- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Gallery Café & Catering
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Canadian (New) Local Flavour Delis, Canadian (New), Local Flavour [Edit]
750 Hornby StVancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 688-2233
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Tue, Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
41 reviews for Gallery Café & Catering
Review Highlights
-
"they have the best patio to enjoy in the city." In 26 reviews -
"They also have live classical music in the summer." In 6 reviews -
"...with a hint of casualness in their cafeteria style setting." In 7 reviews
Loading...
40 reviews in English
-
Review from Jay M.
Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
3/1/2012
This place is scrumptiously fantastic and wonderful and great.
Was that redundant? I dont know.
Should you go to this cafe and grab a beer(or wine, whatever tickles your fancy) and perhaps an absolutely fantastically delicious item from their extensive display and hang out on their amazing patio?
I wouldn't be able to maintain a friendship with you if you said no.
Try it, its jolly good, pip pip. -
Review from Ellen L.
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dining in on April 20th with wafts of errrr "grassy" scents drifting by and blaring rock music is probably not the best representation of this eatery's atmosphere. Regardless, I'm pretty stoked about this patio. It shall be my mini-mini-lunch break getaway in the summer time! I especially look forward to live classical music. How hoity toity would that be?
The food is decent, nothing spectacular. Ready made and reheated in the microwave or grill - basically an extra-fancy cafeteria.
Quick, someone put a recurring lunch meeting request in my calendar! Though my attendance will be weather permitting - sunny days only!Listed in: Lunching it up Downtown
-
Review from Vanessa C.
Vancouver, BC
12/23/2011
This is a rockin place to go for lunch or a glass of wine especially on a sunny day. Love the outdoor cement patio, I wouldn't sit anywhere else! It's a wonderful city street view, elevated above the Vancouver Art Gallery so you can see passerbys walking the promenade. In the summers there is sometimes live music playing on the patio as well (although I'm never sure what time and day they play - it's hit or miss).
It's a cafeteria style cafe (ie. you choose pre-made sandwiches/salads from behind a counter and they heat it up for you). Great place to go if you're looking for an alternative to full-service restaurant dining, or if you want to eat outside.
Unfortunately, the reason why I'm giving my review 3 stars instead of 5 is because of the food :( Every time I've been here, it's terrible. For example, behind the counter, it's colourful pasta salads but thoroughly disappointing in taste. Thick penne in a bland tomato dressing. Even their house salad is bad. Quiche, in my experience, hasn't been warmed through thoroughly.
I'll keep on coming back because of the wonderful patio seating and people-watching, but perhaps in the future I will just order a drink with no food. -
Review from Herman E.
11/24/2011
In the summer the patio is a great location to sit back, have a few drinks, relax and people watch. They also have live classical music in the summer.
The food and service here is an interesting set up. On the patio there is waiter service for drinks, but you can also self serve to get your own. I'm not too sure about the inside, but it appears that it is self serve drinks and food on the inside. Maybe the other Yelpers here can clarify.
The food is good for what it is. It's definitely not spectacular. -
Review from Robin M.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Top secret information: I only go here to get away from the Robson insanity. Once I walk up those steps, I'm a thousand miles from any stress-related agoraphobia and am fully enjoying my liquid lunch.
Unfortunately, escapism and liquid lunches are about all Gallery Café is good for, 'cuz the food just ain't all that rad. Bland quiche, sloppy salads, and oily soups? Oh no. But the patio, yes! Birds chirping, cellos playing, and glasses of wine flowing as the summer sun beats down. Ah yes - my happy place.Listed in: Let's tour!, Because I Love Me A Good Glass…, Patio Time
-
Review from Amy T.
7/6/2011
I usually eat here a few times a year in the summer.
The food is at best a 3/5. You will need to go inside and order your food at the counter. Napkins, water and utencils are self serve. I had the bison shepard's pie and the ahi tuna salad. The mashed potato on top of the bison shepard's pie was not as thick as I would like. It almost tasted like instant mashed potatoes. The bison meat and vegetables inside were piping hot and flavorful. The ahi tuna salad was a little dry and even though I enjoyed it, I wasn't blown away.
Now the reason Gallery Cafe gets a 4/5 is for their atmosphere. Located on top of the Vancouver Art Gallery, it's a great place to people watch or get some sun. If you're not a fan of the hot summer days, there are tons of patio umbrellas and shade you can sit under. The patio area has a beautiful array of flowers throughout the outdoor seating area. A butterfly flew by as I was walking inside to order and a bird landed right beside me on the table as I was eating... what a beautiful way to enjoy lunch. -
Review from Vincci L.
Summer finally came this weekend and there's really no better way to spend a day under the blistering sun.
With sweeping views of Robson Square and downtown towers, this is truly a sanctuary in the heart of the city.
But the best part is really the patio. It feels like you're transported to another locale, with high top tables, vibrant flowers, and the other best part: classical music.
So grab a glass of pinot grigio, take a seat in the sun, and soak it all up.
You won't regret it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/28/2011
The atmosphere here is just so inviting that I know I will be back in the summer to enjoy their… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sarah O.
Vancouver, BC
12/16/2011
A quiet (except for during lunch hours) oasis in the heart of downtown. Summer is lovely with outdoor patio seating and special afternoon/evening menus including cheeses and a selection of wine. The food is average but do indulge in the desserts. Always a new assortment of trifles,raspberry pistachio chocolate cake, lemon squares.. the list continues. The drink selection is varied- bottled juices, chai lattes, your basic wines, and self serve water in glass cups. I'm happy to say this place understands ambience. Lunches can be a slightly chaotic, however the service is swift and the seating is cozy. Do check out the gift shop post lunch for that one of a kind card you know you'll need.
-
Review from Chris K.
Burnaby, BC
6/12/2011
After all the times walking down Robson and going to the Vancouver Art Gallery, I can't believe I've never been to this cafe before. But, I only really learnt about it after recently becoming a member of the art gallery. As previous reviewers have said, an amazing patio but also with a comfortable indoor space. I was looking for a little shade before a walk in the sun around Stanley Park, and the tables under the umbrellas were full on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so I stayed inside where it wasn't busy, and looked out onto the patio.
I came in just for an americano, having just had lunch, but upon entry I spotted a little green-coloured square in front of a cute asian woman reading along the wall. I wasn't sure what it was, but it looked like a nice bite to go with my coffee. The line-up was a little slow, but I was in no hurry. Servers were friendly and smiling. Quite a nice selection of food items, a couple of soups, and several deserts. It turns out that the green-coloured square was a key lime square. OK, the green is likely food colouring because lime juice isn't green, but how can one resist the tartness of key lime, it isn't something you see served every day. And I'm of limey descent on my own journey. So, I had the key lime square and an americano. The square was quite nice and the americano was OK, but not super.
This is definitely a place to come back to again, to try some different things and for its nice atmosphere. Looks like they serve beer and wine too. -
Review from Nicole F.
3/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
You were a hit today, Gallery Cafe!
My fellow students and I were starving after completing an art exam and I suggested the Gallery Cafe as I'd been before, and even though I'm usually not into the specials, there are always some delicious sammiches, salads, and quiches for the vegetarian folks.
I went with the Mediterranean Panini which has feta cheese, artichokes, tomato and spinach. They also had a curried root vegetable soup on for the day which happened to be vegan, so for $1 more I got the soup instead of the side salad. Definitely the right choice!
The soup needed a bit of salt (but I always think that anyways) but it was pretty tasty without the curry flavour being too overpowering. Not too bad!
The panini was nice and hot and I am pretty sure it had garlic butter inside.. there was definitely garlic somewhere inside. It was soooooo gooooood! The menu said that the tomatoes were sundried, but they seemed just like regular cut up chunks of tomato to me. I wasn't too bothered by that because I actually dislike the texture of sundried tomatoes. I was happy about the false advertising. -
Review from Jennifer R.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Throughout the last few years, I've been looking for the "perfect cafe." My criteria are this: an outdoor patio, elevation, a view, reasonably priced food/drinks, and a place where I'm able to sit and read for a while.
I'm happy to report that the Gallery Cafe is the perfect cafe.
While I haven't ever had dinner here, the cafe part of the cafe is second to none. I spent less money there than I would at, say, Starbucks, and received much better value.
When in Vancouver, at least one trip to this cafe is something that you should do! -
Review from Amber T.
Whistler, BC
Updated - 5/18/2011
As a Vancouver local, I never thought of the Gallery Cafe as a spot to hang out, but was pleasantly surprised when I went there for a lengthy afternoon coffee and dessert with a friend. The atmosphere is very much like a Parisian street cafe and they play soothing classical music, have umbrellas for those who don't want to get too much sun.
This is also the perfect place to have a relaxing glass of wine and wind down on a Sunday afternoon. I tried a decadent cherry cheesecake and highly recommend it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/16/2011
As a Vancouver local, I've never thought of the Gallery Cafe as a spot to hang out, but was… Read more »
-
-
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
5/14/2011
Is there a better way to end the day than switching that 3pm meeting from a coffee shop to the Gallery Cafe and enjoying a beer instead of a java? I don't think so.
Was happy that my colleague suggested this mainly because I always forget about it. Although we only had a beer and treat, they offer a good variety of entrees, sandwiches, salads, drinks, wines etc. and all at very reasonable prices. On a beautiful day, sitting on the patio really hits the spot. And when the city finishes up with the Robson Square facelift (any day now...?) it will be perfect for people watching.
I will definitely remember this next time the sun makes an appearance. -
Review from Megan K.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2010
BEST MUFFINS IN TOWN!
This is such a well kept secret in Downtown Vancouver. I work across the street from the art gallery and it is my favorite place to catch a bite to eat on my break. It's tranquil and well tucked away from all the hustle and bustle! They serve wine (which is so tempting on my lunch break) and some of the oddest salads but they are so delicious! They even have a Vegan coconut soup which is to die for! They have such a wide variety of deserts and baked goods as well. However I just can't seem to pass up their muffins, currently Carrot and Apple Oatmeal rank as my favorites! Great place to grab lunch!
Oh and I nearly forgot about the birds! Their seem to be quite the variety of birds that just chill here for kicks! I don't blame them as their patio is divine! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
8/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Oh, Gallery, Gallery, How I wish to love thee,
With your al fresco atmosphere,
Little old society ladies,
And suits and skirts.
But your
Mushy heirloom tomato salad
With soggy, overdressed iceberg lettuce (huh?)
Made me cry. Shame on you for treating your bocconcini that way.
Perhaps I will come to love thee
On an empty tummy
And a liquid lunch meeting.Listed in: Patio Season Comes to…
-
Review from Suze D.
North Vancouver, BC
11/5/2010
When it comes to lunching al fresco on a sunny day in downtown Vancouver, nothing I've found beats the Gallery Cafe.
The cafeteria style makes things go fast and yet the food is really still quite good. I love the Nicoise Salad.
This place really is all about the patio. It's large and surrounded by potted flowers and small trees and shrubs. The little birds chirp around eating crumbs. The classical (or jazz?) music is perfect. You get to enjoy the sun from under the big umbrellas and enjoy the open air feel in the heart of all the hustle and bustle.
If you love Vancouver and love showing it off, I highly recommend bringing out of town visitors here on a sunny day.
My rating is based on the particular nature of this restaurant and not really on their food, although the food is just fine and much better than you'd expect in a cafeteria style place.
They are licensed as well so you can enjoy wine or beer there too! -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2011
I love the sunny patio and the light, airy feel of the cafe itself. The two or three times I've been here, I also have spent several minutes trying to decide what I want because there are so many unique and tasty looking options, especially the salads. The availability of cheap alcohol in such a classy and sophisticated atmosphere doesn't hurt, either. Best of all this is an amazing getaway from the insanity of Robson Street and one of the best vantages for people-watching in the city.
-
Review from Alexander Bromley Clark D.
Vancouver, BC
9/9/2010
This past summer I volunteered at the VAG every week as part of my Library and Archives Masters program. I am a born-and-raised Vancouverite, and I have always known about the intimate and airy Gallery Cafe, but I didn't realise that they produce such a wide and delectable range of items. From panini to a variety of interesting salads, the Cafe serves a diverse selection appropriate for both lunch and dinner.
The coffee is only so-so, and I often hopped over to Artigiano across the street for my morning cappuccino, but I would always grab a pastry from the Gallery Cafe. They have an amazing dessert section which changes daily. Popular items include a chubby blueberry pie, dark chocolate bread pudding, trifle, lavender creme caramel, and rhubarb muffins. I...ummmm...have a sweet tooth.
I disagree with a number of the reviewers here who state that the Gallery Cafe is expensive, or that it is laid out like a cafeteria. Resembling many of the great museum cafes of North America and Europe, the Gallery Cafe employs a deli set-up, which is an efficient format for employees and patrons alike. It is usually logistically impossible (and just plain unnecessary) for galleries and museums to have full-service restaurants, although many of them (including the Gallery Cafe) do serve restaurant-quality vittles. -
Review from shain r.
Vancouver, BC
10/24/2008
I always feel terribly civilized when ever I go here. On Friday's (today) you can find me sipping a cup of coffee gabbing about the days events and guffawing over the latest Sara Palin disaster..... do I have to mention that I'm with somebody, I am NOT actually sitting there talking out loud like a crazy person to myself or anyone who will listen. I always feel a little bit rushed by their wait staff when I am ordering my americanno, but none the less it's worth the haste. They have a great selection of sandwiches, salads, sweets, and quiche.. my dad told me once that real men don't eat quiche... hmmm. Wide selection of coffee and teas, and plenty of types of wine for you to enjoy.
Tip to the urban set.... they have the best patio to enjoy in the city. Grab a glass of wine, slap on your shades, and your off to the races. Oh and don't forget to invite your friends because you don't want to look like a crazy person sitting there talking to yourself about Sarah Palin. -
Review from Grayce E.
5/10/2010
True urban escape.
Having an iced chai and sitting in the sun at this lovely urban hideaway was the highlight of my weekend. Hard to believe I was amidst the most central area of downtown Vancouver. It felt very reminiscent of sitting in the gallery coffee shop at the Louve and other European museums.
The next time you need a break from an epic shopping marathon downtown, skip Starbucks and the other usuals and pop into the Gallery Cafe for real break. (oh stay away from the carrot cake though..it was very dry). -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/9/2010 2 photos
Seriously, I love this place... I came twice during the Olympics, sitting by the ledge watching all the excitement happening at Robson Square.... funny thing is, despite all the people around enjoy all the activities and buzzz... this place was never full. Maybe tourists thought that you couldn't get in unless you were at the art gallery... or maybe that they didn't know there was a restaurant connected because all you see are chairs and white cushions
but.. I knew.. so I took advantage of it!
The first time - I took my dad, showed him the sites of Van. I don't know if I was mischarged, but a large soup and small salad was charged the soup and salad combo? It was a clam chowder and a grapefruit, artichoke, avocado salad. Full of flavour, generous portion, fully satisfied.
The second time - I had a bulgar salad, and a slice of ..... APPLE PIE! Too bad they didn't have ice cream, but the slices were chunky good. The crust was buttery, and they will heat it up for you upon request.
My bf doesn't like quinoa and I think the texture of bulgar is very similar, but he loved it! and although his Tuna wrap was a little small, it was still good.
Wine / beer is only approx $5... great place to mingle and enjoy the night with some friends.Listed in: World away from Starbucks.., I Love Apple Pie :)
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/15/2009
The best deal for an afternoon snack, dessert spot, or to enjoy a nice glass to wine while feeling… Read more »
-
-
Review from Joe L.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2010
Sitting atop Robson Square and flanked by the backside of the Art Gallery the patio offers a great view of the square below and the passers-by on Robson Street. Although it is literally in the middle of an urban jungle, the landscaping and plants scattered all around patio make you feel like taken away to a hidden courtyard somewhere in Scandinavia. The recently re-docorated interior of the cafe is equally calming and inviting.
The menu choices are the typical catering fare but the cafe is great spot to stop for beverages and light snacks or meals if you want to stay away from the tourist-infested places on the street. -
Review from Steven M.
Vancouver, BC
8/4/2010
Went here for lunch today. This place might have the best patio in the city. It's tucked away, surrounded by trees, and even has classical music playing. It would be a great place to get a drink and catch up with a friend.
As a place to eat lunch, however, I'm not so sure.
Had a panini and a salad for $9.00. Anywhere else I would have gotten a drink with that amount, and a bigger sandwich.
So all in all good to catch up with friends, but I wouldn't expect a particularly interesting meal here. -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2010
Short and sweet, here's the skinny:
WHY YOU GO (5 stars):
-For the view. The 'al fresco' patio experience where you can watch the world go by and pretend you're parisian-chic
-For the music. They play live jazz sometimes (I've never managed to pin down their schedule).
-For the champagne cocktails: drinking a mimosa or a boxfizz on the patio on a summer apres-work is a beautiful thing.
WHY YOU DON'T GO (1 star):
- The food: cafeteria-style would make you think it's going to be affordable.. think again, it isn't; it's ridiculously marked up for what you're getting. Quality isn't there either, unless you're particularly fond of things that are bland and mediocre.
- The Service: it's hit-or-miss, with some servers being lovely and others being snobby and pretentious, ignoring you as long as possible or telling you they're closed when they clearly aren't.
- The Hours of Operation: I've come here after work on some days and huzzah, they're open. Other days, they aren't. It seems to be a bit arbitrary, so you never know if you'll be grooving to a live jazz band, or staring longingly inside while clutching the wrought iron gate that encloses the patio. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
8/23/2010
I could spend any evening here outside in summer and be a happy, happy girl.
The wine is reasonably priced (YOU try and find a glass for less than $8 anywhere else in the city), they don't bother you if you want to linger with a book, and most nights they have music. There are trees, birds, and a nice garden up there.
The food is reasonably priced, but it's definitely not anything to write home about. Had a miso soup that had potato in it. Really? oh well, it wasn't horrible - but wasn't great either.
But I'll come back any day for a glass of wine. -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
2/10/2009
This is such a cute little spot. I came here for lunch and the ambiance is the perfect combination of modern sophistication with a hint of casualness in their cafeteria style setting. And the best part is that they have a decent selection of wines to satisfy your afternoon craving for a glass of Chardonnay :)
Food: The food was fresh and came with a selection of unique salads, tasty soups, pastries and entrees. I can't wait to come back to try more of their menu outside on their patio on a beautiful day. Highly recommended! -
Review from Jenna L.
2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Strange I have not reviewed this place as I frequent here especially on the weekends. I have been a patron of the gallery many times and used to work in the gallery so this cafe has a special feelung for me. I like the decor, the beautiful outside patio in the Summer. I usually get a cup of coffee and a dessert and/or salad of the day. The salad us always fresh and generous in portion. The coffee is average, not sure what beans they use. Does anyone know?
Emmmm.. The desserts are soo good. And I have to mention their super generous heaps of tiramisu. If you get anything that gets scooped in a bowl you are getting the best deal. I tried most of their desserts in the display. Bread puddings, tiramisu, pies, flans, chocolate mouse, seasonal desserts. Everything is usually very good, and they have a quick turnover of food so you know it is fresh. They also serve a limited choice of wines along with beers etc.
The paninis are pretty good and it comes with a small bowl of salad for $7.99?
I sit here for hours reading and people watching. Sometimes it is crowded but usially you can find a seat! No wifi though, so I am left to rely on the phone. Excellent place to relax after shopping or simply to mert up with friends for a catch up session. -
Review from Kimberley B.
Vancouver, BC
8/23/2010
This is one of my newer discoveries in the city of my birth. I hadn't even known the Cafe was there until last year and now it is my go-to place to dine downtown.
A vegetarian's (and an omnivore's) paradise; offers an abundance of options from pastas, salads, sandwiches and more, beyond the usual (see: bland) options. For those that don't like to be bugged whilst dining, it is self serve a la high school cafeteria only with alcohol (very reasonably priced!) and food that you actually want to consume. The only downside is the line which can stretch down the stairs during the lunch rush. Thus, if you think you want more than a glass of wine, get a carafe because you have to wait in line each time you want something. At $18 for a carafe, why not? -
Review from Steve L.
Victoria, BC
Best. Patio. Downtown!
Part of me doesn't want to Yelp about this place lest it become even more popular then it currently is. On a warm, sunny day, this is one of our favourite places to stop for a nice cold bottle of beer, a quick snack, and some quality people viewing.
The patio is tucked away above the main entrance to the art gallery, and has a number of seats to accommodate groups of all sizes. Classic music and jazz playing over the sound system adds to the classy atmosphere, and makes you feel like you're doing something a little more sophisticated then just drinking a beer on a patio.
My one issue with the place is how the cafeteria style line up works when trying to order food or paying for a drink. They need to come up with a better system then what they currently have. Often I find myself stuck in a long line of tourists who are mulling over every little item in the display case when ordering lunch for themselves and the other 4 members in their party. All I want to do is buy a single bottle of beer, and/or cup of coffee, is there no way to expedite the process? -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/19/2008
The Gallery Café is a sweet spot that most of the downtown lunch-ers know about -- therefore making it a bit of a zoo come corporate lunch hour. But if you're flexible and can stop by for a late lunch, that lunch can easily extend to an early evening.
The menu spans quirky ingredients, comforting home-cooked food and deli eats. Salads are fresh, the cheese on paninis melted, and the drinks cold.
The patio of tables under broad umbrellas can even be enjoyed on a rainy day, and I'm partial to the bopping sparrows that turn their head to give you a beady-eye look.
Due to the cafeteria-style service, the line up moves nicely. Most of the staff, however, have spent too much time watching people point at things in the case to react with any patience. Expect a snippy response if you even look that you might point at something to request it.
So go enjoy the flower baskets, sip a latté and munch on a pastry. Just, what ever you do, don't point at anything in the display case. -
Review from Nicole B.
Coquitlam, BC
10/25/2009
I might've been too generous with my rating, but if this is the cafe that I would choose to go to every time I'm in Downtown, then I guess it's worth it.
Love the staff, food, and environment.
Everyone is super kind and helpful and they won't look at you weird if you don't know what a certain dish is, or what it looks like, or what the ingredients are. The food is cooked deliciously and very filling, as well.
I love the panini's that they offer because they're a bit crunchy, but soft on the inside, as well. The soups are delicious and the drinks range from water to wine. It doesn't matter what time of the day you're there, the atmosphere is usually comfortable and relaxing. There's also an outdoor eating area, which is great for the sunny afternoon days during a break from work, or just chilling with some friends.
What I personally enjoy is the fact that when the line - up is getting too long and the people at the front must pay quickly and find their seat, the staff will personally find you in the sea of tables and bring your missing dish to you. The place is always packed and sometimes there are line-ups outside of the cafe entrance. I think the wait is worth it, though.
Anyone can eat there - office workers, people working in the mall, construction workers taking a break, kids, teenagers, anyone. Family's can eat there as well. You don't have to dress too formally just because it's situated within the Vancouver Art Gallery. You don't even have to go through the exhibit in order to eat there. Anyone from anywhere can enjoy their food and service.
This cafe is definitely one of the best places to eat in Downtown Vancouver. Everyone is welcome to eat and be happy.
To me, this is just one of the many other eateries in Vancouver that...well...define the Vancouver that I grew up in. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/25/2008 1 photo
The Gallery Cafe is located inside the Vancouver Art Gallery. For an affordable price, you can lunch in the modern dining room, or linger on the huge licensed patio. On a sunny day, there's nothing like sitting outside, sipping vino, and looking over Robson Square, knowing you needn't rush back to work too quickly.
The food is served cafeteria-style, meaning you take a little tray and choose drinks, panini sandwiches, quiches and lunch specials, and desserts! Mmm. Those look good. Most everything is under $10, with the sandwiches and quiches at about $7, so it's a great place to offer to treat your lunch companion and still feel like posh ladies who lunch at the art gallery. -
Review from Andre S.
Vancouver, BC
6/18/2010
My lunch spot of choice will always give value, and the Galley Cafe does that well.
I've had salads, entrees and deserts here: all were interesting and tasty. Just today, I had a vegetarian Risotto that was light, flavourful and made a satisfying lunch with the accompanying salad.. No doubt there's better elsewhere, but not at that price, and certainly not with a sunny patio. Even if only for a coffee-desert, the Gallery Cafe holds its own against anyone else within a ten block radius.
It's not a good place for a business meeting, but it's great for lunch with your out-of-town visitor friend. The Cafe is located upstair in the Vancouver Art Gallery and is worth at least a few shekels. -
Review from Aaron Z.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2009
Nice.
Affordable. You can feel elegant and decadent on a budget.
Fowers, shrubs, scented jasmine and herbs everywhere.
The classical and baroque music is a plus and would be even nicer if it were a bit louder.
Staff okay. Some are a bit reserved and uppity.
Birds (starlings and sparrows) can be entertaining. Watch for poop on the table and chairs.
Great place to bring clients and friends. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/25/2008
This place is always bustling, often making it difficult to find a seat (particularly so on rainy days). This said, the crowds often do little to dissuade me from dining here, especially after meandering the gallery for hours. The food here is so good. The fare is served cafeteria style, with patrons queuing and vying for the attention of the staff. Everything glimmers deliciously behind the glass. Quiches, sandwiches, fresh pastas, roasts and grilled seafood. With all the salads and mains winking at you, it's difficult to save room for dessert. Trust me, though, it's worth skipping that wrap just so you can have a bite of whatever edible version of chocolate heaven they've concocted that day. Even the lattes here are worth the wait.
-
Review from Frankie G.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2010
Been here a few times and have not been let down. The food is original & tasty. The salmon ceasar and the the mexican stew soup were very good. The ceasar was light with lovely lemon flavour light dressing and great croutons. The stew was sharp and tasty with good helping of veg and chicken.
Will have to come back -
Review from Camille R.
Vancouver, BC
10/18/2010
I take all my out of town guests here. Love the jazz on some weeknights, well priced wine, delicious food, amazing patio with a beautiful garden. What more could you want.
-
Review from Victoria R.
BC
11/21/2008
On a sunny day, this patio is the best place to mingle. Situated on the side of the gallery, the cafe serves delicious salads, gourmet sandwiches, dessert, cakes, bakery items and meals. They also serve wine, beer, and coffees. If you've ever been to NYC -- it won't compare to lunch at the Met or anything, but it's the same vibe. Still in Vancouver, not many people know about it and if they do it's not something many would consider casual enough to go to on a lunch hour. But it is.
-
Review from Tina H.
6/23/2010 1 photo
I really liked it here! Sandwiches are under $7. You can grill it and they come with a tiny small iceberg lettuce salad. The patio is really nice and there was a musician playing guitar and even a harmonica at one point! It was a lovely ambiance. Reminds me of some places in Toronto. Maybe I don't get out much in Vancouver but it's nice to finally find a classy patio here!
-
Review from jeanie o.
Vancouver, BC
2/19/2011
good for coffee or tea or drinks but dining is a no winner bc of reheatables. all food are microwaved. i'd come here to chat over coffee or tea and to check out the robson square crowd, but that's it.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1)
