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The menu at Divino is made up of dishes that are creative and tasty, based on simple and traditional ingredients.
Found this place somewhat by accident after trying to find a new restaurant that did a tasting menu. There were some mixed reviews - but we've learned to ignore those made during Dine Out Vancouver.
Found the place without a problem - easy parking on Commercial. The restaurant itself is nice - very much a wine bar/bistro type feel. We were sat immediately, after being given a choice of tables. There was the smell of bacon in the air - worked for us!
On the menu there was only a 4 course tasting menu, plus regular items. I thought I had seen references to a 5 course, so when the host/waiter/owner (??) came over we asked if it was possible to expand on what was in the menu. Not only was it not a problem, but he seemed to be pretty enthusiastic about doing it! We elected to also do wine pairing with each course.
First up was a very nice Tuna Crudo served with grapefuit and cress. Was a very nice way to begin - the fish was fresh and the flavours went well with each other and the wine. Second course was something the chef brought out that he said they were looking to put on the regular menu - a very nice lamb tartare. Served with shaved mushrooms, radish and onion. Was expecting it to be quite 'lamby' for lack of a better word, but it was really quite delicate. The meat was perhaps ground a little too fine, but overall fantastic. Was paired with a beer that actually worked!
The two 'main' dishes were spectacular. First was a beautiful rabbit dish ... served creatively with garden vegetable - charred lettuce, carrot, beets and a turnip (?) purée. The rabbit was outstanding and cooked perfectly. I think it was paired with a Gruner that went well with the dish. Had a couple of clams with it that were good but probably unnecessary. The other was dry aged beef, cooked about a medium rare, served wiith a black trumpet mushroom risotto. The beef was good, but I think I dreamt about that risotto - I could have had a bowl full. Was paired with Note Bene cabernet which was perfect with the dish.
We wern't quite ready for dessert yet so asked for a cheese/charcuterie course with they happily accommodated. We were served about four types of cheese, some prosciutto and salami. Was thinking we might have started with this, but was actually a nice course before dessert. Had a little more Note Bene with the cheese with no complaints.
Dessert was another stand-out. A very rich hand made ice cream (either vanilla or almond) served with creamy chocolate chunks that had been frozen in liquid nitrogen. Wow. Somewhat of a fudgecicle effect and it was out of this world. Paired with a very nice 10 year tawny port.
Overall was really impressed - the food was fantastic, and the service was great too. Each course was perfectly timed - we wern't rushed, nor we're we ever sitting there wondering when the next plates were coming. Was also great to have the chef come out to describe the dishes and ask us for feedback. The only complaint from the table was it was maybe a little light on quantity - but honestly I thought it was perfect, if I'm having 5 or 6 courses I don't want a massive pile of food on the plate.
Value was pretty decent - ended up being a little over $100 pp before tip. Given that the meal ended up at 6 courses with wine I was happy. Will definately return - this restaurant would be one I'd be happy to have a casual night out or a blow out meal.
Went to Divino Wine Bar mid week and was seated even though my coupon had expired a few days prior. Although the menu is limited it is not without interesting selections. Enjoyed the best antipasto platter that we have ever had. Followed by the Pork Belly(my husband) and Mushroom and Greens Risotto. Even though we were full after the appetizer we loved our main courses. Finished off our meal with a Poached Pear, espresso mousse and gelato. During our meal, we had nice conversation with the new owner and will definitely be going back. He is planning some changes but please keep the antipasto platter.
My husband and I dined here recently. Weekday early evening, we were the only diners when we arrived at opening. We were sat and served by the manager, a very personable French import who made it clear he was happy with his new home. Menu is one sheet, but plenty of variety. I had the carpaccio, it was outstanding. My hubby a goat cheese and blk olive spread. We had a BC merlot that did not disappoint and was only $60. My olive oil poached halibut on a ratatouille inspired orzo was superb. I NEVER say this at ANY restaurant, but i could have easily ordered five of the six entres offered. My hubby had a short rib rigatoni that was nothing but succulent. Service was top notch. We used a Groupon and were not treated any different than any other customer. The washroom was clean and well appointed. Only negative I could mention was the choice of music. A bit techno and in our opinion, a mismatch to the restaurant. Plenty of street parking and easy to find. Will return for certain.
I went here as a party of 3 couples. When we first walked in I was surprised how small the place was. It being a wine bar I somehow assumed it would be large but it's not.
The menu is small but they have a 5 course tasting menu which came with wine selections so most of us ordered that. The menu itself did not have a whole lot of vegetarian options but the chef was nice enough to create a 2 course dinner for me. We started out with a meat & cheese platter (plus some marinated veg for myself) and everyone was quite happy with the selection of cured meats and various cheeses. The people who had the 5 course meals were quite happy with their meals. We were there for 3.5 hours and they only had 2 other tables of 2 people each, which is surprising. All in all it was a great time, the wine accompaniments perfectly matched the entrees and for $75 it is a steal. The server had a great personality and was very knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend this place for a small party.
Went to Divino wine bar on commercial drive last night and was blown away.
I had the 5 course chef menu with wine pairing, first of all for the quality of food and wine produced for $85 per person it's a steal!
Had a pork terrine, smoked salmon. duck breast, bison shortrib and a creme caramel all out of this world.
Service was very good, wine pairing worked very well.
This is my new favorite littel place.
will be back for sure.
A recent return to Divino wine bar did not disappoint. The addition of summer time outdoor seating seemed a popular choice with local diners. We instead chose to sip martinis in the enjoyment of air conditioning at one of the inside tables. A standout martini made from apple vodka, cranberry and Grand Marnier had me thinking of the caramel apples of my youth, befitting the velvety smooth voice of Dean Martin coming over the speaker system. Although Divino is pricy for the area, you get what you pay for in the quality seasonal ingredients and creative menu.
- The Tuna Carpaccio with fennel and cucumber starter was excellent- a fabulously refreshing choice for the warm summer night. The rich foie gras on brioche was spectacular as usual; a perfect balance between sweet and savory. the already beautiful presentation made even more so by the addition of micro lettuce sprigs which added a splash of summer to the plate look. The generously portioned of cherry miso halibut entrée was a perfectly cooked, and was accompanied by a silky smooth potato puree and assorted summer vegetables. The prettily plated Scallop entrée consisted of four perfectly seared scallops served atop bamboo rice, edged with champagne foam and circled by a vibrant parsley-celery coulis, all showcasing the chef’s culinary skill. While somewhat smaller in proportion to the tuna entrée it proved extremely flavorful and thoroughly satisfyingly.
Forgoing the desert in lieu of cheese turned out to be a great choice. Servings are generous; some standouts on the list included a Spanish Manchego, a wonderfully creamy French Bourgogne, a satisfyingly salty blue and a fantastic truffle goat. To complete the evening we couldn’t resist heading next door to Divino’s gelato parlor where the pink grapefruit gelato turned out to be perfectly… Divine.
I was lookingforward to a real "salt, uva, yew" type wine bar on the drive - a let donw. Nice loking room, overpriced wines by the glass, and staff that seem to lack any wine or wine interest. Fod was not bad but this place needs a real sommelier to put it in the wine bar direction. I'd rather go to the slighlty shabby Waazubee several doors down where they actaully have close to 50 wines by the glass and all really good value. DiVino make me happy be a real wine bar!!!
Divino wine bar prooved a welcome and long overdue addition to "the drive". Far exceeding expectations, the dishes arrived beautifully presented,superbly prepared and extremely flavourful. The chef's Lobster three ways and Glazed duck breast & foie Gras on French toast were absolutely outstanding- both, packed layer upon layer with unexpected flavour combinations that will thrill the tastebuds of even the most discernable palate. Portions are enviably perfect, none being either too big nor any too small. The service is exceptionally attentive; the space,warm with a sophisticated modern feel and well suited to an evening spent lingering over great wine and even greater food.
We visited this place on Sunday night for the first time even with the previous reviews posted here we thought we would give it a chance as we enjoy our wines and simple tasty food.
It was slow night inside but had a great experience. The wine selection by the glass is limited but found it to be fine as far as price and quality wines go. We had a couple of different reds along with a cheese selection that was very tasty. We then split a beet salad and a beef tenderion done perfectly. The wines by the bottle are far more extensive, with a good selection for a small place.
We will be coming back again as the service by Sam was great and after talking with Drew the chef we want to return for a full night of tasty food and wine.
Drew tries to use local seasonal foods so the menu changes occasionaly and you can taste his passion for creating dishes from local available ingredients.
We had the pleasure of tasting a bottle of Foley Pinot Noir during our visit... if you like Pinot Noir this wine ROCKS!!
Just remember - this is not a downtown wine bar so don't expect to be wowed - it is on "The Drive" and fits in perfectly for this area - if you are a wine snob - go downtown and drop your big $$ there. If you like a nice casual place and like good value for your money this is a place for you. We suggest you give this place a try for a nicel evening...we did and we really enjoyed it - coming back for my Bday at the end of the month.
How can you call yourself a wine bar when you have only 4 reds and 4 whites by the glass. The wines they do have by the glass are LAME! Someone with good intentions who obviously knows sweet dick about wine put this list together. I was really hoping to sit at the bar and enjoy a few glasses of quality wine. The French they were pouring wasn't even an AOC wine. Enough wine snobbery from me.
Had some cheese and bread. That was OK. I had a nice conversation with the barman. Don't get me wrong, they have some stellar wines by the bottle. This place lacks direction big time.
It's not to late to get it together.
Good Luck
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