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The Flying Pig
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
104 -1168 Hamilton StreetVancouver, BC V6B 2S2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
(604) 568-1344
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 10:30 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
58 reviews for The Flying Pig
Review Highlights
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"However, there lobster and prawn risotto was incredibly..." In 2 reviews -
"We order the special Mussels with frites." In 4 reviews -
"Heaps of brussel sprouts." In 2 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Emma L.
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yaletown isn't really my scene, but the Flying Pig is a nice reprieve from everything that makes Yaletown Yaletown. Good atmosphere, good service, good food.
I came here with my boyfriend last night and we managed to snag two seats at the window -- otherwise it would have been an hour wait. The Flying Pig only takes reservations for lunch and brunch, so if you want to have dinner here you need to put your name on the list early, especially for a larger party. We managed to have perfect timing and got a seat right away, but those window seats are small and I felt like I kept elbowing the woman next to me. Oh well.
Our server took our drink order fairly quickly but it took a while before he came back to take our food order. Everything else about the service was great, though. Our meals came quickly, he brought us a bottle of water so we could refresh our glasses ourselves, and we didn't have to wait at all before he took our empty plates and brought us the bill -- but we didn't feel rushed, either.
My boyfriend wasn't too hungry so he got the tomato and bocconcini salad and the pulled pork poutine, both of which he enjoyed. I had the braised beef short rib with roasted bone marrow and white cheddar mash. The beef and bone marrow was great, but the mash was basically just mashed potatoes with a little bit of cheese on top. Beautifully plated, though. For dessert we both had vanilla creme brulee -- neither of us can resist a creme brulee, and the Flying Pig's was quite good.
I'll come back again sometime. I'd love to see what they do with brunch. -
Review from Kristin G.
4/19/2012
De-lish! I found the Flying Pig on Yelp and decided to give it a try while up in the Couve. When I sat down and saw mussels and matchstick fries I HAD to order it. I love the Belgian National dish and would probably eat it weekly if I could. The Flying Pig's twist of adding bacon and matchstick fries was spot on. I grabbed some fries with my fork, dipped it in the broth and chomped away. So. Good.
The service was excellent. You know you are in a good place when the waiter/waitress takes the women's orders first. I've actually missed that courtesy while living in the South, strange, I know. They also took your name and number and called you when your table was ready, another great courtesy. We were able to pop out and grab a beer while we waited. Working as a team Yaletown, bravo, bravo! Overall a solid meal. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'd really like to like it here more. The sides are yummy: mac and cheese and the brussel sprouts are stand outs. The wine list is solid, and the staff have great recommendations. They seem really knowledgable. They serve bread right away, with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Can't say that about every place. The layout has a lived in feel, in a good way. It feels like it would be casual, however, I'm not so convinced.
My first impression has been cold. It's likely their policy about waiting for full parties to arrive before seating them that leaves me standing out in the cold (or at the bar), left to wonder if there's a reason they need to enforce such rules. Even with my party a mere 5 minutes behind, and tables a plenty, I have been asked to wait. Frustrating.
However, Yaletown is conveniently located. People suggest it often as a meeting point. And so, because I want to like it here so much, I've been introducing it to work and friend dates. I'll probably continue to put up with the little irks, and head here again if someone else suggests it. Like I said, I like the wine and the sharables.
But, if Yaletown were clothing, it would be too tight, too busty and too shimmery for me. And while The Flying Pig might be a casual ensemble in a sea of couture, for me, it still just doesn't fit quite right.Listed in: Yaletown's Open for Business
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Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just went for Brunch/Lunch - the food was great, simple and delicious and the service was fantastic. I was there catching up with some old friends for literally hours and no one rushed us out or made us feel like we were imposing on them in any way. They are also super considerate to big prego ladies like me. I'm always looking forward to coming here now :)
Listed in: I HEART Food!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2012
Great service and decent food. The epic winner here is the Pulled Pork Poutine. Totally one of… Read more »
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Review from Cara P.
3/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Quite good!
I've been for dinner, lunch and brunch here and each time the food was great.
I'm only giving 3 stars because the last time I went was for brunch, and I had a reservation (the only meal you can reserve for at The Flying Pig). 2 of us arrived about 5 minutes early and were taken to our table - but the waitress was so adamant about knowing when our other friends were showing up! She kept asking us and then telling us that other people were waiting... Why accept reservations when you obviously don't intend to maintain them if all chairs aren't filled right away? We were told that if our friends didn't arrive soon that our table would need to be given to others. WE were 5 minutes early! Our friends were on time! WTF?
Not a good vibe.
We then ordered - our waiter was hilarious and fun and energetic, all was well, but one friend had ordered a benny with over-easy eggs and got hard poached. She got up and asked for new eggs (apparently the waiter was rude about it) and was subsequently given soft poached. No point in complaining twice so she ate it.
We were served our drinks in the wrong glasses, apologetically, so were offered a couple of free desserts, which was lovely.
Overall though, the hostess and her fervent 'where are your friends, other people are waiting!!' attitude was really uncalled for. I wonder what would have happened if they'd actually been a few minutes late? I wasn't about to give up our purposely reserved table for a couple of walk ins. -
Review from Meana k.
Updated - 3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'd like to update my review since I've been back several times and the service has been impeccable every time. Must have been a fluke or a bad hire, but the issues I brought up on service in my previous review are no longer relevant. That said, the food is still excellent and the mussels are in my opinion the best in the city. I love love love this place.
Beetroot and arugula salad -- Scrumptious. Lots of chevre. A meal unto itself.
Beef shortrib and macaroni -- Still a fav.
Mussels -- Best in Vancouver. Seriously. Challenge me.
Lobster and Prawn Risotto -- Good, but rich.
Bone Marrow Cheezy Bread -- Good, but again rich and there's so much other really great stuff on the menu to get.
Brussel Sprouts -- Awesome!
Maple Pie -- OMG you have to try this. Mmmm. Sugar. Rich. Yum.
I love coming here for wine and mussels and sides. Perfect atmosphere, now GREAT service, and awesome food. Can't go wrong.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2011
The food -- pretty great.
The service -- could be better. Much better.
Note my quote -- I love salt.… Read more »
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Review from Sharon S.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Oh my God, I'm so full.
I just moved to the area so doing the whole "single (female) diner" thing is kinda weird, but I definitely had an enjoyable experience here. I sat at the bar which was fun in its own right because watching the bartenders work is kinda like a show. They seem to run a tight ship - even when they weren't making drinks they seemed constantly busy. The bartenders were also friendly - when it came up that I was new to the area they both talked with my for a while and offered some suggestions for other places to try/things to do.
I ordered the soup of the day, a flavorful braised meat stew with potatoes and vegetables. The soup itself was very hearty, and the portion size was very generous. I was pretty much full after just that.
For my "main" dish I ordered one of the side plates, the lobster and prawn risotto. This dish was so delicious, but after eating it I think I understand why it's offered as a side and not a main course - it's very rich and creamy, and probably more richness than one person really needs. Again, it was a generous portion and I was impressed by the amount of lobster in it for only $9.
To drink I had a glass of the sangiovese/cabernet blend, which had nice soft flavors and not a lot of tannins. I'd never had a cab blend before. I also had a cup of coffee, and as someone who isn't really a coffee drinker I very much enjoyed as it was very smooth and didn't have that bitter aftertaste that some coffees tend to have.
I would definitely come back again! -
Review from Erica A.
Vancouver surprises me by not surprising me about how wonderful it is..
After a long day of work meetings, I wanted a quiet early dinner and heard about The Flying Pig, so I headed over. I sat at the bar on these great white stools and received attentively friendly service immediately. They were pouring my wine seconds after I ordered it and, although they were setting up for the rush later on that night, they stayed focused on what I needed.
I ordered the three pea soup which had a few salty bits that were the best, but overall was very good. Specifically, the soup was a great starter for the short ribs... which were the best I have ever had.
Between the red wine, the beautifully intimate environment (including an open kitchen) and the food, this is a wonderful place to eat.
I will bring everyone I can here (early because they don't take reservations) when I come back.Listed in: Copy My Trip: Vancouver
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Review from Natalee F.
3/10/2012
I got food poisoning here.
The meal itself was ok and I wouldn't have thought about this place again, but very soon after I left, I immediately got sick. I was out of commission all day. My friend who I dined with called the restaurant back to inform them of the incident and all they said was "ok thanks." As someone who has worked in the food industry in the past, this shows a lack of care and bad business practices.
Needless to say, I will not be returning. -
Review from Adrian V.
Richmond, BC
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friends and I had a free Sunday to catch up, so we decided to have brunch and narrowed our choices down to Pied-à-Terre and The Flying Pig. Since Pied-à-Terre isn't open early, we opted for The Flying Pig.
I must say, my foodie instinct should've kicked in as soon as we decided to dine here and reserved a spot for us; when we got there, the waiting time was upwards to 45 mins. Unless we sat at the bar. We were fine with waiting, but we just decided to eat at the bar. (I blame the lack of foodie-reserving-for-a-table responsibility for dining with other foodies; I got lazy)
We started with mimosas (why not) before we decided on the Salmon Benny, the Mushroom Frittata with a side of bacon and hash, and the Croque Madame with a side of hash.
I thoroughly enjoyed our meal. My Mushroom Frittata was served on a slab of wood with some lightly dressed organic greens - fantastique! That Chevre really did the job. With the side of bacon (I was expecting the usual crispy bacon, but I got a serving of ham/bacon instead) and the plate of hash, I was so full afterwards.
The Croque Madame was so meaty and filling, my friend almost didn't finish it. The Salmon was another hit, although we were all making fun of the fact that the bread used (I think it might have been Rye or Sourdough) was so tough to slice, I feel like it should've come with a steak knife. Other than that, the Salmon wasn't heavy at all and the Hollandaise was just right.
Our bartenders/servers were so delightful. They were making jokes here and there and made sure we were attended to at all times. So fun.
We also received complimentary sticky buns at the beginning of our meal. Soft and moist, it was prefect start to our brunch as well as to end the meal, to satisfy the sweet tooth of yours truly.
I really love the atmosphere of the restaurant as well. I can see why the waiting time is so long; to me it's the perfect place to have Brunch on Sundays. The wooden communal tables and the general ambiance of the restaurant is really great.
Definitely coming back in the future. Would love to try the Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert menus! 4.5/5 -
Review from Aarin P.
3/28/2012
Just had dinner here last night. The place was packed when we arrived, and we had to wait a little before getting a seat at the bar and then wait a bit longer to get a table. Then the hostess accidently gave our table away to another couple. When we asked again to get a table she said she was sorry and ended up giving us a free appitizer to make up for this. The food was awesomne except for the short rib mac and cheese. I totally would recommend the lobster and prawn risotto! The skirt stake was small on the small side, but you did get a GIANT pile of match stick fries. The short rib mac and cheese was very under seasoned.
Over all the service was good and the wine was decent. I wouldn't recommend ordering anything from the bar as the drinks were watered down. I would go back and would recommend it for good date night. -
Review from Gary M.
2/22/2012 7 photos
February 22nd 2012! The day of the Yelp Party Night at the Museum... How to celebrate?
The Flying Pig baby.
We have been looking for an excuse to come here for along time, but life got in the way. Today life actually cooperated. Sun, free time, and large hunger pangs.
Today we were greeted by a host who was both light hearted and jovial. The room was full at 1:45PM. Great atmosphere.
Our server seemed to really be happy we had chosen to come to The Flying Pig and that it was our first time here!
To start we ordered the beet arugula salad, and the lovely pea soup! O M G!!!!
After our first spoonful and bites we knew we had a winner.
For lunch I had the skirt steak sandwich and my wife had the braised short rib pasta.
Loved it!
KEY POINT: How do you save a 5 star review from going down to 4 star one, when one of the entrees comes as a clam pasta instead of the braised short rib pasta?
If you are our waiter, you come by to check on the first bites in a timely manner, realize without asking that an error had been made and you acknowledge it, apologize and have the right dish at the table with haste. It all worked out since we shared the skirt steak sando and savored every bite. When the pasta came we were ready to shift gears.
I love having a lovely neighbourhood locale so close to my home. I look forward to more great times at one of our new favorite places in VanBC.
yay TFP you are A-OK! -
Review from Patricia C.
Vancouver, BC
3/14/2012
I heard about the Flying Pig long before I ever tried it, but when I finally had my turn, I was not disappointed : )
I first went for lunch with a girlfriend and had the Braised Beef Shortrib Jumbo Macaroni (in Cabernet mushroom cream sauce) and the Crispy Brussels Sprouts (in lemon, parmeson and capers) - ummmm - YUM!
My girlfriend and I weren't prepared for the size of portions and neither of us could finish our meal. I woke up the next day dreaming of it - that has to be a good sign!
I went back on a Saturday with a friend to try lunch again but was met with a brunch menu instead. At first disappointed, that soon melted away as they brought out a cinnamon roll starter and then a wonderful frittata to finish.
I've been back many, many times since and have always had great service and great food. I've not had a miss yet. Great atmosphere, quick delivery of food, and never the feeling I had to clear out despite their obvious popularity.
A great addition to the neighbourhood! -
Review from TheHungryNomad E.
3/9/2012
The Flying Pig has got to be the best new restaurant in Vancouver. The name of the restaurants connotes a menu filled with pork items but nothing could be further from the truth. Not being a big fan of pork I had been avoiding this restaurant. But so many people had so many great things to say about it that I finally had to try...even if it meant eating pork.
The Flying Pig is as the owners like to refer to themselves a 'Nouveau Canadian Restaurant' and nothing confirms this identity more than their Quebec Maple Sugar Pie (do not miss it)!
We went on a Saturday night arriving to a long line up of eager hungry customers. Miraculously after 15 minutes we were seated at the bar. I really liked the décor and ambiance of loud and happy diners. Our meal started off with a serving of fresh out of the oven warm bread served with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
Shortly after our entrées arrived: Red wine braised beef short rib and their special for the evening a large dish filled with mussels and claims served with their crispy yet chewy string fries. My photos really do not do justice to the presentation and wonderful flavours presented in these two dishes. The beef short rib was great although too large for us to finish but great if you are hungry and willing. The mussels and clams were served in a wonderful tasty broth mixed with corn. The string fries were dipped in the broth resulting in a wonderful explosion of flavours in my mouth.
So full but as always not being able to say no to dessert we ordered not one but two: The Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and the Quebec Maple Sugar Pie. Those of you who have been to Quebec know about the range of delicious maple treats, maple sugar pie being one of my favourites. As this is the first time I have seen it being offered in Vancouver I could not say no. However, be advised that it is VERY sweet and VERY delicious... I can hardly imagine it being calorie friendly but that is the least of my worries when I'm inhaling my dessert. The guilt usually kicks in 30 minutes after and I have to write a blog post to remind myself that it was well worth it. -
Review from Jess M.
3/3/2012
It's kind of hard to give this place only 3 stars because the highs were so high, but when you're paying $20+ for a plate of food I expect there to be no lows and there were a few here. Let me start with the highlights:
The petit filet was cooked perfectly and was simply the best piece of meat I've had in Vancouver.
My partner had the halibut cheeks with gnocchi and the gnocchi were perfect and delicious.
My wine (a Sangiovese/Cab blend) was delicious and reasonably priced.
Now for the lows:
My petit filet came with lobster mashed potatoes. Since I don't splurge often I was really looking forward to this side. Unfortunately the lobster was overcooked and rubbery and the potatoes tasted like they were made from potato buds. Very disappointing.
My partner's halibut cheeks were overcooked as well.
We got a side of brussel sprouts and while they were tasty there was a bit too much red pepper for my taste.
So, if you go, stick to non-seafood options and you'll probably have a good meal. -
Review from Jessica O.
Vancouver, BC
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm still so angry over a supper I had here in July (STILL angry!) that I can barely write a review, but for now all you need to know is that when sending back the limpest, gluey-est, greyest veal scallopine I have ever had the misfortune to have enter my mouth (and which proceeded to lay on my tongue like a slimey dishrag) I had to then contend with the most pompous man I have ever dealt with - the "chef."
After politely and self-deprecatingly apologizing again and again to the waitress (who was very sweet) about sending back the meat, out came the chef. Now, chef means "chief" in french, but this little man (in attitude, not stature) was clearly not the chief of anything, not if he felt the need to aggressively pummel my mother and I with scoffing questions about what it was we didn't like about the veal. When I answered that the flour coating was not cooked through, that the veal was soft and almost mushy and I wanted it pan fried for longer he said in a wide-eyed, mocking voice "oh, so you don't want a scallopine then?"
I swallowed, tried to keep my cool and said "well, no. That's not what I mean. This is simply not like any scallopine I have ever had." He tried to suggest that what I indeed had been expecting was a Milanese, which is a crumbed and heavily fried technique. I told him, no, I knew what both dishes were, and Milanese is not what I had been expecting.
I need to point out that I was extremely light hearted and polite, yet his face turned red and he started to act like one of those people who has been in an anger management course, someone who is clearly counting backward from 10 in their head so they don't hit you. After a few more exchanges (during which I repeatedly tried to cool the situation) he simply started talking over me as I answered one of his snarky questions, snatched our plates and said, in the most patronizing tone imaginable,
"Ok then! So you don't want scallopine. I will go and make you guys some Milanese cutlets, since that is what you were expecting."
My mother and I were aghast. I have never been spoken to so rudely in a restaurant or any other business, never been contradicted directly or made to feel guilty for sending a dish back. When the plates returned the veal was awful - dry, breaded and shallow oil fried. It was bland and boring. The chef then had the audacity to come out once more, lean in really close and tell my mother and me that the meat was now cooked more to our liking, because we had wanted it "crunchy. "This petty, confrontational behaviour all started because I had happened to mention that I was used to scallopine being served pan-fried to at least golden in colour when he drilled me on what was wrong. It was petty, laughably so.
SO why 2 stars and not 1? The wait staff were excellent and the food until that point was delicious. But I will never forget the way I was treated by the chef, a man who chose to assume that I knew nothing about food and then belittle me in front of a table of people when his technique was not up to par. "Chief" indeed. -
Review from Monti S.
Vancouver, BC
1/28/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Yup, me again.
I rarely give out 5 stars for food. Vancouver is surely good food but we sit in and about the 4 star at the best, you have to get to Paris or New York, even London for the 5 (but that requires a plane ticket and an exchange rate not in our favour).
Flying Pig was a delightful surprise. Its not a culinary masterpiece which too many places are trying to be these days, it was good, fresh and honest with pure flavours that make you say mmmmmmmm.
Minor pet peeve, no reservations, so had to get there at 6pm. Minor, minor peeve but makes me less likely to go even with the 5 star rating. However, if you hit Yaletown at 6 for dinner you always get parking. Doesn't sell me but maybe it'll sell you.
The place is packed, they want to get you in there, the waiters can barely get their bellies between the tables. I could barely get my belly out of the table when I was done without tipping the table and ending up on the lap of the person next to me. I am not kidding. Its not romance or solitude, its got character and its crazy busy.
My gal pal that came with me is vegan (I hear the groans). They didn't have anything per se on their mains that suited a vegan but she was able to order 3-4 sides that she loved and was 150% happy with. She has the roasted squash, the brussel sprouts and the mushrooms. I think she could have eaten more but our waiter thinking that 2 100lb girls (OK, shes 100lbs I am not) could likely not eat too much thought we ordered too much. Wrong, appearances are deceiving.
I have no such vegan tendencies. The place is called the Flying Pig, it practically slapping you across the face with dead meat. I apologize I cannot remember my appetizer to save my life, the deliciousness of my roasted chicken has eradicated it from my mind. For my palate, it takes a lot to make a roast chicken not taste like roast chicken and elevate it to the next platform of chicken. Mustards in Napa is the one and only I recall, and Quattros used to do a good job of their hen but in recent years its been downgraded in my mind to just a hen stuck in an oven with some herbs and lemon.
Any place that can make roast chicken orgasmic-ally delicious that i want to gnaw the bones and lick the plate gets 5 stars. It was heaven, juicy, flavourful, amazing mashed potatoes I am sure filled with butter and cream. I was in down home delight.
Our waiter was all right, he was good but harried, they were packed. Nothing was slow but neither was it Oscar worthy (see review on Kits Daily Kitchen). We didn't have dessert, it was tight and loud so wandered down the street to Blue Water for some chocolate cake and wine. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
1/27/2012
It's always a treat coming to Yaletown.
Used to be more known as the Amarcord before changed to Fiasco, till now.
A happening place, sat in the bar stools, trendy decor. Specials on their chalkboard.
I normally don't complain about customer service when checking my reviews but though he tried hard, he literally just barged into our conversations constantly.
On to the food. Ordered the Halibut cheeks, if it wasn't for the awesome sauce, fish was a bit overdone. But the gnocchi was yummy.
Will return to try rest of menu. -
Review from Sara D.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2012
Went in for brunch on a Sunday with a hangover. Got a caesar, hit the spot.
It was packed, and the atmosphere in the place is amazing, but I guess I was expecting a bit too much. Two of my friends ordered a special but it ran out and they had to reorder. Then when one of the orders came out, it was cold. But they repoached some eggs in like 2 minutes flat, solved. I had the mushroom frittata, it was good, pretty typical though. We got a side of sausages, it was 2 pretty average ones for $4. Bit of a rip.
My friend had the 3 pea soup special, he loved it, even had bacon in it.
Will definitely come back to check out their dinner. -
Review from Diana L.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2011
I really didn't think restaurants got this charming in Yaletown, particularly in the douche-parade of resto/lounges I normally associate with Hamilton St.
Pleasantly surprised.
I don't come too often to fancypants places like this, but when I do, my expectations for food and service rise to the heavens.
The food was delicious. After reading another Yelper rave about the mashed potatoes (I had to go after I read "mashed", I LOVE mashed potatoes) I ordered that and an app salad. (We went for lunch). Also had Chef special mojito.
There were chunks of pork on my potatoes!
It was fatty.
It was crispy.
It was oOh- so good.
Salad had wonderfully big quarters of beets (??) , the natural ones you never really see anywhere except farmer's markets... at least I don't recall seeing it regularly among the abysmal vegetable offerings that is at North American supermarkets.
Friend ordered off "chalkboard menu" -love- some quality plump mussels that came with abundant matchstick fries (while crispy goodness they were, couldn't eat many cos they were over salted).
So food was great- Portions were generous.
Server was good-looking (hey, it's just the way they do things at these kinds of places) and great.
Ambiance and Decor was great. You don't even feel like you're in Yaletown!
Oh, mojito was very great. -
Review from Annie W.
A message to the ladies - this is not a place for that skin tight bandage dress. The food here is rich, heavy, and belly expanding - it's also delicious so any willpower you thought you could exercise will go right out the window after the first bite. Trust me, "flowy" is your friend here.
Came here for dinner and was really impressed with the food. The Beetroot and Arugula Salad, Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib, and Skillet Roasted Petite filet were all delicious. We were warned that the Mount Lehman Roasted Half Chicken would delay our entrees - no problem, it was damn well worth the wait. Creme Brulee for dessert ended the night on a serious high note.
A few days later I came back for brunch. My Smoked Salmon Benedict was very good, but my gf's French Toast With Maple Blueberry Compote was giving me a serious case of plate-envy. A generous gal, she let me steal a few bites...satisfied sigh...brunch in Vancouver will never be the same. -
Review from Pamela L.
3/8/2012
I've walked past The Flying Pig several times and it's always been packed like sardines. Must be a hot spot, right? So I was in the area with a friend and did a quick Yelp search to see what would be open and interesting. My search brought me to this restaurant. The decor is lovely; it's simple, rustic, with lots of wood surfaces. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The food is closer to comfort fare and I had forgotten my Lactaid. When I asked the server if there was anything that was lactose free, she admitted that there wasn't. But luckily, they made the halibut cheeks without butter. Phew. I also ordered the beet root arugula salad, which was divine. My friend ordered the Caesar salad to start (amazing) and the beef short rib as the entree. We couldn't make up our mind about the type of wine we wanted but the server was ever do kind to let us try them before we settled with our bottle.
I'd certainly suggest this spot but it can get busy quickly and since there lots of hard surfaces it does get noisy and other people's conversations seem to be amplified. This is the type of place that would fit right in with the gastown scene and it's nice to have something more down to earth in a neighborhood that has a reputation to be otherwise. -
Review from Vicky L.
Vancouver, BC
3/1/2012
I've been to Flying Pig few times already, and I left satisfied every time. The food quality was great and the service was attentive.
For the sides: The lobster and prawn risotto was cooked perfectly. It's very creamy and flavourful. The roasted mushroom also had a punch of flavour to it.
For the main: The halibut was made to perfection. The salmon was also tasty.
The only drawback was their dessert. I had only tried their creme brulee. It was OK, but nothing spectacular.
Overall, I'm a fan of this restaurant. Their food is fresh and I love the rustic feel of the restaurant! -
Review from Janice F.
Updated - 11/28/2011
Ok, so I needed more of the cheezy baked mashed potatoes with the bacon. I think I could have a meal just on that for $5.. I wonder if I can get just the bacon added to the regular sides?
They had a mussel special of the day, Quadra Island Honey Mussels in a tomato wine sauce. The mussels were HUGE - I mean, it was almost the size of most oysters. The first order was perfectly cooked, the second order (yes, I had two orders) was a bit undercooked - so they seemed even more like oysters. Bread was great with the sauce.
I also ordered the veal piccata entree - it was meh, unfortunately. The parmesan risotto was cooked well, but wasn't particularly tasty. The veal was drowning in the sauce and I didn't really like all the capers that it came with.
Service was ok. Kind of rushed. If you don't get there with your full party, they will make you sit at the bar.. and then put you into a communal table, which can be slightly unpleasant in winter with sick people around you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2011
Bait and switch on the name - there's actually not much pork on the menu at all! Love the reno job… Read more »
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Review from Sanam L.
The food was great and the service was amazing! Highly recommended.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2012
Definitely a trendy place to hang out and grab a few drinks. The food is decent, but I was not blown away. We pretty much tried everything on the menu, some items were a lot better than others... ie. wasn't a huge fan of the lobster risotto. My favourite things on the menu were probably the mac and cheese, and their hazelnut chocolate cake; and this is coming from someone who doesn't like chocolate.
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Review from Marc C.
Toronto, ON
3/28/2012
Was visiting vancouver for a night and need a place for dinner. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good atmosphere and worth a second visit.
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Review from Valentina C.
Vancouver, BC
1/11/2012
Definatly nice looking restaurant, I didn't find it fantastic as everybody said...
food is good but nothing special in my opinion...
I believe is just the trandy place at the moment.
I also found the acoustic was really bad, this is what really bothered me, I can't have dinner and scream to have a conversation at the same time. -
Review from Kim G.
12/30/2011
On a cold wet night we wandered Hamilton St looking for sustenance, and ended up at The Flying Pig. Clearly a place to be seen, I was very underdressed in my converse and unwashed jeans (I'm a traveller.) The people watching, however, was entertaining, it felt like a 1990s Benetton advertisement.
I wish the food was as engaging. Asked for steak medium and it came well done, piled with wilted frittes. Salmon too was overlooked and dry, with soggy gnocchi and an odd cream sauce. The bread, however, was lovely. Service was adequate and the noise level loud. After eating my way around Vancouver I can attest there are much better options than this. -
Review from Rick C.
9/26/2011 9 photos
I finally got around to trying the fine cuisine at the pig joint in the heart of Yaletown. It was worth it. Open for only a handful of weeks, the place is already stacking up a decent dining reputation.
I went with the red wine braised short rib and bone marrow mash potatoes and it was delightfully scrumptious. I ate it up. The rib was so soft and tender. right off the bone onto my fork with no knife necessary. The other recommended dish was the pan seared Queen Charlotte halibut which looked delicious as well.
If you think that looks like a couple of tomato steaks, you'd be correct. It was pretty classy and intriguing served with buffalo mozzarella and the fixings.
The cured meat spread were also ample. However, there lobster and prawn risotto was incredibly creamy and tasty. It was damn good. Their caesars were also quite refreshing.
Hands down, the highlight of the night was the insanely good housemade cone drumstick ice cream dessert. Oh my, so good. The mix of vanilla and chocolate ice cream mixed with pistachio and chocolate sauce was mighty tasty. I loved it.
I'd definitely like to come back and hit the spot again to try the adventurous but simple and delicious menu. I say drop by and check it out. -
Review from Danielle B.
Vancouver, BC
My first time at the Flying Pig will certainly not be my last. I met a couple of friends for brunch there about 2 weeks ago and the first thing we noticed was the all-male serving staff. Whether it happened by accident (meaning the ladies had the day off) or it's always that way, didn't matter. I was just happy to see a group of good-looking men instead of a bunch of 19-yr old girls in mini-skirts, which seems to be the norm at most other restaurants these days.
We noticed some people next to us enjoying some type of sweet dessert-like treats so we asked our server if he could bring us a plate. Turns out, they were sort of like a large profiterole with a light strawberry cream filling inside the crisp, yet chewy exterior, which was sprinkled with powdered sugar. It paired wonderfully with my (slightly overpriced) Earl Grey tea ($4).
So, on to the main... despite having looked at the brunch menu online beforehand, I was still having a hard time deciding what to have. The various dishes coming out of the kitchen left me even more indecisive than when I first opened the menu. Everything looked so good! I finally opted for the daily special of prosciutto hash ($12) with asparagus, tomatoes and gruyere cheese, topped with 2 soft-poached eggs. As soon as it arrived, I was really happy with my decision. It was delicious. The runny yolks spilling over into the perfectly seasoned, shredded potatoes was complemented wonderfully by the salty goodness of the cured ham, while the acidity of the tomatoes cut through the richness of the cheese to balance everything out.
The portion size was pretty much spot-on. Not too big that I couldn't finish and not too small that I was left wanting more. The service was good, considering it was really busy and all of the staff were bustling around clearing plates and cleaning tables to get everyone in the line seated as quickly as possible.
After checking out the dinner menu, I think I'll have to come back to try a few other dishes. Plus, I really have to try the Croque-Monsieur sandwich - it looks amazing! -
Review from Allen W.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Visited for weekend brunch and found the bustling restaurant (and waitstaff) to be quite enjoyable. We snagged one of the last tables but those behind us had to wait a bit.
While we waited for our order to arrive, the water delivered a complimentary warm cinnamon roll for the two of us to share ... who wouldn't love that?
Eggs and crusty bread were delicious. The only downside was that my order included sausage which I normally love but when I took a bite, I gagged. The menu didn't mention that it was lamb sausage and it was all kinds of gross gaminess. Usually, sausage is pork and if they use something different it's called out in the menu ... not the case.
Will return soon! -
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
A place to try once, at least, as a nice alternative to the douchebag places in Yaletown, and really, the hottest spot in the 'hood right now. Sure, the identity wasn't defined, but that was part of the charm. And isn't it nice to try somewhere different that doesn't start with an E, M, or C?
Although they forgot to write my name on the list (strange, I know) it was an honest mistake, and we were still seated within 30 minutes in a good spot on a hopping Friday eve. And it was still early enough to not worry about the fact that they'd forgotten us!
It's really a place to go for upscale, "comfort" food that was a little on the heavy side, but such is the case when ordering anything comprised of beef + potatoes. The bartender was a bit standoffish at first, but pleasant enough when prompted, and the waitress was really sweet. She had pretty hot boots, too. :)
The patrons were all 30-40 somethings with a bit of money to spend; people were dressed nice, but casual seemed to work fine, too.
And here's an interesting fact: the proprietor's mom once said, "I will cease having to cook for you when pigs fly."
And so it seems, she is literally eating her words. -
Review from Paul D.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2011
I've stopped in for appies and drinks a couple of times but still hadn't sat down for a full meal until this week when a friend wanted to try
somewhere new".
I'll give the ending away now--this was one of the best meals I've had in memory. We sat at the bar and staff were attentive without being overbearing, the room was warm and inviting and the food was spectacular.
We started with the Salmon Carpaccio and the Tomato/Buffalo Mozzarella salad, both of which were simple but well-presented and very tasty. The entire menu is focussed on a concise list of unfussy dishes, but excellently prepared.
I chose the Short Rib and my friend had the Skillet Roasted Chicken, both of which were outstanding. I'm eagerly awaiting my next chance to get back and have the Short Rib again but I think I'm going to try brunch first.
A great addition to the neighbourhood and a new favourite. Apparently, pigs *can* fly. -
Review from Luisa D.
8/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
They did a good job of renovating the old Amarcord. It's bright and fresh and I love the exposed kitchen.
The staff are great, super relaxed yet professional. I was surprised that pork wasn't the main ingredient on the menu. I had a salad that was loaded with trimmings and hit the spot. I'd been tempted by heavier pasta dishes that all sounded delish though. Will have to go back soon as it's close to the office.Listed in: My Yaletown
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Review from Jacqueline T.
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Only a figure of speech, as they have many other options aside from a wonderful pork belly :) Its the home of comfort foods!!
Came here for lunch, and it was quite packed. Didn't make a reservation, but they were able to seat us at the bar. Friendly in service, as well as friendly in recommendations. The special was a Macaroni something or another.. and it was DELICIOUS!
My other friends all had wonderful dishes too. Each flavor came seeping out, and you can taste the boldness of each unique sauce. I was scraping the sauce from the bottom of my plate. The portions were quite adequate as well. but yes, I will still scrapping from the bottom of the plate. THAT SENSATIONAL! - I'd do a celebratory oink, and fluttering of claps for This Flying Pig! :)
Mmm. Can't wait to try other dishes, and hopefully be able to drop by for Brunch!
Definitely one of the better places to eat while at Yaletown. -
Review from Jake H.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2012
Amazing menu, amazing atmosphere, amazing service. Bravo!
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Review from Taylor K.
10/20/2011
I went there for my birthday dinner. They don't take reservations for dinner so my sister and I headed there a bit early so we could get a table.
Unfortunately, just as we got there, this other couple booked the last table that could accommodate a bigger group size and we had to leave our number so they could call us when a table came free. At the time, I was feeling quite frustrated because we had missed a table by ten seconds.
We got a drink at Cactus and 45 minutes later, flying pig called to let me know that a table was going to be free in about 5-10 minutes. It was perfect because it gave us enough time to settle up our bill and head over.
The ambience is nice and the server was super friendly. Only thing I didn't like was the noise level. It did get loud as the evening went by but this isn't unusual at a busy restaurant.
We order the special Mussels with frites. So delish! The mussels were nice and plump.
Then my sister and I got lobster and prawn risotto and it was big enough to share.
Then I got the halibut as my main and it was delicious as well. I just wish I could have finished it but I was pretty full by the time we got through the appies.
At then end of the meal, I got a free brûlée with a candle for my birthday. We also got Quebec Maple Sugar pie and that was really good as well.
I would definitely revisit here again in the future.
PRO: Nice ambience, Great service, Yummy food,
CON: Does not take reservation (but they do call you when your table is ready instead of you having to wait outside), noise level -
Review from Robi J.
9/20/2011
We thought that the food at The Flying Pig was excellent. This restaurant has potential, to be sure, but our impression was that it lacks an identity. At this point, I would not recommend it to friends.
We found the dining experience overall to be lacking. Our server was minimally attentive. We sat for long periods with no service. I had to ask for bread to be brought to our table since it seemed that out server had forgotten to bring it. Our server did not seem to have a grasp of the menu when we asked her about one of the dishes.
Our table was near the open kitchen. At first, I thought it an interesting and innovative idea to have an open kitchen in which patrons could watch meals being prepared, but I soon found the smoke and kitchen grease smells to be unpleasant. Upon returning home at the end of the night, my clothes and hair reeked of the unpleasant smell of kitchen grease.
We had the salmon trio appetizer, which was wonderful, and I had the halibut. It was delicious. My husband had the beef strip with matchstick fries, which was good. -
Review from Todd S.
2/13/2012
Excellent service. The lobster and prawn risotto was fabulous. The pan seared halibut with Yukon gold gnocchi was superb. The special clam and mussels dish was quite tasty, too. It's a little loud, but that's to be expected of a trendy restaurant in Yaletown. Definitely recommended!!
