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Tapenade Bistro
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
3711 Bayview StRichmond, BC V7E 3B6
Neighbourhood: Steveston
(604) 275-5188
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Tapenade Bistro
Review Highlights
22 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa C.
Richmond, BC
I came here with my friends for the first time out of the persistent suggestion from my sister that they had an amazing smoked salmon eggs benedict. Apparently brunch is only served during the weekends from 11am-3pm, but I'm not 100% sure of that - forgot to ask my server.
Since it was the weekend, Steveston gets pretty busy so parking can get hard to find; however, Tapenade did have several spots in the park that were reserved for the restaurant. I made reservations but it wasn't too busy and we were seated right away. At our table, we were brought water and soft, french bread with butter.
Of course I had to order the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($13). The portion wasn't big but I found it decent and perfect for my stomach. The baguette was soft and had a good crispy crust. The actual eggs benedict was made very well with the yolk being more creamy than runny and the egg whites soft and smooth. There was just enough smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce to tie this dish all together very nicely. The sides of green salad was crispy and fresh with a pretty small drizzle of dressing (wish there were more) and the potato hash was seasoned well and cooked just right.
The service was average and the atmosphere was cozy and nice, besides from the big family table with several kids beside us. Overall, the food satisfied my morning stomach top notch. I'll be back again to try the other choices on the menu soon hopefully.Listed in: Steveston Treasures
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Review from Meana k.
2/19/2012
I went for brunch with a table of about 9 people. We were there exactly 30 minutes before ever being given food menus or water. We had to ask for both. Several us had coffee but there was one little tiny creamer dispenser and sugar dish for the table. We had to keep asking for more -- until I finally suggested to the server that she might consider just bringing as much as she thinks 7 people drinking coffee might need and place one on either end of the table so we could all have easy access to it.
We had been sitting there for an hour and twenty minutes before our food arrived. Glad I put 2 hours in my meter. But really not glad I drove 30+ minutes to come to this place. I could have had better food in the city, faster, and for the same price.
I ordered the mussels with pernod broth and it came with fries and aioli. The mussels were good (not great) but came in an annoyingly deep dish that was awkward to pick them from. Also, I've never had so many broken shells in a dish of served mussels, ever. The broth was nice to soak up with the bread that had been provided to the table. The fries again were okay and the aioli was good. It had a thicker texture and less refined than I'm used to. I also tried the beet salad with a horseradish cream which was quite nice -- but rich.
I would probably not bother coming back here. The service, while friendly, didn't leave me feeling very positive about my experience and the food wasn't anything special. The prices are higher than the food is worth. The food itself could have warranted 3 stars but the overall experience just brought that rating down. Why bother going here when I can have better? -
Review from Marcus W.
Richmond, BC
4/9/2012
This was my favorite restaurant up to my last visit. The service is excellent at this restaurant. In my memory, my water never gets to the bottom of the glass before someone is there to top it up. I really enjoy the mussels, fries, brunch, and boullabaise (sp?) here. However on my last visit we ordered the cod and the halibut, both of which were lacking flavor. the server did nothing to remedy this even when we told them. May return for brunch/lunches and their mussels, but not for dinner.
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Review from Jenny G.
Richmond, BC
3/10/2012
Flavour was muted, as most elite eating establishements are.
My dinner companion gave it a 5-star for everything.
Fusion food.
My rating is 3 stars. -
Review from Annie M.
Vancouver, BC
It should be 3.5 stars not 3 stars
Tapenade Bistro is a Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Steveston. My girl friend and me ate dinner there and were very impressed, good food and service.
Beef Striploin Carpaccio was delicious and presented nicely.
The halibut was juicy, tender and savoury
The steak was ok but just a bit dry at the edge. -
Review from Gerald N.
Richmond, BC
5/9/2011
For mother's day, my family went to this restaurant for the first time. We love going to the Steveston area because of the beautiful scenery and quaint vibe. The first thing we noticed was the friendly service we got right off the bat. We came almost a half hour before our 7:30 reservation, and the manager sincerely greeted us and got us seated before our reservation despite the hectic mother's day traffic. For a fancy restaurant and French for that matter (just kidding), that really impressed us.
The food was just delicious and unique. I ordered the Fraser Valley Duck Breast, which was oven roasted perfectly and all the sides were tasty too. It took all of 10 minutes to finish all my food - which is really impressive since I'm the world's slowest eater.
Only complaints are they don't give a lot food and the prices seemed rather high given the portions. But, who am I to complain about prices, I didn't pay (see Dad). The service was incredibly friendly and prompt. We really liked our waiter and I hope he didn't take offense to the 10-15 percent my dad probably gave. Just know for Filipino families, that's actually really generous. -
Review from Louise G.
2/20/2011 3 photos
We've been here several times over the past few years and each visit is an absolute treat. There isn't anything we don't like about this place, from the appetizers to the brunch. We've yet to go for dinner - but I can only imagine it is stellar food and service at those times as well.
Our samplings so far:
*Fraser Valley Duck Confit - Crispy leg, red beet tartare, herbed goat cheese, baby frisée, Tapenade herb garden puree, crema di balsamico
Rating - divine
*Eggs benedict, smoked salmon benedict, and florentine benedict (spinach) all served with fruit salad and herbed potatoes.
Rating - lovely...we've now sampled 3 of the 4 egg benedicts offered, the last being the dungeness crab benedict.
*Mushrooms and Toast - sauted, 63 degree egg, fried baguette, baby arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano, marinated grape tomatoes, red wine demi glace
Rating - beyond divine. I could eat eleventy million pounds of this dish
* The "Provence" Sandwich - Cured ham, honey ham, Gruyere, young arugula, caramelized onion, tomato confiture, filone baguette, organic field greens or pommes frites
Rating - very nice. Proof that there is no such thing as 'too much ham'
* The "Normandy" Sandwich - Short rib ragout, blue cheese, red pepper relish, radish sprouts, caramelized onion, filone baguette, organic field greens or pommes frites
Rating - Brilliant! The meat was juicy and flavourful and all of the ingredients were a wonderful inclusion in this sandwich.
*Mushroom and Goat Cheese Frittata - Open faced omelet, mixed mushrooms, caramelized onion, goat cheese, herbed potato hash, fruit salad
Rating - delicious. Did I mention that I love mushrooms???
*Bouillabaisse - Provençal fish stew, fresh fish, prawns, scallop, Salt Spring Island mussels, clams, shellfish and tomato broth, rouille
Rating - amazing. Warms you through. Great for those cool autumn days, or those chilly winter brunches, ........or summer, or spring.
* Salt Spring Island Mussels - Daily mussels inspired by the season and whimsy of the Tapenade Bistro kitchen.
Rating - Unbelievably good. Probably the best mussels I've ever had. Last visit I told the server that it should come with a straw to suck up all the gorgeous broth. She was glad to somewhat oblige us by bringing more french bread to dip.
Extremely lovely food and wonderfully attentive and professional service. Highly recommended. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
4/15/2011
You know it's going to be good when you spot the owner.
The Normandy was a well-executed sandwich, and the menu item that actually appealed to my entire family (we were there for noon, but just not in a 'brunch' mood). Delicious meat, gorgeous bread, about the only complaint is that it was a little heavy on the blue-cheese.
Service was great, owner even walked past our tables a few times, helping the servers.
But it was just that - good. Though the location is prime, they could do so much more with the place. it's comfy, but doesn't leave me star-struck. -
Review from Larry L.
11/13/2010
It was the olive tapenade that got me. It was the wine pairings that my friends enjoyed and when I'm dining with a bunch of gals and I'm the only guy. I listen.... intently and just smile.
They ordered the food and drink (to be honest, they were in control), I just sat there and dined, as the only male guest in their midst of female comradship. I was the fly on the wall, a friendly invited fly of course. There was no swatting to be done here.
For me, I didn't have to pay attention to the dishes that I ate, and I didn't have to make any decisions. I just sat there, enjoyed my company and the service and the atmosphere. What seemed like a downtown presence in the dwellings of a small fishing village, I was simply amused, content and just happy to get my glass filled.
Want to know what's on the menu? Not alot, but that's a good thing.
What to do when you get here? Just ask what is good and then trust the wait staff to order what you know you will enjoy.Listed in: Steveston Village
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Review from Odette C.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went there with a Groupon so good deal for what we are getting. Love the complimentary bread, it was soft and comforting on a cold & wet day. had the beef carpacio is more like a salad. 1st of the season halibut delicious, moist and flavorful though a tad expensive @ $29.
Nice flavors, again with the Groupon it was well worth the trip. -
Review from Janice L.
Richmond, BC
3/25/2011 1 photo
......We also ordered the salt spring island mussels ($11) in appetizer size, which i think was a good decision because the mussels turned out to be quite small -- slightly larger than a quarter. There were a few bigger ones that were cold and had a weird taste to them, which we presumed to be undercooked. They tasted okay though.
I had the coq au vin ($26) which is described to be: "Bradner Farm Cornish hen, roasted breast, bacon wrapped leg, fleur de Dijon spaetzle, ragout of double smoked bacon, mushroom, peas and pearl onions, Burgundy jus". I've never had this dish before and I didn't really know what to expect. It turned out to be very delicious! I think it was actually the breast that was wrapped in bacon, not the leg. Anyways, the leg was very moist and .....
**For more on this restaurant and pictures, check out my blog post for the full review:
http://www.goodeat.ca/... -
Review from Todd M.
Richmond, BC
1/30/2011
Today we had brunch at Tapenade.
As always the team was impeccable and the food was even better.
We had the steak salad, the Queen Charlotte salmon and the 'Piggy Surprise'. Everything was clean and fresh tasting. The 'Piggy Surprise' was a big surprise - a big full breakfast with poached eggs, cassoulet beans and a couple of other surprises you'll have to try.
Any day is a good day when brunch ends off with vanilla bean creme brule. -
Review from Louisa L.
Richmond, BC
6/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here twice and both time i've been content with the service and quality of food. I love how Tapenade is a quaint little restaurant that is great for brunch and for when you want to hang out with your friends and talk. The provence sandwich was yummy, simple and very filling. I've also tried the crab eggs benedict which was quite tasty as well. I love coming here with my girlfriends!
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Review from Janice F.
5/11/2009
I came here wanting to just try the desserts - you can get a tasting platter of 3 desserts for $19 ! But alas, conventional eating standards say that I'm not allowed to eat dessert for dinner :( And so, I started off with the appy special of the day which was highly recommended by the server - a spotted prawn sashimi dressed simply with lemon oil. The prawns were extremely fresh and sweet, but the texture of raw shrimp is just not to my taste - too slimy.
Also had a taste of their potato and leek soup, drizzled with truffle oil and garnished with bacon bits. Quite rich and tasty and the truffle essence smelled divine.
For the main, we split the full order of the linguine boscaiola - cognac & truffle cream sauce (I love my truffles - instant flavour upgrade!) with a ground beef (not so tasty - I ended up pushing this into a little pile on the side of the plate).
Onto the highlight of my evening there, the dessert! A lovely deeply espresso flavoured creme brulee, served with coffee jelly and condensed milk that was somehow browned or caramelized. I will be back for an evening sunset for their chef's tasting platter of desserts. -
Review from Rhiannon A.
8/30/2011
This is one of the better eating options in Steveston. It's true you don't get a harbour view, but the service and food are much better quality than the harbour-front fish & chip joints.
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Review from David P.
Vancouver, BC
8/23/2011
Tapenade doesn't disappoint.
This quaint little bistro in Steveston is a wonderful stopping place for lunch or dinner. On a sunny day, enjoy the spacious front patio with a peak-a-boo view of the water. The food is scrumptious. My favourite is the muscles...your choice of 3 ways of preparation. Their bouillabaisse is phenomenal as well. In fact, we never have had a meal that disappointed us at Tapenade. If the service and decor was a little more refined (being picky now) then it would be a 5 star. Thanks for all the great meals Tapenade! -
Review from Katie F.
Updated - 7/24/2009
Still a 3 stars...
I had been told my experience here was unusual when I last had dinner here in the fall. Came here again this week since the summer menus are out and this resto rotates theirs periodically. I figured I would be safe with the feature salad, a blueberry and goat cheese salad, esp. when those are some of my fave things!
Hmmm, I think not. Quite bland; I honestly could have made a better one at home. The rest of the meal was okay, but again, I have yet to figure out why this place keeps getting the Best of Richmond awards.
Service was good and gorgeous weather on the patio helped keep the score at a 3. I don't get the hype and there's other places I'd rather eat at in the Village.Listed in: Steveston Village - some tips…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2009
I was also disappointed with this place. i was told to come here by a number of colleagues but I've… Read more »
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Review from Graham S.
Victoria, BC
2/15/2011
So this place looked promising. I've never had bacon, egg and cheese taste so bland. My fried potatos were mushy. Not worth the price. There are flies buzzing around the dinning room and all over the windows.
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Review from Leon V.
Richmond, BC
10/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Great food, but limited menu. BC wines are expensive. Quality of food and service is great though.
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Review from Melody M.
7/6/2010
Ok, so I didn't expect anything from this place since my friend googled it and we went on a whim. But sometimes, the best surprises are the unexpected ones :) This is a great upscale restaurant situated in Steveston. It's wonderful in the summer because they have an awesome patio. The seafood is a bit pricey but well worth it. The scallops were huge, there were real crab in the crab cakes, and the mussels were unbelievably fresh. They had a special dessert for $19 were you can have a choice of three different desserts and each was was yummy. The only thing I would caution is that they had a pitcher of sangria on special for $15, but it was very watered down.
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Review from Mark F.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2010
Been here 4 times and each time it's been great. Started with the soup de jour mushroom soup, but the halibut was the best. Cooked to perfection. Wife really enjoyed the shrimp Putanesca (linguinni). And the cappucino was fantastic!
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Review from Alex K.
Richmond, BC
11/19/2008
Decor was nice, and staff were amazing, especially the hostess who was very helpful when unexpected guests joined our dinner party of 6. However, the food was quite a disappointment. I haven't been back to Tapenade since they changed their menu and got rid of the tapas plates, but wanted to give the new menu a chance. Really wish they would bring back the tapas, because aside from a good wine list, and great service, the food is simply a disappointment. The flavour pallet is very bland and typical of first year cooking school food. Uninteresting, and completely overdressed. Wasn't totally a bad meal due to the decor, but for the money, and what's available in Vancouver for that price point, I probably would not go back to this place.
