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Located in the Listel Vancouver Hotel, O'Doul's serves west coast fare and has live jazz performances on many nights.
My gf and I attended a birthday party dinner here recently. I had been here before a ways back and expected much of the same really..
The decor is not exactly understated but does mute it some and it actually works whether you walk off the street in jeans and a shirt or dress to the nines on a formal excursion.
Fortunately we were still able to order off the regular menu; my gf's sablefish was complimented with gnocchi, seaweed, squash and brussels sprouts swimming in a shitake mushroom broth. It was noted as good while my misnomered duck breast confit was actually a pappardelle pasta with a small amount of actual duck breast confit (certainly not equalling a full breast) tossed with it's au jus and mixed with arugula and shaved parmesan. The combination works really well as the arugula was a much needed element to cut the heaviness from the confit. The pappardelle was a little underdone, however.
Service was pretty straightforward given our group of 12 though one of the servers dealing with another party at the table was rather "as a matter of fact" after a mix-up with an order.
I'd say the experience was pretty predictable but O'Douls is starting to get long in the tooth.
This place had a really good vibe, had a great time, and the food was absolutely tasty. Our waitress was consistently on the ball, making for awesome service. Originally had planned with my buddies to hop to a few different places but ended up staying at O'Douls for 3 hours! Kudos!
O'Douls has been around for many, many years and is a reliable place to take visitors from out of town. One of the best breakfast diners in the city and located on the busiest shopping street it still is good value, even if it is a step up from your Hons and sushi establishments nearby.
A recent lunch backed up my belief that there are few places on Robson that can beat O"Douls for an upscale good value meal.
I'm a critical person, so I like other people to know exactly how I'm unsatisfied and what can be done to change that. Conversely, I like to give credit where it's due, and O'douls can tastefully receive my congratulations for a highly recommended dining experience.
I came on Dine Out Vancouver, so at $32.25 after tax, I was able to sample what the restaurant has to feature in a 3-course meal. Higher-end restaurants always confound my food knowledge as I never understand exactly what they serve or what the sauces in the menu are made of. So I didn't catch that our appetizer, albacore tuna, would be served raw. I adore raw fish and albacore is a rarity in sushi, so I relished every 4 fresh bites (yes, it's small, but it's enough for girl). The fish (seared on the outside) came with sauce for dipping, and I never figured out what it was made of but it was a unique compliment to raw fish.
With the Dine Out menu's choice of 3 entrées, my friend and I covered the ground for non-vegetarians; we shared short ribs and salmon. The salmon was cooked with the perfect flakiness and taste, but the best part wasn't the meaty parts, but the skin, which was fried or baked. I was taken aback at the crunchy skin-a new experience for me in terms of fish. The chef seems to understand the appeal of crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. My short ribs was boneless (this may vary depending on your rib), very tender and flavourful. Both entrées came with puréed, creamy mash potatoes that had a hint of pumpkin in it. Whatever they did to the mash potatoes, it was delicious and unique.
What's a 3-course meal without dessert? I opted for a apple bread pudding while my friend chose the chocolate espresso torte. I would say that my choice was better because the chef's skill was clearly demonstrated in it. They are not too sweet (but diabetics beware) and the proportion was just right. Soft, warm and delicate, the bread pudding was beyond excellent.
The restaurant was nearly full by the time we left, but the staff is well-managed and we never once asked for attention! Service came automatically unbeckoned. Drinks were filled and utensils replaced-we were pampered. The waiters kept a close eye on our table and paced every step of the 3-course experience, so before I recognized the time, I had spent a good 2 hours with a stomach well-filled. Well-done Odouls!
We just went on Sunday for brunch and everything was poor. The place is so 'tired' and 'dated', it was like being in a time warp. Service was prettty much non existent, it was like there wasn't enough staff, and obviously no supervision as well. The carpets had a lot of food on it throughout the entire place, and we all noticed that this made the place seem very untidy and that was a big sign on how this place is. The food wasn't as poor as everything else, but it was very expensive for the amount of food on each place. We will never go back.
We went to O'Doul's the other night. I will start off with the fact that I called 2 times around 4:45 pm to make a reservation, and both times nobody answered the phone, and we were directed to the hotel front desk and then sent back to O'Doul's again. The phone kept ringing, and we were sent back to the hotel front desk once again. Confusing. We decided to go anyways, as we had friends in from San Fran, and they like the place a few years back. Ok, the prices have changed...it is a pretty expensive place for both food and wine. Our appies came, and the Seafood Chowder was the best of them all, but the portions for everything but the soup, were VERY small. Our main courses came, after quite a wait, (the restaurant was very quiet at 6:30), and they were okay, but our server did not come back to the table and even ask if we were happy with the quality of our food!! The final bill for the 4 of us came to almost $200, and we didn't even order expensive wines, let alone we didn't even order any bottles. For what we paid, O'Doul's did not deliver. Service was by far the biggest disappointment. Also, the restaurant seems to be very very outdated compared to other establishments that offer much better value.
My boyfriend and I had a severe craving for breakfast and decided to visit O'Doul's since we had heard that they have terrific eggs benedict. Although it was noon, the kind host said we could order from the breakfast menu. A professional server came by and offered us a beverage of freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee and gave us some time to order. Of course i ordered eggs benedict and decided on the smoked salmon benny, my bf had the corned beef hash with a poached egg. Both plates came with breakfast potatoes as well. We received a basket of olive bread and flatbread before our meal came with some jam, butter and peanut butter which was great! The servers were quick to get us any extra sauces we needed and refills for our beverages. Overall the meal was absolutely heaven...the eggs were poached to perfection not rubbery at all the smoked salmon was delectable smoky and salty and the hollandaise sauce was creamy and delicous. I had a bite of my bf corned beef hash with potatoes and it was just as good! Definately an excellent dining experience and now I crave for eggs benny from O'doul's all the time!
I decided to have a late lunch one sunny summer afternoon (2ish) and was looking for a quiet place to read. The Maitre'D informed me that because it was late, I could only sit either on the patio or at the bar. Since the bar was too dark, I decided to sit outside. She left me with the lunch menu.
I ordered a glass of wine, decided on what I wanted and settled in with my book. Before the waiter came back, the Maitre'D re-appeared with the bar menu and informed me rudely that the kitchen had since stopped serving lunch (in the span of 5 minutes). Nothing in the bar menu intrigued me especially when I already had my mind set. When the waiter came back with wine in hand, he was surprised to see me packing my bag. To his credit, when I complained about the Maitre'D, he quickly re-assured me that the kitchen was at my service and took my order.
The chowder and the seafood salad were amazing. The cheese cake that followed was simply heavenly. It's been 2 years and I still remember how good they tasted. However, I must say it was difficult to enjoy the food and the book when schools of tourists stood by and commented on my food and table etiquette. I miss the food and will definitely go back. But the next time, it will be during "normal" dining hours so I can sit inside and enjoy my food and book without the onlookers.
Dining at O'Doul's is always a pleasure. Beautiful restaurant, great atmosphere and delicious food. The service is consistently attentive, very professional and friendly. All my experiences there have been delightful, especially the lunch ones. Their Eggs Benedict is hands down the best I've ever had in Vancouver. Fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection every single time. I've gone many different parties and we have never been disappointed. Wonderful place, highly recommended.
So what is a good place to eat? O'Douls!
It's more on the pricy side but it's considered fine dining. And it's not as expensive as other places. The bennies are great & they usually cook it right. It comes with deliciously crisp potatoes & some fresh fruit. I've been to more expensive places that gave me unripened fruit! Afternoon dishes like caesar salads are great with anchovies & shaved parmesan. It's also great in the evening with live jazz music. The service is usually very good with servers smiling at you even if they aren't serving you.
We arrived for our 6 o'clock reservation on Saturday to find that the restaurant was empty except for a few people at the Bar. The ambient was warm and classy, unfortunately we did not hear any live music while we were eating, but it was nice nonetheless to have a nice quiet meal while watching the life on Robson. My girlfriend really liked the old world scene on the roof as well as the chandeliers. The Amuse-Bouche was ok, I can't remember exactly what it was, but it had olives ontop of it some microgreens and I believe some young cheese, it was a bit salty and would have been nice if it had a sweet component to it.
The food was great. We started off with the crab and onion tart that we had ordered off of their weekly menu. The tart was alright, it could have been a bit lighter and the onion could have been integrated into the dish more, it was more or less just sitting on top with everything. My girlfriend ate the sablefish which was perfectly cooked over a delicious broth with vegetables and gnocci. I had the rib eye which was done medium rare, honestly it was probably the best steak I've had in a long time at a restaurant. I am usually not a fan of rib eyes but this was really nice and tender. For dessert we had their triple chocolate desert which was FANTASTIC. Really really good dessert, it was not as rich as we expected it to be which was a good thing. The service was excellent, our drinks were always full and our server came by at the right times for checking on us etc.
1 Appetizer, 2 Entree's, 2 Drinks, 1 Dessert came to about 92 dollars. Good place to try if you've never been here before.
My wife and I went to O'Douls just recently. The first impression was "Upscale without being too pretentious". Our server was very attentive and our water glasses were never empty. Neither was my martini glass.
I ordered the 10oz strip loin which was cooked to my desired doneness quite well. A little over-buttered for my tastes but nothing to fuss about. My wife had....something. I think it was halibut and it had a risotto underneath. It must have been halibut because it was a touch dry and the risotto was a little too "al dente" for my liking. Although, having never been to Italy maybe that's the way it should be.
Anyway, 2 appies, 2 entrees and about 6 drinks (between the two of us) later, the bill arrives and is about as budget busting as I was expecting. Still, I'd go back for the live jazz and another bite to eat.
Dined out with a group of friends. The appetizers were awesome ( both clams and ahi tuna ) and also the sturgeon fillet and short rib entrees were so a perfect 10/10. Only complaint for me giving the food having 100% is the lack of dessert choices. The creme brulee was ok. I didn't really like that but besides that the decor and ambiance was very enjoyable.
Went to this restaurant with my girlfriend and I found it to be a great experience. Fantastic and friendly service, food that was worth every dollar (though the potatos were slightly undercooked) and a reasonably priced wine list.
I had a great time and thought the experience was worth the cost.
I come here mostly for breakfast & once for dinner. Both times their food was great. The breakfast is quite expensive ($20 a plate) but they have the best potatoes & excellent eggs Benedict. They're even better than some places that are more expensive.
Their dinner was really good and the music was performed by a trio. The servers are usually friendly and professional. But one time we were watching a tv show on my boyfriend's phone & the guy told us to turn it down (we can't control the volume) and I didn't think it mattered b/c there was only 1 other table nearby and it wasn't like they were trying to concentrate on Math on something. I'm kind of borderline 3.5-4 on service and 3-3.5 on value b/c I don't think the dinner was that expensive.
My family decided to meet our friends to give them a farewell party as they were going to the U.S.. One of them suggested O'Doul's, telling us she had quite a dinner there. The place was even in the magazine so we figured, how bad could it be?
Overall, O'Doul's was not that impressive. We got chicken pate and house salad for appetizer - which were quite nice. The baguette was tasty but it was cold for some reason. I got a chance to taste the jambalaya and clams with cream sauce. I found both disappointing. For myself, I ordered a sirloin stake and it was below my expectation. It was tasteless and was not worth the price.
But I do recommend their cosmopolitan and lemon tarte. They were simply great. And I was there while they had a jazz festival event and I really loved the music. I was sitting a bit far from the band but there was a screen with a projector so I could watch them without being crammed by people. It cost us an extra $5 each but I'd say it was too cheap for such wonderful music.
I wouldn't be willing to go back there for dinner but will definitely do so for dessert and drinks!
The first time I went there was for my birthday dinner a few months ago. I had been anticipating going to this place for months because I heard excellent reviews about it, and the (then-Fall) menu looked mouthwatering-ly delicious with an extensive and interesting wine selection. O'Doul's exceeded my expectations, and those of my friends, as well.
The atmosphere was classy, lighting was perfect and the jazz pianist that arrived later in the evening played at just the right level for "ambient" music.
Service was impeccable. Coincidentally, our waiter and I shared the same first name and place or origin, so we had a few good laughs over it. He was attentive without being over-bearing, and quick to respond.
The real highlight is the food. Wow, the food! I had a half portion of seasonal greens for starters (it's nice to see they offered both half and full portions of salads). The dressing was great, and the greens were fresh and crisp. It was followed by a seared sablefish fillet with mushroom broth and herb gnocci - it exploded with flavours, consistency of textures were perfect, and it was savoury without being over-salty. My friend had the espresso and ale barbecued short rib, and he claims it was the tastiest and most tender piece of meat he's ever had. The creme brulee dessert was also quite nice, and I had a refreshing "Pick Me Up," a mixture of Bailey's and espresso on the rocks, to finish everything off. Portions were perfectly-sized (not tiny, though not grossly large, either), and I'm sure everyone left with a full stomach. It cost $50 with gratuity for a three-course meal and a drink.
My friend and I am returning for the Dine Out menu, which we are eagerly looking forward to. I highly recommend O'Doul's to those looking for an exceptional dining experience!
We brunch at O'Doul's about once per month. Service is very good, and the host always accommodates our request for a window seat when possible. The staff is professional and courteous.
Each table has fresh flowers. A basket of yummy scones (not usually a scone fan) is served. The brunch menu is nicely varied; I often choose the vegetarian omelet with goat's cheese; it is hearty and filling without being heavy or greasy.I've also had the salmon scramble, the west coast seafood salad, and a few other things, and quite frankly, I am always impressed. My partner often orders the blueberry pancakes or the Haida benny, which I've also had and loved. You really can't go wrong. My partner is really into a good cup of coffee and is quite satisfied with O'Doul's brew .
Sometimes we sit on the small terrace in the summer, but mostly we are in the main dining area. The daytime ambiance is pleasant, and for a large room, they've done a good job of keeping it intimate and cozy. Look up at the ceiling for some lovely map work.
I took my girlfriend for a romantic dinner here and it was awesome. We ordered a bottle of light bodied Pinot Noir and ordered some dungess crab croquottes. Loved it!!! My girlfriend ordered duck which was great and I ordered a 12oz tenderloin which ruled the roost.
You can never go wrong with O'DOuls.....I will surely be there soon:)
I live in the westend but have never dined here before.
A friend of mine was staying in the hotel (Listel Hotel) so we decided to try out the restaurant. Wow! What a treat.
First I would like to say that the room itself is very welcoming, it has windows along Robson and Jervis street so there is not a bad seat in the house.
We were greeted in very friendly and professional manner and sat at a very nice table (without a reservation)
Our server (??) was very knowledgable and polite. We decided to go for the 3 course wine tasting menu which is something the restaurant features. Each course has a recommended wine and the server was very informed about the pairings which was even more helpful.
The food was wonderful.
I had halibut ceviche as an appetizer and the vegetarian risotto for an entree. Both were outstanding. The dessert was so good and I am not really much for desserts.
We did not stay for the Jazz but apparently they have live Jazz every night. Who knew??
All in all it was a great experience. I dine out quite a bit living in the west end and this was as good as any place I have been.
Great job!!
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