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Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Nightlife Bars Canadian (New), Bars [Edit]
900 Canada PlVancouver, BC V6C 3L5
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 691-1818
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar
Review Highlights
-
"It's just off the lobby of the Fairmont Waterfront hotel." In 3 reviews -
"DUNGENESS CRAB BISQUE -tarragon cream." In 2 reviews -
"Fantastic restaurant and an even better lunch buffet." In 5 reviews
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19 reviews in English
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Review from Loon E.
5/7/2012 5 photos
We stopped in for breakfast. Surely wasn't cheap, but the food was delectable and our server, Kathlene (iirc), was one of the best I've ever come across. Loved the view through the big glass windows, while eating a delicious, fresh breakfast. Buffet was around $30-$35 each after tip; still would come back.
-
Review from Gretchen C.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
i went here to try the dine out vancouver menu, and it was a pretty good meal for a very reasonable price.
for starters, i had the seafood chowder, which was thick and creamy and full of fresh seafood. it was probably one of the best soups i've had in a while.
the entree was lamb sirloin, and it was soooooo tender (medium rare) - i loved it. it was paired with a side of apple and veggies.
the dessert was some sort of cake with banana and ice cream... i ate the ice cream, because i absolutely love ice cream and can never pass it up, but i was honestly so stuffed from the rest of the meal that i only took a few bites out of the banana/cake and was done.
herons is located inside the fairmont and has more of a lounge feel than a nice fancy, fine-dining, five-star restaurant feel... but i liked it, it definitely would be great for intimate dinners and good conversation over dinner.
the service was awesome too (i mean i guess it kind of had to be, being the fairmont and all) - our waitress was very accommodating and nice, and had good recommendations when it came to wine and whatnot.
oh, and i loved the huge platter of bread they brought out to start - it came with butter and a fresh clove of garlic. -
Review from Claude B.
4/29/2012
We had an early dinner for two here Friday night while staying at the Pan Pacific across the street. I think the presentation and quality of food was great, maybe not world class but very nice. We were very happy with the quality and warmth from our waitpersons, they were great. Still $170 for two including tip that included two salads, two main dishes, iced tea and a single glass of house wine. Certainly not something that everyone will choose and one of the most expensive meals for two in my 60 year history.
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Review from Sarah W.
4/15/2012
Excellent cocktails and a nice atmosphere for chatting and chilling during a conference.
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Review from Vannessa S.
Burnaby, BC
10/14/2011
Everyone who's read my reviews(very few people) knows that I'm not exactly a connoisseur of fine dining. I tend to spend my time in cheap Asian eateries around South Burnaby. So what would have brought me to a place so foreign and out of my comfort zone? A 2 for 1 deal with my tourism pass and my first anniversary.
Now, first of all the whole thing was a little intimidating, I had spend the first half of the day in Stanley park so I was wearing comfortable, beat-up shoes and some faded dress pants, the rest of my outfit, however, was pretty classy if I do say so myself. When we walked in I nervously mentioned the pass and she was happy to stamp it... not realizing we wanted to get in on the dinner deal, too. Although when she did she was very sweet and welcoming, apologizing as she showed us to our seats.
Before we knew it they brought us a beautiful starter of a variety of delicious breads and oh my god, roasted garlic! They took the time to explain each of the breads and then left us to devour it. Somewhere in there they took our orders as well. Really, I could have sat there with the breads and roasted garlic all day.
The meal came right when we were done nibbling on the platter. Perfect timing. Damn, was it good. Perfectly cooked salmon on top of greens and potatoes in that fancy round presentation typical of high class restaurants. It was surrounded with bits of honeyed bacon and topped with crispy salmon skin. The skin was gorgeous, I could eat that skin like potato chips. I'm serious, bag bits of salmon skin like that and sell it to the masses! The salmon itself was rich and hearty and delicious. The potatoes melted in my mouth. Even the greens were awesome. The honeyed bacon sealed the deal though, absolutely orgasmic. I had a bite of my lover's steak as well, mmmmmm, that's a damn good steak. I'm sure everything else on the menu is just as divine. -
Review from Chris M.
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I just had the chance to eat lunch here on a break from work, in the wide, high space at the bottom of the Fairmont right at the epicentre of the downtown waterfront. I like the light that comes in through those big windows! In any case, it's a calm and refined vibe - not casual, but not stuffy either.
This being the Fairmont, the service was absolutely on the mark. Promptness and politeness all around. No rush but totally on top of things. After you've been seated and had some tasty bread, you can choose between a la carte and buffet lunch options - the buffet runs at twenty-something dollars per person and I wasn't feeling terribly hungry, so I went with the regular menu.
From that menu, which featured some pretty time-tested Western Hemisphere lunch staples like Cobb salad and a burger, and some interesting ocean-wise fish items, I picked the steak sandwich with "tobacco" onions (I had never heard this term before. They're done crispy fried and a bit spicy!) It came open faced, cooked to order at medium-rare (I don't know how they cook it but they manage to keep the meat very evenly done, which is a plus) with a sauce that had a peppery and subtle blue cheese flavour. Lots of garlic-packed gravy between the steak and the bread. As an example of what the kitchen at the Fairmont can do, I'm impressed.
Note: this being the Fairmont... it was expensive. Hovering near or slightly above twenty dollars for sandwich and side salad. Enough food to satisfy (Cobb salad as ordered by my lunch companion was also sizeable and well made) but still, a little on the pricey side. Worth it for the quiet, the quality and the great service, but maybe only once in a while for the wallet's sake. -
Review from Devo S.
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had an Entertainment book for our trip to Vancouver, so I was bound and determined to use it on SOMETHING while we were in town. So, we walked from our hotel down and around Canada Place and happened upon Heron's in the Fairmont, which just HAPPENED to be in the Entertainment book...yay!
The starter bread with a whole roasted head of garlic, my strip steak with baked mac & cheese w/dungeness crab was awesome, while hubby halibut was masterfully prepared. A great meal! -
Review from N n.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2011
Very overpriced, had the salmon which I expected to come on a plate with vegetables but it came out in a bowl with greasy sauce and overcooked veggies floating around. Just awful! The salmon was hardly edible.
My friend had the crab cake with shrimp that would not even be considered an
appetizer , it was so small, Terrible food and pricey!!!
The martinis were so watered down we could hardly taste the vodka, so we ordered wine. Not one bottle under $55.00. Total cost of 2 entrees, 2 martinis and a bottle of wine for lunch, before tip
$160.00. Biggest rip off in town. Never again.!!!!! -
Review from Sarah O.
2/9/2011
First of all, I find dining at hotel restaurant while not staying at that hotel to be a very awkward experience. Not sure why but it's just one of those things for me.
The atmosphere at Herons, seemed lacking. Sure, it had all the right qualities.. dim lighting, fancy table setting, professional servers. But it still screamed, "hotel". Perhaps I was seated at the wrong table but the blindingly flashing light from outside was too much to bear, it really cheapened the whole experience as it kept reminding me of Vegas.
Anyway, I got to try a variety of dishes on their menu and it was decent. I particularly enjoyed the complimentary bread and roasted garlic in the beginning of the meal. The Corn Tempura Dungeness Crab Fry Leg sounded oh-so-divine but in actuality, it was small, dry and not really worth the price. Squash and Brulee Goat Cheese salad was a very strange tasting mixture of flavours, I can't say I enjoyed it.
The main dishes, Lingcod and Sablefish was alright, nothing to write home about. The BC Spot Prawn and Scallop was probably the tastiest out of all the dishes, although it started getting a little too salty at the end.
I don't know when I would come back here, but I'm willing to give it another try, with the right company. The manager informed me that they are working on compensating their customers for the parking tickets, which can't hurt. -
Review from Faraaz J.
Vancouver, BC
2/1/2011
This review is for the Heron's Lounge.
It's a nice and cozy atmosphere... in a business kind of way.
I'm rating this 4-stars until I have the opportunity to check it out again, at night, when they have live piano music (which could make all the difference).
The good:
- Service was great. Everyone was cheerful and offered up good suggestions on cocktails and wine.
- Every Fairmont Hotel has their "signature" cocktail... this one is the "Rooftop Honey and Basil Collins" made from the honey and basil from their rooftop garden. Coming in at $14... I highly recommend it!
- Great cocktail menu and overall premium spirit selection.
- You never feel rushed... even when it gets busy.
- Stella on tap!
The bad:
- Paid WiFi. Ridiculous... even the hostess was surprised that they still required payment. It's like the stone-age.
- If you come in casual wear... you may feel a bit out of place. The dress code is at minimum, business casual.
Overall, if you like premium cocktails (I also recommend their classic "Sidecar" made with Remy Martin VSOP) and a good meeting place I really can't think of a better place in the downtown area.
Try to make it out on the weekends when they have live piano music! -
Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2010
My wife and I have lived in Canada for a few years now, but had yet to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. This year we decided to finally join the rest of the nation and get with the program. This was all prompted by the "free bottle of wine" coupon that we were given when we checked out from the Fairmont Waterfront the day before. With purchase of the Thanksgiving buffet, we'd get a free bottle of red or white Inniskillin wine. That seemed to be the little push that we needed because we went home and made reservations for the next day.
The buffet included pate, salad, seafood, cheese, and dessert stations. We also had the choice of three main courses. My wife had the traditional turkey dinner. She loved everything except for the stuffing, which she said was too dry. I had the maple salmon and it was probably some of the best salmon I'd ever had. The other choice on the menu was prime rib. I was really impressed with how generous the portions were and it definitely did not feel like "buffet food". Even the buffet portion was top quality all the way through. The only sad part was that I was too full to be able to sample all of the desserts. There were many to choose from and everything I had was delicious.
Now this Thanksgiving meal was not cheap ($68 per person), but for the quality of the food and service, it was totally worth it. Plus, no hours of toiling away in the kitchen for hours or after dinner clean up. I think this has become a new holiday tradition! -
Review from Larry L.
10/8/2009 2 photos
This was a pleasant surprise. After a long day at work we decided to eat there on our way back to Richmond.
We didn't have a reservation but had no problem getting a table even though a big group just came in and took up all the seats. Service was very good and friendly. I liked it as soon as we arrived.
The menu has the health check logo's on it and more. I like this.
The appy's and main coursed not overly priced for this caliber of restaurant.
We had a prawn tempura and sushi dish which was quite good. The batter was crispy on the prawns and there was a (I think it was) mango puree to go with the tempura. Nice touch. Sushi - well, mediocre but a good attempt.
My main was the Sturgeon, nice grill marks and not too dry. Butter sauce underneath the white and green asparagus and the potato Couli was delicious.
I have to say, yes. I was impressed. I still am.
We used the Entertainment book which also saved a bit on the meal as well. Bonus!!!! -
Review from Vincci L.
11/27/2009 5 photos
One of my favourite restaurants to go to, for its calibre of service and food.
It's a nice narrow room, with tables all along the floor to ceiling windows (which span the whole restaurant.) Simple floral arrangements line the room, with a beige and brown theme throughout. Views are spectacular, with the new Convention Center and mountains. It's always an awesome environment, whether it be lunch or dinner. On Saturday nights they have live piano music, which only makes this restaurant better. (Can I make this review 6 stars?)
Fresh, west coast food. Tried many dishes on their menu and none of them has failed me. They have their own roof herb garden, which is beneficial because it adds that extra touch to the flavours of the dishes. Service is always top notch, with impeccable service. My water glasses has always been filled, and bread crumbs are always cleared off the table before the main entree is served. Attention to details is a plus here.
Their menu hasn't changed in years, which could also be a good thing. It assures me that I will be able to order my favourite dish each time I visit. It's also quite extensive, as they have something for everyone, focusing mostly on seafood. Lots of fresh fishes-Lingcod, snapper, salmon...They always cook their fish right, all the flavours are always sustained. Their main dishes are always accompanied with the right sides-fresh vegetables, risotto, rice.
Favourites:
SALT SPRING ISLAND HONEY MUSSELS -chardonnay . tomato . shallots and fresh herbs. These fresh herbs that they're using really gives this dish a kick. Mussels are plump and fresh, and slowly simmered.
TEMPURA PRAWNS -kabosu marinated ahi tuna. This came with several pieces of sushi. Not the best sushi ever, but decent enough. The prawns here are lightly battered, with a nice drizzle of mango vinagarette.
WATERFRONT FRESH SEAFOOD CHOWDER -mussels . clams . fresh seafood . chorizo-Chorizo adds something different to the typical seafood chowder. This is almost like a bouillabaise. Highly recommended.
DUNGENESS CRAB BISQUE -tarragon cream. Something different than the typical lobster bisque.
SEARED WILD SALMON -wilted peppercress and arugula . tomato . roof top honey bacon, truffle vinaigrette. Can't go wrong with this dish. They do their salmon just right.
ROOF TOP HONEY ROASTED FREE RANGE CHICKEN BREAST -this will most likely be the best chicken breast you've ever had. The flavour of the chicken is retained, and it's juicy and tender. The light flavour of honey is infused within the meat.
JUMBO PRAWNS AND SEARED SCALLOPS -applewood smoked bacon risotto. braised cavalo nero. My all time favourite dish. Jumbo prawns, with fresh seared scallops? Best thing ever. The scallops are always cooked just right, never overcooked. Risotto has slight hint of the smoked bacon flavour, cooked to the perfect consistency. A good portion too.
Dessert: I once tried this chocolate mint dome. For all you chocolate mint lovers-come here just to try this. You will not be disappointed. The perfect balance of chocolate and mint, all in one dome shaped treat.
They indicate which dishes are "Fairmont Lifestyle Cuisine", where they use nutritionally balanced ingredients. Also, they are part of the Ocean Wise program, which contributes to sustainable seafood.
We also come here for Easter brunch. It's pricey but in my opinion worth every single penny. There's nothing like spending the Easter Sunday with great company and great food. The food selection is always good, fresh salad, innovative On a sad not, they used to have crepes suzette station, made to order. They're the best I've ever had. Carmalized sugar, fresh orange juice, Grand mariner.....the sweet orange and warm crepes..with the liquid sugar oozing out...I'm salivating as I'm writing.
Food is always fresh. Wine list is extensive. Service is great. Prices are a little higher, but you're getting your money's worth. Always a treat. -
Review from T C.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2011
I've had both breakfast and lunch here. I have to say that the breakfast/brunch was far better than the lunch! It's pricey at around $20 per plate, but you definitely get enough food to leave full.
The lunch menu isn't very large, and while the food was good, it didn't reflect in the price. Also, the taste of the dishes we tried for lunch wasn't very authentic, nor was the quality very high.
That being said, the breakfast/brunch totally does! With very good quality ingredients, and some yummy authentic dishes, the breakfast is worth what you pay.
The decor is nice, somewhat typical of a hotel lounge/restaurant. Although the food is pricey at least you get top notch service.
So while I gave it 4 stars overall, I would rate the food at lunch only a 3. -
Review from Charles Z.
8/29/2010
Herons restaurant is located inside the ground floor at the Fairmont Hotel Waterfront in Vancouver. The location is unbeatable as it is steps across from Canada Place, and 10-15 minutes walk from all the nice downtown hotels.
Fantastic restaurant and an even better lunch buffet!
Checked out their website and noticed that they were running a 2-for-1 lunch buffet special at $28. Unfortunately, the special is only running until Sept. 1 and is only valid after 1PM. The selection was amazing for a lunch feast as they had a myriad of gourmet salad options (care for some sun dried figs?) as well as california rolls, grilled free range chicken breast, seared white tuna, australian lamp chops, as well as a huge dessert selection. The taste and quality of the food was unbeatable as they source from local/organic farms and make the buffet entrees in small portions. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2009
Overworked + overtime + tired + sleepy + hungry + do not want to cook
= a well deserved treat at Herons.
I've wanted to come try their nicoise salad for lunch for a very long time, but I must say dinner was definitely delightful. In the beginning, I felt like our waitress was nice, but she was spending way more time with the older and more wealthier couple beside us who has not been there as long as we had...
but her quirkyness and patience definitely made up for it throughout the night. I had been craving scallops for a long time - especially when you watching cooking shows and chefs always searing scallops for show. I requested my jumbo shrimp and scallops to be scallops ONLY - which also came with artichoke, fennel ravioli and seasonal vegetables... the flavours were definitely complex, i must say - one bite was sweet, then salty, then bitter, then light... somehow it just all came together in a way that I have never tasted food before.
My boyfriend's crab cakes had just amount of texture, although his chorizo sauce was too salty and overpowering for me and the chantrelle mushrooms were oh so lovely!
Of course, what's a meal without having dessert - cafe latte ice cream, which was super sweet in an absolutely yummylicious kind of way, and in house lychee sorbet that tasted like eating a super super super sweet lychee and transforming into sorbet form in your mouth.. just wow.
A lovely evening I must say and we got a great "COPS" show when four of them screeched to a halt right in front of the restaurant and hand cuffed a couple of fellas... not sure what happened, but the lights flickering reminded me of Christmas time. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/16/2008 2 photos
Herons is a bright restaurant with lots of windows that look across that the Pan Pacific and convention centre, and the North Shore Mountains beyond. It's just off the lobby of the Fairmont Waterfront hotel. They present themselves as serving seasonal and regional cuisine.
It's an elegant place with white tablecloths, wine glasses and winning service. Our waiter was friendly, helpful and very patient with questions. The crowd looked like a mix of power-lunchers and Mom-and-daughter dates. They offer a high-class buffet for lunch, but we decided to order a la carte and remain in our seats.
The wine list had a nice selection by-the-glass, but the prices were steep: $11 to $15 for a glass of white. We went for it and really enjoyed a Tantalus Riesling ($13) and a Pinot Gris from Blasted Church ($12).
The Warm Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad was amazing and there was a lot of tuna, which almost justified the $23 price tag. The Roasted Chicken Sandwich with bacon and avocado was nice, and the cranberry chutney was an interesting touch. It was actually too big to fit my mouth around and I had to take off one slice of bread and eat it open-faced with a fork and knife. But a sandwich for $18 ... if I not with my Mom, I would have been just as happy to pick up a turkey/bacon/guacamole sub at Quizno's for a third of the price.
The dress code is smart casual and reservations are recommended. It's closed between 2:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon. -
Review from Joanne L.
Richmond, BC
11/10/2010 4 photos
Herons is a beautiful restaurant located in the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Downtown Vancouver. It was Monday night but the place was about half full. We came here for a birthday dinner and we each had an appetizer and an entree. Mussels and duck breasts made a wonderful start to the meal, each mussel was large, fresh and delicious, perfectly made; the duck breast was cooked just right with a crisp salad on the side. The portion size was large and great for sharing. Entrees were sablefish and lamb shank, both just as good as the first dishes. Fish was seared and smoked with oyster mushrooms and vegetables. Lamb shank was tender and juicy adorned with a slice of unique spicy sausage. Service was superb! Will come again for sure.
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Review from Sarah G.
Vancouver, BC
7/2/2011
Not worth it for the price. The food is mediocre. I had the salmon, which came on a bed of vegetables and in a bland, room-temperature broth. Nice location but it is still hotel dining. The service was excellent, though. I may go back there one day to try the brunch buffet - but then again, maybe not.
