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Gudrun
Categories: Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Restaurants Canadian (New) Wine Bars, Canadian (New) [Edit]
3500 Moncton StSte 150
Steveston, BC V7E 3A2
Neighbourhood: Steveston
(604) 272-1991
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5:30 pm - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 3 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner, Brunch
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Gudrun
Review Highlights
"Nice place to go for cheese + charcuterie."
(in 3 reviews)
"Think Yaletown style (and prices), but with village warmth."
(in 3 reviews)
"all good stuff."
(in 3 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from S K.
Vancouver, BC
12/23/2011
I went here on a weeknight because of a Groupon deal. The deal was just for the fondue but we decided we wanted to try some meat with it and got 2 meats for $15. The portions were really small, like 5 slices of salami (it looked like salami but it was a more exotic type of meat) and a small scoop of pate (rabbit). There was a lot of bread and surprisingly, the amount of cheese was enough to cover all the food we ate! I thought I wouldn't be full afterwards (because of the extremely small portions for the price I paid) but given that it's cheese, I did feel full.
Decorations was simple but artsy and a pretty chill atmosphere if you just want to chat with friends because it wasn't that loud there. It was probably because it was a weekday but there were only 2-3 other tables in the restaurant.
Definitely come here if you like cheese and sometime different, but not for the portions!! I'm not sure if I'll come here again, just because it's really far from where I live and the portions were pretty small (other than the bread...). -
Review from Jess L.
10/25/2011
Nice place to go for cheese + charcuterie. I love that they're located in Steveston, away from the hustle and bussle of the city.
Tried the cheese fondue here and a charcuterie plate (originally we were going to get a cheese + charcuterie plate but the server thought it would be too much cheese - good call by him). All the charcuterie plates come with cornichons, mustards, relishes, and Italian bread as well. Surprisingly, I was actually really full after finishing everything (I hadn't really expected to be from just meat and cheeses).
I also love how all of the wooden tables and chairs in the restaurant were designed and made by the owner's friend. Nice touch. -
Review from Eric C.
Burnaby, BC
8/18/2011
Charcuterie. Fromagerie. It's all good to me!
Hidden among a host of tourist traps in Steveston, Gudrun provides diners with a sampling of some amazing local cheeses and cured meats, while offering excellent wine pairings.
On a beautiful summer evening, a seat on the table in the courtyard will have you wishing this was your very own courtyard. In fact, you might feel as though it is with kind and friendly service that makes you feel right at home.
Great for a date or catch up convo with a friend, Gudrun is a special place in Steveston that will definitely have me coming back. (That's right, future dates... You will probably end up here with me.)Listed in: If we date long enough, I'll…
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Review from Neill M.
Richmond, BC
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lots of Cheese, which is great, but if I didn't have the benefit of a group-on it is pretty expensive for bread and cheese. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere very hipster-esque.
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Review from Tanya R.
Vancouver, BC
7/16/2011
I have to agree with the other reviewers, the space is fantastic. Its got a artsy, cool vibe that is unlike any other place in Richmond and which I think Richmond desperately needs.
The food was very good, we had the charcuterie plate and the French cheese plate. I was actually full in a nice way by the end. I have been to wine/cheese bars before so was not surprised by the price or the portions.
The only reason I marked Gudrun down was our service was s-l-o-w. The restaurant was full but didn't seem to be slammed. It took a while for our waitress to take our food orders and then forever for our food to actually arrive. 35 minute wait for cheese and sliced meat?! That was a bit much. Plus I found the wait a bit uncomfortable on the hard benches. Some seat cushions would be a nice touch.
I would go again, maybe it was just an off night for the staff. -
Review from Vincci L.
Hidden within the main street of the village, in a little courtyard, this wine and cheese place is almost a direct copy of Salt Tasting Room. I like the courtyard out front, and the restaurant inside is a long narrow room, with a large communal table, as well as some individual ones.
I noticed the prices were a bit high for the cheese/ charcuterie plates. We ended up getting a fondue. A classic Swiss fondue, with appenzeller, emmental & gruyere, dash of kirsch and fresh nutmeg. This was only served with chunks of regular bread to accompany it. It was kind of a waste to dip just bread with it.
Service was great throughout, attending to us as needed. I like the space and how it is enclosed within the courtyard. Not sure if I'd come back if I have to be paying so much for cheese. -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2011
Three words: chocolate bacon waffles.
Yes, I was apprehensive as well, even as a waffle, bacon and chocolate lover, I did not think this was a good idea. Bacon waffles with maple syrup? Yup. Chocolate waffles? You bet. All three? I do not think so.
I was mistaken. Even though the waitress really did not do a good job at describing the dish, it was AMAZING (albeit slightly burnt). The chocolate was actually coco nibs which makes a big difference and she should have known that. The bacon were small little bits that just added a nice smoky, saltiness that merged really well with the coco and maple syrup. Topped with a bottomless cup of coffee it made for an amazingly indulgent sunday brunch which I really needed after almost being pecked to death by a sandhill crane at the Reifl Sanctuary...I'll get to that in another post.
Anyhoo, the reason for my 3 star was not decor, cause i love the eco-modern feel with communal table. I also love the outdoor table which would be amazing in the summer. My problem was the staff.
When we showed up there was only one other table who left about half way through our brunch. There was a staff of about 4 people, and having worked in the service industry, even if there isn't one customer in the restaurant, professionalism is key. People can you see joking around and basically having a party playing with your little electronic wind up bugs (seriously, no joke) from the outside and may not venture in. This is NOT your house people!!! At one point I freaked out because I thought there was a mutant fluorescent giant cockroach about to attack my leg! It was one of the staff's toys and they thought it was hilarious. You know I'm a pretty chill person but this was redunculous.
So there you go Gudrun...coulda been 4 but you'll have to settle for 3. And i'm feeling generous... -
Review from Katie F.
12/15/2010
I so want to give this a 4 since I love the concept of a Salt-type place in Steveston, but the service and technical issues are huge.
It's a great spot to spend a night - lovely wine, cheese and meat menu and the decor is lovely.
I was happy that Groupon had a promo for a cheese fondue with wine. We took advantage of that and shared one of their charcuterie platters. The menu was awesome, but a bit steep. Without the Groupon, the wine/fondue combo would have been $55, and we spent another $38 on the charcuterie platter.
There were problems... agree with Miranda L.... what was up with the cheapness on the bread? For the fondue, they give standard white bread, and we were fully dunking and obviously still needed bread refills but had to ask for it each time.
Then with our charcuterie platter, I was expecting some nicer bread or thin crackers, but we were still given the white Wonder bread style bread at first! It had a ridiculously small amount of bread and to top it off, they also sent out the wrong meat/cheese platter.
Eventually we got the right platter and discovered an awesome Hungarian sausage and learned that goat milk gouda tastes a lot more like goat cheese than gouda!
THere was some delay in heating up the proper/nicer bread which we got towards the end of our meal... much more appropropriate than the Wonder type bread.
All in all, a lot of potential, but Gudrun needs to get some kinks worked out. Definitely a disappointment given the awesome menu. -
Review from Sandra G.
Vancouver, BC
Let me try and explain Gudrun in a way people will understand it.
Part apartment, part school, part kitchen, and part wine cellar where a bunch of friends (the staff) hang out, eat and drink gourmet, while dancing (yes, they did dance) to music on Friday nights. Oh, and the place is a FROMAGERIE. Fromage = Cheese in French. So yeah, they specialize in cheese.
Though a small joint, yes, you will feel the yuppie Yaletown vibe when you come in. I liked it for what it was.
Guys: Gudrun's a major score if if you take date to this place and she hasn't been - and especially if they (or you) know their favourite cheeses, 'cause I sure as hell didn't and definitely needed some staff recommendations from the owner Patrick.
But, if you're craving a steak 'n potatoes type meal, dine out somewhere else in Richmond first and then come back here for cheese, wine, and maybe even dessert. And don't complain about how much everything costs.
When my boyfriend Leo took me here, I just wanted food. And a non-alcoholic drink. I was eyeing the French Lemonade (the closest thing to juice) but it's $12. And I would have rather spent that money on the cheese, which we did. The staff gave us their latest 3-cheese combo from Canada ($22 with Sfilatino Italian baguette, assorted fruits, nuts, and preserves). I was a bit confused because I thought all the cheese came from Quebec (their monthly offerings are written on the chalkboard wall), but Patrick said two of them were actually from Italy and Spain.
Thank Wikipedia for knowing its cheese so I could get this right.
Garrotxa - The exotic dancer from Spain. My fav on the plate. Rich and didn't need a companion except for a piece of bread to partner her with.
Tallegio - The rare, dark and mysterious character from Italy. Alone, dry, but when combined with the flavours on the plate, a tiger in the bedroom of your mouth.
Ile au grue - The reliable cheddar from Quebec, fine alone, but better with some bread or second flavours.
Now I am a woman who likes a party in my mouth while still feeling substantial. And a party indeed it was. I also ordered the veggie panini with side salad ($12) and since we sat at the bar, we saw the chef prepare everything. Salad - so simple and refreshing, a good cleanser for my palate in between cheese tastings. The panini, with grilled mushrooms, cucumber, and zucchini, doesn't sound substantial, but all held together with gooey camembert cheese (Where from? Who cares?), it gave me the 5th star for this review.
If you're intrigued by the - er - intrigue of this place from what everybody else is saying about it, just throw your wallet-watching to the wind and give it a try. Aside from the food and incredible wine list (a rare beer selection too), they have some nice artwork, lighting fixtures and a chalkboard full of stuff you won't be able to pronounce. Tip: Friday special for January '11 is Blue Cheese Sliders.
If you're the type that wants a stomach-filler and doesn't give a crap about what you taste in your mouth, have your Steveston fish & chips and call it a day. -
Review from Kiwi W.
Vancouver, BC
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mmmm. The moment i stepped into the restaurant, I smelled yummyness.
Correct me if I'm wrong, since I'm only basing this on what I ordered during my one visit here... But I think this place is more like a tasting room than a restaurant where you go in to get your tummy stuffed.
We ordered the cheese fondue and some cured meat.
Since it was our first time there, we were a bit confused by how their menu worked. The waiter there was super nice. He was patient and helpful and explained to us how it worked and made recommendations according to my picky tastes. He was also really fun and offered to help us take a photo.
The food and service was great. I'd have to say that the pricing was a little high for such a small quantity of food though.
The ambience was nice. The restaurant was mostly wooden and it felt really warm and cozy. The only thing I did not like was the seating. The seating was just hard wood benches... Not the most comfortable thing to sit on for a long period of time.
One star lost for uncomfy seating and one lost for very pricy menus... But I guess its the quality that counts? -
Review from Janice F.
1/11/2011
After a comedy of errors, we ended up at this tucked-away wine & cheese joint. The music from speakers outsides beckons you in and you're greeted with a blackboard menu, long wooden communal picnic table and cozy seating for couples.
We were starving and unfortunately did not have a Groupon, but still had a good time at this place. The ambiance and service definitely fits the bill for a first-date kind of place. Unfortunately again, I was with a buddy.
Onto the food, we ordered half a dozen oysters - quite good, not cheap at $2.50 an oyster.
The cheese fondue had way too much cornstarch in it - or something that made the consistency not stringy or gooey at all. It kept breaking apart. The bread was nothing exceptional either.
The salad was really small but good. I remember pumpkin seeds, mandarin slices and goat cheese.
What was really good was the black currant beer - delicious and 750 ml was perfect for sharing.
The bill came to a whopping $80 for all of this (6 oysters, a small cheese fondue, salad and a large beer). Way, way, way over-priced.
It is a nice place though, but the value's just not there. -
Review from Vimi S.
Vancouver, BC
6/8/2010 ROTD 11/2/2010
A sweet Steveston hidden gem! Follow the music to Gudrun - A hot spot nestled in Steveston's Moncton Street with a cool and clean decor and layout. Tree trunks as centrepieces and massive fishbowls as vases are the tip of Gudrun's splendour. Enter a venue where wood and concrete fuse to create a fresh space.
A floor to ceiling wall is dedicated to charcuteries, paninis and other daily delights. Indulge in the menu of fine wines, cheeses, fondue, pastries, desserts and more. The staff are extremely attentive and personable and the manager, Patrick, is always smiling and happy to serve you.
A great place for parties and gatherings. If you decide to check this place out, make sure to try the chocolate caramel tart...Absolutely delectable! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
5/27/2010
Atmosphere--- FABULOUS. Eco-modern, classy, hip- you get the idea. For being in Steveston, the style definitely stands out, and that's what drew us there as we walked by.
We had dessert ($6 for each, very tasty, nice presentation. The tirimasu comes beautifully wrapped in chocolate, the caramel tart is small for the price, but for the atmosphere it was worth it).
The cheese platters, though tasty had terrible presentation-- and I know it's not about looks, it's about taste, but when you're spending big money on a plate, you should at least be paying for something pretty ; )
The restaurant in my eyes offers a fun and beautiful experience, but the food is robbery; they have to invest SO little work preparing the food and charge a premium for it. I guess wine/cheese bars are the way to go. I want to get paid the big bucks for cutting the cheese ; PListed in: Fun Date Material, Best Atmosphere, Unexpected Spaces, Your Mom
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Review from Miranda L.
Vancouver, BC
7/27/2010
I hate that I have such mixed feelings about Gudrun.
The space is fantastic - tucked into the heart of Steveston village, it's an honest surprise to find such a beautiful restaurant so far from downtown, where you'd expect to find a place like this. Think Yaletown style (and prices), but with village warmth.
Warmth, that is, by everyone *but* the staff.
This is a tasting room meant for meats and cheeses along with wine with friends, and for that it is worth the trip. I think this place is better than Salt for the quantity and variety of the cheese & charcuterie plates.
The staff, however, the night we were there completely ruined it for me.
It was downright painful - I was left trying to figure out if we had offended them somehow. We were there with a large group - maybe 10 or 12 of us - and as we were enjoying both the food and the wine this was not a cheap night out... I believe the bill for the Mr. and I was somewhere over $150. You'd think by the service, however, that we'd walked in and ordered water and a salad and demanded five star attention.
We had to ask for bread refills probably 5 times. They'd bring out a tiny quantity - when based on the number of people we had and the remaining food to be eaten it was obvious that we'd need more. I also gave up on asking for a glass of water in addition to my wine, as despite the fact that we were the only table for part of the time we were there the staff was nowhere to be seen and couldn't be bothered to remember that I'd asked for water in the first place.
When we got to the end of our meal and were excited to hear about the dessert options we were unapologetically informed there were none. I understand that you may run out of the standard fare on a busy night (although, as I mention, this was a quiet night so it was clear they'd run out on a prior day), but what does it take to have some gelato and berries in the back so you can at least offer *something* sweet at the end of the meal?
I want to have loved Gudrun, and for everything but the staff (and the lack of dessert) I did. I could probably even be talked into going again, but hopefully the next time I won't feel like we were a giant inconvenience and should have eaten in instead of going out. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2009
You like Salt Tasting Room? You like cheese? Wine? Cool peeps? You'll fit right in.
Hidden amongst the tourist-esque seafood restaurants with their nautical themes, fish and chips and clam chowders, lives this trendy, laid back space that pulls you into it's gray lair like a magnet.
Thinking there was not-so-much to do in Steveston when the sun went down, I was exploring by the light of high noon.
**Luckily on Sunday's they serve brunch!**
The fight between the mimosa and organic Steveston Coffee was a toughie, but as (almost) always, caffeine trumps liquor. Had I not been so taken aback by this wicked gem of a place, I would have remembered to order the Godiva Liqueur shot for my java.
Of course, I had the benny. But this was like no other I've had! First off, the hollandaise was exquisite--hitting the mark for me in all categories: thickness, flavour and colour. The eggs were perfectly soft poached. No squeamish look from me as I decided if they needed to rest for a few minutes to finish cooking or a pouty lip signifying they'd been overcooked. Paired with a Camembert and tomato and sitting atop a VERY fresh croissant, I was undeniably smitten with my brekkie! Even the garnish of salad was perfectly dressed with a sweet mustard vinaigrette.
At first, I had flinched about the price. $12 for a benny? But when I took my first bite, I knew instantly, that every cent of that $12 was sooooo worth it! I didn't want my meal to end; it was heavenly!
For Gudrun, I'd run all the way to Steveston again and again and again! -
Review from Emily S.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2011
Two stars because it is a really nice place but I would never come back here again. Way too overpriced. The fondue was OK. Service was excellent. Go anywhere else, as Steveston has some great seafood.
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Review from Peter S.
9/7/2009
Gudrun seems totally out of place in Steveston. And I mean that in a good way. I didn't expect such a cool laid back oasis in this fisherman town to even exist.
A great spot to hide from the rain and soak up the cheese and wine-y atmosphere.
Brunch reminded me of sitting along the Seine River in Paris sipping on cafe au lait and munching fromage and fresh pastry.
Mmm
I shall return for my next course soon.Listed in: Best Breaky
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Review from Amish S.
Richmond, BC
12/13/2009
Lots of the reviews hit it on the nose, so I won't repeat too much.
I live down the road from Gudrun, and when I heard it was opening, we went within the first month it opened last year. I went with my wife and we were the only ones there, but the owner (Patrick) came by and sat and chatted with us for a while. By the time we left we felt like old friends, and that's how it's been since.
I went back with friends of mine for my birthday, and they were more then welcoming with the 20+ of us that went.
Wine and beer selections are awesome! There is a large chalkboard which has the menu, and updated drinks (new wine or beer choices). I've almost always had something to drink every time I've been.
Allison the cook there is amazing! Soup bisque always changes and is ALWAYS good. I'm not generally a soup person, but I've found i'm always getting it when I go.
Of course the best is the cheese/meat platters. I honestly, thought the first time I went, that I'd have to go and else somewhere else after the first platter came, but we were completely full after.
In closing, It's finally nice to have a place thats open late during the weekdays/weekends in Steveston, that you can go and have a drink without making the trek out to Downtown. The music choice is always good, and atmosphere is great. One of my most highly recommended places to check out in Richmond! -
Review from Timothy d.
8/26/2009 5 photos
This place is cool, with a K. The simplicity of it all.
It's casual, the menu is uncomplicated in a complex way and the vibe is unpretentious.
When we walked in, we were greeted by some nice individuals who allowed us to sit where we wanted. They have a nice long communal table, or smaller two tops over by the wall chalkboard, which has the dinner menu written all over it.
The furniture has that modern wood feel to it, from tables, chairs to the bar stools.
As for the food, it was delectable. We went for brunch, so we did not experience the whole force of the dinner menu. I ordered the fried egg and sopressata sandwich. Homey, but very palatable. I do wish they did put some cheese on it, as I think that would have melded the fried egg and sopressata together in a more harmonious way.
My women order the continental selection, which being; choice of 2 cheeses and a charcuterie and all the accoutrements. Her dish was appealing and inviting. We choose the blue cheese and the aged gouda with the Finocchiona. What made the plate though were the accoutrements. Apples, figs, olives, pickles, nuts, jam, mustard and bread... all good stuff.
By the time we left, the placed was filled up by repeat guests, all whom seemed to know each other.
The place is hidden off the beaten path, and the "tourist" can walk past the sign inadvertently not knowing they've past something locally wonderful.
I'll want to return to try their dinner selections, as I love me some cheese, wine and meats... until then, I hope this little place survives as it's something different in the small fishing town.Listed in: it's fromages, it…, Vancouver BC... so many…
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Review from Anna L.
Richmond, BC
4/12/2011
Great little wine & cheese place. The food is delicious but when I went, the service left something to be desired. My friend had mentioned that the owner has an extensive knowledge about wine & I looked forward to picking his brain a little. Instead, we had a barely interested server who, when I asked what he would recommend for a particular food I had ordered, said, "They're all good." Thanks, that's not helpful at all.
I would be willing to go back & see if I might get better service next time. The charcuterie offered is worth it.
Unless the service is horrible a second time. -
Review from Larry L.
7/11/2009 2 photos
What else can I say, we came we saw, we drank and ate and liked....No loved. Well, it can be pricey, but the wine and beer pairings were good with the charcouterie. Love the cheese and meats. yummm.
But, as much as I liked it, we do this at home alot as well.
It was nice to get out and enjoy the atmosphere without having to go all the way downtown for this.
Nice music, great friendly staff and warm concrete ambiance. -
Review from Natasha L.
4/4/2010
With such a small menu, I'd have thought they would have daily specials but sadly they didn't.
Their egg benny is rather small for the price. The side salad has good dressing but otherwise I find the meal rather bare.
Would have been much better if there's more fruits or ham.
Interesting decor and friendly staff, sadly the food just feel unsubstantial. -
Review from Cameron R.
Vancouver, BC
11/2/2010
Fantastic selection, Modern design. Great service.
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Review from Jennifer W.
Richmond, BC
8/17/2009
Easily the coolest place in Steveston and exactly what the village has been waiting for. Fantastic staff, great wines and a great atmosphere. I will be back for sure!
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Review from Stephen S.
BC
12/19/2008 2 photos
Excited to see a new concept here in Steveston "Yaletown flavour in Steveston" a great vibe... this is a perfect date/ social venue without the drive downtown! Gudrun has a nice layout and can accommodate large groups. Would recommend to friends w/o kids and late nite crowd. We will be back especially this summer with the onside table courtyard! Fresh ingredients and great wine pairings! The menu takes a while to understand but asking for advice and recommendations is fun & educational. We discovered a Quince Blue Cheese combo that was excellent! We will be exploring more at Gudrun soon!
