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- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 1:30 am
Sun 5 pm - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Uva Wine Bar
Review Highlights
"...wine bar attached to the Moda Hotel last night for a drink..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Skip it and try the chocolate nemesis."
(in 2 reviews)
"The cocktail menu is truly innovative."
(in 6 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Sebastian T.
Vancouver, BC
12/28/2011
Best bourbon sours in the city, and that's a pretty big compliment!
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Review from Brittany W.
North Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/26/2012 15 photos
Lounge out over at Uva on a weekend, and sit back and relax to a hearty brunch and a decadent latte! Expect dishes that not artfully arranged because Uva is all about its fresh quality ingredients and good taste.
We came for a meeting and had the daily fritatta and croissants. The goat cheese, spinach and caramelized onion was divine, though a touch too salty. Uva was only mildly busy, so we lounged out for a couple hours sipping our lattes and enjoying the afternoon. What I like so much about Uva is its laid back, non-pressuring, European coffee shop experience and unlike other day lounges, offers reasonably priced, high quality food and drinks.
Transforming itself as the day progresses from day lounge, midday tapas, and a wine bar at night, Uva really is a gem.Listed in: Quality lunch spots under $20, Girls Night in Vancouver
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/16/2011
Among the many small groups of two or three, we lounged to some lattes and Earl Grey Martinis for a… Read more »
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Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I forgot how great this place was, even if it's attached to a hotel. Not the best pinot grigio or pinot gris here, but awesome pours/tasters do the trick. Around $11 a glass.
The washrooms are a bit far from the bar since it is attached to the hotel.
The atmosphere is nice as how many sophisticated wine bars open their windows on a beautiful night in Vancouver? I couldn't think of any others downtown, at least, which is why we decided to stay here after trying to find the "best" spot. The seating isn't always cozy, but the bar area is best for two people.
The meat and cheese is pretty good, too. All in all, a great wine bar when you are drinking wine, that is. -
Review from Mark F.
6/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hip small and full of life but no "wine bar".
Disappointed by the by glass list. More of a liquor libation gin joint rather than wine bar. From the looks of the sugars, spices and everything nices, order a cocktail for a wild ride. The setups are the makings of a true Mixology bar with some wine.
Nosh menu options with the crowd 1/2 and 1/2 on food. The cheese/charcuterie plates looked good. I chose a Barbera d'Alba, mid priced on the reds and was not disappointed.
With room for ~35 UVA is a great size and wonderful place to hang with friends. Attached to the hotel I assume some out of towners land here too. How about an adventure at the bar with a foreigner?
Drink up kids. The next round's on me. -
Review from Emily S.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 7/13/2011
Two years later and I still love this place. The drinks never fail.. imo Pourhouse and this place will duke it out for the best cocktail. Wine selection is a good mix of local and foreign, but the list is not extensive.
In any case, if you haven't been in a while, I suggest you try it again. I found about 10 new drinks I haven't tried yet, and they still make my favorite "oldies" but goodies (oh that was sooo 2 years ago.. and still amazing today!).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2009
I'm new in town, and I need a new place to call home, complete with a good mixologist.
Mine was… Read more »
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Review from Shawn C.
Vancouver, BC
7/1/2011
This is a great place if you've got the cash and you're going to see a show downtown (it's kitty-corner from the Orpheum Theatre) Vancouver, and want to avoid the clown show that is Granville Street. Cocktails are price-y but good and original (they're by celebrity mixologist David Blaine) and the menu is interesting - the ancini is delicious, and my meat-loving epicurean friend was salivating at the prospect of the roasted bone-marrow ("Can you put a different spin on it?" I asked, "So that it might sound more edible? Maybe say it in French?") as well as an expensive Italian cheese, burata.
However... service was not so good, especially considering we were sitting at the bar with empty glasses in plain view of 3-4 people working behind the bar at any one time. We had to wait for water and I was told five minutes after ordering it that they were out of Chimay, which is on the menu (not to mention sold next door at Viti, a beer store). Nor did they have the burata, which was, we were told, still en route.
I'll go back, but at these prices I'd appreciate better service, and more care paid to keeping menu items in stock. -
Review from Karen R.
5/25/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Uva is the go-to place for my friend and I after the symphony is over. Located adjacent to the Orpheum it's in the perfect location for an after-symphony glass of wine and some appies.
The wine list is nice - lots of local options. We always go for the bubbly.
As for food we've been making our way through the bruschetta list. Now, at first when I saw that each piece was anywhere from $3.50-$6 per piece I was skeptical. Well that all went out the window when we ordered our first plate. Everything is DELICIOUS. Seriously - there's so much flavour on one piece of toast. And whatever olive oil they use...yum yum yum, it really makes the dish.
So far we've had fresh peas and mint, anchovies, herbed ricotta, cannellini beans, peas and fava beans with prosciutto, pine nuts and capers...if you're looking for tomatoes and basil go to Cactus Club. FOr small pieces of heaven go to Uva for, and I will quote our server, "good things on toast." -
Review from Mary S.
Surrey, BC
4/1/2011
Vancouver, let me introduce you to my new restaurant crush: Uva Wine Bar.
I was impressed by their wine list: Not only it was extensive but very affordable. I enjoyed a delicious Sauvignon Blanc from Kettle Valley Winery.
We started our meal with a few of their bruschettas. We ordered the meatballs tomatoes chilly and parmesan, beets goat cheese and vin cotto, and the roast pumpkin and goat cheese. Their brushcettas range from $3.50 to $5 making them affordable to share. I still can't decide which one was my favourite. The meatballs were so moist and the sauce was spicy and delicious. The beets and goat cheese combo was fantastic and the roast pumpkin and goat cheese? heavenly.
For our main course we ordered some pastas. Their pastas are made from scratch everyday and they were delicious. My risotto was the best I've ever tasted! it was cooked to perfection, and the portion was very, very generous.
By far this has got to be one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever been to. The ambience was fantastic, great lighting and decor. Our server was attentive and offered suggestions freely. This experience has definitely left me wanting more.Listed in: Great food in Van
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Review from Janice F.
Updated - 2/5/2011
Perfect, rich, earthy wild mushroom risotto here last night. Definitely a winter comfort food, I'm craving another plate of it already.
Incredibly creamy and generously topped with shavings of parmesan, I hope they keep this variation of their risotto on the menu forever!!
Enjoyed the arancini balls as usual, ooey cheesy middle with surprising hits of chili and orange.
The chickpea fritters were interesting, little triangles of fried almost mashed potato consistency. I thought I tasted fennel in the crust as well.
I just love settling into one of the booths here for a nice, relaxed perfectly portioned experience.Listed in: Restaurants worth a second…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/12/2009
Stopped in for a light'ish pre-dinner meal .. Always a pleasure ~ but the food didn't blow me away… Read more »
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Review from Susanne K.
3/7/2011
We just came back home from a light dinner and drinks at Uva wine bar and enjoyed it a lot. It was quite as sunday evening and we were able to chat without shouting at each other. The food was very nice, the cheese selection excellent. I am not so sure about the black pudding, the rest though was perfect.
The bar lady was very very friendly and supportive. She suggested drinks and wine and was a pleasant host. -
Review from Danielle M.
Vancouver, BC
12/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Uva is my new favorite downtown spot to imbibe and to snack on beautifully prepared eats.
The staff at the bar are casual in demeanor but incredibly knowledgable about liquor combinations and food pairings. I recommend the Manhattan which changes up to play off the bartender's seasonal/daily whimsy.
For food, the bar serves a smaller menu but you are welcome to order from the restaurant's menu. I've tried most of the Bruchetta on offer and I applaud the chef on her/his creative offerings - chief among them are the Ox tongue with horseradish, red wine simmered lentils and a tasty lamb ragu.
My husband and I like to arrive early so we can tuck into a secluded corner and watch the night unfold. -
Review from Melissa J.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2010
If I were a magician, I would love UVA.
Do you know why? Between the potions, elixirs, and poisons (also known as the bitters, vermouths, and spirits), what they put into a glass is pure magic.
Well-balanced beyond any pilates or yogi master traipsing their taught hamstrings down Robson, the cocktails prepared by the bar staff at this establishment are superb. As superb as watching said pilates guru walking down Robson (not that any of us were watching, right?).
To be serious, though-- UVA has an incredible selection of hard-to-find spirits and liqueurs, as well as a neat wine list that accompanies their Italian-inspired menu better than Sofia Loren epitomizes sexy.
Not only do they carry products normally not available north of the US border, but they have also gone to lengths to have them made available at their adjacent booze-to-go-express, Viti.
I'm impressed time and again when I visit this avant-garde style bar with an Italian twist... and word on the street is that bar manager BS is stewing up some interesting product of his own that will only be sampled through UVA.
I'll be waiting with oversized sunglasses, a bottle of Chianti (also oversized), and a headscarf across the street to keep an eye on the place in the meantime.
Problem is, that's Seymour Street...
I may have to rethink the location, or this Sofia Loren wannabe may end up sharing that Chianti with a few extras at VPDs finest overnight establishment.
Yours faithfully: The Ninja Pirate
MJO -
Review from Jessica J.
11/27/2010
Appetizers were great, particularly the duck cracklin' bruschetta.
Drinks were hit-or-miss. Their sazerac recipe is more like a sazerac + manhattan (ingredient list includes vermouth and angostura bitters). They were out of the Bulleit bourbon that they usually make it with and offered to use Maker's Mark or rye whiskey instead. I went with rye, and I'm glad I did. It would have been too sweet with both bourbon & sweet vermouth. So, not really a sazerac, but I enjoyed the taste. The Amsterdam I ordered for my second drink was just OK.
The ambiance was great. Definitely looked & felt like a classy bar. -
Review from megan p.
7/13/2011
Interesting wine list... good selection of spirits.... creative and well-made cocktails. Wonderful decor and great location! The bad news: the servers clearly hate their lives. Our guy Jason didn't crack a smile until he handed us the bill. The place only had a few other patrons but we waited a good 5 mins before placing or wine order and actually getting the grape. Same for water. Get some better staff and this place would be rocking!
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Review from Luisa D.
5/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
The French 75 was designed to be a quick firing gun used in WW1. At Uva they serve a French 75 cocktail that might as well be a quick firing gun as they hit me like a bullet! They use sparkling wine and gin which might not sound good but my-oh-my they are!!
Uva tends to be my downfall. It's the place I go at the end of a fun evening for the cocktails I likely don't need. I've never actually eaten here. Well, other than the cherry at the bottom of my French 75.
The bartenders here are pros. The wine list is interesting. The room is cozy and comfortable. I have always had so much fun here, perhaps too much but sometimes you just have to go for it! -
Review from Grayce E.
4/6/2010 ROTD 10/26/2010
Esspresso Bar Review
Lured by the sign, I chose to drop into UVA for a Saturday morning coffee with friends. I must admit there is something different and chic about having coffee in a wine bar environmment , not to mention it was fairly quite so you can have a nice conversation with your company.
The website says their beans come from local organic coffee company 49th Parallel Roasters and even boast that the barista is born in Verona, Italy for a true Italian experience! My latte was quite yummy, I just wish I didn't finish it so fast.
My friend's husband ordered the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon ($12) and it came to our table looking like something you'd throw together in your own kitchen. We were surprised by the bland presentation, no garnish or anything- just two english muffins with some scrambled eggs and salmon on top. All the sides are extra: bacon ($3.50), crispy potatoes ($4). That adds up! (PS. Their eggs are supposed to be free-range biodynamic eggs if that means anything to anyone, to me "bio-dynamic" makes me think they move around on their own which is kind of gross!)
There are a lot better breakfast places around but if you're after an alternative coffee experience to Starbucks (which is just a few stores down) UVA is worth a try for something out of the ordinary. -
Review from Rebecca H.
North Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010
I've wanted to check this out for a while as I'd heard that it was one of the better wine bars in the evening. When we arrived, we were seated quickly in a back corner, swiftly brought menus, and poured glasses of water. A waiter soon arrived and greeted us very cheerfully. He was able to recommend a couple of glasses of wine that I might like and freely offered up his opinion on certain drinks. I chose a Italian red while my friend ordered a margarita. The drinks arrived swiftly and we were both very happy with our choice; my glass was one of the betters that I've had at that price.
The waiter was very good about letting us sit and chat; water arrived as soon as our glasses were empty and we didn't feel pressured to order more or head out. Overall, it was a great place for a long conversation and a fine treat. Next time, I'll hopefully get to try out the food. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
5/13/2009
* Live up to your sauce!!!!! *
Stopped in for a quick lunch today. Had the penne with creme fraiche, spinach, lemon, and black pepper.
I have such mixed feelings about this dish. I LOVED the sauce. The lemon and pepper were balanced perfectly with the creaminess and the spinach was nice and fresh and not overly cooked - it had a slight bite to it and still retained its colour. A lovely balanced sauce.
But then there were the penne. They tasted like the type you would get dried at an Italian market. They were cooked correctly, but why the dried pasta? It isn't hard to make fresh pasta, and it would do much better justice to the lovely sauce.
So I'd give the sauce a 5 and the pasta a 3, hence the 4.
I hope they switch the pasta so that the sauce gets a pasta that it deserves! That poor sauce, I wanted to rescue it from inferior pasta!Listed in: Vancouver European Food
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Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
10/14/2009 ROTD 7/9/2010
A suave wine bar at night and a modern lunch bistro during the day. Chic not cheap but definitely worth a peek.
It might have been a mistake taking my caffeine-sensitive friend here because she slurped up their latte like it was the golden river and was buzzing on a caffeine high for hours. Her latte must have been equally as delicious as my awesomely rich mocha. Well, I just love any hot drink in a big fat white ceramic cup :P
Uva has lunch until 2pm with classic lunch items such as panini, salad, soup and pasta. Although I only had the mocha and a mini croissant (that costs $3 -_-), the dishes looked articulated and delicious. They do have wifi and amazing service to accompany it. Our soup went cold from too much chatting and they even added some more broth to reheat it. Don't you just love it when they make sure your food tastes good as it feels?
This is a nice quiet place with great service for a quick business meeting.
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Why (-1) star? I still need to try the food, dude :) -
Review from Darcy C.
3/16/2009 ROTD 10/15/2009
This is a lovely wine bar with staff who truly know their wines. As Sheila says, the sommelier makes a difference for the selection, but what pushes Uva into the five star zone for me is that all of their servers have been able to make knowledgeable and *accurate* recommendations for everyone I've taken- this is a great wine bar both for people who love wine and people who like wine just fine, but haven't moved much beyond "red" and "white" as descriptors.
An important user note- this is a *bar* ... their snacks are really just snacks, so eat something first before heading over. -
Review from Jenn W.
11/22/2008
Finally stopped by this newish wine bar attached to the Moda Hotel last night for a drink to cap off the evening & we will definitely be returning soon to sample their snacks.
The wine list features a great selection of mostly Italian, French, Californian & Canadian wines (with a few bottles from everywhere else), as well as ports, sherry, Madeira etc.
They also serve hard to find (in Canada) micro brews from the fantastic cold beer & wine store next door, and have a full bar on top of that.
The wine by the glass selection could stand to be larger, but hopefully it will grow over time.
We had just come from stuffing ourselves on Indian food, so we weren't able to sample any of the well paired inexpensive snacks. We will definitely be returning to try their variety of bruschetta ($2.50-4.00) & cheese selection ($16 for 3). The menu also offers oysters at market price, small plates of soup & salads, and a charcuterie selection.
Friendly bartenders & a gorgeous atmosphere round out the experience.Listed in: Vancouver Favorites, Poochless Yaletown
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
8/19/2009 1 Check-in Here
I admit it, I'm a caffeine-holic. There I said it! And, I'm easily persuaded by pretty pictorial advertisements that lure you in with the promise of what your heart desires - and in this case it was a cup of joe.
That's right coffee at a wine bar. In my own defense, it was 11 am and it is a attached to a hotel after all; surely they have to serve something palatable. But what I got was far more superior than what I was expecting: - rich, dark, robust, fragrant americano, served with raw sugar (and accompanied with those really tiny spoons, I love those little spoons!); fantastic atmosphere and modern decor; and the same size bill you'd get at any coffee shop -- only here, I couldn't be more delighted to leave the awesome server/barista/barman a big tip!Listed in: Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A…, Baby It's Cold Outside
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Review from Sheila W.
BC
1/23/2009
If the trip down Blood Alley to Salt is too scary for you, you might feel safer getting tipsy at Uva. Not only is the address more accessible, the arrangement of the tables and booths at Uva makes for a cozier and more intimate place to sip your Pinot. The chairs and booths here are so comfortable! That makes it easy to settle in, relax and enjoy some good wine and conversation.
Sommelier Sebastien Le Goff of Uva practically has celebrity status in Vancouver. With CinCin, Lumiere and Feenie's on his resumé, along with a few Sommelier of the Year awards, you can bet the wine on the menu here are chosen with purpose.
Bottles range in price from $38 to $178. Don't be shy about asking for suggestions or telling the well-educated bar staff about what you're looking for. I was in the mood for Riesling, and when I mentioned it the bar manager immediately suggested the Mission Hill Riesling, a new addition to their menu. It was just what I had been craving!
In addition to bringing me the exact wine I was thirsting for, he was so attentive that we did not need to touch the bottle of wine, the one that followed, or the bottle of water once during our visit. He would magically appear at exactly the right moment to top up our glasses, then vanish just as quickly.
I wish I could afford to be a regular here!Listed in: Best Places to Drink Delicious…
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Review from Warren S.
Vancouver, BC
5/31/2011
Great selection on rums and other fine whiskeys
service is a hit and miss -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2009
Mission to try Vancouver's 101 Best Eats (Drinks):
Item: Greenwich Sour (Not on Menu so ask your server)
Price: $11
Cuisine: Wine and appies... oh and more wine
Listing on Vancouver Magazine: "This sturdy bourbon-based concoction floats red wine atop layers of sugar cane and lemon juice--the perfect union of sour and sweet"
Comments: It sure is pretty, shades of orange, yellow and red... a whisky sour on the bottom, middled with lemon juice, topped with red wine. At first sip, it is strong, but goes down smooth and sweet, making it complete. The more I drink it, the tastier it becomes. I'm not a bourbon drinker so I'll give it 3.5 stars but very unique, very classy.
Uva wine bar is HOT so if you get cold easily like me, it's like a sauna inside this place. I think the prices are a little high for drinks but the Greenwich is definitely worth a try. -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
4/27/2009 3 photos
This is a cross-over revue of Cibo Trattoria and Uva Wine Bar.
We ordered from the menu at Cibo but dined in the lounge portion of the Moda Hotel, called Uva.
The setting is gorgeous and modern. I can't believe this once housed the Dufferin hotel. This hotel has done a complete 360 degree turn. The only shadow of the Dufferin is in the address.
We came to check out the wine bar. What was surprising was how limited the selection was. There were no representatives from South America. Chilean and Argentinian wines are worthy to taste test. What I find lacking was something the now defunct Vintrpolis I feel successfully executed. They offered a trio of wines to taste. Something this relatively new place might consider in the future. I suppose that will come in the future. I had read another reviewer who mentioned her concern with their low selection of by the glass wines. This was something all of us were concerned about as we flipped through their list.
Off of their cocktail list,the greenwich sour cocktail made with bourbon, lemon juice, cane sugar and a red wine float. One of our servers recommended it due to my request for what he would consider their fruitiest drink. This was not an over the top sweet, in fact, it was just right with a hint of sour I could tolerate. Now if you are looking for something that tips the balance more towards the 'sour' give the Hemingway Daiquiri a try.
The next time I go to this place, I need to try things off their charcuterie. It actually looked more appetizing than the items I chose from their restaurant.
Each of the dishes we had ordered fell flat. The buffalo mozzarella was simple and understated in its flavour but not memorable. When it was a struggle to cut through the dish to eat - bad sign. Let me say this, whether it's a steak or a piece of bread, any act of watching someone try sawing roughly to eat it, is never a good sign. I ordered a Canoncetti (spelling) pasta. This pasta was literally filled with a cornicopia of meats ground together with, yes a chinese dumpling flavour. The pasta itself was a little too al dente. Overall, not spectacular. No flavour ever overwhelmed. Each dish had a similar tone. It's not that the dishes were bad, they were just so dull. I expect more from any food that hangs on an italian palette.
The dessert goes down in history as one of the most unsightly things I have ever seen. I really couldn't each much of it. See the photos. I'm sure you could come up with ideas of what you think it looks like. Each of us were overwhelmed at the visuals of this chocolate and hazelnut semifriddo. Taste? Skip it and try the chocolate nemesis.
The service was poor. Although I have heard it has been better from my companions that have come here before. Numerous times we asked our server for the same thing but to no avail. That my friend is poor service.
It's not to say, I would not go here again. It's good for chilling. I've heard it has been better so I am giving it the benefit of the doubt. I have no desire to try more food from, Cibo but I will consider trying the items from the charcuterie that is part of the UVA wine bar. -
Review from Yoony P.
11/26/2009
2 1/2 STARS!!
Girlfriends and I capped the evening with a glass of wine here. It was my first time at UVA though I frequently wanted to pay a visit here everytime I drove past it.
Many things about our experience just seemed a bit backward..
Our server gave us drink menus and took our drink orders. Our drinks arrived and then our water arrived as a sort of after thought.
Then well into our drinks and chatting, as a post after thought, we were asked if we wanted anything to eat. I wasn't hungry but was curious about what was on the dessert menu.
After perusing the menu our server came by and asked if there was anything we wanted. I started to tell her that we are not sure and still thinking about it , but before I ended my sentence she had already 'gotten the message' and turned and walked away. Hmm...
Then came the bill. We each had one drink each (glass of wine or bottle of beer) and the bill came to 29 and change before taxes, 33.50 after taxes. We put down $40 and handed it to another worker. We kept talking as we waited for our change.
Don't you hate it when the restaurant assumes that a well rounded number that is close to a tip amount is their tip and doesn't return the change?!
I'm not sure if they really honestly "forgot" to give us change or if they thought that they deserved the 22% tip, (Yes, I whipped out my calculator for that percentage!) but all in all it left a bad taste in my mouth about this place. Even if we decided to give them the healthy tip they most likely didn't deserve, isn't it considerate to return the change anyway??
Is my husband's theory correct? Is good service really so hard to come by in Vancouver? What is wrong with this city!
At times like these I wish I was back in Seoul where tips do not exist yet the service is exponentially better than what I receive at some wine bar downtown Vancouver. : s -
Review from Darien C.
BC
12/11/2008
I'm a sucker for a good bottle. In the realm of casual drinks, few things surpass meeting a friend at a classy bar.
Having oft passed Uva and never entered, I resolved to move a business meeting from coffee shop to wine bar. Pleased that I did.
The service was impeccable. The bartender knew his grapes well and offered insight when ordering. One reason I hail Salt is for this reason. A wine bar should be an experience. Most people don't know much beyond the basics when it comes to wine. Experienced wait staff that can romance the product is crucial.
Uva is worth checking out for a quick glass at the bar or prolonged bottle in a booth. -
Review from leeann m.
Uva is attached to Moda (a hotel) providing easy morning access to a variety of coffees and a select few breakfast options. Not a whole lot of food selections - but hey - it's a wine bar by night! What do you expect?
I ate here two days in a row thanks to breakfast vouchers provided by the hotel. No wait, casual seating, friendly staff.
If staying at Moda and looking for a quick breakfast, eat here. If you desire a big breakfast and lots of options, probably not the place for you. -
Review from Katie F.
6/11/2009
Nice wine bar next to Cibo and the Moda Hotel downtown. Clean decor and good service. Small but nice atmosphere - had to wait for a larger booth because of limited tables for our group though.
To be honest, I was surprised how limited the wine list was compared to some of the other wine bars I've been to. They have an okay selection, but certainly not anything impressive or unusual, especially if you order by the glass. Selection by the bottle is a bit better. Cocktails have some interesting choices. Prices are comparable to most wine bars at about $8-12 a glass.
Small menu of sharing plates - hubby and I shared the ricotta bruschetta and some chick pea finger foods. Quality is good but portions are tiny for the price! Yikes - $3 for a small piece of brushcetta? I think I'll just drink next time :) -
Review from Dave B.
Vancouver, BC
12/3/2008
New to Vancouver so trying out some of the restaurants in my temporary neighborhood. Uva wine bar was on my way home from work so I decided to stop by and grab dinner. It looked like a place where I could feel not so out of place while dining solo and reading my book.
The atmosphere is uber chic. The waitstaff were adorned all in mod black. My waitress was very nice and welcoming. Based on her recommendation for an "earthy red" I went for the Malbec. They offer a nice touch of pouring the wine at your table by using a tiny decanter.
I ordered up the potato stuffed ravioli with aged parmesan with a dash of balsamic. It was super yummi, but a very small portion consisting of 6 hand crafted ravioli. A side of home made focaccia bread along with a small dish of olive oil accompanied my ravioli. The bread was nicely prepared offering a lightly roasted garlic encrusted topping along with a hint of sea salt.
Since I was still a bit hungry I went for the Chocolate Nemesis cake served with creme fraiche. The cake was gloriously "pudding like" and managed to have a paper thin, slightly crispy "filo dough" bottom layer. How do they do that? The richness of the cake was balanced well with the creme fraiche. Even though this was a small portion, it would have made a great dessert to share as it was extremely rich, yet not overpowering.
Waiting for my fiance to arrive in Vancouver so we can share another meal at Uva Wine Bar together. -
Review from Michelle S.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2010
Went here for late drinks on a Friday night. The staff were great and knew the wine and tapas menu well and were friendly and talkative (Yanni was a treat). It's a great place to go if you don't like crowds as it only seats about 30 people. It has a nice ambience and the furnishings are stylish and comfy.
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Review from Peter S.
8/26/2009
Latte review...
Almost perfect, just a bit bitter for my liking. I really liked the laid back feel of the joint. Bartender/barista was very pleasant and made my morning a happy one. I shall return. -
Review from Louise L.
Vancouver, BC
3/20/2010
The service is as sharp as the decor. The menu is a delicious selection of flavours which complement the impeccable wine list. Like any piece of artistic genius, the longer you linger over this list the more you discover.
Warmly welcomed by the Kangaroo Jani, we said those magical words every consummate host loves to hear "you choose for us". Inspired by the challenge, Jani's selection was first class. Melt in your mouth arancini balls, a loaded chopping board of soft salty cured meats, puntarella, blood orange, green chilli and bottargo salad and a couple of bruschetta pieces with marinated olives, and red wine lentils with goats cheese.
Over the course of the night we were charmed by glasses of reds and whites, chosen by us, Jani and the masterful sommelier Sebastien. This man is not only divine but those in the know rate him as one of the very best in Vancouver. Again, offer a few insights into your mood and leave the rest up to them.
Uva Wine Bar is as stylish as they come without the pretentiousness. The evening reminded me that the best dining experiences will often come when you put yourself in the hands of the experts and say "have at it". -
Review from Megan S.
1/14/2009
This, being a wine bar, is not my top pick of places to go. I have to be in the right mood for wine. So many times I turned down offers to go here, or suggested other venues.
Finally, my mood ring indicated that I was in a wine mood, and off I went to Uva. It's a nice place. My friend recommended something that I believe was a California Shiraz. I may not have that right. Regardless- it was a well sized serving with a great flavor.
Three adjectives for this place: clean, minimalist, classy. -
Review from Chris L.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2010
Great service, great ambience, and the best drink in town, the Sazerac #9!!! The various bruschettas with duck crackling, pork terrine and deep fried pig's ear on a fried egg were also exceptional.
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Review from A E.
3/17/2010 3 photos
Every trip to Vancouver is always a culinary experience. This recent one is no exception.
Wine bar by night, breakfast joint by day, UVA breakfast options are somewhat small and limited (having come from the place where menus often come in a storybook novel format that go on, and on, and on a la Cheesecake Factory) but boy, the ones that we picked out were amazing. I had the bacon, eggs over easy, country fried potatoes and crunchy oven toasted sourdough slices, which couldn't have been better.
What's more - the qualities of the bacon and potatoes were further endorsed by the Hub, a self-proclaimed bacon connoisseur and potato hater.
And the creamy mocha topped off a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Lesson learned from the weekend: Life's great when you're spending money instead of working, and Vancouver is great when you have a boatload of dosh to burn. -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
6/23/2009
Cool, retro chic decor. Clientele mostly 30-and-up, and mostly female. Friendly vibe. Small, but there's usually a seat at the bar.
Listed in: Romantic Restaurants
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Review from Michael M.
10/3/2010
Uva is called a "wine bar," but they have some of best bartenders as well, knowledgeable and skilled.
Service here is friendly, attentive and efficient.
And the food is delicious, music isn't too loud, ambience is perfect... This is a great bar. -
Review from danna m.
Victoria, BC
1/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
amazing in the daytime for coffee and brunch/lunch.
the food was fabulous, the coffees were carefully and thoughtfully made and the window seats are the best.
