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Charthouse Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
3866 Bayview StSte 200
Richmond, BC V7E 4R7
Neighbourhood: Steveston
(604) 271-7001
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Charthouse Restaurant
17 reviews in English
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Review from Matt W.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
38f, cloudy, no sun, NO ONE on boardwalk, but let's talk food.
For lunch, started with clam soup, hot & good. Then had the steamed mussels, meh, then had the halibut fish & chips, very tasty. I go with 3 1/2 -
Review from Chris P.
Richmond, BC
4/19/2012
Frozen seafood served ten feet from the fishing docks. Overpriced, decor is right out of 1982, service is almost comically bad, and the place just got bought by the guy who used to be manager when it was recognized across richmond as the worst restaurant in Steveston. So many better options in Steveston, it seems the only people who go here are tourists who don't research things ahead of time.
Sent back appies, sent back mains, won't be back. -
Review from Polly C.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2011
It was a nice and gorgeous sunny day. After doing our foxtrot dancing lessons in Richmond, my bf and another couple friends headed to Steveston for lunch.
When we got there, we browsed around to see which restaurant to go to this time. We walked over to Blue Canoe and looked at the limited choices menu and rolled eyes signalling that we should proceed elsewhere. The one next to Blue Canoe was Charthouse.
We dashed up the stairs and found that it was a half-hour wait. Leaving our name with them, we walked around the bay in the sunny but cold weather. There were a lot of people especially at the waiting area...I think it was because it was nice and warm and maybe perhaps the food was good although I did yelp this restaurant on my phone before ordering. The ratings on the food were not the best but it was the scenary that they raved about.
The bf ordered the Platter (oysters, scallops, french fries, coleslaw) and Seafood Melt sandwich while I ordered the Seafood Curry Rice. When I saw the cheese on the Seafood Melt sandwich, I thought boy oh boy, that's a lot of cheese. There wasn't a lot of seafood and it was like the frozen baby shrimps...terrible. It was soggy. However, the fries were decent although burnt which I discarded those parts anyway. My Seafood Curry Rice would have been tasty even it was spicier and had curry flavor. Nope, none of that. Eh. The thing that really bumped this review rating from a one star to a two star is the basket of garlic toast that came with the food. I was actually craving garlic toast and lo and behold, there was a basket of them plopped onto our table.
I think I was on a semi-food coma as the starch and sugars (from the white bread and rice) went straight to my bloodstreams. I couldn't function properly after the meal and just wanted to take a nap. I don't know if my friends were feeling okay but the entire evening when I went home, I had a stomache. That was not a good sign. Anyway, two down (Sockeye City Grill from last time) and how many more to go at Steveston?? -
Review from Truth b.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2011
MEDIOCRE!!!
This restaurant is ripe for a makeover - Gordon Ramsay style.
A CAVERNOUS seasonal restaurant - that serves competant, but very average food. -
Review from Tim L.
8/15/2008
The Charthouse has this weird rustic charm to it. It has the nautical theme to it, but from the 80's and it is certainly charming.
What is so special about this place is it's location right on top of the Steveston wharf providing gorgeous views of the Fraser river interspersed with the outlines of various docked boats.
The food itself is good and can stand on it's own and the staff are attentive making dining a fun experience here. Ultimately however if they can bring their seafood on par with Stevestone Seafood house this place would blow them away any day. -
Review from Roanna Z.
4/22/2009 2 photos
Well, if I had the time this a.m before we headed down to Steveston, I would have yelped ahead for dinner, but we winged it and ended up here. It was not a bad experience really, just not particularly good.
Our poor joyless server, I felt sorry for her because just getting a smile out of her took some work, even when I almost cleaned my plate but left a only a red pepper smile with two olives for eyes. I had to tease her that she actually missed that.
A very slow night here, (no tv. and it being Playoffs and all). We had our pick of tables and chose one at the window overlooking the water and boardwalk. This really is a prize view.
Our meals were Beef Souvlaki and Garlic broiled shrimp. We were both satisfied, not impressed but content.
The joyless waitress was sweet and brought me a birthday slice of chocolate cake with a sparkler in it. -
Review from Katie F.
2/15/2009
I've been here for lunch but it's nothing memorable. As Tim said, it has a great location on the 2nd floor and with a window table, you have nice views of the area. Prices are average, and along with that is average food. I had clam chowder to start and the shrimp and crab cake burger, and the rest of the group had a mix of salads/soups/fish and chips/burgers.
Basic simple decor with chairs that squeak a bit, but it fits with the Steveston fishing village feel. It's not one of my favorites in the area but it does have a great location. -
Review from Jando S.
4/29/2010
Bayview Street in Steveston has plenty of interesting boutique stores and restaurants but none quite like the Charthouse. This classic seafood themed restaurant along the Steveston Harbor boasts an outstanding view of the water while exuding plenty of charm and character.
I've been here twice in the past, with each visit resulting in some excellent seafood without a tinge of pretentiousness. The wait staff has been great each time, always loaded with tasty recommendations and attentive service. As mentioned the views here are nice, especially during the daytime / early evening. The place is clean and tastefully decorated with a bit of an upscale feel without going too overboard. Prices are on par with most seafood places, with spendier entree options that are thankfully generous in portion.
Though I haven't tried any of their steaks or Greek specialties (soulvaki platters, swordfish, etc.) I have had their Seafood Pasta, Halibut and Chips, and their classic Salmon Fillet. The Seafood Pasta is extra creamy and I recommend nothing but angel hair as the pasta choice since it is easier to fork with bits of seafood meat than the other pastas. Halibut and Chips were excellent, with just enough crisp in the light, rum battered shell and the fries were handcut with a homemade bite. My favorite is their Salmon Fillet which can be poached or broiled (I prefer poached) with a side of Hollandaise sauce that tastes sinfully good.
Seafood doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be good. The Charthouse keeps their plethora of seafood combinations simple, with decent presentation. I am certain I'll be back for more and places like this remind me why the Pacific Northwest (not just Vancouver) features some of the best seafood on the planet. -
Review from Rhiannon A.
8/30/2011
I think that the food quality is better than that offered by the boardwalk restaurants. Service is very nice.
-
Review from Rebecca R.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2009
Pros: Great view of the harbour/water, restaurant is quite clean, comfortable seating, service was beyond excellent, bread was hot and plentyful, rack of lamb was pretty amazing.
Mehs: Boston chowder was a tiny bit on the goopy side, but, you know, okayish. Mussels and clams appy was average.
Cons: interior is outdated, stuffed jumbo prawns were overcooked, scallops and prawns dish looked really... unpalatable.
I don't know if I would go back. -
Review from Cody S.
2/5/2011
Beautiful View and Great Service. We have been here several times in the last couple of years. Yes I said it, whenever we are too lazy and want seafood in a cozy and nice environment, this is where we come. We normally get a good table so it is nice to look down and see the little bit of activity in Steveston. The food quality is so so...I'm not a terribly big fan. The fresh catch is good as is the fried fish sampler. It is so so and I will not confirm or deny we will be back. :D
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Review from Larry L.
5/11/2010 1 photo
I normally don't like to eat here unless it's for the Prime rib. And once in awhile I will let myself indulge in a nice thick juicy prime rib when it's the time and the time is right.
Every year, I've had it, it's always been the same and somehow, I seem to luck out with a big bone and good sauce.
The other dishes, well, simply not up to snuff. I hate to say it, but I've tried the other dishes and they really don't compare and if anything bring down the rating quite a bit.
Service has always been pretty good, but it's for the PR that I'm here.
My Granny always seems to eat the Chicken strips for some reason. I guess it's what she knows. For me, they're pretty dry strips of white chicken meat. -
Review from Alkarim S.
2/28/2010
Good service, excellent service. Lady from Mexico was extremely polite and attentive.
There was a basket of bread given, not hot, but still home made and fresh. The fish was tender and full of freshness. I loved the clams, the sea was clear and present in these little aphrodisiacs. I must say that the shrimp was incredibly plump and juicy, the scallops were sweet and cooked correctly. I did not like the breading on the seafood. It was a bit thick and overpowering. When I get seafood I want to taste the meat not the salty bread of crunch. The fries were standard.
The view was beautiful crowded with the fishing boats of the local fishermen and the river. The cold salty air gave me the complete Stevenston experience even though I was looking for something more, good simple unabashed fish. I am looking somewhere else next time. -
Review from Allan B.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2010
Exec summary: Good location and view, below average service, good menu, not so great fish, fail on the details.
After reading several reviews of other Yelp members I can't help to think they are delirious with food comatose. Today's visit was a result of another local fish and chips staple being closed. We winged it and decided on the Charthouse with a recommendation from a passer by as we perused the menu.
The menu is very dynamic and offers a good lunch variety and pricing. Their specials seem like good deals. After settling in we ordered (4 of us) the calamari with tziziki. The quantity of the platter was good and so was the thickness of the calamari, however it was a bit too chewy. The breading was good and seasoned well.
Next we had a round of chowders. 2 Manhattan (red) and 2 Boston's please. They were good and did not last long. My Boston had a very good creamy consistency and flavor. There were chunks of some veggies and potatoes but not chunky or meaty enough. Sadly to say this restaurant doesn't offer oyster crackers and I fear it's a detail lost to cost effectiveness.
My cousin and I ordered their special and cod fish and chips to share. That way we can get a good sample of their cuisine. The special was a puff pastry stuffed with cheese, a white wine sauce, and various shellfish. When it came out, presentation was very nice and it looked very yummy. We split that bad boy up and I went to work! After taking my first bite, the cheese overpowers everything. I couldn't taste any of the so called white wine. Time to grab some peppa to flavor this up a bit. So I grab the shaker and dab a bit on the dish and out comes salt. WTF! I double check and make sure I grabbed the right shaker and yes I did. This ended up posing a discussion at the table that I will get into later. Back to the food!
The cod was a very generous portion. On the menu they offer a single and double. The price was good for the double and fearing not having enough fish to share with my cousin we ordered the double. Turns out it was more than enough. The one piece was nearly 12 inches long or 30.5 cm for most of you reading this. After getting into the fish I found that it was a bit soggy. Seemed as if it had been sitting under a lamp and softened up. I had to try my fries and the same result. They had a sitting out on a lamp consistency to them. I attacked the smaller ones since they seemed to stay crisper. Also on the plate was coleslaw, which I avoided since my other cousin's wife found hair in hers. Chances for coleslaw contamination: HIGH!
Cross border attack! My other cousin ordered the seafood souvlaki and it was a skewer of salmon and halibut that was grilled... souvlaki style. The plate came with traditional fixins of pita bread, rice, veggies and tziziki. I got a taste of the salmon and halibut and it wasn't dry, wasn't overcooked and had some good flavouring. I just find it an odd dish. Non the less if you like souvlaki and fish you will most likely enjoy this dish.
So the best part of the meal was... the BEER! A local pale ale. The worst part of the meal, was the stomach aches we all had ranging from 15 minutes after ingestion to 1 hour. I have a strong stomach and mine didn't start making digestion beats until about an hour later. My cousin's wife had an immediate stomach ache and so did my cousins. Looking back at the meal I'm suspecting the restaurant appears to be on the ropes of hanging on and are cutting corners to save money. The fry oil was probably old and attributed to the general problems of the food. Missing oyster crackers, restroom that looks as if it wasn't wiped down since they opened, and general malaise of the staff and lack of enthusiasm (see upcoming paragraph).
Salt vs Pepper. Most S&P shakers have different hole patterns to allow a certain amount of the substance out, in measured portions. If you have a tiny salt grain in a pepper shaker that has 7 holes, you are going to salt yourself to death. This restaurant had the salt in the pepper shaker and pepper in the salt shaker. So I asked the table what was right and wrong for the purpose of debate. My cousin's from Israel claim that the one with multiple holes is for salt because it's humid where they live and the moisture gets into the salt shaker which can block some of the holes. So you need more holes to have a better chance of getting salt out of the shaker. I claimed that it was a sign of laziness and they should clean the shakers more often. So the waiter approaches just after we finished talking about it and had this exchange:
Me "Which one is salt and which one is pepper?"
Waiter [picks up one of the shakers and dabs some on his palm]
Waiter "This is salt."
Me "How am I supposed to tell without doing that?"
Waiter [walks away]
Me [looking at my cousins now...]
Me "WTF was that?"
Allan B. -
Review from Chris P.
Richmond, BC
2/23/2009
Perhaps the worst restaurant experience I've ever had, The Charthouse goes down in our family's memories as not just having awful food, but management who seem to be more than okay with that.
I took five relatives from Australia to the docks for lunch, eager to show them what Steveston had to offer. Wait times at other restaurants that I knew were good led us to try something I hadn't been to before, so The Charthouse got the nod. Terrible choice.
I had a BLT that was served up with yellow lettuce and tomato that tasted partly frozen. My mother had fish and chips that looked like it was previously frozen - not great, considering the restaurant is right there on the docks where fresh fish comes in every morning. The two kids had a burger and chicken strips... the burger was so overcooked a hungry 9-year-old boy turned it away halfway through - the first burger he hadn't finished in three weeks in Vancouver. The chicken strips, which were obviously of the frozen variety, had evidence that they had been fried once, then put back in the fridge, then fried again. The only bite our girl took of them, you could see two shades of colour in the bread crumbs, one for the first fry and another for the second. They had the consistency of hockey pucks.
When I pointed this out to the harried waitress, she acted as if she'd seen it a hundred times before, moving to taking our plates back without raising an eyebrow. I pointed out that, while I'm not usually a complainer, this was beyond the pale and I'd like to speak to the manager, so I'd like the plates left behind so I could demonstrate what I was complaining about.
The manager arrived - after twenty minutes of our sitting there - and asked what the problem is. I pointed to the yellow lettuce in my BLT, which he said was "the heart of the lettuce", like that's a selling point. I reminded him that the heart of the lettuce is sweet, which isn't what a BLT demands, he just shrugged his shoulders and said "what else?"
I pointed to the hockey puck chicken strips and he said "that's how chicken strips are". I asked him to try one and he refused, saying he wasn't hungry. He objected to my saying the fish and chips was frozen, vowing that it was fresh. Laughable.
Finally, by the time showed him the charburger, he just rolled his eyes and said we could only have two of the meals comped.
I told him I wasn't looking for freebies, that I wanted him to know what was up with his food because I assumed he'd be shocked and want to get to the bottom of it, being a proud restauranteur. Suffice to say, he couldn't have cared less, and actually tried to justify the horrible food served under his banner.
In the end I think three of our meals were comped, and as we waited for our bills, I tapped a passing busboy on the shoulder and asked if he thought the food was good. He said, "Sure, I guess." I asked whether he'd eat the chicken strips on the plate in front of him.. he looked around the room to be sure nobody was listening and said, "No freakin' way. This place sucks."
Next time we'll walk across to Reflections or hope the wait at Tapanade isn't too long. As for The Charthouse, it will always be a running joke in our family... "I guess I Charthoused the pasta, hey honey?" -
Review from Jenny G.
Richmond, BC
2/28/2011
Too pricey for the quality of the food. You're paying strictly for the location.
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Review from Susannah T.
Richmond, BC
9/11/2010
Great view, charming waiters, not bad food. It's a lovely place to have a meal at night, looking out at the water and all the boats. The food's ok, but nothing particularly special.
