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Café Luxy
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Italian, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1235 Davie StVancouver, BC V6E 1N4
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 669-5899
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
30 reviews for Café Luxy
Review Highlights
"Penne Ricardo: This was penne with a gorgonzola rose sauce."
(in 3 reviews)
"Pasta choices always different so it never gets boring."
(in 17 reviews)
"Caesar salad: Love that salad comes with the meal."
(in 6 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Laura C.
Vancouver, BC
2/12/2012
I have lived in Vancouver for 3 years and have always wondered about this place. Last night was the night. Definitely exceeded my expectations. So much pasta to choose from but I went for the linguine with chorizo in a tomato sauce. It was huge - and I am a big eater and it was plenty for me - I was stuffed. I could have stopped eating and taken the rest home but I plowed my way through very happily! My male friend couldn't finish his but he agrees that this place is amazing. You get a salad and garlic toast included which was a great touch. I will 100% be visiting this place soon again.
Great service and great food for a superb price. Good quality and value for money. Awesome!! -
Review from Jason S.
Vancouver, BC
2/12/2012
I love pasta, and this place is so conveniently located in the Westend, just a few blocks from my apartment. When I have a craving for noodles, which is often, I just step out to this cozy little restaurant on Davie Street. The servings are enormous, you will definitely have lunch for the next day or two, and apparently the pasta is homemade, which is an added plus. The desserts, which I was told are homemade, are also amazing, my favourite being the chocolate mousse cake, so good!
The service is also always excellent, especially the guy who serves me and my partner brunch on Sundays. It can get really busy, but he never misses a beat, and he is so friendly. We make it out for brunch on the weekends whenever we can. -
Review from Vincent Q.
Vancouver, BC
8/16/2011
Just got home from dinner at CL.
The server was nice, and just friendly enough without being overbearing. It was nice that the pasta came with garlic bread and ceaser salad, both of which were quite basic. The pasta itself, however, was fantastic. I had the Penne alla Arrabbiata. It was absolutely fantastic. The noodles were so fresh and the tomato sauce was delicious. I'm excited to have found my new regular spot. -
Review from Ronald J.
North Vancouver, BC
11/13/2011
Pasta with the sauces and meats is not a hard thing to cook and serve and it an overpriced meal in any restaurant considering what you are being served.
I normally do not go out for italian cuisine but I went to Cafe Luxy last night and overall it was decent meal, not spectacular. I had a fettucini dish and my girlfriend has a seafood lasagna meal. For $15-$16 you get a menu featuring a large section of about 30+ pasta entrées that will come with a basic order of Caesar Salad and Garlic Toast.
One thing that I noted what that the fettucini noodles were cut too short and that I needed to eat the majority of the meal with the twirling spoon rather than the fork. Either the pasta was made and cut too small or it was overcooked and not al dente.
This is however a place that has date night location going for it with a finer style a couple can go. There is a full bar service with the selection of cocktails, beers and wines that can compliment the meal. -
Review from Tyler V.
Vancouver, BC
3/22/2011
We went here a bit ago but I am still so mad that i will mention it here.
Although the food is very good, the service, prices and attitudes suck.
Who ever owns this place is now complacent with success and needs
to move on or change their pathetic attitude.
We got the wrong drinks twice.
Never got to our meal as I was so ticked at the fact they were charging
for a share plate..DUMB! I always share with my partner. ALWAYS!
an extra plate should not be subject to a charge.
Never will go back. Hope they fired the little jerk that told us we were wrong, even after several mistakes.
Can not wait till they close their door!~
good bye Lux!
TY -
Review from David G.
5/23/2011
NOT BAD
Love the portions and the waiter was very nice and so accommodating in the menu by swapping out anchovy with sun dried tomatoes for me. The pomegranate martini was rather good too. -
Review from Jeff W.
Richmond, BC
10/5/2011
Really gone downhill while going way up in price. Skip it, you can do better.
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Review from Jonathan W.
Vancouver, BC
3/9/2011
I went by myself to Café Luxy the other night, craving pasta on a chilly early March evening, and was disappointed -- again. I don't live in the West End, but come downtown regularly, and have eaten at just about every place on Davie Street. I wish there was a better option for pasta in the ghetto. I've probably gone to Luxy ten times, and each time I'm disappointed, but I come back because I love pasta and continue to give this place yet another chance. Call me crazy.
I ordered the special, which was penne with okra, mushrooms and chicken in a tomato sauce, at a one-third discount from the normal menu prices. Okra seemed like an oddity, and the waiter suggested subbing broccoli for the okra, which sounded like a good idea. I liked the idea of saving a bit of money, too, as I can't help feeling ripped off when I order pasta at a restaurant. All the pastas at Luxy come with garlic toast and caesar salad, and the servings are enormous. At the regular price of sixteen dollars a plate, I was expecting at least a decent plate of pasta. Unfortunately, quantity doesn't make up for quality.
My garlic toast arrived at the same time as the salad, and was cold by the time my pasta arrived. Bland white toast covered in garlicky butter flecked with (dried?) parsley. The romaine in my tiny caesar was dry and bitter, covered in too much overly salty dressing and horrible packaged Kraft powdered Parmesan-type cheese.
My penne was a disappointment that I couldn't finish, not because there was too much of it, but because it wasn't very appetizing. The sauce was incredibly acidic, so much so that my eyelids were sweating, which made me wonder if they really do make it from scratch. Just pure acidic tomato with no complexity and no sweetness. Nice-sized slices of chicken, but which tasted like it was boiled, with no flavor to speak of. A few mushrooms and bits of crunchy broccoli and that's all she wrote. When I asked for cheese a shaker of the aforementioned offending powder arrived. For a restaurant that specializes in pasta to serve that packaged cheese product is unacceptable. My advice to Luxy: go to Bosa, get some blocks of Reggiano and some rotary graters for your servers. Using proper cheese will improve both your salads and pastas immeasurably.
I will say that I've never had a problem with the service here, and this night my server was particularly accommodating and sweet, despite my dissatisfaction with my food. He offered me a free tiramisu, which did improve my rather bruised mood by that point. From his apologetic manner I got the feeling the staff kind of know that their food isn't that great.
I must be a sucker for punishment, and I'll probably return to Café Luxy next time someone suggests it or I'm craving pasta while stranded on Davie. They would immediately be replaced in my books if another much-needed pasta place appeared on the street. Until then, I have two words for the owners: Parmigiano-Reggiano. -
Review from Laura M.
10/7/2010
Overcooked, overly browned eggs. My mom would have taken it back for that reason. I took back my omelette because there was a HAIR in it. Tried to pull it out but it was cooked in the eggy cheesiness.
My dish came back within minutes, even browner and thrown together with little care. The eggs were overdone, the potatoes were too salty.
Did the server remove it from my bill? No. Fatal error.
My experienced matched the fake parquet floor. Icky.Listed in: Never Again.
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Review from Toby S.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2011
The only thing that ruins this place is the dark haired lady that runs it. But, my gosh, she does a good job of that.
To be entirely honest, my only visit here wasn't horrible. We were served by the lady and the service was mediocre, but not non-existent. We didn't order drinks and, so, were rushed along and treated with general disregard (as others have mentioned) even though the place was completely empty save for one other table and a gentleman at the bar.
But the real kicker came when a lady came in with her young daughter (maybe 5 or 6) and asked kindly if the child could use the rest room. There were washrooms, and they were completely unoccupied. She was told no and sent with her now crying child out to find a washroom elsewhere.
The manager treats her fellow citizens (and customers) like trash, and her behavior only improves with the size of your bill.
I've never had such enjoyable amounts of delicious pasta in my life but I'll probably not go back for fear of getting the same server and having my evening (and that of my partner) completely ruined. -
Review from tee a.
5/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Luxy is always tasty... I personally love the baked cardinal and the cajun chicken penne. Generous portions and hand made pastas. Entrees are served with garlic toast and caesar salad. A perfect compliment to the meal. The tiramisu is a must try for dessert... (if you have room) :)
What makes me not want to frequent here? Long line ups, lack of seating, 2 washroom for the entire place and slow service at times.
Nevertheless, If your looking for a good pasta place in downtown, Cafe Luxy will not disappoint. -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2008
This is one of my favorite places for Friday date nights with my boy...the food is fantastic..the pasta is made fresh daily..the choices are plenty..I suggest the Linguine al Salmone Affumicato or the Linguine al Barese..oh..or the Penne Quatro Formagio...hhhmm..or even the Tortellini Pollo alla Pesto...see what I mean, lots to choose from and oh so delicious!! They also have a decent wine selection to accompany your pasta selection...
They also put on a pretty good brunch and is a nice choice for a group of friends on a lazy Sunday morning..the eggs benny are some of my fav..
The restaurant it self is nice..kinda rustic..sweet..cozy..you feel like you could be in a little European cafe...after a few glasses of wine that is..but still...and the service is always good..fast and efficient! I like to ask for the seat in front of the window as Davie St. people watching is ALWAYS entertaining..like dinner and movie..
If you are looking for good date eats and need your fill of pasta delights then Cafe Luxy is the place for you! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Cafe Luxy is almost always packed when I walk by it. I've eaten there and had takeout a few times before - but never thought it was anything to write home about since we make pretty good pasta at home.
It was full again last night when I decided to get take away. Surprisingly, the staff was extremely friendly, even with a full house. I had a happy grin on my face the whole time I waited, being helped by three staff members. I was blown away --their recommendations were smack on.
So here I am, not even a day later, craving the Penne Ricardo with Gorgonzola rose sauce, mmmmmm! And while I usually find restaurant Caesar salads to be quite lame, this one had me begging for more! Just the right amount of garlicky dressing and crunchy lettuce. (I would pass on the garlic toast that accompanied it all, but I think that had more to do with the fact it was cold by the time I got it home).
Will definitely be back sooner rather than later! (They are a part of Dine Out too, March 12, 2009) -
Review from Adam G.
Edmonton, AB
9/16/2010
This small Davie Village bistro is all steak, no sizzle - only, replace "steak" with "pasta" and "sizzle" with "tasteful decor."
In other words, the food is fine, but would-be visitors could be forgiven for not getting past the cheesy faux-Italian furnishings, which evoke your Catholic grandmother's basement circa 1986.
Of course, cheese can be a good thing, especially when it's melted - as evidenced by the splendid off-the-menu tortellini special I had whose name now escapes me, but whose perfectly baked nature did not at the time.
Perhaps the most redeeming feature of this French-sounding "Cafe" (actually a trattoria) was its service, which, at least on this occasion, was what one might have expected from a much pricier (and, one presumes, more elegantly appointed) Italian establishment downtown. -
Review from Jeff B.
8/26/2010
This is a classic Italian restaurant. All the basics are covered.
The food was tasty and affordable, my cocktail was decent and the service was attentive. There just wasn't anything spectacular or interesting that's going to make my meal here really memorable.
The space is nice enough and has that Italian Family Restaurant vibe.
If you're in the area and you're hungry it's definitely worth the stop.
Tip: Order the lasagna. It was the clear winner of the dishes at our table. -
Review from Alex D.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2010
I have only been here for dinner but it was a very average meal indeed. Why they obsess in giving you massive portions I have no idea and then they charge you extra to share. I can just see Gordon Ramsey's tearing them to shreds over their portion sizes Kitchen Nightmares style. The dishes were heavy, largely unimaginative and had no depth of flavor. People are complementing them for making their own pasta but that is nothing to go gaga over.
Wine was somewhere between terrible and vinegar. I think my red came from a bottle that had been opened a week ago it was so oxidized.
Service was friendly and attentive and the dining room is warm and inviting, aside from that not much to say.Listed in: Davie Street
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Review from Justin S.
Kelowna, BC
12/28/2008
We went for breakfast after Luxy was recommended by a friend. Not too sure if we visited the same place. We were the only people there at 9:30 on a Sunday. Food was of low quality and tasteless. Homemade pan fries had no seasoning and looked like they were cooked on a dirty grill. Ordered the chicken omelette with pesto and sundried tomatoes. What came was bland eggs with 3 pieces of chicken, a teaspoon of pesto placed in the middle and a few pieces of sundried tomato. Sausages were low quality and were mostly fat. Her french toast also had no taste. Not even a little cinnamon or nutmeg in the egg batter. The service was pleasant and efficient (should be since we were the only table).
Other reviewers seem to have great experiences. Since we visited just a few days after Christmas I have to wonder if their usual cook was away on holidays?? Tough to go back for dinner and try their homemade pasta. Our experience just didn't match what others have said. -
Review from Brad W.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2010
OK So I'm glad we're finally over the OVER-OBSESSING WITH CARBS-thing... Thank GOD for Cafe Luxy and its rich tasty sauces and home-made noodles.
I don't know of any other place in the city that actually makes their pasta in-house. Pretty simple thing one would think. It does make a really nice difference. I believe all the sauces are made to order and made in-house as well.
The owner Afsi is really sassy and entertaining! Makes dinner out with friends a blast. Wine is decently priced, Night time ambience is good as well. Can't wait for my next visit. Brad W. -
Review from Areena M.
4/17/2010
We just got back from a very nice dinner at Cafe Luxy. We shared the garlic prawns appetizer, followed by the Penne Ricardo for hubby and Fettucine alla Vodka for me. We ended the meal with tiramisu. Maybe we just got lucky with the dishes we ordered, but we enjoyed everything.
Garlic prawns: Must've been at least 15 shrimp on that plate. Well seasoned and cooked perfectly (neither underdone, nor overdone) but we were a little disappointed in the lack of garlic. Maybe Canadians don't like garlic as much as Californians?
Caesar salad: Love that salad comes with the meal. This was quite basic, but tasty. Lettuce was fresh and crispy. Can't say much else.
Garlic toast: Appreciate that this is included with the meal, but it was dry and again low on garlic. I'm assuming this is a regional thing; not sure.
Penne Ricardo: This was penne with a gorgonzola rose sauce. I hate blue cheese, but took a bite of this and found that the sauce was mild but had a pleasant tangy flavor.
Fettucine alla Vodka; This was fettucine with prawns in a spicy tomato cream sauce. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a shrimp pasta where the shrimp were not overcooked. This dish made me very happy. I do think it could have used something to brighten in up a little--some fresh basil or spinach or feta or something else to break up the texture a little. But I'm not complaining--this dish really hit the spot.
Tiramisu: Good portion for sharing; tasted fresh and well balanced. This is the only dessert they make in-house.
Service: Very attentive and friendly. Our waiter, Mitchell, made excellent recommendations and I'm certain he's the reason we enjoyed our meal so much.
Atmosphere: Cute neighborhood joint that offers great value and a casual, friendly environment. Our only complaint is that it was very hot inside. Apparently, one of the servers tried to open windows, but other patrons complained. Those of us in the back would've appreciated some air.
We leave Vancouver tomorrow, so I won't be able to try any other dishes, but we both thoroughly enjoyed tonight's dining experience. We were tired from a day of sightseeing and wanted a good meal without having to get dressed up and spend a fortune--Cafe Luxy delivered exactly what we needed. Thank goodness for the hotel employee who steered us there (Dominic @ Worldmark, you rock!). -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
5/11/2009 1 photo
I totally enjoy this little Westend gem.
When I'm in the mood for a good old pasta fill I come here. I warn you - the list of choices is incredible. Having to decide can become quite a challenge.
The portions are heaping! Enough for you to bring home for lunch the next day. I agree with Crystal the caesar salad was tasty but the garlic toast you could pass on. Mind you, I still ate it!!! I was hungry!
I had the Penna alla Luxy. I can't tell you how good it was. Chicken, sundried tomatoes, red peppers in a creamy rose sauce.
They offer the same dinner menu at lunch but it's offered at a cheaper price with a smaller portion.Listed in: The West End
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Review from Evilyn T.
1/22/2010 6 Check-ins Here
One of my favourite pasta places in Vancouver. We like to hit this spot for dinner because you always get so much food that you can take a doggie bag home and have the rest for lunch the next day. Dinner comes with a cesar salad and garlic bread, and the cesar salad is pretty much perfect, it's not too oily or too creamy, and has just the right amount of garlic to lemon ratio. My favourite dish is the Fettucine ai Fruite di Mare, the tomato cream sauce is divine and compliments the little sea-foodies so delightfully.
I usually treat myself to one martini while I am there, but I find them to be pretty pricey considering how the price of the food. The martinis are usually really good, unfortunately once you blink they are gone.
I have never had outstanding service, or memorable service for that matter, just average service from people just doing their job. I do like the dim lights and the candles on the tables, it makes the dining experience a little more personal and intimate, and gives the restaurant more of a feel to it.Listed in: Beers, Steers and Queers
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Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2010
I can best describe this place as Italian comfort food with a gourmet twist. I went here for a date with my guy, and it came complete with candlelight. The food was simple yet fresh and nicely seasoned, and it comes in huge portions. I had the spinach tortellini, and he had the chicken penne in some kind of cream sauce; that was the first time I've ever seen him get a doggy bag, apparently also the first time he'd seen it too.
This restaurant will probably end up being a favorite date spot. It's just too bad it has such a stupid name. -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
3/31/2010
Never had a bad meal here ever. Staff is cool. Pasta choices always different so it never gets boring. Then again I don't go there often enough so maybe it's just spacing out those visits.
Given there is a dearth of good reasonable Italian restaurants (hey, if you want to fork over the dough there are plenty of overpriced snooty places in Vancouver), this is a nice option when you're tired of cooking your Italian dishes at home. -
Review from Andrew H.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2010
I have had many good nights here. The food is average, but the price for the amount you get more than makes up for it. But I find it is the service that makes it great.
The decor is what you expect for a restaurant in this part of town. However the nice big window in the front is fantastic, especially in the summer when it slides open and you can get the breeze.
The portion sizes are large, but again the taste is completely average. A nice place for a large cheap meal with good friends. -
Review from Ashley W.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2010
Went to Luxy for brunch for the first time. I was impressed by their selection of pasta combos for $8.95, which are a lunch sized portion with Caesar salad and garlic bread. The caesar was tasty and definitely had fresh homemade dressing, the pasta was good for the price and the waiter was very friendly. The only complaint was from my 2 friends who both had the eggs benny (1 chorizo and 1 ham) said they both found the meat a little overpowering but they did love the hashbrowns.
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Review from Steve L.
Victoria, BC
6/8/2009 1 photo
We went for brunch at a mainly empty Cafe Luxy around 10am Sunday. The service was friendly and efficient. However the food was terrible. The pan fries were tasteless and old with a greasy burnt crust. The spinach omellette was pretty average. The Italian scramble was barely edible. The toast was a high point, which isn't saying much. I would go back for dinner to try the pasta but definitely wouldn't go back for breakfast/brunch.
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Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
11/9/2008
I've been to Cafe Luxy for dinner twice. The first time was wonderful. We had dinner with another couple and the food was delicious. I would have given it 5 stars, for sure. The second time, my wife and I came alone and had unbelievably crappy service. It was so bad that even the good food didn't make up for it. I'll call it in the middle for now with three stars. It seems like the other reviewers feel very positively about Cafe Luxy so maybe our bad experience was just a fluke.
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Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2008
I love this place. Tucked away quietly in an unsuspecting block of Davie Street, Cafe Luxy offers authentic Italian food that makes your mouth water y just reading about it. The pastas are all freshly made and there is a huge variety of them to choose from, and the appetizers - man alive! They have jalepino cheese bruschetta that is exactly what it sounds like - yumminess in your mouth!!
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Review from Jonathan T.
Vancouver, BC
11/9/2008
after hours of research for a good brunch place on yelp that did not entail a 2 hour wait in line, my wife and i finally decided to give cafe luxy a try. went on sunday at 1130 in the morning and street parking was easy. there's a pay lot right next to the place so i don't think that's ever going to be an issue for cafe luxy. the place is clean, the staff super friendly and the whole dark wood theme just makes me hungry you know?
i had the 2 eggs scrambled with sausage and potatoes and my wife had the pancake breakfast platter which came with ham, scrambled eggs and potatoes. the pancakes (got to try 'em) were absolutely awesome. light, airy, and served with the best maple syrup. potatoes were great. crunchy on the outside, moist and soft on the inside. perfect. the ham and sausage were good as well. the eggs however were very dry. also, they only have sugar so if you're into artificial sweeteners you should probably bring your own. they also did not have any skim milk - only whole milk. other than those little bummers, the place is worth going to.
checked out the lunch and dinner menu and it definitely looks worth checking out for the other two meals of the day. -
Review from N D.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2010
I have to be honest we never had to chance to actually eat here, so I cannot review the quality of food, but i can rate on customer service and ambience. First off, this is not the nicest joint but it will do for a quick bite. Although, it is one of the nicer places to eat along this part of Davie St. My boyfriend and I arrived at Cafe Luxy a little after 9pm one night and the place was pretty empty. Once seated with glasses of water in hand, and chatting away it came time to order food. My boyfriend ordered his meal, and I passed as I had eaten earlier. We were then (NOT kindly) told that I had to eat or we could not dine at the (half-empty) restaurant. I offered to order an appetizer or small salad, but they still said no. I understand that some restaurants have these rules and I get it, they have to make money...but this place was dead on a Friday night, and they lost us as customers...
