expires in March of 2010 so they have not put a lot of work into updating the premises.
Service I would only rate as decent. Our waiter checked on us to see that everything was okay as the dinner progressed but he committed 2 major faux pas. He cleared my husbands dishes while I was still eating. I hate when they do this. Dishes should not be cleared until everyone has finished eating. It's uncomfortable eating when you companion is just sitting and waiting for the next course. You would just put down your fork after eating and the dish would be whisked away. After the bill was presented he asked if we would like change. I don't care if I only have an extra nickle with the bill if I do not want change I'll let you know.
We shared the calamari for an appetizer. I enjoyed it but my husband said he did not care for it. It was grilled calamari and came with roasted corn and was slightly spicy. For the entree we both had the special of the day - grilled salmon and halibut with a lobster sauce and tiger prawns. It was very good, a generous serving, very good taste of lobster and the fish and prawns were perfectly cooked. For dessert we decided to share a dessert trio - I think it was called a favorite. Don't bother. It consisted of a 1" square of chocolate hazelnut mousse, a quarter size scoop of ice cream in a pastry shell the size of a mushroom and a blood orange creme brulee that was not carmalized in a cup about half the size of a chinese teacup. It was a total ripoff at $11.00. It's better to go elsewhere for dessert.
It was a decent evening. The entree and appetizer were good but the service and dessert put a definite damper on the evening.
I've always wanted to come here but over the years, I've heard of more and more disgruntled customers but I chose to ignore them and come anyways. I should have listened to the masses...
Food: Meal came with complimentary bread served with a vinaigrette and lobster infused oil which was quite good. The rest of the meal was downhill. Calamari was a disappointment as it was quite tough and still seafoody tasting - without the strong spicy mustard sauce, the dish would've been unbearable. The accompanying asian noodle salad was just awful - an oily bland mess that any asian person would be incensed and/or embarassed to have it identified as being asian. I had the special which comprised of half salmon, half halibut with a herb sauce - one word to describe it would be awful. I found a scale on the salmon, the salmon itself was dry and tasted of cardboard. The halibut was no better as it was also dry and bland. The sauce was neither strong enough nor was there enough to moisten the fish. Accompanying vegetables were limp and tasteless. Dessert was no better as the chocolate cake was dry in some parts and the cheesecake was boring and needed a sauce. So disappointing... To top things off, my friend had a live bug crawling on her dessert dish - I think it was a beetle but I'm not sure. They got a rushed sorry and given a new plate. Ugh.
Service: our server tried his best but kept getting orders confused. Another waiter that helped seemed insane - he kept bumping into all of our chairs, wanted to take away plates that we were still eating from, spilled oil onto the table (I had leaned away and he said I needn't worry as he wouldn't spill the oil on me and low and behold, he spilt it all onto the table) and at one point, was motoring everywhere so inattentively that he ran right into another waitress, sending food flying everywhere. Bills were mixed at the end of the night and some of us were left grumbling, especially when automatic gratuity was added on even though there were less people than when it is automatically added on. Their loss as I would have generally tipped more.
Value: none. Portions small, tastless and bland and not even close to substantiating the prices that we were paying. I've never paid so much for a meal without drinks.
Ambiance: The view is absolutely amazing but the restaurant itself is dated. I actually received a sliver from the bannister. There is also a weird mix of people, especially when a man dressed in dirty sweats beside our table let out a loud belch towards the end of our meal. There needs to be standards at a place like this...
I will never return and recommend others to stay away as well. The drive in through the rude security gate is enough to deter me from returning, let alone all the terrible food, service and value.
A GREAT place to celebrate your birthday. You always get a birthday balloon and they do something fancy with your dessert cake. The food is decent but nothing super wowing. The Salmon Wellington is gigantic and very filling. And the view of the water makes The Cannery a very romantic setting. It's too bad that it might not be with us much longer. Hope they keep this Vancouver treasure!
My wife and I had our wedding anniversary dinner at the Cannery recently and they made us feel really special, menu with our names on it, nice table with a view etc. That was even before we ordered from the menu. If you want to share an appetizer try the Roasted Mussels......I can still taste them now they were so good. Our seafood mains (the salmon/halibut special and their famous salmon wellington) were both excellent. Large portions so don't fill up on bread beforehand. The dessert trio for two was just right to finish the meal. Do take time to sign the petition, hopefully the Port of Vancouver will have a change of heart and renew their lease. www.savethecannery.com
I came with a party of 8 on a Wednesday night for my best friend's b-day dinner. Even though it was a Wednesday, the restaurant was almost full. The b-day girl has left Vancouver for 2 years for work and since she came back, she has been wanting to go back to The Cannery.
For appys, we had ordered some Caesar salads, oysters, a lobster bisque, and clam chowder. The caesar salad and lobster bisque were okay, nothing special. I had a taste of the clam chowder and thought it was tasty but my friend said it was very sandy at the bottom. The same thing was said about the oysters. We had notified the waiter that we wanted to split the caesar salad and clam chowder so he took the liberty to split the salad and soup in 2 plates/bowls. I thought that was very nice of him.
For the mains, we ordered the special of the night (salmon and halibut combo), steak, salmon wellington, and a lobster. They were all reported to be okay.
Overall, the food was only okay, however, we were very impressed by the service. Our waiter made our night very enjoyable. Besides splitting our appys for easy sharing, he made sure our wines/waters were always topped up, checked on us periodically without being too instrusive, and he had asked the kitchen to split the b-day cake I brought in and decorate each plate with whip cream, strawberry syrup, and fruits making it look like a restaurant dessert. When the bill came, he notified us that a 15% gratuity has been added because we were a party of 8 and that we didn't need to add anymore tips. Despite the 15% gratuity being automatically added, we still received exceptional service, which doesn't happen often at other restaurants.
It was a very enjoyable dinner made extra special by the extrodinary service we received.
Just went back to the Cannery a few days ago. Despite some recent negative reviews on here, we still found it to be an amazing experience. (I've never been to this restaurant during DOV, so I'm not sure if the restaurant just declines in quality at that rush)
We were there for a birthday party and the service was exceptional. The server was always attentive but never overbearing, and he was very knowledgeable and gave excellent recommendations. The food was delicious. For appetizer we ordered some mussels to share and I had lobster bisque. My only complaint was the lobster bisque was a bit lukewarm and could've been hotter. The mussels were yummy!
Most of us ordered various fish from the fresh sheet and got it cajun blackened. It was served with both a lemon butter sauce and pineapple salsa, and I found the combination of both was perfect for my ling cod. The fish wasn't too dry and the texture was perfect. The veggies and mashed potatoes it came with didn't stand out in comparison.
Dessert was had by some and were reported to be good. Of course the lobster oil + bread is always a hit.
The view at night and the low lighting ambiance were great as well. I will miss this place when they move locations. :(
Overall, highly recommended during non-rush dates/times!
Too bad they are closing down. I am very disappointed.
I thought I should go to the cannery again before they close down. It was wonderful all around.
We had half dozen oysters. They were pretty small for $16. However, we also ordered the musssels. It was great.
The linguine came with a lot of seafood and the presentation was really cute that it came in a wok.
My friend had a salmon wellington, which was really awsome too!!!
If I get a chance, I will definately go again!!!!
Wonderful waiter too!!!!
Enjoyed a dinner with a few friends here recently. Most of us enjoyed our menu choices as most were prepared well. Items that received positive reviews include the roasted mussels (fresh & tasty), seafood platter appy (huge), smoked black cod (wonderful), filet mignon w/ tiger prawns, rack of lamb (nicely seasoned). A dining companion did not enjoy the trio of tartare and halibut cheeks because they both tasted very bland and the cheeks were somewhat dry. Only one dessert was had, creme brulee, and that was to our satisfaction. The complimentary bread with lobster-infused oil and balsamic vinegar is always wonderful.
Service was okay. Young server was friendly and helpful, but the foodrunners/busboys need to learn that smiling and being helpful is part of their job. Didn't look too happy when we asked for more bread and water.
The lighting is very dim and the ceilings are low, but you get this cozy feeling as if you're dining on a boat. Love the windows that wrap the main floor room.
The value was okay. With 2 entertainment coupons, the cost per person came up to about $60 for an entree and shared appy. Half of us had a glass of wine/beer. I don't come here often w/o the coupons, but I'd say to try it at least once before they relocate. The view is beautiful, even more so at night.
We arrived for our reservation and was promptly seated. Our waiter was very experienced and attentive. They have a great selection of wine at The Cannery! I really enjoyed the bread to start dipped in salmon oil with vinegar, it was delicious!! I didn`t like the appetizers though, the oysters on the shell was not that good, it was fresh but was small, so small you could barely taste the oyster meat, it was such a tease! The lobster bisque was too thick, although the scallop in the center of the bowl was very good. The seafood platter was wonderful, I especially loved the grilled oyster, mussels, and 1.5 lb lobster. They were all cooked to perfection and accompanied by 2 sauces on the side. One of my all time favorites is the smoked cod here, its so delicate and tender, it melts in your mouth! The desserts here are really special, you can`t leave without dessert, I love the macadamia ice cream and the chocolate creme brulee! The Cannery definitely has the best seafood in Vancouver.
This place is rather hard to get to and can easily be missed, but do make an effort to eat there -- whether lunch or dinner. The food is consistently great. The wine selection shows that they do take great care in picking good wine at good value. The view is wonderful, and so is the cannery-like interior decor. I have never had anything disappoint me here. Highly recommended.
This is it, one of the best in the lower mainland. Oustanding service, excellent food, and the best fresh sheet around. A wine spectator gold star restaurant for years, with a line list that wont disappoint. price are high, but well worth it. If you love fish and and a huge selection of seafood from around the world, visit the Cannery. Never less than superb!
... had the Smoked Cod and partner had the Salmon Wellington...
split the Mussels on an Iron Plate... really cool stuff, they even had the recipe on the website...
ok, admittedly, you're spending more than $30+ on an entree here. For that price you ARE getting some pretty good seafood - the Smoked Black Cod was tender and flavorful that you could smell the smokiness when they brought it to your table. (Ok, so it's not that big a piece.) Salmon Wellington was dry on the inside and the sauce for it, well, I wasn't a big fan, but excuted decently nonetheless.
Loved the mussels with pine nuts and flavored with sea salt... rather than standard steamed mussels, the iron-plate ones tasted roasted, which gave it another element of taste.
Had the Belgian Sinn Chocolate cake - admittedly, nothing special about it - but as it was an anniversary, what the hey... admittedly, you could get better desserts elsewhere...
but you come to the Cannery for the ambiance, for the seafood, not for the desserts. You come here for the seafood, the daily fresh list, the wine list, the dessert wines... and this, they do well. On top of that, the server is honest, gives you his input if you're not sure what you want to order, and is knowledgable and attentive, but yet, not intrusive. Loved the service, loved the attention, and loved the seafood.
We'll miss it when it's gone.
i would come here just to have their bread dipped in lobster oil.. that stuff is sooo good, truly one of their trademark complimentary dishes!
the ambiance is wonderful: you have a gorgeous view of the water and a relaxing atmosphere that makes it very comforting while you dine, cant say enough about it.
all the waiters/waitresses are extremely professional and polite, always attentive to their customers and friendly... these guys were trained very well.
the servings are not big but at the same time, not small either.. they are fair. tried their linguini and thought it tasted super. my date really enjoyed her prawn and scallop entree as well. their prices are reasonable relative to other restaurants in the same category.
overall, the cannery is one of the best in vancouver in terms of everything... it is unfortunate that this place is relocating in 2010, im making a promise to myself to return again before then.
Their lease expires just after the 2010 Olympics and then they have to find a new water front locale because they are in a "secure zone" in our ongoing "war of terror" and you have to be buzzed through to the port on Commissionaire Street to get there but it is well worth it. My wife and I were given a gift of a diner here for our anniversary. We dove right into the coast platter for two which was very big and had 1.5lb lobster, two smallish crabs (Alaska and Dungeness) various scallops, prawns, baked oysters, steamed mussels, three sauces and a side of veggies and risotto and also included a choice of two of their grilled items! We had the salmon and the smoked black cod and at $127 for two it is a good value and cross section of their specialties. The service was professional and attentive without being obtrusive. They were busy but never strained. The sun was setting and we had a window seat by virtue of they being told ahead of our special occasion and they graciously included dessert (Mousse chocolate tower, yum) as well as a personalized menu with a greeting addressed to us, a classy touch for a classy place. I know its a bit old school but on a night like last night I couldn’t ask for better. Thanks Cannery.
I came here after hearing all the rave reviews. It was a Wednesday night and it was partially packed. The ambiance and view is beautiful and the wait staff is personable and attentive.
The food on the other hand was average. The bread that was served was cold and of the wonder bread variety. We all shared to lobster bisque as the starter. Rich, brothy and warming for a cold winter night. I had the their house special smoked cod for my main. They cooked it perfectly and the flavors were rich and tender. However, nothing spectacular at $36. The others all went for the halibut night's special. Which was either the halibut or that night's special. They were pleased with the way it was cooked but it was nothing spectacular.
Dinner for 4 with a bottle of wine came to around $380.
In all it was a nice dining experience with impressive service. I wouldn't come here again unless there is a special occasion.
Was here for buddy's birthday. Party of 10 with reservations at 8 and waited about 10 minutes, no problem.
Were seated, greeted, given water and the specials and then our waiter disappeared for the next 20 minutes... we had to flag him in order to get our orders taken.
Ordered some appetizers and our mains. Appetizers arrived in 10 minutes and we had bread to tide over the time. However, we did not receive our main course until 10! Had the salmon wellington and I thought it was pretty good. Others around said theirs was a tad dry, perhaps that has something to do with my dish coming 5 minutes later than others.
Overall, a great night of food marred by a long wait time for food and a seemingly unattentive waiter.
My boyfriend took me to the Cannery for my birthday dinner. It's been a week and I'm still thinking about how great it was! I loved the ambiance. You can tell that it's old but it's unusual and the style suits its location right on the water.
The service was great from beginning to end and food was fantastic. We started with oysters, the mussels and the trio of tartar, all were excellent. My boyfriend had the Arctic Char for a main which was fabulous and I had the Mahi Mahi. Both portions were large and the vegetables that accompanied the fish were perfectly cooked. A small portion of garlic mash finished off the plate really well. We're not big dessert people so we didn't bother.
Our dinner, including cocktails and a bottle of wine came out to just over $200. I thought that was great value for what we received.
I would recommend this restaurant for special occasions and to take out of town guests. Hurry up though, they still haven't found a new owner!
I went to the Cannery today w/my fiance and had a wonderful lunch.
We had the risotto and the crab & salmon cakes which were both delicious. The yam fries we ordered as an appetizer was very filling. For dessert, we ordered the pavlova w/fresh fruit which was very light and delicious.
The service was very good. Our server was very attentive and outgoing.
I thought that we got a lot of value for our experience, since we used the Entertainment coupon. But, we'd still go anyways since the food is really good.
The ambiance is great. We went on a gorgeous day, had a window seat, and had a wonderful lunch.
I highly HIGHLY recommend The Cannery for your next special lunch/dinner before they move in about a year.
I find the prices high here for what you get - neither quality nor quantity. It was one of the original great seafood places in town but now we have so many better options. The people stand out more than the food and ambiance. It's not located in the most desirable area.
Bluewater Cafe and Boathouse step aside, this is the perhaps the DADDY of all seafood restaurants in the Greater Vancouver Area. Don't mind its strange industrial/shipping dock location out in "where in the hell do I find this place" land, this restaurant wasn't named the Cannery for no reason - the property truly had historic roots in the fish canning business. If that isn't enough to pique your interest, their food will. Frederic Couton, a classically trained French chef, serves up tasty and elegant seafood delights in generous portions. The Seafood Bouillabase and Salmon Wellington dishes during my last 2 visits were sublime and very satisfying. The excellent service staff complimented the excellent food as well.
Of all the restaurants offered in the Entertainment discount book , the coupon for the Cannery is perhaps the most coveted.
Make sure you bring your credit card (with plenty of funds) if you don't plan on using any coupons.
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