- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Anton's Pasta Bar
Categories: Food Specialty Food Restaurants Italian Specialty Food, Italian [Edit]
4260 Hastings StBurnaby, BC V5C 2J6
Neighbourhood: Burnaby Heights
(604) 299-6636
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Anton's Pasta Bar
Review Highlights
"Be prepared to line up, and bring a big appetite."
(in 16 reviews)
"They serve awesome Portuguese crusty buns made fresh hourly."
(in 4 reviews)
"Better to take it home to enjoy as another meal."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
60 reviews in English
-
Review from Ben C.
12/28/2011
Stepping back into Antons is like a stepping out of the Delorian and back to the future (sense? meh).
Instantly I noticed that NOTHING has changed in the last 15 years, and that's a good thing. Even the line up is the same!
I sat down, in what I presume to be a chair that is of my age, and looked upon the comforting menu that I've gotten to know over the last decade or so. Bombay Penne it is! (just as it always has been).
You know exactly what you're going to get here, and what you will need to take home =) -
Review from Beverly W.
Vancouver, BC
10/15/2011
I have been a long-time customer of Anton's. The food is so great that people will even line up in the cold and rain to get in. I have witnessed this on several ocassions.
I highly recommend the "RIGATONI ALLA PIZZAIOLA." This is by far the best dish in my opinion. I recently had this as take-out but I've ordered this on several ocassions during sit-down menus.
If you have the luxury to go during non-peak hours, I would do so in order to avoid lineups. -
Review from Sara-Peri K.
Vancouver, BC
10/15/2011
Yay! I really liked this place, I'm a pretty easy going diner if the food is great and the atmosphere is nice I'm happy. I read a lot of reviews and it seems people think that pasta is some gourmet dining experience, its carbs and cheese, RELAX! The pasta at Trattoria isn't any better than Antons, why? Because its a boiled flour, egg and water dish with sauce, its all the same to me. I am not saying Pasta cannot be done badly but pasta that is done well will never be more than just pasta. If your craving it and your not overly pretensions you will like Antons!
The older woman that served me and boyfriend was feisty and fun, we were both kind of having a tense night but she lightened the mood. She was eager to substitute the meat sauce on the beef tortellini for Alfredo sauce which I appreciated. It was soooo good, I was craving pasta and was starving and the creamy sauce mixed with hearty beef tortellini was exactly what I needed. MY boyfriend ordered some tuna pasta, I am personally adverse to any seafood being added to pasta unless it is lobster which I think is delicious. Seafood makes pasta taste fishy in a bad way even if the seafood on its own is good quality. I tried it and it was good for fish pasta! The place is inexpensive and even for a seasoned large portioned eater such as myself I finished only a little over half (Honestly I'm assuming most people would be done at 1/3, the portions are that big).
When me and my boyfriend were both sitting back in our chairs looking full and happy our server came around to ask "Looks like lunch?" she was sweet! So we took our pastas to go and the next morning I had a lovely breakfast of the rest of my pasta! All in all great experience especially because the night had not been great thus far and I definitely felt better after spending time in the cozily decorated little restaurant. The only thing I would change is the bread, the sauce is so good and there is much of it so I wanted to dip the bread roll into it but the bread was weird, completely manageable with lots of butter and salt but the sauce was so good that I did not feel the gross bread deserved to be slathered in it!! -
Review from Kashaya W.
Surrey, BC
2/5/2012
I finally tried Anton, better than I expected. Great flavour, awesome waitress and yes, the well known HUGE portions and fair price. Highly recommended. I was very lucky, I didn't have to wait for a table.
-
Review from Robert H.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2012
One thing I want to say is OMG! I love this country! The portions are HUGE! I usually get Lunch and have enough left over for dinner or lunch the next day too, less then 15 bucks for a HUGE portion of delicious pasta greatness, I am not worthy. My suggestion is to try something you know you like first and compare it to what you know. The "Conchiglie Frutti di Mare" and the "Penne Bombay", are my favorites. The Penne Bombay comes with shrimp and prawns so I usually swap the shrimp for veggies and the Penne for Shells. My Fav... Group Hug!
-
Review from Callie H.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2011
We arrived at around 6pm on a Sunday night. Big mistake. 1.5 hours in line and we were finally seated at a table for 6 (granted, tables for 2 were getting in much quicker than us). We were warned to arrive by 5pm by other reviews, but were in the area, so thought we'd brave it out.
If you're going for authentic Italian, this is not the place to eat. If you're going for MASSIVE portions at reasonable prices and mediocre quality, this IS the place to go.
We ordered 6 different dishes, as we wanted to try a range of items off their ginormous menu. Here are a few things that we tried...
-Linguine Con Polpette (spagetti & meatballs in tomato sauce): okay. Nothing to write home about, but, well, just okay. There were 2 huge meatballs and a somewhat bland sauce piled on top of a ridiculously generous heap of noodles.
-Gnocchi Cardinale (potato dumplings in creamy/tomato meat sauce): okay. Gnocchi was a little dense and kinda soggy... the sauce was flavourful, but I couldn't find much meat in it.
-Penne Bombay: there's something about curry and pasta that doesn't really sit right with me. This dish was also meh... not enough sauce or seafood for the amount of pasta. I think herein lays the problem with Anton's - they pile SO MUCH pasta on your plate that they hope you'll be overwhelmed by the amount and forget about the fact that it really isn't terrific food.
None of us were able to put much of a dent into our plates (including my boyfriend, who usually eats all of his food, and most of mine); partly because the portions were so big, but also because we were uninspired at the mounds of food in front of us. I have 6 to-go containers in my fridge (damn out-of-town guests!) that I don't really know what to do with.
I won't go back... if I want cheap pasta I'll just make it at home. -
Review from Stu C.
Vancouver, BC
9/14/2011
Quick notes: 1) If you arrive after 5pm on ANY day of the week, be prepared to be waiting for 20+min (they do not take reservations). 2) Be prepared to take home leftovers (1-2 more lunches worth per person)
If you ever drive by Anton's after 5pm, it is a certainty you'll see a lineup outside. For me, this is an indication that they must be doing something right to have this happen, every single night of the week. The staff and anybody that's been here before knows this fact and make sure new guests are aware of it.
Once inside, the decor of Anton's in nothing to write home about, but that's what gives it part of its charm. The appearance is trying for a small delicatessen/family owned place. It can only hold about 25 tables, and with that said you're packed in close to one another. You will also be able to see some of the workings of the kitchen as it's partly exposed to the dining area. Within a minute or two of you sitting down, a server will bring you some fresh and hot Portuguese crusty buns.
The menu is large. If you have not been before, it may take you a while to figure out how the menu is laid out and determine what you want. For all risottos and baked pastas, they warn you it will take about 30 min, as they it takes a more time to make it to order. However, everything else on the menu will come in a few minutes (less than 10 min). Unless you are A) a competitive eater B) very, very, very, very hungry C) can normally eat several pounds of pasta in one sitting; you will have left overs for 1-2 more lunches for sure.
Most of the dinner meals will cost about $15, but some with a lot of seafood and/or extra baked cheese will cost a dollar or two more. With the amount of food and quality, it's a great deal. With that said, do not expect an Italian fine dining pasta experience here. The decor, clientele (families and casually dressed people), and size of the portions should be a clear indication that you're coming for well made, hearty, comfort food. I have always been happy with the quality of the food (in addition to the portion size). My pasta has always been seasoned well, and el dente with the meats or seafood parts plentiful and not overcooked.
My favorite dish is the Fettuccine Creola, which has always had plenty of shrimp, Italian sausage, and pieces of chicken breast throughout and on top of the dish. Additionally, the severs are attentive and friendly, even with it continually being busy with customers.
I highly recommend Anton's pasta bar to try, at least once, if you you're in the lower mainland. -
Review from Katie R.
Vancouver, BC
9/2/2011
In my ongoing journey of eating through Burnaby Heights, I made a stop at Anton's recently. I was not expecting anything exceptional... and I was right.
We managed to get through the line up in 15 minutes (much better than the last time we tried to eat but faced a 45 minute wait). Our server was personable.
The menu was overwhelming, which set off an alarm bell for me. As a former chef, I am always concerned when a restaurant attempts to do everything rather than focusing on, and perfecting, a select group of dishes.
We ordered salads to start which were fine. When the pasta arrived, I would feel my stomach making a sad face. Sad to eat a big plate of sad, cheap noodles. I would have been absolutely satisfied with one third of the portion size.... and only managed to get through one third of the meal. As with so many pastas before, the arrabbiata sauce was not very spicy. Unspicy sauce on top of overcooked noodles = a meal that I am not eager to repeat. The other pasta ordered was in a "lemon sauce" that looked so unappetizing that I was amazed my dinner companion braved it. Oh, and the dish contained a lot of large pieces of celery. It was an unexpected addition.
All in all, I completed my adventure at Anton's in the name of science. It is an experience I will not be repeating anytime soon. -
Review from Martina M.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
The key to Anton's is to arrive before 5pm. If you arrive after 5pm, you'll see a long line out the door that can stretch all the way down the block. A server comes out to put your name on a list, and if you are a party of two chances are you'll get seated faster. In any case, the wait can be long, but I can assure you that it is definitely worth it.
The restaurant is small and has the feel of an old Italian restaurant. The menu is large. There is well over 30 options for the pasta, including everything from seafood to stuffed to specialty. You can't really go wrong with any of the choices, especially since all of the pasta is homemade in the restaurant that morning. Before the meal you get freshly baked buns. Don't fill up on the bun though, because the pasta portions are absolutely massive. For the price of ~$17 a plate, you definitely get your money's worth. I'm not entirely sure how people manage to finish the plate, since I ate a quarter of mine and was stuffed. The leftovers are great and will definitely last you another meal (or two).
If you're in the area, definitely check out Anton's. -
Review from Ernesto G.
5/2/2011 4 photos
Hungry? Very Hungry?? Starving???
Then Anton's the place for you. The portions are gigantic; see photos. The food is good and the service is excellent. Is it the best pasta I have ever had? No, but its pretty damn tasty, and the fact that you can pack the remainder and eat it for lunch or dinner tomorrow makes Anton's a great place to grab a casual bite with friends.
Solid 3.5 stars. -
Review from alison t.
Mission, BC
10/13/2011
The food here was quite good. What killed me was the service. We came with a group and were immediately counselled against sharing food and they even threatened to charge us if we shared our food. This warning and counselling was ongoing through our dining experience. When they finally brought the bill and the mints I asked our server if we were allowed to share those. She didn't find it funny. Ginormous portions, good food, would only go back if they have take out.
-
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Years ago this place was great, the pasta was al dente and the seafood was not over cooked. The tiramisu was awesome but now those days are gone. The cooks are like teenagers or barely older. The servers think they are the last Italian restaurant in town, and the quality is Meh. Also never order take out it is a rip off as it is smaller than most peoples left overs when they dine in. My friend suggested that maybe they are other peoples left overs and they didn't want to take it home. I think he was joking.
-
Review from Dana C.
Mission, BC
6/25/2011
If the lineup outside is any indication, the food must be worth the wait. We were lucky that we got there early and only waited 10 mins. A server comes outside to take your party's name.
The menu is quite extensive so it could take a while to decide but they have broken it up into categories so you can find all the red sauce or stuffed pastas easily. Baked pastas and risottos take about 30 mins to prepare. Everything else comes quite quickly.
We had just finished our soft crusty buns when the mountainous platters of pasta arrived. There is no shame if you can't finish your dish. I saw big, burly men walk out with doggie bags. I don't recommend even trying to finish a dish that size. Leave that to Man vs. Food. Better to take it home to enjoy as another meal. As another option you can share a pasta dish. Most dishes are around $15.50. Considering the volume of pasta on each plate, it is a good deal.
It is not a very large place and the kitchen and bar are very open. The atmosphere is casual so we weren't out of place in our jeans and t-shirts. The quality of food is worthy of a fancy Italian restaurant. Our meals were delicious and we couldn't finish even half so I'm really looking forward to lunch tomorrow! No room for dessert but the tiramisu sounds delish as well. We were in and out in an hour which suits me just fine as I don't want to linger too long after a meal. The servers were attentive and friendly despite how busy the restaurant was. -
Review from Sunny G.
Vancouver, BC
5/20/2011
There is a reason the line up goes out the door...
If you've never been to Antons before bring your appetite, and some good company to keep you entertained, as you'll most likely have to wait to be seated. I've waited as long as 40min for a seat - and if your ordering a baked pasta dish add another 30min to that time (baked dishes take longer). The wait is worth it though! MASSIVE portions and super flavourful pasta (if you get the right kind). Sometimes I can squeeze 3 meals out of my 1 dish, other times i'll have 2 very large servings. The service is prompt and friendly but décor is a bit dated - my date describe it as "cozy"... I'd say it could definitely use a bit of a facelift.
My favorites are the Penne Antonio, Fettuccine Creola and the Veggie Lasaga.
If your in the mood to have a few drinks give the sangria a try it's pretty good! But be warned, it packs a punch! =P
Some tips: Come early or late to minimize the wait. Remember if you want a baked pasta dish, you're going to have to wait an extra 30min. Most dishes are available in a whole wheat pasta alternative. Reheat your left overs on the stove top instead of the microwave, makes a huge difference in taste!
Happy eats! :) -
Review from Cody S.
Surrey, BC
9/26/2011
First thing you need to know.... There is always a line out the door to get a table. Be prepared to wait 30-60 minutes ANY night of the week. There pasta is freshly made and delicious. They have countless varieties to choose from with several sauces and meats to chose from. And for $16 you get a massive plate of food. I know they used to give you a pen that says "I ate the whole thing" if, of course, you ate the whole thing but I'm not so sure anymore; gaining wisdom in my old age, I now opt out of the tummy ache from eating a few pounds of pasta and take home leftovers for a couple of meals. Plus it's a family run joint so you know you will always take care of you! Make sure you have cash or your credit card since they don't take debit! Love vino with your pasta? Who doesn't! They have bottles at decent prices!
-
Review from KC C.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're hungry, you should definitely go to Anton's Pasta Bar. The portions are huge, and the service is quite exceptional.
I went here hungry with some friends from a school club, and my expectations were high because I've heard so many good things about this place.
I ordered the Conchiglie Zio Carmelo. I ate less than half of what I got --- the portions are that big! I thoroughly enjoyed the pinenuts in the pasta dish. The chicken was great, too.
The texture of the pasta threw me off a bit; it was more al dente than I would like. The sauce was light, although I wouldn't have minded a bit more salt.
Also, the complimentary bread was bland. They were big, but they were also very dry.
The service at Anton's is great, especially for a place that's quite busy. If you're planning on going here, make it a point to beat the rush. We arrived at around 4:30 and there's already a huge line up when we left just before 6:00pm.
Do I recommend this place? Probably, yes. They don't serve up the best pasta, but the portion alone is a reason to go. Be prepared to line up, and bring a big appetite! -
Review from Eric C.
Burnaby, BC
9/2/2010 ROTD 2/23/2011
Two of my co-workers and I brought our boss here today and before we arrived, we told our boss that if he could finish his meal that he would get a pen. He patted his stomach like it was going to be child's play for him and seemed ready for the challenge...
We arrived just before 5pm and a lineup was already forming. We had to wait for a late arrival before they would seat us, but otherwise the wait wasn't all that long.
This is clearly a pasta joint and meant for people with large appetites. The portions are ridiculously ENORMOUS and none of us food veterans could find a way to reach the bottoms of our plates. I don't know for sure, however I believe it's about 3lbs of pasta per plate at roughly $15-$17 with far too many options than should be allowed.
The options are endless and I have yet to run into a sauce that I wouldn't recommend.
Many others have commented on the fact that you'll see many people with take-out containers leaving... We did the same and a quick weigh-in proved that I eat too much considering my small stature. My boss did manage to consume more of his pasta than us, but was thrown by the fact that he was not able to polish it all off.
No pen for Mr Bossman, but five well-deserved stars for Anton's!Listed in: If we date long enough, I'll…, Eric's ROTDs
-
Review from Kas D.
Vancouver, BC
5/4/2011
This place has some massive portions!
I went a couple weeks back, as I hadn't been for years, and I swear the prices have gone up significantly. No bother really as the portions are still as massive as always. You can easily cut your meal into three portions - the next time I go I think I'll probably opt to share a pasta dish. I got the manicotti and it was lovely. Pasta stuffed with chicken, spinach and cheese in a delicious cream sauce. I think I gained at least 10 pounds from this meal, but it was tasty!
I also have to say that the service was great. Our server was quick and friendly. Not the most gourmet amazing pasta ever, but solidly tasty and enough food to feed a family. -
Review from Michael H.
Calgary, AB
8/19/2010
This is not a romantic night on the town. If you eat at Anton's then nix all plans of any romance afterwards. You'll have ate so much, that feeling sexy afterwards will be out of the question. Hard to feel sexy when you're carrying a little pasta baby.
So once again. Three star food, but a four star experience. The extra star comes from the serving portions. They are huge. But I like that. I like getting value for a buck. At the end of your meal, they don't even ask if you want it done up in a doggy bag. It's a given. When they bring you your cheque, they bring you the leftovers in a styrofoam container. In essence, one reasonable price for two meals.
The wait staff are all friendly. The decor is fine, if a little outdated. This is a busy and loud place. It is always full. There is always a 20 minute wait outside.
The sauces are a little thick. Tasty but a little too thick. The pasta is generally cooked fine ... they serve it so fast and often, that you rarely get it overcooked. On the other hand, you'll rarely get it al dente. They don't have the time for that attention to detail.
Anton's is a good experience if you want something entirely casual, don't have plans for romance and have no notions of a quiet evening out. As well, if you want a pre-made lunch for work the next day, you'll have it. Few people can finish off an entire plate, few people can finish more than half a plate. -
Review from Nicole F.
8/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times.
I'm really not into lineups so I try to go on the slower nights (if those even exist?) like Tuesdays. Usually I'm being dragged there by an eager first-timer.
I've tried a few of the dishes in the Vegetarian section of the menu and it has been pretty hit or miss with me. I think I finally figured out my favourite though so I'll stick with that. I get the Penne Ai Quattro Formaggi, which I like to ask for with the spinach noodles. I definitely recommend it. Fattening but oh so delicious! I went with my mother a few weeks ago and she had the Linguine Di Mare Bianco which she thought was amazing! She said the shrimp was perfectly cooked.
And it will feed you your next 4 meals. Don't eat until you're sick. Eat until you're satisfied and can still walk comfortably because you aren't going to finish it anyways and the more you have later, the better. Unless you order a shitty one like I have a few times.
Or you can try to finish it. But the prize is just a pen now. I heard it used to be a t-shirt. I'm not sure why they changed it.
Oh, BONUS: If you like bellinis or long island iced teas, they make killer ones of both and each are on special one night of the week.Listed in: Comfort Food
-
Review from Miranda L.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
They say you can have something cheap, fast, or good - and to choose two. Well, Antons has all three.
There's a reason there's always a line! Pro tip: even with a line, parties of two usually get in quite quickly as they're easier to seat. Alternatively, head down after the dinner rush (8 or 9pm) and you should be able to get right in.
The menu is intimidating and it's true some dishes are more memorable than others. My favourite is the Penne Antonio - if you're stuck and that sounds good, stop there.
The biggest thing about Anton's is that the portions are MASSIVE. As in, family style pasta for a family of four just by adding salad and bread massive. Without adding anything extra (why fill up on bread or the green stuff?) one dish is plenty for two very hungry people.
Except, ordering one to share misses the point.
The point of Anton's is to stuff yourself there, then take the rest home and eat for the next two or three days. I can also confirm that it freezes reasonably well if you can't do it two days in a row, or if you're heading out of town. Making multiple meals out of it makes this place one of the cheapest places to eat in town!
Their homemade Tiramisu is also incredible, and it's available to go if you can't fit another bite at the end of your meal.
And finally - they do offer takeout which is a great way to feed a crowd, but you actually get substantially less food than if you eat in store as the takeout containers simply are not large enough (my leftovers after stuffing myself still entirely fill a large container). It's still worth it cost wise, but don't expect the same quantity! -
Review from Jamie M.
Vancouver, BC
2/12/2011
Very decent food with big portions. Very basic but comfortable atmosphere.
My only complaint is that it can be tough to get in at times. There are usually people waiting outside the door. -
Review from Kailyn C.
Coquitlam, BC
10/24/2010
Small restaurant, big( like XXL) portions and long lines.
I came to know this place from a professor in economic who was discussing how Antons line up was relative to some equation he was trying to conjure up. Like most of my selective memories, I have long forgotten the formula, but will always remember a place to eat.
I have experienced Antons three times and I always roll (literally) out of the restaurant with my jeans unbutton and a takeout bag in hand.
Although, I like the atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant, the pasta itself is A-Ok. I have tried different sauces and somehow the dishes always seem quite similar in taste. Have I had better pasta in Vancouver, yes, but at smaller portions.
A fun place to try, but it's not a restaurant I would keep coming back too.
Oh, just a tip, Anton has a min. order per customer. If you're thinking of tackling a dish with a friend, you still need to order something. Please correct me though, if they have now changed the policy. -
Review from Cody S.
2/10/2011 ROTD 5/12/2011
If you're ready for a heaping platter of pasta and sauce, this is your place. As for me, I am not a big Italian food fan. Having said that....I was finally convinced to come here. The wait is normally pretty long, yes, but it might be worth it. The food is good. I had the Cannelloni Alla Fiorentina and it was a hard dish to even get halfway through. When I say this, I mean how large the dish is. It was pretty good and I have a really hard time with pasta. So there you go. We definitely knew that tomorrow's lunch (or a snack in between) would be boxed up and ready to go in a moments notice. Two meals for the price of one! The service was remarkably fast and I really liked how homey the place was. There is a reason for the line out the door and down the street.
Listed in: Really nice spots in Vancouver
-
Review from Karen R.
A great place to enjoy immensely enjoyable meals with out of this world portion sizes without breaking the bank.
i.e. One normal plate of pasta lasted me: initial sitting, plus 1-2 additional meals "lunch" -
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
4/22/2010 1 photo
After almost a decade, I finally return through the doors of Anton's and doesn't seem like much has changed 'cept the awesome neon sign out front. Huge portions at a great price that could satisfy you the next day for lunch (well, a big night snack for me =).
Quality? eh? It was alright to me. It wasn't anything impressive to me to stand outside and wait for 30 mins. I had the ravioli baked with cheese and boy do they load it up with cheese. It felt like eating a ravioli pizza lol.
Would I come back again? Only if there was no line up and I was planning to share a pasta with someone else.....Listed in: Hastings Chow Down
-
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
12/15/2009 1 photo
As most of the reviews are simpatico on Anton's: long lineups for huge portions of okay-but-not-fantastic pasta at value price - I will review Anton's as an Vancouver rite of passage and as a provider of writing utensils. Anton's was the place that I took out-of-towners and when I needed a new pen - however, the keyword being 'WAS'.
Flashback a handful of years and shortly after high school graduation, a Mickey Mouse group of hungry boys attempted to pass the baptism by fire for all Vancouver-raised males: finish an entire Anton's entree. Coming in a band of 8 brothers - our mission- no, our *destiny* was clear.
As we travelled into the heart of darkness, the 'boo-coo' mountains of pasta in front of us slowly retreated as we pressed food into our war faces. Like war paint, sauce splattered onto our faces -- the smell of meat sauce in the evening, smells like victory. A few of us lead the charge and completely razed our meals, adding pressure to the stragglers to not let the rest of the troops down. Leaving no man behind, we rallied the squad still in the thick of battle and one-by-one each pasta dish was toppled. Mission accomplished.
The owner descended upon the heroes and surrendered, "I am going to have to make my portions bigger." Please respect the sacrifices these brave men made at the altar of liberal portions. With the grace and grandeur of a head of state, he awarded us our medals of valour - each noble warrior was bestowed an Anton's pen boldly proclaiming "I ATE THE WHOLE THING" (picture attached). The award ceremony captured on the owner's camera: the overstuffed magnificent 8 at attention, proudly bearing their trophies. The historical documentation probably lost somewhere in the wall archive of photos in the back hall of the restaurant.
To anyone who claimed to be a true glutton, Anton's was the proving ground - separating the wheat from the chaff. Over the years, my Anton's pen was a badge of honour and it was a charm that brought me luck as I used it to write every university exam - nothing this pen wrote could be wrong. When people noticed my vibrant red click pen with rubber grips, I would proudly sing the praises of Anton's. When my pen broke or ran out of ink, this was a convenient excuse to go back to Anton's.
As time ravaged our youth, out of the original 8 - fewer and fewer of us could replicate the feat accomplished in our primes. After each outing at Anton's, casualties mounded up as more and more of us were carrying out doggy bags like the dog tags of the fallen. Even if the styrofoam containers were a different colour, they would be carried like white flags. However, each of us still had our war stories, pens and the 1,000-yard stare to prove it.
However, over time, the clicky pen was replaced with a cap pen of inferior quality. My academic luck waned. Then, people were given 'I.O.U.s' when the trophies ran out. Finally, reports from the frontlines earlier this year said there were no more pens for finishing your plate. No more pens. No more awards. No more irrefutable evidence that you did it. No more glory. The horror. The horror.
Anton's - how can your trademark milestone be so filling yet so hollow? -
Review from Kimli W.
7/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
It took several trips to Anton's before I found a favourite dish, but now that I have I can see why it's so popular. The portions are legendary - do NOT go here if you're only a little bit hungry; perhaps make the trip if you've just come off a hunger strike. Take Out is good, but the portions are lost in the size of the container - to truly get the most for your carb-loaded buck, eat in and get the rest of your ridiculously huge dish to go then sit back and eat leftovers for a week.
Great for pasta fans; daunting for light eaters; not for the impatient (there are always, always lines outside).
Be warned - Anton's is cash only; they don't take credit cards! -
Review from Andrew F.
Vancouver, BC
8/1/2010
One star off for the ridiculously long line-ups I've had to endure everytime and one star off for the pasta being only moderately good.
If you ever see anyone leaving the premises without a doggy bag you should stare in awe. Anyone who has eaten at Anton's knows the place is infamous for its portion sizes that are near impossible to finish on the spot. Those who do finish during their stay have that thin disguise of pride and accomplishment covering up an immense feeling of shameful gluttony and painful intestinal issues. I was once one of those people, and let me say that the free pen you receive does not make up for the awful 24 hours afterward. I seriously didn't eat until dinner the next day!
My god though, I will keep going back for their chicken manicotti in rose sauce. And despite some trivial fusion dishes like "Fusilli Al'Indiana" the pasta dishes are quite authentic! You should go at least once in your life. -
Review from Pia W.
11/26/2009
Have you ever been so hungry for pasta that you just want a whole mountain of it to chow down on?
Do I hear a yes?
Welcome to Anton's, where one "serving" = one "mountain" (notice I didn't use "hill", or "mound").
Extensive menu with all the different pastas, from three to four varieties of risottos to at least 6 other different pasta noodles. Anton's will definitely educate you on your knowledge of pasta. There's...
...Risotto, Linguine, Fettuccine, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Spaghettini, Ravioli, Tortellini, Macaroni, Cavatelli, Conchiglie, Fusilli, Penne...
....and it goes on and on
Again, there's a bread basket* served with whipped butter (store bought), you can always ask for more, but I don't see why you should need to because of the mountain of pasta that will be heading your way.
There's always a line up on weekends and holidays, but is it worth the wait? Well less than $20 for a mountain of pasta that would last you at least 3 meals, but then again, the quality of the pasta made isn't exactly very good. Honestly, I would prefer giving that $20 to the Old Spaghetti Factory for tastiness.
I barely make a dent into the mountain of pasta before asking them to pack it away for me because I couldn't bare looking at it. I was just that full!
The next day, I was still so full of pasta that I actually dreaded eating it for lunch. Same with the day after, and the day after that.
I would give Anton's a 2.5 stars, but rounded it up to 3, because it can be fun to go with your friends and talk over your individual mountains of pasta. Kind of like a tourist attraction I guess: "Go to Anton's to see the world's largest standard serving of pasta in a restaurant in the world!" But Anton's is definitely is a one-time attraction for me, after the first time, the magic of receiving such a generous portion wears off and dreading to finish it off one way or another settles in soon after.
...I think I've said "mountain of pasta" enough, you get the point don't you?
*Just a warning, if you're planning to take some bread home, be careful on how you warm it up at home, for some reason it becomes REALLY chewy. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
8/28/2008
I wish everyone else didn't like Anton's so much so I wouldn't have to wait, but what are you going to do? Yes, it's popular. Yes, you're going to be standing outside and watching all those happy people inside, eating their huge plates of pasta. Yes, you're going to be calculating - who's leaving? Are they cleaning that table? Are they making a two-top? (Couples can often get in a bit quicker that larger groups, FYI.)
But once we get in there, it's always a happy time. They have these tasty crusty buns and I always manage to get crumbs all over the table. The drink specials are always '90s flashbacks like Long Island Iced Tea and Killer Kool-Aid. And I've had a lot of different pastas over the years here, but have never had one I didn't like. Penne Capri is a personal favourite, and the Penne Arriabiata is great too. My husband only rarely diverts from his Fusilli New Orleans.
The servers are fast and completely on it. When we leave, we have enough pasta for a couple days worth of lunches, plus a little midnight snacking.
Oh, and if you go a little early or a little later, you'll probably not wait in much of a line-up at all. They also don't take debit, so be prepared.Listed in: Date Night, Everyone loves a lineup, Where the Big Things Are
-
Review from Hipster C.
Vancouver, BC
8/1/2010
Hey, it's not gourmet, but check the snobbery at the door and you'll have a good carb-loading time at Antons, guaranteed.
It's on my monthly rotation of restaruants to visit. I keep coming back because of the tasty pasta, consistent quality, and of course the famous Anton's value.
On the weekends try to avoid the lineups by going around 5 pm or after 8pm. I have two favourite pastas: the Conchiglie Frutti Di Mare which is a shell pasta in a light alfredo/white wine sauce with shrimps, scallops and mushrooms. And the Fettuccine Creola : Spicy tomato sauce with spicy sausage, chicken and shrimp. Both sauces have a lot of depth to them due to the use of wines and herbs. Fabulous!
Likes: Large portions, tasty pastas
Dislikes: Line-ups, noisy packed dining room, dinner buns served only when requested -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
2/24/2009
If I ever decide to go on a 30 day famine, a dinner at Anton's would on the top of my recovery list. Located on the little Italy part of Hastings bordering Burnaby and Vancouver, you can find cheap pasta dishes ($10-15) here served in ginormous amounts. Apparently you get a pen if you can finish it? Whupee -_- ?
Nonetheless, this is one of the only Burnaby restaurants that ever have line ups outside the door - for that reason alone, I am proud ^_^
Food: Their food, besides the large quantities and a 100-page menu of mixy-matchies, offers nothing gourmet or spectacular. Having said that, you should go at least once just for the experience. My sister dreams of their bread as edible pillows and I also have fond memories of their vegetarian pastas, especially the penne with tomato sauce and artichokes.
Atmosphere: Without a doubt, it's packed in here during dinner but the service is decent and the wait staff is usually pretty nice. It ain't no Vesuvio's but it's worth a try, even if you're just going for the bread and butter. -
Review from Reena M.
4/19/2009
2 stars means I have indeed experienced better.
Yes, portions are big and the options are vast.
But, the pasta is always overcooked. I like my pasta al dente. I think I would only go back if I had to.
I don't understand why people line up here. I guess it's like the Stephos of Italian food.Listed in: Dining in Burnaby
-
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
4/3/2010
While Vij's is always my choice when given the opportunity to eat at any restaurant in the Vancouver area that would cost less than $100 for dinner and alcohol for two, my wife always chooses Anton's.
Anton's is a Burnaby institution - since 1983.
It's immensely popular and never takes reservations.
What's the appeal? Delicious, heaping plates of homemade pasta topped with a number of different sauces - they feature over 70 on the menu. And if you ask, they'll hook up any type of pasta you would like with any of their sauce recommendations.
I had the special conchiglione (huge shells filled with a mix seafood mashup) with a tomato cream sauce. The pasta sat in my stomach like bricks, but the flavour was worth every bite. I also loved the texture - they reminded me of Kreplach.
We went just yesterday, on Good Friday, and the restaurant seemed understaffed. Despite a long lineup (our wait lasted about an hour and twenty minutes) - there would be ten-minute-long periods where tables would be empty. And we had to request water and to have our glasses refilled.
The clientèle ranges from long-stringy-haired death metal fans, to awkward SFU students in sweat pants, to large South Asian families. In other words, it has mass appeal, but Yaletown yuppies and Main Street hipsters would also feel welcome. However, they would probably scoff at the tasty, but pedestrian wine list (full of Peller Estates and Jackson-Triggs wines), and opt for one of the weekly drink specials ($4.95 weak martinis on Fridays) or one of the decent beers on tap (Shaftesbury 420, Shaftesbury Coastal Cream Ale, and Okanagan Spring Pale Ale).
If you come with the expectation of waiting a long time for your food, make sure to try Anton's at least once. It's really a place for locals, not for out-of-towners expecting something absolutely perfect.
If you are just two people, I'd recommend sharing one dish and a salad. You'll still probably have food left over. If you are three or four, I'd still only recommend sharing one dish and a salad. The portions are that huge! -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2008 1 photo
After a power shopping trip to Metrotown in Burnaby, my sister and I were hankering for some carbs to re-energize. We decided to hit up Anton's Pasta Bar, since its name seemed to fit the bill. Here's what my impression of this restaurant was.
Anton's offers TONS of pasta dishes (over 70, I think) ranging from seafood pasta to Indian and Cajun inspired pasta to an outstanding selection of vegetarian pastas. If you're not in the mood for pasta, try one of the delicious risottos. The wine list includes an eclectic international assortment. -
Review from Inga K.
3/24/2010
A friend introduced me to Anton's over lunch yesterday.
I don't eat pasta so I ordered the spinach salad with a spicy chicken breast. It was yummy, but I found it very bizarre that the sauce they used to coat my chicken was the same stuff you would put on hot buffalo wings. Surely to goodness there must be a more interesting sauce one could use to spice chicken.
My friend's meal was lovely and plentiful.
There is no line up at lunch, and I wouldn't wait for more than 10 minutes to eat here in the evening. It makes a pleasant lunch spot. -
Review from Tim L.
8/14/2008
There's often a line up outside this place and for good reason, it's an absolutely wonderful deal of a place to eat pasta.
Be prepared to be stuffed! Their large portions and low prices are what make this place so famous. See that other stream of people that are exiting? Notice nearly all of them have take out containers holding their leftovers?
Yeah...that's right. Your appetite? You better bring it! -
Review from Beth C.
Victoria, BC
2/1/2010
Ugh. We're from out of town and wanted Italian. When we saw "70 varieties of pasta!" we went "ooh! fun novelty!" and called to make a reservation.
The person who answered said "we don't take reservations - it's first come first serve." She did NOT say "be warned, we can get pretty busy, so come early or prepare for a wait" or anything.
So, we drove 35 minutes, me navigating on the Blackberry whie he drove, and me saying "okay, it should be in this next block, so start looking for park-- oh my god."
Line-up of at least 25 people.
I called and said there were two of us, how long ballpark might the wait be? and was told "No idea. your guess is as good as mine." Thank you, o helpful customer servant. Yeesh.
When I said we'd come from out of town, and driven for ages and it would be really helpful if they let people who called to make reservations know that the place was so busy, she said "uh huh? okeedokee." and that was that.
Screw you, Anton's. Having read all the reviews now, it doesn't sound like we missed much besides a few bucks of gas and a stomach-ache. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2008 1 photo
I definitely have to place myself on the lower end of the Anton's love scale as well. You can't deny the huge portions and your ability to take home a whole other meal but there are other aspects that aren't so great.
I've never been a fan of Anton's line. Nobody is, to be fair. I frequented it only when we had a friend working who could sneak us in (sorry lineup people, it happens). But yes, it always comes down to, is the line worth it?
I personally don't think so. The quality of the pasta in recent years has really declined. And on a strip that features Anducci's, some of the best pasta in the city, it's hard to argue for Anton's quality. Also, one of the thrills used to be challenging each other to eat the whole thing. Being a 20 something man, that used to be awesome. If you finished you also used to get an amazing Anton-sized plate. Sadly now it's just a pen and half the fun is gone.
Maybe I'm wishing too hard for bygone days of Anton's but..yeah. If you live in the neighborhood and think you can stand eating pasta for three days, go for it. Just never cross the city or hope you're going for the best pasta in the heights.
