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The Ouisi Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Cajun/Creole Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Cajun/Creole, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
3014 Granville StVancouver, BC V6H 3J8
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
(604) 732-7550
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 11 am - 1 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for The Ouisi Bistro
Review Highlights
"...love crab, get the crab stuffed chicken breasts for your..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Divine if you sub their fabulous corn bread for toast."
(in 3 reviews)
"...soft colors and paintings of jazz musicians and dancers."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Tamara H.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
A great dine out experience - while I opted for a simple salad to start, my dining companions had the sausage which was incredibly tasty. The buttermilk fried chicken and white chocolate bread pudding was some of the most delicious food I've ever had. I actually can't say enough good things about these dishes. For $28, you can't go wrong with this fantastic dine out menu
Listed in: Dine Out
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Review from Jenna B.
Coquitlam, BC
12/29/2011
A friend brought us here to check out the food. We had quite an awful experience. I lucikly ordered the cheapest thing on the menu "poutine". When our food arrived I felt shocked to see the portions. Out of everyone I had been given the largest portions! My friends food was not even the size of a pbj sandwich and cost somewhere around $20. To add insult to injury the food was subpar. My poutine was burnt and the "cajun" flavour was essentially hot sauce on poutine. The fries were so skinny I cannot even call them fries at all. My friends were all disappointed with the food and the cost.
To make matters worse the service was subpar. The "meal" took over an hour to arrive. We got little to no service even though we were the only ones in the restaurant. We asked for water and our server slammed the pitcher on the table.
The place was clean but, even after our awful meal we were charged around 25% gratuity. I don't mind paying $20 for a meal but I better get my moneys worth which I can say I did not.
The only saving graces of this place are the decor, cleanliness, and the fact I was the company of good friends.
Perhaps I came here at a bad time but I would not return here by choice. -
Review from Amanda H.
Vancouver, BC
12/13/2011
I moved to Vancouver a few years ago from Texas and have been DYING for some southern food. My step-dad is from Port Arthur and makes excellent fricassee, gumbo and jambalaya. When I found out about Ouisi I thought I won the lottery.
My partner ordered the jambalaya and I had the gumbo. Well, his was ok but mine was HORRIBLE. It didn't even resemble gumbo and it did not have the proper ingredients. I asked the staff and they were clueless. I chalked it up to some fancy restaurant trying to be all "gourmet" instead of authentic. I was really ticked off that I had to pay for whatever that was I ate. I feel more sorry for my spouse and the other people that eat here that don't know any better about what GOOD cajun food is.
We have not gone back and we don't plan on it. Overpriced for a hole in the wall that doesn't even know its own dishes. -
Review from Bryan B.
Vancouver, BC
12/16/2011
One of my favorite places during the summer as they have a little patio out back. Totally unexpected. Very good service and very hearty brunches is what I have have experienced. Live jazz in the evenings. Check this place out.
-
Review from Renee C.
5/26/2011
I find this a difficult place to review because I have had positive and not-so-positive experiences here. So, to summarize, I supposed I would call this little place "inconsistent'.
I generally have come here for either breakfast or lunch, and sometimes have been pleasantly surprised, and several times been surprisingly dismayed. My last visit would be enough to cause a single star to shine alone in my rating, as my benny had numerous crunchy pieces of egg shell to which the waiter simply responded 'oh, ok' as he took it away.
I will try it again, as it is a pretty good breakfast/brunch alternative with less line up woes than Barneys. But I think my three strikes and you're out rule may need to apply. -
Review from Kristina C.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2011
After rave reviews from my sister, I came by Ouisi Bistro with a friend on a Friday night to try it out.
The menu is surprisingly big for such a small restaurant. Several traditional Louisiana dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, as well as their personal take on non-traditional Louisiana items like poutine.
After deciding I wasn't feeling adventurous enough to try the gator bites, we opted to share the aforementioned poutine. I ordered The Big Easy (sirloin tips and roasted potatoes with BBQ sauce) and my friend got the southern fried chicken po boy sandwich.
Their version of poutine does not have gravy: instead, they top the fries with a creole sauce and lots of cheese. We both thought it ended up tasting like pizza more than anything, but it wasn't bad (doesn't beat traditional poutine though).
My steak bites were decent enough. Inconsistently cooked (some pieces were well done, some pieces were medium, etc), but the BBQ sauce they smothered everything in was quite tasty and slightly spicy. I tried a piece of my friend's po boy sandwich as well: the chicken was pretty basic, but they top the meat with cauliflower cooked in a spicy sauce that was similar to the super spicy Calypso sauce they provide at each table.
The service that night was friendly and pleasant, and the ambiance was very laid-back. My friend and I had a decent experience here, however, it was nothing spectacular or extraordinary. I've tried it once, but I most likely will not need to try it again. -
Review from Scott H.
Vancouver, BC
7/8/2011
Hadn't stopped in here in about 7-8 years I think. I remember it being a lot nicer. Now it's a little rundown and needs a bit of a reno. It used to have a bistro feel, now it's a little pubby, so that's a bit disappointing, honestly. That said it's got a brilliant little garden area in the back, perfect in good weather (so that's about 2 days in Vancouver).
The food is good enough. Had crabcakes, catfish and the wife had ribs. All were good, no complaints. But it didn't knock it out of the park either.
Service was good, zero complaints.
Actually the best Cajun I've had was in Bangkok at Bourbon Street. Ouisi isn't on that level yet, but it's good enough if your craving something blackened. Better than accidentally burning something at home. -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
I have now been here twice - why I didn't write a review the first time, I don't know, they deserve to be loved.
The first time I was brought here by a friend who had a craving for New Orleans goodness, I had never had southern food before and didn't know what to expect.
We started with the gator bites. That's right.. I ate aligator. In the middle of south granville, I was eating some exotic reptile cooked in an amazingly tangy sauce. I spread that gator on my corn bread and chowed down - oh gator, what a way to go.
I had the jambalaya, because I figured it's the most stereotypical creole dish and I wanted to get the full experience. My buddy had the crab stuffed chicken. Wow. Honestly, the cacophony of flavours going on in my mouth was enough to have me holding on to the table from fear of floating away in some sort of spice induced reverie. That's all I need to say about it, the food is amazing and speaks for itself, theres just so many great flavours going on, and so many unique things to try! Everything comes with your choice of 2 sides, I recommend the pecan&sweet potato hash, the jicama slaw, or the corn- don't remember what it's called but it's like a corn salad.
The second time, last night, I had the chicken and duck sausage gumbo. Again, blown away. The portions are so big that both times I had leftovers to take home with me, enough for another meal.
So now that the most important part, the food, is out of the way, lets talk location.
The ambiance is great - it's got a jazz bar feel and the first time I went they had a live jazz band, some guy playing a sax and making it sing.
Dimly lit, rich wood floors and paintings of jazz greats all over the walls, this place is for cool cats, and can also be a nice romantic date - ask to sit in the back and you really feel like you've got your own little private southern oasis. -
Review from Trish R.
3/6/2011
What a great brunch spot! Who would have known?
For brunch on weekends, Ouisi offers a great selection of well-priced, regular brunchy options with a Creole twist. Divine if you sub their fabulous corn bread for toast. Reasonable treatment to all the basics: scrambled eggs were normal, breakfast sausage normal, ambiance and service normal; and for a twist the pan fries were spicy with chopped peppers and scallions, and their Creole sauce is really nice. This flavourful plate is pushed over the top with the addition of toasted corn bread with lots of butter!
I also saw what I think was a chicken sandwich with salad that was loaded with fresh veggies, and the salad looked simple but fresh and well dressed.
This is definitely on my list for a weekend brunch! -
Review from Chanta L.
Vancouver, BC
6/9/2011
I patronise this place regularly as I used to live across the street and now my friend lives around the corner. I'll get to the stars first:
FOOD: ****
SERVICE:****
(aside) BEER SELECTION: *****
RE: FOOD. Food menu doesn't change too much. I understand that it is New Orleans-inspired but that same salty cajun spice is way over done. There are so many southern dishes that they could experiment with and I am waiting to see that happen.
RE:SERVICE. The service staff is wonderful; attentive, kind and very unpretentious. The turnover is few and far between indicative of a good working environment and good staff comaraderie. However, I gave only 4 stars because a few times I have overheard FOH conversations with BOH and I can't seem to forget the attitude. I have worked in hospitality so I understand the urge to have all orders in by a certain time of the evening but scolding FOH is not only a waste of time but an embarrassment to the establishment. Finish the last of the orders and more often than not there won't be any more orders after that kitchen-closed cusp. The BOH plays a role in service too, and unfortunately for Ouisi Bistro not a positive one, or at least keep your tone to level that bar patrons cannot hear. The kitchen should keep in mind that they get tipped out too.
RE: BEER SELECTION. They have boasting rights for their amazing selection. If you crave it, they probably have it.
Try the food here. It's rather tasty. After a while though you might tire of the menu as I have. I go here for drinks regularly.
** Great art on the walls nearer to the back of the restaurant. Artist (Jennifer Brouse) is amazing. Her work can also be found at Cellar Jazz on West Broadway. -
Review from Sanaz J.
Vancouver, BC
3/3/2011
My office is close by to this place so figured I should give this place a try. We went here for a colleagues going away lunch and had a relatively ok experience.
I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich, which was just average. The service was really slow despite two waiting staff and only one other table with a couple other than our group.
Overall I'd recommend going here if you are craving a lunch more on the spicy side but nothing to brag about! -
Review from Novaira M.
Vancouver, BC
1/18/2011
Good place for lunch in the granville neighborhood. Their cornbread and black bean soup is amazing ! and also very filling. The lunch portions were hearty and the average cost per person is 10-15.
The decor is fun too, and they have outside seating in the summer in their back garden. -
Review from Pennylane S.
Vancouver, BC
8/29/2010
It's been a while since I've had Ouisi for dinner. This was back in the day when the prices were quite high, and I think things have changed still. The menu looks great still.
What I do know is breakfast.
There are about a million kinds of bennys. The usual suspects: Florentine -Brie, Regular, Smoked Salmon. And a few wild cards: Crab Cakes, Chorizo and Creole Sauce, Gouda and Bacon.
If you're looking for something lighter though, may I recommend the "Egg on Me" - poached egg, tomatoes, greens, cucumber, cheddar with ouisi potatoes (spicy).
The service is friendly and quick and if it's a nice day, the back door garden will be open for seating.
If you're like me, maybe you need a little pick me up in the morning. Mimosas, Caesars and my fav, Mint Juleps are on deck to start the day off right. -
Review from Kyle J.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2011
I almost feel bad reviewing this "restaurant" as the server, the same server I've had all three times I've eaten here, is such a nice guy.
His "chef", however, is a douchebag.
And Bistro?
C'mon, who are we fooling here.
This is a confused atmosphere - part Mardi Gras, part wannabe jazz lounge, part run-down 80s bar and grill (big part), part Cajun (in idea, not execution - with a beautiful menu that simply doesn't deliver on the plate.
The first time I ate here, I had the 'Jackson Square' - a delightful benny alternative. Well, on paper it is a nice benny alternative.
It's described as, and I'm paraphrasing from memory, 2 poached eggs on house made crab cakes with sauce Choron and pan fries.
You get the picture. The first thing I noticed was the broken sauce. For those who don't know, sauce Choron is basically sauce bearnaise with tomato puree added to it. It's not Cajun, it's French, but whatever; who gives a fuck about culinary origins anyhow, right? Bearnaise breaks easily if it's not made properly, or if it's kept in a steam table.
What I noticed second was what kept we from questioning the sauce was the perfect little crab cakes. They were truly delightful: big chunks of crab, nice smoky seasoning (paprika, no doubt, judging by the mess of it around the edge of my plate), and a nice crispy crust. Lovely.
And the pan fries - obviously done in a fryer and not a pan - were not exceptional. Who cares, right?
Right.
On to the second trip.
Now, I live in the neighbourhood, and the non-Caffe Barney options around here are few and awful (see my review of Paul's Place), so Ouisi is more of a default than an actual destination. But, this trip was magical.
The coffee was still mediocre, but I'm an Italian espresso drinker so I seldom enjoy brunch joint coffee. It was way better than Paul's truck stop blend, however.
(Paul's Place really fucking sucks)
I ordered the same dish - the Jackson Square.
It arrived at my table and I was stricken aback.
Everything was perfect; well, there was still a mess of spices around the edge of my plate, but everything else was spot on.
The sauce was gorgeous - not the broken, yet tasty, mess I had experienced previously. It was creamy, zesty, and magical.
The eggs were a perfect soft poach and the crab cakes were as described above. The "pan" fries were essentially the same, but potatoes are always good when they're not burned (again, see my review of Paul's Place - a real shitty joint).
The food was great, the service was impeccable, and the tip was large.
My new favourite brunch spot, yes?
No.
I returned last week.
Well, it had been more than 6 months since my last visit, and I immediately realised that things had changed. There was nobody to meet my partner and I at the door, so we sat ourselves - taking menus from the stand by the door.
Our server came out - yes, the same delightful fellow - and barked that we had the wrong menus. So get a fucking staffed host station, jerks; don't fucking blame your customers.
Anyhow, the most important factor is the food.
I, quite uninterestingly, ordered the same dish yet again. I mean, after the last trip how could I not?
My dish arrived and I was immediately disappointed.
The sauce was not only broken, but clearly the butter to egg ration was off by a large margin in favour of butter - I suspect margarine, in fact.
Underneath the disaster of a sauce are rock hard, brutally overcooked, eggs.
Okay, I think, at least the crab cakes will be awesome.
Fuck.
Underneath what was already a disaster was the worst disaster of all. I don't know that the crab cakes were frozen, but I do know that they were reheated in a microwave. So it doesn't really matter what their initial state might have been.
I simply cannot tolerate microwaved food, particularly when I am paying restaurant prices for it.
I complain, of course.
Now, my partner and I are seated by the front window which is spitting distance from the kitchen pass through. Our server clearly had no idea what I meant when I said the sauce was broken, but any chef would know. We can hear the conversation in the kitchen, and it went like this:
"He doesn't like it. He says the sauce is 'broken'?"
"Yeah, there's nothing I can do about that," says the 'chef' without a care.
That was all I needed to hear. A so-called chef who doesn't care that someone was disappointed with his food.
Fucking pathetic.
So the server returns to the table and explains that that's just how the sauce is, that it melts when it hits the hot eggs.
I feel bad for the server - he only knows what the hack cook told him - but I can't be nice to him any longer.
If I'm served crap, fine. But, don't tell me it's perfect.
I know food. In fact, I went home and made a sauce Choron and it was great - didn't break at all.
Also, my partner is a commercial inspector. She commented - after leaving as she is much more polite than I - that there was horrible grease build up on the equipment in the kitchen.
They likely serve it with eggs -
Review from Jen W.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hadn't been here for a few years and recently went back after my first trip to New Orleans. While I still consider their courtyard one of the hidden gems in Vancouver, after the "real thing" I found the food quite lacking.
We might've caught them on an off-night, and I'll go back to try again (because I have a serious craving for a Muffaletta), but the fact that their online menu indicates this iconic sandwich is served on a kaiser already spells disappointment.
But! The ambience is nice, the staff friendly and the food good for what it is - southern *inspired.*
Just don't go expecting an authentic Creole food experience. -
Review from SaraJane K.
Vancouver, BC
9/27/2010
How did I never notice Ouisi before? One of my friends who lives in my neighborhood told me about it. It's just around the corner from my place, too. Ouisi is awesome. I'm a vegan and thought that for sure I would have trouble eating here.
The black bean soup is already vegan, just ask for no sour cream on top. There are a couple of sandwiches and salads that can also be made vegan. Just ask! The server was friendly and more than happy to help me find something delicious to eat.
I ended up getting a vegetable sandwich with no cheese or mayo and it was awesome. My boyfriend has the black bean soup which was also awesome. I sort of wish I had gotten that, too, it was so good.
They have a full bar and brunch, too. I am definitely going to be going back here. There's a patio out back for the nice days, too! I don't think it's actually real Cajun food, but so what. It's good and that's what matters.
The vibe inside is immediately warm and inviting and made me want to return even if it's just for a drink after work one night. Thank goodness there's somewhere other than Caffe Barney to go in the neighborhood! I only wish I had discovered Ouisi before. -
Review from Chloe E.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2011
I only had a couple of times of dinner here.
I liked their small and cozy patio.
Actually, there are not many place to have cajun dish in Vancouver, (as far as I know, only one more place serve creole) so I should say it's good to have it here. -
Review from Nooshin K.
Burnaby, BC
7/25/2011
One of my favorite meals ever!
Walked into the place not knowing what to expect..wasn't greeted at the door but when we did see staff, all very friendly & efficient, good atmosphere, well-rounded menu, cute backyard and fabulous food!
I strongly recommend the crab stuffed chicken with roasted potatoes. -
Review from Jarrad K.
Vancouver, BC
5/8/2010
The service and the rest of the staff were good. No complaints about that.
The food, however, was awful. I took a friend who had recently returned from New Orleans for a dinner hoping it would remind her of her trip. I asked her honest opinion of the food and she said it's nothing like the "real thing." That's fine... you can't expect it to taste exactly the same. In general though, the taste was just bad. The Gumbo might as well have been straight out of a Chunky Soup can. The Jambalaya might as well have been an Uncle Ben's recipe. The tasted like it was cooked in Campbell's tomato soup with a dash of safeway Cajun spice mix. The muffuletta was basically just a small ham and cheese sandwich with some olive relish in it... at least it was edible.
The decor was nice, but the music was too loud for my liking. And it was empty... on a friday night.
I will not return. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
8/20/2008
Located at the north end of Gallery Row, Ouisi Bistro serves up some of the best Southern cooking this side of the bayou.
The menu is divided into two parts: Cajun and Creole. The former's "rustic, hearty and spicy" flavours are what distinguish it from the "more [subtly] seasoned and refined" of Creole cuisine. For those with more conservative tastes, Ouisi offers more standard fare that is delicately infused with both the Cajun and Creole spirit--it is guaranteed enliven the palette. The Provencal Chicken with its tomato-caper-green olive and artichoke heart hash, fresh herb butter and lightly sautéed vegetables is delicious. If you're in the mood for something hearty yet ighter, the Vert et Blue salad is sure to satisfy--tossed spinach, roasted pumpkin seeds and Danish blue cheese, all topped with a sweet calvados vinaigrette.
For those inclined to venture outside the realm of caesar salads, try your hand at the alligator bites (served with Cajun tartar sauce) or the Southern Fried Catfish with roasted squash and sage cream sauce. Both of which will surely render you into a well-sated stupor. Be sure to leave room for the pecan pie, though.
Softly lit with jazz posters adorning the walls, Ouisi Bistro is fine casual dining at its best. -
Review from vanessa G.
Vancouver, BC
7/22/2010
I really like Ouisi. It is my brunch and art date place. We go here for brunch and then we wander around and look at art after being satisfied with a high yumness factor.
I love corn bread and there is no shortage of it here! There Petit dejeuner comes with poached eggs, sharp cheese on corn bread, and some very seasoned potatoes. My other fave is the brie and spinach eggs benedict. Also there bean soup is vegetarian and great on a colder day.
If you get a chance in the warmer months, sit out back on there great garden patio. -
Review from Barry M.
7/21/2009
Went here for a friend's going away party Sunday. Every daily special is on special on Sunday.
I had the gator bites (spicy small pieces of alligator) and deep fried catfish for main. The catfish was so melt-in-your-mouth good, with a spicy mayo, that I don't mind what is reported here as a slow service. Four stars, would return. I would give it 5 stars if the prices were a little lower. -
Review from Tracy P.
Vancouver, BC
5/10/2009
Very small, dark, intimate space, dressed up to be very Jazz/New Orleans oriented. It's casually fancy, if that makes sense.
I've never been a fan of cornbread, and however well they made it, I still don't like it.
That being said, I did order a lovely chicken and smoked duck sausage gumbo. I love the taste of file powder. It's so...distinct. And I greatly enjoy the subtle bitterness it adds to the dish. Thankfully, while not a fan of "smoked" flavour, I found it to be not overpoweringly smoked, but rather very complex and deep in flavour, with a decidedly "smoky" undertone.
Needless to say, it was delicous. probably could have done without the sausage. But the chicken was moist and flavourful.
The green rice that came as the side was a great compliment as well. The lime-flavour cut through the richness of the gumbo well. -
Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010
I've been working on South Granville for the past 5 years and only now have I discovered this neighbourhood gem.
Never having tried Cajun food, I'm honestly not sure if this is the real deal. I don't care. The food is rich and flavorful.
Today I went and wanted a patio seat. I was told we'd have to wait a while so we just opted to sit inside. As we placed our order though, we noticed room outside so we asked to switch. No problem. So we were hanging out in the sun, waiting for our food when the server comes apologizing profusely that when we switched, he had forgotten to punch in our orders. He gave us two mimosa on the house for the wait. Great for me =)
Then our food comes and I'm done my mimosa so I remind our server that we had originally ordered beers with our meal. He comes back and another two beers on the house and much apologies. The sun was out, the food was good so I couldn't have cared less. Free booze is always good.
I had the Jackson Square which was two poached eggs on crab cakes. Absolutely Delicious.
Last time I went for dinner I had the Hotter Than Hell chicken. It was soo tasty although I could only finish half before my stomach ruptured. The server came out with free ice cream to cool our mouths.
So far every visit to this joint has been a positive one and I'll definately be going back for more! -
Review from C A.
Vancouver, BC
5/31/2011
Great menu, wonderful staff. Intimate atmosphere, awesome décor. Highly recommend giving this place a try.
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Review from Tara B.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2011
Had a coupon from entertainment book and went for dinner. Haven't been to this joint in years. It was tasty enough. If you love crab, get the crab stuffed chicken breasts for your entree. Very tasty and full of real crab that infused the entire breast with crabby goodness. My boyfriend got the ribs and they were tender and flavorful. Worth it. Especially if you have a coupon!
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Review from Rose N.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2010
It was alright, but not good enough for me to return...
I've eaten Cajun food in the US and ever since I haven't been able to find good Cajun in Vancouver. It may have been for lack of the 'Mardigras' people. I ordered on several occaions, the beef stew and a fish dish, but it didn't have much flavour and it was alright. I had to add lots and lots of pepper.
They also serve brunch there, for what I think it is a hefty price for what I got. Again, I don't think Cajun is a bunch of tomatoes mixed with hot sauce and add some meat to it. There's lots more flavours that needs to be added, and this was missing lots of flavours in their dished.
Again I was disappointed in their brunch as well as dinner.
I think for the price, it didn't deliver for the quality. The ambience is nice, it is dark and artsy inside with decor related to the old 'Blues & Jazz' paintings that are commonly seen in many places in VAncouver. Nothing special, so I wouldn't return or recommend this to a friend. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
1/15/2009
This is one of the few spots on South Granville to relax with an evening drink. But don't go if you're in a hurry or have a particular love of prompt service. The word of our evening was "Waiting".
By most considerations, this spot deserves at least three stars. But my review is that moment in life when a professor/teacher gives you a bad grade and dares you to do better because that teacher knows you can be excellent. I'm daring you Ouisi!
The beautiful interior is decorated with warm, soft colors and paintings of jazz musicians and dancers. Along one side of the bar stretches a bench in the same style as a park bench.
Our server was very laid back and friendly; however, repeated attempts to bring her attentions to our empty glasses failed. When three people have been sitting staring at ice cubes for 10 minutes, it's time to inquire about refills or the bill.
I found the bathrooms very clean, and the hand soap (from Rocky Mountain Soap Company) smells edible. I will return to Ouisi because I know it has four, if not five, stars in it. We just need to see it! -
Review from joe k.
8/20/2010
I went in here to meet some friends eariler this evening (8/19) and the agrro barkeep/manager/ahole behind the counter started on me immediately like I was there to score drugs or something. I didn't see my friends and he was snide to me on my way out. He said something like "f*cking freak" and when I flipped him off he started to threaten me. Loudly, in front of at least 10 customers.
Glad I intercepted my friends outside so I didn't end up giving them any of my money. I suggest you don't give them business either. Beside, it didn't even smell like a cajun restaurant, so I doubt the food is anywhere near worth the attitude or high cost. -
Review from Paul C.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2010
I would have had the alligator, except I'd had some gator nuggets a couple weeks earlier at Jethro's. Went for jambalaya instead. It was nice but could've simmered on the stove an extra few minutes by my estimation. I sort of liked the decor and paintings of jazz musicians, but I didn't like the Rhianna album cranked way too loud for us and the three other patrons in for lunch. The selection of 70 or so bottled beers from around the world will definitely draw me back again, just maybe not to eat. And maybe when there're enough voices to drown out the music.
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Review from Foodie G.
6/15/2011
I came here for dinner on a week night and was surprised to see so many filled tables. I loved the ambiance and we were immediately greeted by the hostess as well as the kitchen staff. I ordered the jabalaya with jicama salad and yam fries as my 2 sides. Everything was piping hot and really delicious but there was just way too much food. But there's always room for dessert, right? We ended with the chocolate cheesecake which was heavenly. Service was perfect and I definitely give this place 5 stars.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2009
While Cafe Barney and the other places north of here fill to line ups on the street on the weekends for brunch, I can always get a good table for 2. The brunch menu is good and the coffee well made. I suggest Hash it Out for the strong of heart or if you are going over to do the Grouse Grind after brunch. I sometimes drop in late for a small bite and glass of wine at the bar, they are always full but not as to make you wait for service. On nice summer days check out the hidden patio at the back. During the Jazz Fest they have live small band trios and duos mostly. As other HOT places in the hood close, they just keep on trucking, try the alligator your only chance in town to knowingly eat reptile, it does taste like chicken.
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2008
Walking into Ouisi, you can practically hear the twang of a banjo as you are transported to the Deep South for the spicy taste of Creole and Cajun cooking. The menu here offers some pretty adventurous fare (alligator anyone?), but there are also some lovely salads with things like artichokes and chevre. Yum. This place is no paradise for the vegetarian, and since I am one, I can only comment on a few menu items, but there is a good portobello mushroom burger that is worth coming here for. The atmosphere is also tastefully done with pictures of the jazz greats covering the walls, and for a summer day there is a really lovely patio out back. The service here is consistently good and friendly, making Ouisi a Vancouver favourite.
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Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
11/17/2009
This is the only place I know of in Vancouver where you can eat a damn alligator (to be honest, the meat is a little rubbery.) Ouisi is dark but cosy inside, a casual but not too casual bistro with a nice ambiance. They mix some nice drinks and serve food right out of New Orleans. I can't vouch for the authenticity of the dishes - I haven't spent much time in the South. But the jambalaya, jerk chicken and po'boy sandwiches make this place a reliable favourite, and a great standby if you're headed to Vij's and find a two-hour wait.
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Review from C. A.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2010
Liked the atmosphere. Food was O.K. Potatoes too spicy and mushy to eat and Salmon Benny lacked flavour. Liked Barneys down the street better.
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Review from marisa s.
3/25/2010
My husband and I were getting ready to hit the road back to Seattle and we saw this place...so glad we did. It was a perfect Sunday brunch spot. I had a great eggs benny and he had some spicy creole eggs dish that he loved. We also split an order of blueberry pancakes (It's a long ride back to Seattle!) and they were soooo good-crispy on the outside and not too gooey with blueberries on the inside. We will definitely go back the next time we are in town!
