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Aphrodite's Organic Café and Pie Shop
Category: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
3598 4th Ave WVancouver, BC V6R 1N8
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 733-8308
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
73 reviews for Aphrodite's Organic Café and Pie Shop
Review Highlights
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"Lots of veg, vegan options and gluten free things too." In 12 reviews -
"pumpkin and wheat/gluten free strawberry rhubarb." In 9 reviews -
"My partner had the chocolate pecan and it was awesome." In 6 reviews
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73 reviews in English
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Review from Jay M.
Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
5/11/2012
People love to bitch about shit. Undeniably true. I will agree that it's a touch on the expensive side to dine at Aphrodites, but I can't help but think that a lot of the people who are complaining about the price here are the same kind of people who buy things like bottled water (pet peeve of mine), or the 'organic' food from Safeway (which is egregiously overpriced).
Now you may be saying to yourself "Hey mister Internet guy! Aren't you just bitching about people who bitch about shit!? Pot meet kettle, am I right??" I suppose so; however I am a haughty(not HOTTY) and supercilious young man, so bear with me here.
The main reason I won't bitch about the price here is because I am aware of my other ...'expenses'. I would be a complete and utter hypocrite if I complained about the price of eating out when earlier this week I spent 500 dollars at Brooks Brothers on shit I didn't REALLY need but thought I'd look disgustingly attractive in. I suppose that's another point I'd like to make. You find it too expensive? Move out of Vancouver. This is the most unaffordable city in Canada, so if you absentmindedly waltz into an ORGANIC restaurant of all places and you're expecting a cheap meal, give me your number so I can properly berate you over the phone.
Anyway.
I really like this place, and I think the main reason is because it gives me a very nice "coming home" feeling when I walk in. It's not the service per se ( although the servers are all quite nice) but the decor and the tables (etc) just remind me of being young and visiting my grandmother. I can't quite put my finger on it.
The food is great, I usually order the omelette (you get to choose your own "innards" as I like to call them) which comes with mighty generous portions. The big problem I had with the naam is they give you WAY too much (bad) food..I almost stood up and and yelled "STARVING CHILDREN IN AFRICA, ANYONE???" but I got a hold of myself. Aphrodites they give you generous portions, but not so much that you feel like you're 9 months pregnant.
So yes, it is expensive, and a pox on your family for not figuring that out before walking in here, but the food is great! There is nothing wrong with splurging every once in a while. In fact, I demand that you splurge. Splurge right now! If Twin Peaks taught me anything, it's that once a day everyday I should buy myself a present. Be it two cups of good, hot, black coffee, or a walk down to Aphrodites for some awesome breakfast and scrumptious pie.
Just don't bitch about it. -
Review from Justin L.
Vancouver, BC
5/11/2012
Aphrodite's is one of my favorite places to go for brunch. Their eggs Benedict are awesome and they change everyday. Sometimes it has salmon sometimes it's elk who knows. It tastes great everytime regardless. Save room for their pie. It's homemade and very tasty!
Only thing I dislike is that the service is somewhat slow here but they are very friendly. Leave at least 90+ minutes to spare for a meal here because you may need to wait for a table as this place is quite busy most of the time esp for breakfast. -
Review from Melissa R.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2012
Went for Sunday brunch and lucked out cause we were seated immediately upon arrival. It's quaint with a cottage atmosphere. The service is friendly but could have been more attentive, however the place was packed and bustling. The menu has many gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. But the pricing is a bit much. I realize the prices reflect the cost of organic ingredients - but I felt gauged at $17 for quinoa and fruit. Our table enjoyed brunch, everything was prepared well and tasty.
Although the atmosphere is cottage'y it's not charming, I sat behind what I think was a refrigerator? The decor is exactly pleasant, it's just meh for me.
I'm in no rush to return because of the pricing, if the over all experience was made more special than your usual dining experience, then maybe I'd be more willing to cough up the extra cash. -
Review from Dai M.
Burnaby, BC
2/27/2012
OMG! Absolutely fantastic dinner last night. I'm a paleo diet advocate and find that most of the time when I go to restaurants I have to modify pretty much anything and everything on the menu...
Well that was before I got to Aprodite's! Fantastic dinner and everything was friendly to my dietary needs.
PS - gluten free pies were the BEST! -
Review from Jayne K.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2012
I very much enjoyed the cute atmosphere and charming interior decoration of this place. +1 for sparkle lights. The service was also very attentive and polite. While it was somewhat busy (typical for Saturday brunchtime), it didn't take long to get a table, and they did not rush us out upon finishing even though there was a lineup.
The food was delicious. I had an eggs benedict with "artisanal bacon" and salsa. I commend these bacon artisans, whoever they are, for their handiwork--it was amazing. The salsa was a nice tangy complement to the rest of the components. It was served with potatoes and a salad with a wonderful dijon-ish dressing. Shared a piece of the famous pie for dessert. Yum.
So, the only negative is the price. Everything is organic, so that partly explains it, but it's still exorbitantly expensive. Good as a once in a while brunch outing for us paupers, or a great regular brunch spot if you are wealthy. -
Review from cat h.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2012
Okay so the place looks great, rustic country furniture, nice paint job, clean and some groovy papier mache things dangling from the ceiling. My waitress, a German girl, was delightful and always will to give her time....nice menu too......but HOLY COW its expensive. My coffee was average at best,also ordered the quiche. For that price I thought I would get a substantial amount knowing how Canadians like a good quantity but the piece was mini accompanied by a leafy salad. In all fairness the quiche was excellent, great filling and texture and awesome crust.
I understand that organic produce costs the earth but its a bit steep...breakfasts at 15-18 bucks a pop for example.
Anyhoo...if you have the spondoolies for a 60$ brekkie for 2 then go to town...just make sure you're not starving. -
Review from Dawn W.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2012
i have been to Aphrodite's about 3 times over the years and it's always been a casual laid back atmosphere. the floors are wood plank, the tables and chairs are wood, that sort of thing. afternoons and evenings seem calm, but weekend brunch is busy and they don't take reservations. There are 3 rooms though, so they can fit a reasonable number of tables.
I found lots of options to choose from on the menu, and the pies are soso tempting.
the prices are prohibitive to me being a regular, but i did enjoy my meals and the casual atmosphere. -
Review from Gerry T.
Greater Vancouver Regional District, BC
5/2/2012
Loved this place. Friendly service, great food. It just looked cool in there, and I liked that. It doesn't get a five because it was pretty expensive. Otherwise, fantastic.
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
I just casually strolled by on my sunny walk on West 4th and noticed this coffee shop. I was intrigued by the girl at the cash register whom resembled actress Elisa Donovan. She had an awesome personality that was welcoming. OMG this place has gluten free pie. I am in heaven. It's rare to find any good pastry in the city that is gluten free that isn't macaroons, let alone actual pies. The pie filling itself was awesome. I had the rhubarb raspberry pie. I ordered it to go with the intention of sharing with my best friend, however, ended up eating it on my way to Zulu (oppps!!!!!). I was a bit shocked at the price of $10 for a slice. It was a medium slice at that. Thankfully I didn't order an entire meal or the bill would've gave me a heart attack. This is a once in a while treat to have gluten free pie based on the prices, however, I am glad that I got to experience a little slice of West 4th.
They're cutlery is made of corn, however, was advised by the awesome personality of the cash register lady not to eat the cutlery. -
Review from G. L.
Vancouver, BC
3/12/2012
Fantastic gluten free pie and sandwiches, reasonable prices (considering the quality of ingredients) and a very charming atmosphere. I'll be back for sure!
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Review from Richelle O.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2012
Very cool that everything is organic and even cooler that they have GF options. However, even though they have these qualities, it's overpriced. I ate the cheapest meal just out of principle, even though I wanted to try the Goddess Bowl or another breakfast item (for $18!). Service was friendly and relaxed. Coffee glasses are quite small so ask for a big one if you like lots of coffee! Oh and remember to latch the door in the small bathroom - there's a note (not very noticeable) that says the main lock doesn't work but I didn't see it and some guy walked in on me :(
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Review from Siri W.
8/14/2011
Mmm this place was yummy. Met a friend for dinner the other day and was so delightfully surprised.
The cafe is small, hot, and very cute. The toilet was a bit dodgy...I'm quite small and my knees almost hit the wall when I went to the bathroom...what someone taller than my 5'2 would do I haven't the foggiest.
However, the food...ohhh the food. I ordered the turkey pot pie with the side salad. The salad was unreal. SO fresh and fabulous with the most delicious dressings...it really might be one of the best I've ever had.
The pot pie was very good too...I wanted it to be a little more savoury than it was, but all in all it was pretty good. Don't know if I'd order it again though. The crust was nice and flaky and the turkey was very tender, but I like mine a little meatier.
I'm dying to try their pies though. They looked delish.
And okay, it isn't cheap. But for food this garden fresh, I'm kinda willing to get over it. The salad alone was worth it.
Give it a try - so refreshing on a summer evening. -
Review from Salsaboy S.
8/24/2011
The food here is quite good, and I want to give Aprhodite's credit on that front. Furthermore, its commitment to local and organic is wonderful, and I respect that immensely -- and live my life that way -- and I wish that more (if not all) restaurants would operate with this same integrity.
My problem with Aprhodite's is its value. There isn't any. It is god-forsakenly expensive for what it is. I suppose if someone came in and only got one item -- no appetizers, no drinks, no desserts -- then the bill would be somewhat in-line with reason. Even so, it would still be expensive. If you choose to supplement a dish with anything additional than a simple main, you will be set back considerably.
Two of us went and each ordered the vegan chili. It was very good and hearty. We also shared a pizza special of the week with morels and mushrooms. After dinner, we each got a piece of pie. We split a beer between the two of us. Out the door, after tax and tip, it was nearly $90. Huh? This is comfort food. This is simple, albeit tasty, food. I understand and appreciate that organics cost more, but this is unreasonable. Pie starts at $7.50; cream-pies start at $9.50. Getting pie "a la mode" is an additional $2-4, making it more expensive our entree. It's downright unreasonable. Adding insult to injury, the pie wasn't great. It was okay, but nothing I would write home about.
Ninety dollars for chili, pizza, and pie? Fifty would have been more in line with reality. I don't live in Vancouver, so I can let this go, but on the value front, I can't say that I'd be a regular here (or if I were, I'd order sparingly and never get anything additional).
Food: 3.5 stars (without the pie, 4 stars)
Value: 2 stars -
Review from Larry L.
10/20/2011
We were expecting a lineup that lasted hours, but it was only minutes.
We were expecting service that was slow, but it wasn't that slow. They got us off to a good start, got us our coffees and took our orders, but it took some time for the food to come out. (45 minutes, yes I timed it. Boo).
We were expecting a kitchen that was chaotic, but it wasn't. It looked busy, but tickets were flowing and food was coming out at a regular pace, but, well, maybe not quite at the pace we were expecting. Our food finally arrived, but I got the wrong dish.
(I noticed that the preplating of the salads on the dishes were done and all lined up for the main dish to go with it, but they did seem to just sit there waiting for the food to arrive with it. ) Oh sorry, a bit sidetracked there. heh.
I ordered the Fritata but got a veggie wrap instead.....
It was ok. I would keep it and try it out, but it wasn't something I was too keen on having. It did give me a chance to see how this dish compared to other vegetarian equivalents in the neighbourhood. It was decent.
The coffee on the other hand was perplexing.
We both ordered coffees, but hers tasted different than mine. We exchanged cups for a sip to compare and my cup of java was gooood! Hers tasted wierd. Was it a cup that wasn't rinsed properly of the organic soap? Was it a different batch of organic coffee that was less organic than mine? I don't know. It did remind me of the time at that Other vegetarian place up the road that didn't rinse the veggies properly that day and every dish we had tasted like soap.
I don't want to really get into this and hope to just purge it out of my mind for next time. (hard to do of course.).
She had the stuffed French toast which was ok. A bit rich and after she drizzled all that syrup, that was all I could taste. I took her word for it. She said it was passable, but she did also get something else, I can't remember now what it was, but that was good. 5 stars for that dish of nameless fame I can't recall. Doh!
So a few faux pas here. Quiche wasn't really wild mushroom (more domestic organics than anything else) and they got me the wrong order as well as the funky cup of coffee which was rectified with a fresh cup that tasted normal.
So why am I giving it 4 stars? Well, Silly, because I want to be like everyone else here and just rave about this place because it's worth raving for! No, it's because they don't have sugar free pies, but WILL CUSTOM BAKE one for you if you would like. Just call a day ahead to preorder and they'll have it ready for you for pickup.
And their pies are literaly to die for.
Especially if you're diabetic and sugar is the devil.
So ask for sugar free!!!
And they're Yelp friendly here. I think.
Typo's FOC -
Review from Pia W.
So this is where I have been sneaking off to these days...
If the word "organic" doesn't mean much to you, then how about "fresh" and phrases like "yummy in my tummy" sound? For a small cafe, Aphrodite's is quite unique on its own -- the setup of the place has two entrances (one for those who want to just order their coffees or pies to-go = east entrance, sit-ins = west entrance).
Most of their entrees come with a garden salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and some sort of yummy (but not overpowering) vinaigrette dressing. Some must-trys are: The roma and brie melt -- an open-faced sandwich that is laden on a thick pieces of bread that is soft and moist on the inside with a nice crispy crust. Chilli and cornbread -- the chilli is is good and filling, there's never enough cornbread to dip it all. Chicken and Shitake quesadilla with avocado -- the name says it all, just eat it!
Oh, and I might be forgetting something...PIES!!!!
Mmmm...pies...
A slice of pie with ice-cream is a must! The pies aren't too sweet (like most pies have tendency to be). Every time I get my slice of blueberry pie I cannot help but notice that the slice of pie is bleeding out blueberries -- YUM!
Small tip: Once you get addicted to pies, it is definitely much cheaper to buy an entire pie to-go rather than by slice. But as far as I know, whole pies are sold to-go only, though then again, I never tried ordering an entire pie to eat-in. -
Review from Ly H.
3/5/2011 ROTD 3/21/2012
So far, we're been twice to Aphrodite's and both times have yield the same results: yummy pie served by wait staff that seem a little disorganized but well meaning.
We tried the strawberry rhubarb and blackberry apple pies. Other yelpers have noted that the pie prices can be a bit steep, but I'm happy to fork over money for organic, locally sourced, gluten free, and vegan options.
The soups and house made breads are hearty and made with lots of care.
This is definitely the kind of place to come and chill out, sit awhile and enjoy your pie. -
Review from JRJ J.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2011
Eeeks!!
I realize the cost of organics is higher priced, but com'on guys!, Almost 10 bucks for a slice of apple pie and ice cream!!??
We had brunch here....two of us....set us back $60!!! $18 bucks a plate??
I'm no cheap pincher by any means, but this is off line...
I have to admit, the food looks good, sandwiches especially - however, wholefoods offers a better alternative - I think we'll stick to the alternative deals on meals in the other areas of town.
This part of town looks to be pricey when it comes to dining. -
Review from David H.
Calgary, AB
12/31/2011
A - List. Recommended. Fabulous chai latte and pumpkin pie. The dessert selection is impressive by most standards. The service is somewhere between professional cold and all warm and fuzzy. I was not offended in the least. The ambience is interesting, low tech, very non-fancy with an old store front, high ceilings and chequered flooring from the 60s likely. The most interesting is the paper-mache pinatas hovering above. There you will find the Sedin twins, mermaids, iron chef look-alikes and more. If you are lucky you will meet the ever so effervescent and eclectic artist who creates these works of art. She is fun to be sure. Worth a visit for drinks and dessert. Past that you will have to judge for yourself. I certainly enjoyed the half hour. Cheers.
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Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
Oh, Aphrodite's, you're so expensive! Luckily I found a 50% off coupon for this place, so I finally went and tried it, after shying away several times once I read the prices on the menu. I figured that it seems so Naam-like I might as well go to The Naam - but of course, Aphrodite's food quality just blows its down-the-street competitor out of the water.
We had one of the daily specials, which was a falafel burger. Our server was super knowledgeable about all the food and was more than willing to substitute and adapt things to suit our dietary restrictions. The burger was absolutely great, too, as was the salad dressing. I had no complaints about the entree.
Our $10 slice of pie was another matter. It was good, yeah, but it was gluten-free. While I totally appreciate that people who can't eat gluten can order pie here, I found the crust sandy and unenticing. I feel like I spent $10 for some baked fruit, which didn't sit well with me. There wasn't nearly enough of it to justify the price. Still. It's vegan.
I'm not used to spending this much money for a casual atmosphere like Aphrodite's. I think the menu prices and the decor/service level were a bit mismatched. But it was an enjoyable experience. If it's in your budget to have a casual meal for $20 a plate plus dessert, I recommend this place!Listed in: Vegan Vancouver
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Review from caroline s.
Burnaby, BC
3/20/2011
I must be ovulating or something, because this was my local haunt when living on Colllingwood, but I was like a bear being stung by a bee when I found out they weren't open for breakfast before 10am.
Yes, I could have gone next door and had a pie, or a muffin with a coffee - but not with kids, and with friends we'd agreed to meet. So we went to My Local Cafe on 10th, which was packed out, and goes to show that there is a significant amount of trade before 10am.
Anyhoo, in reality - Aphrodites IS better than My Local Cafe, not as wonderfully varied and lovely as Capers/Wholefoods produce. I prefer the service at Aphrodite's compared to Naam. And I guess the point I am trying to make, it that with Aphrodite's 10am opening policy, it kinda reflects the slow and ambling Kitsilano vibe. So if you're in a rush, or need to have a breakfast before 10am, just go to McDonalds. Hideous thought. -
Review from Gigi S.
Burnaby, BC
3/7/2012
A friend took my husband and me here for brunch last weekend and I'm glad but feel guilty that she was the one paying! The reviews saying this place is overpriced are spot on. $18 for eggs benedict! It was fine, but I've had better at the Round-Up in Whalley. We had the avocado/bacon/honey chipotle special. The hollandaise was nicely lemony but not outstanding (and my husband got random awful bites of cilantro in his), neither of us even noticed the honey chipotle element, and the bacon was just 2 strips placed on top, not actually in the eggs benedict. The rosemary potatoes consisted of maybe 6 wee potato cubes. And about a third of the plate was taken up by salad - who eats salad at breakfast? I did love the chocolate banana cream pie, but $9.25 is an insane price for it. My husband took his cherry pie to go and said it was the blandest pie he'd ever tasted, like they'd boiled every bit of flavour out of the cherries.
Aphrodite's is in an awesome part of town, the building is charming, the service was good, and I can see myself getting a craving for the choco-banana pie, but unless my friend is treating, I don't think I'd come here for a meal again. -
Review from Betty L.
1/11/2011
I checked out this restaurant with two other friends after one of them highly recommended the pies. The restaurant looked a bit worn out but still had a nice homey feeling to it. We ordered from the set menu. The prices are very reasonable and the food was pretty tasty. However there were limited wine choices.
I really enjoyed the soup, it was piping hot and packed with flavours. For the main course, I had the salmon with potato crust. It was nicely cooked and the potatoes were quite crispy. I also enjoyed eating the fancy veggies that came with it. However the best part of the meal was the dessert. I ordered the strawberry and rhubard pie and it was amazing good. The piecrust was flaky but not greasy and the filling inside had a nice balance of sweet and tartness. It was so good I ordered another slice to take home.
Since I heard great things about their Sunday brunch, I'll go back to try it out and perhaps take home a slice of pie with me. -
Review from Herman E.
11/27/2011
Apple pie!!!!! This place makes an incredible apple pie. It's a small place, and I am only reviewing for the pies. I haven't tried the food but you definitely have to try the pies.
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Review from Karden R.
3/15/2011
I love this place and the people that work there.
My family and I arrived from NYC for a ski trip in Whistler. When we got in we were starving and wanted to grab a bite in Vancouver before heading up to the mountain. Yelp suggested Aphropdites and we zoomed right over in our newly rented Escalade.
Aphrodite is everything you want out of an Organic Cafe w/o any of the pretentious high falutent nonsense that plagues some many of these establishments. They do everything right and they made us feel like family.
I reccomend the Turkey Pot Pie above everything else, the taste, composition and texture, along with the flaky crust is divine. Take a pie home, heat it up for breakfast and place an over-easy egg on top and its even better.
Wild mushroom quiche = awesome
Lentil soup w00t w00t
I also love their homemade bread, make sure you take a loaf of that home as well!
This establishment is also uniquely graced by custom made pinatas designed by one of the staff. Keep an eye out for Tom Cruise ;)
The chai is very good as well though I added sugar to mine to make it more authentic to Indian standards.
the only thing that I would steer clear of is the ceasar which was a bit bland and the french toast which is so busy it defeats itself (sorry Aphrodite).
Bottom line, I'd eat their every day if I could...sadly i live on the otherside of the continent. -
Review from Suiki S.
Vancouver, BC
1/15/2011
Local Freshness + Organic Goodness = Aphrodite's Organic Cafe
Food = 4 stars
Ambiance = 3 1/2 stars
Service = 3 1/2 stars
Value = 4 Stars
Ideal place for Sunday brunch. Made with fresh local ingredients supplied by nearby organic farms - Diary products from Avalon, Eggs and Chicken from Maple Hill Farm, Seafood and Fish from Ocean Wise certified Deluxe Seafood Vancouver and Organic fair trade coffee from Saltspring Coffee.
Make sure to leave room for desserts - over 14 famous organic pies and cakes to choose from: Apples, Blueberry, Strawberry rhubarb, cherry, chocolate pecan, chocolate banana cream and also wheat and gluten-free alternatives.
For my brunch - I had the Divine Salt Spring Frittata featuring three egg omelet spinach, caramelized red onion, sheep feta cheese. Served with organic greens and house multi grain bread - $13. -
Review from Evan D.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2011
Absolutely terrible service. Staff appeared to be annoyed that they had to serve us. Pie as not bad, but mediocre at best and certainly not worth the money.
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Review from Kimberly P.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2011
Indifferent service bordering on downright hostile. Cherry pie was very mediocre, maybe a step up from a Safeway pie. Won't be going back.
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Review from Kevin S.
4/15/2011
Fresh, local, organic ingredients allows the simplest of dishes to be unforgettable. This is what makes Aphrodite's Organic Cafe a good place to eat. Their menu is full of choices from breakfast to lunch and will surely include the finest foods from the areas local farms.
Upon randomly selecting this place, it was evident that this is one popular neighborhood eatery. Although a wait of 20 minutes was inevitable, it was well worth the wait. The extensive menu made it difficult to decide, but the chicken mushroom quesadilla came out on top. I was amazed on how fresh and delicious a simple dish like this could be. Accompanied by a side salad, it was a great last meal before departing Vancouver.
The only downside is the dining experience. The loud, cramped space hinders the overall experience slightly. If this sort of thing does not bother you, this is your place. -
Review from Miss H.
3/2/2011
An all organic restaurant! Yes, I'm there. I can't really speak much for the food since we only had a salad with no dressing. After eating out so much, you just want to eat like a rabbit - veggies please! However, we did have two slices of pie and they were both phenomenal. We had the rhubarb raspberry and the chocolate banana pie. The crusts were flaky and tender and the pies were the perfect level of sweetness and creamy lusciousness.
I will throw in a snotty comment though, I wish it was more seasonal (i.e., knowing that I'm eating pies that are made based on what is at its peak and flavour rather than frozen to keep year-round). I do admit, I am pretty spoiled in the SF where doing so is quite normal and easily accessible for personal consumption via restaurants or farmers' markets. -
Review from Lynn H.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Two Words: Eggs Benny!
It's true. I am on a lifetime quest to find the best of 2 things: Cappuccinos and Eggs Bennedict. I don't know what it is but I will assess the quality of a restaurant or cafe on the basis of these elements alone.
Aphrodite knows eggs benny. The sauce is fresh, the ham perfectly sliced, the eggs are runny but not too amorphous, and the muffins are perfectly toasted. People will tell you to come here for the overpriced pie (yes. $8 is too much to pay for a slice of a pie that I could bake at home for less than 10 dollars) but it's all about the Eggs Benny.
Other (read: less important) features: The art is quirky and fun, the service is snappy and food is delivered with a smile, and the location is good (parking is rarely a problem). But seriously, none of that matters when you think about the eggs benny... droollll -
Review from Bethel L.
Victoria, BC
2/10/2009 ROTD 8/19/2009
A lesson in greed:
Their simple yet genius sign "PIES" has the power to pluck pie-lovers like me from as far as the eye can see. I LOVE pie, so my mouth began to water as I approached the door and read things like "organic" and "famous." I was so excited that when I saw their prices and realized I didn't have enough mulah to buy a whole pie, I was still going to fork out $7 for one measly slice. My husband and his friend looked at me like I was crazy, but couldn't they see that it was famous organic pie?!
On the ferry to Victoria, I slowly opened the plastic container holding my precious slice, and my husband and I began to dig in. I tried to ask him random questions, so that while he was busy talking (good thing I married a talker!) I could shovel in more of the pie into my greedy little mouth - afterall there was so little to go around! The pie was tart, not too sweet, and crusty, just the way I like it. But once it was eaten (in about 10 seconds), I felt this feeling of regret. Did I really pay $7 for 10 seconds of pie? It was good, but it wasn't really any better than what I make at home, and I'm just a casual baker.
So, while Aphrodite's pie is good, it's so pricey that I'd rather buy organic ingredients to bake a big one that I can share with my loved ones. (But if anyone wants to take me there on a date, I'm free! Husband? What husband?) -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Even though this place charges a little more than what I'm usually willing to pay for things like pie ($7.50 a slice!) I think it's well worth it - organic and scrumptious all the way!
Their 3 course dinners might look expensive when you view them a la carte (the second price listed) but it's only $5-$6 more for a piece of pie and a soup/salad/hummus starter. That's a good deal right there!
The eggplant wrapped ricotta with tomato marinara looked kind of like a cannelloni when it arrived with some crisp asparagus and baby carrots and ...my - oh - my what incredible flavours. It was a decent size meal too - I ended up taking a whole piece (there were 3 altogether) home with me.
I was a little upset that the dressing was different than the last time I was there on my salad, but loved the new version all the same.
For dessert, I had a hard time deciding between the strawberry rhubarb, pumpkin or chocolate pecan pie. Guess what I chose? Chocolate always wins. I had to wrap half of that up too - it made a delish breaky in the morning :) -
Review from Jenni B.
10/3/2009 ROTD 11/24/2009
I am organically delighted by Aphrodite!
Thinking I could never enjoy their pie again, my boyfriend binged [or googled] gluten-free vancouver and Aphrodite came right up. So he was nice enough to treat me to Aphrodite since I basically 'spazzed' at the mention of 'gluten-free' and 'Aphrodite pie.'
We splurged on the three course weekly special... totally worth it! At $30 give or take a few dollars it's perfect. The lentil and carmelized onion put me in a state of bliss [not ignorant bliss - total bliss]. I ordered the vegan and gluten free item of tofu and red quinoa cabbage rolls which were essentially to die for. I was absolutely stuffed, but topped it off with my vegan and gluten free strawberry rhubarb pie which is so fabulous it will make you believe there is a God.
My only annoyance - totally my fault - is I didn't ask for the gluten free bread (!) subsitution. Our server, who by the way was an absolute rockstar let me know in future they will sub gluten-free for any of their wheat option, and even clued me in that soon you can same-day purchase their gluten-free/vegan pies.
All in all, I heart Aphrodite because 1. the pie, 2. the atomosphere - you feel like you are in someone's kitchen at home, and 3. the to cut your right-arm-off-for food.
This place earns a Jenni approved "SA-WISH!"Listed in: Where to Eat When You're…
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Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 3/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was having a pipe-dream of Chocolate Pecan Pie today while thinking of using my Green Zebra coupon at Aphrodite's. I thought they only have fruit pies, but when I walked into the pie shop side, my eyes bugged out of my head like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall. THERE IT WAS!! the pie of my non gluten/non dairy pie dreams. "pinch me!" I said.
We sat by the window in the middle room, slurping up a spicy Chai and eatin' that pie. oh my, oh my...
*******NOTE********
Be extra diligent about them giving you the right pie. I've heard of two incidents, plus I observed one other, where people have got the Gluten one instead. That is shocking from a place like Aphrodite's. They should be doing better than that. *wags finger*Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/23/2009
A pleasant place to fortify oneself.
The menu is itemized by listing Vegan and Gluten free items… Read more »
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Review from Simon G.
Vancouver, BC
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Friendly and casual atmosphere and service, and delicious and "down to earth" food. As a vegetarian/vegan, there is enough for me to choose from, and it is all delicious.
Though the waitress was confused (surprised?) for a moment when I asked her to add ginger into my carrot/apple juice, and probably added a bit too much. Good thing I like ginger... ;-) -
Review from Peter S.
3/26/2009 1 photo
You get what you pay for!
Although my Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny cost $17, it was pretty damn good. I really don't have a problem paying a little extra knowing that I am actually supporting LOCAL organic produce and poultry businesses. And all their fish is Ocean Wise, which is easy on the conscience and palate.
Sure my Latte was a bit over done, and the pies are pretty pricey, but overall this place is a rare gem in today's big name cookie cutter type restaurant chains. I loved it!Listed in: My dirty picks, Organic is the way to go, Best Breaky
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Review from Stacy G.
6/21/2011
The food was a little weird but ok, but honestly, come for the pie. The Chocolate Turtle pie was a dream.
Listed in: Vancouver BC
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Review from Jay D.
12/27/2010
To eat or to Yelp, that is the question.
Okay, we took our evening meal at this favourite to locals and this review shall be split into three components.
The wait and other staff we encountered were lovely and front-of-house team could not be blamed for my wife's main salad not being served until some minutes after our hot main courses arrived.
The dinner main courses were in my humble opinion, so-so. We all had the opportunity to samples each other's dinner and the salad, potato crusted salmon, cold penne with squash and my own pork pie served with maple syrup were okay but nothing to shout about.
The pie. The pies were really quite nice and what earned Aphrodite's a third star from yours truly. The fillings were ample and wonderful. The crust was excellent.
In summary, I highly recommend Aphrodite for their pie and will return for a wonderful slice when next we visit Vancouver. I would recommend that you consider doing same. -
Review from Maiko H.
10/30/2010
Such a cute cafe for a quick bite to eat - it's a great place for brunch/lunch or dessert. The cafe has a mix of vegetarian/vegan items and non-vegetarian/vegan items. Their pie selection is vast and they have a vegan pie as well.
The food is simple and delicious. The ingredients they use are local and organic. Their specials menu changes often so you get to try something different each and every time.
It's not a very large place, so, during peak times, there may be a wait. Also, street parking can be limited. -
Review from Jonas T.
4/24/2009 5 photos
Fresh, organic pie. Among the best. I had the raspberry rubarb. A bit pricey, but huge slice.
JONASAPPROVED!
