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Cru Restaurant
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
1459 Broadway WVancouver, BC V6H 1H6
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
(604) 677-4111
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Cru Restaurant
Review Highlights
"...it simple and went with the three-course prix fixe menu."
(in 4 reviews)
"Beef Tenderloin - inspired balance of flavours and textures..."
(in 6 reviews)
"I think I had the goat cheese cake."
(in 3 reviews)
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Heidi L.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
I went to Cru for Dine Out Vancouver last week and the food BLEW MY MIND. Wow, seriously, I cannot wait to go again.
This was my first time going to Cru and I was impressed with the service, the menu, and the food I ordered. I have never been so excited about a Caesar salad- grilled romaine hearts filled with creamy dressing and asiago cheese, their famous whole made croutons grilled with garlic... mmm and the presentation it looked so pretty I wished I had a camera to savour it longer.
I had duck which was perfectly cooked, Delicious, full of flavour and my girlfriend had the pork tenderloin with grilled apples and curry couscous which was equally as amazing.
I was also enthused to find out Cru has a three course prefix on their regular menu that is only $39.
AMAZING! -
Review from Andrea L.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2012
Been here a few times.
Was here tonight for dine out. Loved it all minus the panna cotta.
Wasn't so a big fan of cardamom and chocolate being melded together for a panna cotta.
My top recommendations are the char-grilled caesar salad and creme brulee.
The creme brulee is D-VINE..not too thick of a layer, so crisp, but perfect thickness to crack into.
I shoulda wore sweats to dinner... -
Review from John R.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Since I went there as part of event that closed the whole restaurant for the night I cannot comment on the regular menu but I will comment on the service and food quality.
First, service was great - both for the hors d'oeuvres that was passed around at the beginning of the evening and for the table service we had for the rest of the night.
What was the most amazing part was having four choices on the menu for evening and everything coming out for everyone at the same time with great quality. I have been to catering places recently that can manage this job on timing but not with the same single order QUALITY we received the night we were there.
I very much enjoyed what I had and looking at the completely empty plates around me it seemed that was the case across the board.
Job well done! -
Review from natalie p.
Vancouver, BC
1/29/2012
Wow. Looking back, going on a dine-out Saturday night was a bad idea. However, under any situation, the food shouldn't have been as underwhelming as it was.
The bread was horrible.
The appetizers were actually pretty tasty- carpaccio and the parsnip veloute.
The mains left a lot to be desired. The pork loin was tiny and poorly executed. The gnocchi were oversalted and not that tasty.
Dessert - really bad.
It was crowded, the service was non-existent. Definitely did not showcase the restaurant and we'll never be back. -
Review from P M.
Vancouver, BC
1/27/2012
Had lunch here for the Vancouver Dine-out 2012 promotion. The food was outstanding!! Will definitely be back. Also heard they will open an Italian-themed restaurant near 12th & Granville which will be fun to try out.
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Review from Fiopo F.
West Vancouver, BC
2/1/2012
Very average. Straightforward dishes that were not screwed up but made without inspiration. To me, this restaurant should be classified as a diner. It serves what is essentially diner food (not really, but faux-fine-dining straight-out-of-culinary-school food to me is pretty much diner food) in a diner atmosphere. If they increased the portion sizes and lower the prices a bit, it would make for an interesting value proposition to your typical diner clientele (myself included)...but that day will never come and people looking for a culinary experience should look elsewhere.
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Review from Katie S.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2011
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver. Though it is on busy broadway, Cru has a quiet, warm atmosphere with excellent service and unbelievable food.
I have gone there on three separate occasions with my boyfriend and it never disappoints. As such, I've tried several of their dishes, and have yet to find one I did not enjoy. We get the small plates because we enjoy sharing dishes and we're not huge dessert people.
My personal favourites are the Duck Confit, which is cooked to fall-off the bone- perfection, and the Caesar Salad, which tastes like no other Caesar salad you've ever had and is served on one large lettuce leaf. (I suspect it's calorie count may be outrageous, but it's well worth it!)
The Onion Tarte is also mouth-wateringly delicious; the pastry was just the right combination of flakey and moist, and it was sweet without being sickening. The Morrocan Lamb also stands out because the zucchini, egggplant and olive dish with which it is served is just as good as the lamb itself.
If you're on a budget (as I usually am), it might be a stretch to eat there, but simply not ordering alcohol will cut down the bill significantly, and the food is worth every penny. If you're looking to spend a little more, even the cheapest wines and champagnes they offer are good.
It's a small restaurant, so reservations are a good idea, but I have found them to be very accommodating to walk-ins and last minute reservations, especially on weeknights.
So, what are you waiting for, get yourself to Cru and see what all us Yelpers are raving and drooling about! -
Review from Annie M.
Vancouver, BC
This is a cozy and good french bistro on Broadway. I have been CRU for few times and never disappoint me.
3 of us ordered 3-course fixed menu, food were delicious and well priced.
Beef Carpaccio - fantastic and good to start with.
Beef Tenderloin - inspired balance of flavours and textures that excellent!!
Ling cod with red curry sauce - it was so fusion and perfect.
Chocolate torte with lavendar ice cream - just a bit too sweet, still good!!
Goat Cheesecake - a bit sour but very rich. -
Review from Hipster C.
Vancouver, BC
6/27/2011
Ordered the Beef Tenderloin Carpacccio, Beet salad and Duck confit. All beautifully prepared and well priced for the portions that you received. The croutons that came with the carpaccio had the best flavour of any crouton I've tried. I also loved my roasted golden beets - the vinaigrette was the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. Duck was fall -off-the bone-tender but not greasy and the spaetzel and cabbage and bacon accompaniments created nice contrasts and textures on the palate
The wine connoisseurs in the group thoroughly enjoyed their wines- although the wine pairing/colour symbols were a bit confusing on the menu, as they had multiple colours next to each item and it wasn't clear what the colours indicated at first, but once we cottoned on, the wide selection of quality wines was appreciated :)
Overall, service was polished, professional and unpretentious. Cru has been around for a long time, and in an economic downturn is it great to see a quality establishment continue to stay open and thrive!
Highly recommended! -
Review from Novaira M.
Vancouver, BC
3/4/2011 4 photos
A hidden french cuisine gem on broadway ! Thank you yelp for steering me towards this place .... I went here for lunch with a group of 6 people. We weren't able to make reservations online for parties of more than 4, but calling in ensured us a spot.
Let me start by saying that the service was excellent ! Our server guided us through the menu, suggested what went well with what, and checked up on us enough without being overbearing.
And then there's the food.... where do I begin. Everything on the menu looks amazing ! They have a lunch special where you can order 2 courses for $19 or 3 courses for $24. We went with the 2 courses, entrees and desserts (the soup of the day did sound tempting as well).
Our table mostly had the sablefish entree and the Risotto. Both were a hit. The fish was cooked to perfection, the caulifower sauce hit the spot and the miso layer was a perfect pairing for the entire dish.
For dessert I had the brownie, and some people also tried the goat cheesecake (which I was skeptical about). But again, the desserts were amazing !
I left feeling full but not stuffed ! Would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a nice upscale lunch at a reasonable price. -
Review from Cathy S.
12/17/2010
This was the first of many more visits to Cru.
I loved the decor, it is modern and understated while still managing to be warm and comfortable.
The organic greens salad with the vinaigrette dressing was nothing to write home about although it was dressed to perfection. We all ordered either the 2 or 3 course lunch meal and all ordered the Sable Fish as the main. Across the board we all thought it was fantastic. The sable fish was plated vertically over a bed of mashed potatoes and creamed leeks. A bite that contained all 3 flavors and textures with a piece of the oven dried tomato was perfection. For dessert, we either had the creme brulee or the chocolate torte both of which were excellent.
The service was attentive without fawning, just as it should be at a restaurant of this caliber.Listed in: They Say The Neon Lights Are…
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Review from Joanne L.
Richmond, BC
11/12/2010
Cru is a small hidden restaurant on Broadway that offers fine dining with reasonable prices and personable service.This was a Monday night and the space filled up completely for dinner so reservations are highly recommended. Cru has a Three-course Prix Fixe menu and it's quite a good deal. I always get their Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio as an appetizer since it's just delicious! We also ordered the Pan-seared Qualicum Bay Scallops and Riesling-poached Pear. Two scallops were lightly coated then seared and served with a lemon-caper foam, it was very nice. The Pear was refreshing and light with side salad.
Entrees consisted of Pan-seared Sockeye Salmon and Angus Beef Tenderloin, both perfectly made and flavourful. No skin on the salmon and cooked just right, over a bed of lentils. The Beef was oh-so-good!
For dessert I wanted something light so I substituted a Chevre cheese plate instead. Plain and simple served with crostini and sweet roasted walnut. The Little Goat Cheese Cake is not your usual ordinary cheesecake, this was served with fig jam, wine-poached grapes and was sandwiched between ginger snaps. Absolutely delightful and not heavy at all.
I never say no to this place! -
Review from Kristy V.
Vancouver, BC
11/20/2010
Yum! This restaurant has great food - some of the best food I have tasted in Vancouver. On Wednesday nights they have a date night: a 3 course meal (for 2) and a bottle of wine for $99. Pretty good deal.
The reason why I wouldn't give it a 5/5, is because of the interior. It's pretty dated. They desperately need to renovate and liven it up in there. -
Review from Luisa D.
Wow! Who'd a thought I could get excited about croutons?! Croutons?! Well let's say that the amazing croutons were indicative of the entire meal.
When we first walked in on the stormy evening that was Vancouver last night we were immediately warmed by the simple, elegant coziness of the small room. We were greeted with warm smiles by all three of the calm, professional floor staff working the room with a quiet ease.
We were glad to have a table tucked far away from the door. The wine list is simple and nicely laid out into groups of juicy, smooth, etc. We ordered a bottle of Allegrini Palazzo delle Torre. The 3-course prix-fixe menu had the extended DOV price of $38 but it was noted as being $42 only anyway. We both chose the grilled Caesar salad which was the dish of the best croutons I've ever had. It was about a 1/2 head of romaine, grilled, loaded with cheese and delicious dressing. The croutons were lined neatly up on the side. At first I was going to pass on the little cubes of bread but thought I should at least try one. Made from fresh baguette then seasoned with butter, salt and garlic - I was instantly in love. I then had the mushroom risotto with truffle oil and the hubby had the beef tenderloin. Both were perfectly cooked and flavoured. We almost didn't have room for dessert but we were in for the 3 courses so dessert we had. One was the warm apple spice cake and the 2nd was the chocolate torte. Holy yumalicious!!
Everything was absolutely perfect and we will be back!Listed in: Top of the food chain baby!, Review of the Day
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Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/10/2008 1 photo
An intimate sliver of a fine-dining restaurant, it's just two rows of white-clothed tables and a cozy, modern place to celebrate a special occasion--such as your Golden wedding anniversary, your promotion to VP of your company or a modest lottery win.
Cru is well-known for its award-winning wine list, which makes it a great choice for those who appreciate fine wine and don't mind throwing down some serious bank. The fixed price menu is three courses for $42. If price isn't a factor for you (or someone else is paying the bill), you can try some unique dishes and original takes on old favourites.
For example, the Cellar Door Caesar salad is about a quarter of a heart of romaine lettuce grilled, served slightly warm with it's outer edges singed. The thick dressing is beautifully drizzled and it's finished with asiago shavings and an oversized garlic crouton.
Our server insisted on using the Royal We the entire evening. As in "And what will we be having tonight?" "Could I suggest we try the Albacore Tuna Loin this evening, it is looking especially divine." He was well-trained, knowledgeable, helpful and totally full of himself.
The menu changes, but whatever you find on it you can bet it's going to be a culinary experience. They also have a small plates menu and an extensive by-the-glass wine list. The restaurant lives up to Ocean Wise standards, so you can feel good about eating their fish dishes. -
Review from Lu T.
6/8/2010 3 photos
Hearing legendary things about the Vancouver food scene, me and a buddy wanted to sample some fine dining during our visit for the Olympics. A quick search for top restaurants on Google led us to Cru. Plus they were the only one still open and accepting reservations, this made our choice quite easy.
The space was small, with just two rows of tables lining the walls and single walkway in between. Very dark and intimate, the candlelit restaurant was quiet and romantic. Then come in two loud and obnoxious Americanos reeking of Crown Royal and poutine sporting the red, white and blue. Needless to say, I think it was obvious we were out-of-towners.
Regardless of our citizenship and the fact that the U.S. hockey team had just defeated the Canada team, service was friendly and attentive. We kept it simple and went with the three-course prix fixe menu.
We started off with some beef tenderloin carpaccio, caperberries, truffle aioli and shaved parmesan. We also had the seared foie gras, a parsnip puree and a wine sauce drizzled over with a bit of toast. Pretty darn good. Raw beef and seared foie always gets my endorphins jump-started and the fragrance of the truffle aioli was just titillating.
I believe the menu is reflective of fresh seasonal selections that are readily available so I was eager to sample the lingcod caught in local waters. Excellent fish, the flesh was white, firm and flaky with an amazingly sweet subtlety. Perfectly cooked, the lingcod sat on some greens and was complemented with a slightly salty, savory broth.
My friend had the beef shortribs, tender but slightly over-seasoned in my opinion. I don't remember much of his, I just remember being happy I ordered the lingcod and making him feel like crap for not doing the same.
We had dessert too. I think I had the goat cheese cake. One bite was all I could handle, the sweetness was overpowering but then again I'm quite sensitive. Girls like sensitive guys.
All in all a very satisfactory experience at Cru. It's without a doubt that our neighbors to the north have an excellent array of fine dining choices and at a very agreeable price. If Cru is any indication of the cuisine that can be had in Canada, I'm a fan. I had a fine time and look forward to visiting again, until then, stay classy Vancouver. -
Review from Tim L.
8/21/2008
This is a rather elegant restaurant that has some great tasting food. I had a steak here that was cooked to perfection and with the wine bar there's no shortage of appropriate wine pairings.
Food is plated very nicely although the portions are very European (aka smallish). The taste is delightful so it makes up for the size.
If you go here expecting big though or needing big portions this is definitely going to be a disappointment. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2010
A bit off the beaten-path, but worth the drive to Cru. For true.
I Yelped Cru Restaurant and wish to applaud my Western Yelpers for their excellent reviews and savvy writing style. You gave it 4-Stars on average and it did not disappoint! Cru offers the diner their choice of tasting menu: pre-determined or custom-built. Of course I chose the custom option.
We arrived a little early for our reservation and ordered a half-bottle of Champagne from the bar. I always love it when you get to chat wine with the owner and I did so at the bar at Cru. It just makes me feel welcome and cool when the host or hostess digs your wine style (or humours me, either way it's cool).
When we moved to our table, I was oh-so-pleased at their dining room layout: open-concept with tables lined along two rows. This gives the New York style of bustling energy and conversation; just enough noise and excitement to peak your excitement of the meal to come. We were completely satisfied with the menu, featuring locally raised faire and interesting Contemporary French Bistro style selections.
If your visiting Vancouver, take the $14 cab ride from downtown out to Cru- you'll get a nice view of the city and a lovely meal at a decent price. -
Review from Pookie B.
Vancouver, BC
6/22/2011
Small, intimate restaurant that serves excellent food. Service was impeccable. Great ambience. My boyfriend and I shared four plates. We left full and very satisfied. We had the beef carpaccio (very tasty, delicious and comes a close second to the best carpaccio I've every had in my life), the bruschetta (really amazing - loved what the chef did with the cherry tomatoes - very different to a typical bruschetta), the lamb (the accompanying faro with the Mediterranean vegies was memorable like a symphony of flavours - never had anything like it) and finally the duck confit (other than the goat cheese on the plate which somewhat overwhelmed the other flavours, the duck and the spaetzle themselves was just amazing).
In terms of value, this restaurant really shines. We had three glasses of excellent Argentinian Cab Sauv between the two of us. It was excellent and perhaps one of the best wines I've had in a restaurant.
All in all, I could compare my experience at Cru with some of the best restaurants I've been to in my travels, but without the price tag. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anybody who appreciates excellent produce, excellent quality at excellent value.
I'd go back in a heart beat. -
Review from Littlefish B.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2009
So New York. Elbow-to-elbow, white linen, tiny pretty portions.
I've been twice and wowed by one dish, a seasonal onion tart that was outstanding. Very attentive service, knowledgeable staff.
It's got more of a rushed feel than I like when I'm out for a fine meal. I find the seating less comfortable than ideal for a long, savouring meal and a private conversation isn't possible if the next table is occupied.
This is a high quality dining room, it's just not a favourite of mine. -
Review from Thu N.
North York, ON
4/29/2010
Maybe it's a bad rule of thumb to check out restaurants during Dine out to review. I think the moment we decided to order all water and just be here for the food - the service was pretentious and slow. I've heard so many people recommend Cru for French cuisine because it's the best in the city so I went!
There were 4 of us so we could try most things on the menu.
Appies: I felt like the beef carpaccio was drenched with truffle oil and cheese to hide the quality of the beef...because it wasn't all that fresh. The ceasar salad looked like it was topped with a lot of dressing and cheese. My friend enjoyed his tomato soup!
Mains: The lamb came as 5 little slices. I guess this is what $38 gets you. Though the lentils it sat on were delicious. I had the free range chicken - it was pretty tender and it was good to stick with the basic. My friend didn't enjoy her steamed fish and chinese vegetables - or well it wasn't french or worth what we paid!
Desserts: The good news is the desserts were delicious! Both the brownie and the creme brulee were rich and yummy.
So all in all, we enjoyed some of the dishes but definitely expected more for the price. Onwards...to find a real good French food! -
Review from Alexander Bromley Clark D.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2009
I had a negative impression of this West Coast/French spot for several years: I don't like the font used for the awning, the atmosphere appears stuffy from without, and the menu always looked overpriced to me. I ate here this past week for a work function and was surprised at the diverse menu and the comfortable ambience.
We ordered: the duck confit, the beef tenderloin, the smoked tuna, the frites, the wild mushroom risotto and a few rounds of beet salad. Apart from an excessively dijony spätzle with the duck, everything was cooked well and thoroughly enjoyed.
Having said this, there are definitely some black marks against this narrow, South Granville hot spot. First, there is no draught beer (I always freak out over places that fail to offer sweet sweet brew on tap). Second, Cru has adopted the predictable (and trademark Vancouver) "small plate" format. That is, there are no full entrees unless you order the prix fixe, and diners are encouraged to order several small, dainty dishes (which usually add up to more than a single entree at any good, popular restaurant). Lastly - and related to the above topic - every small plate was about $2-to-$3 too expensive. The food is great and the preparation is spot on, but I really did feel like I paid a tad too much per plate.
If you are in the hood, hit-up Bin 942 rather than Cru. -
Review from Sandra G.
Vancouver, BC
5/13/2009
I had the pleasure of sampling some Cru dishes at Modern Mix Vancouver's one year anniversary party. The presentation was clean and excellent and the nibbles were all gone within the first hour of the event.
I was also very impressed at the graciousness of the owner (can't remember his name) who spoke some lovely words about MMV and talked about the restaurant without it sounding like a sales pitch. I look forward to my first official romantic dining date at Cru. -
Review from Lance B.
Vancouver, BC
2/21/2011
Went to Cru yesterday afternoon. Now why have I not heard about it. Ate appys all day. The mushroom truffles and tomato cream cheese phyllo
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Review from Abby I.
2/26/2010 5 photos
Small, cozy little restaurant. Wanted to try French food within the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage for a later show of Les Miserables. The tables are pretty close to each other but as a fellow New Yorker, I guess I am used to this. The service and food was great...except do not get the selection of assorted cookies for dessert! I didn't think they were anything special...
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Review from Quddous B.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010
Great food at a great price. 3 courses for under $40. Great for a special occasion.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
1/14/2010
To be fair to Cru, I go in when I want a glass of very good wine and a small something to accompany it, not for the full menu, which is outstanding I have tried it all one small plate at a time. The wine list is the best by the glass menu in Vancouver and rightfully so, it evolves with the season and the menu. These are not trend driven wines but well thought-out offerings that constantly surprise me. Ok now I have to go for dinner.
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Review from daisey d.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2010
The food is interesting, but the service is snobby and disappointing.
They are very slow to take orders and even the small plates and appetizers come very slowly. However, there was no bread or olives or anything on the table to eat in the mean time.
There are very few dishes on the menu without red meat (even some of the seafood dishes have bacon). I asked if they could leave the bacon off the duck confit (it was a garnish not already in the duck) and the waiter refused to even ask the kitchen and lectured me on how it would offset the balance of the dish.
I had the sable fish which was nicely glazed, but on top of a flavorless puree that was too rich. The mushrooms on brioche were excellent although the salad that accompanies it was difficult to eat.
The wine list is diverse and the mid-priced bottle we chose was excellent. There is also a large selection of wines by the glass.
The food was good, but given the price range I expect better ($25-$35 entrees and a dinner of small plates is in the same price range with desserts $8 each; the 3 course prix fixe menu is $42). A restaurant that has a small menu and so rudely refuses to make a small change to a dish is one I will never go back to. -
Review from Nic M.
Vancouver, BC
10/14/2009
My dear friend and Realtor Karin Davidson wanted to take me to a special place to thank me for some business we have recently done...knowing that I was a vegetarian she took me to one of her favourite places...CRU.
CRU is a small restaurant very close to Granville and West Broadway just off the chic South Granville shopping strip. The decor is minimalist but quite chic with starched white tablecloths and butter coloured banquettes, visually quite nice. We had a lovely 'deuce' in the window and had very good service from an excellent female server who knew her stuff...very friendly and attentive but not too in our face. An aside: gosh, I hate having to include the server in my lunch as one of the guests because they are so chummy! Not the case here.
All stocks at CRU are vegetarian. I had an excellent home made pumpkin soup, large bowl, with a dollop of creme fraiche in it ($8), very subtle and very wholesome. We had a side of a whole French baguette ($4) and then to follow a salade nicoise each, very fresh excellent ingredients, Karin had the tuna included with it but they gave me extra of everything to make up as I wanted a veg option ($18) Karin had mentioned the pommes frites earlier and we finally succumbed to having a side, what a huge side! they were great though! We followed this up by sharing the goat cheese cake with fruit and ginger snap biscuits.($8)..delicious! A bottle of pellegrino and a couple of glasses of Peter Lehman shiraz and that was that. A very delightful time, I'd definitely go back and would recommend this delighful little restaurant for a special evening out! Approx $100 + tip for lunch
