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Vendome Café
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Food Coffee & Tea Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
940 2 Ave NWCalgary, AB T2N 0E6
(403) 453-1140
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Vendome Café
Review Highlights
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"Their butternut squash soup is my favourite." In 3 reviews -
"...the open-face sausage sandwich or the eggs Benedict." In 3 reviews -
"Located in Sunnyside, Vendome is an artsy cafe that serves..." In 10 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Jenn D.
5/17/2012
Love Love Love Loveeeeee Vendome Cafe! I think world peace would be solved if every neighbourhood had a place like this around the corner! Vendome is a hidden gem in Kensington. It's a few blocks off the main track, in an unsuspecting old corner store shop.
This place has it all: funky atmosphere, amazing menu, fun service, great selection (take away & dine in), etc etc. Really, I can't say enough great things things about this place.
The menu is sooo unique. The chef clearly put a lot of effort into making deliciously paired foods into funky fun meals. There is something for everyone here!
My only one wish is that the barrista was a tad faster, but it's well worth the wait for the yummy coffee!
Vendome, please come to my neighbourhood very very soon!! -
Review from Krista R.
Calgary, AB
5/10/2012
I really wanted to give this place 4 starts. Really, I did! In many ways, they deserve 4 stars:
-The drip coffee is among the best in Sunnyside/Kensington. I have yet to try Cafe Beano (which I hear is the best), but among all the others (Starbucks, Second Cup, Higher Ground, The House, Tim Hortons), Vendome's drip coffee is awesome. Extra bonus points for free refills when you get it to stay.
-Free wifi and lots of plug ins.
-The most amazing oatmeal raisin cookies. Chewy and lots of cinnamon.
-They serve wine and beer, and the selection is quite good.
To get 4 or 5 stars, I would love it if they improved the following:
-More than one till is needed, especially when the cashier is jumping from cash to barista duties, which regularly happens. The places gets super lined up and because of how the front counter is arranged, the line can snake awkwardly in two directions.
-There's so much dairy in everything. Don't get me wrong; I love dairy! Cheese especially. But I'm lactose intolerant and so I have to watch what I eat.
-Paninis are pre-made (that's OK), but they are pre-made with a LOT of mayo. Please, lighted up on the mayo people! And maybe more veggies? I was there for lunch today and my chicken clubhouse panini had one pathetic slice of tomato and lettuce leaf. -
Review from Kerri O.
Calgary, AB
2/19/2012
When I'm too tired to cook and want a quick bite this is where I head. Their chicken club toasted sandwich is such good comfort food. I also love the duck sandwich which I never thought I'd be partial to. My only disappointment with Vendome is the type of soy they use, it's so high in fat I get stomach cramps every time I've had one of their lattes (the first time I thought it was just a bad latte then it happened a second time and well I'm not trying a third). It would be a perfect five if they could bring in some light soy as I just can't drink their regular stuff.
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Review from Carol K.
10/18/2011 5 Check-ins Here
My new favourite coffee shop in Calgary. DeVille is a close second.
If I'm in the Kensington/Sunnyside area, I will ALWAYS choose Vendome over Higher Ground. It's quieter, there are less hipsters, and I'm almost always guaranteed a table to do work. Win. Win. Win.Listed in: There are Better Options than…
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Review from Al B.
Calgary, AB
11/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I recently went here for a weekend brunch date. Until then, I'd never heard of this place and my date suggested it. Vendome who? where? was my response.
We made the trek to Sunnyside, parked in residential only parking(it's Sunday, shhhhh) and proceeded inside.
What met us was a quaint room that brought back memories of cafe's in NYC. Great room, decor and the aroma of the various foods cooking really made us feel comfortable.
A valuable lesson for you, don't get there too late like we did(2pm) on a Sunday. So many of the brunch items were sold out and we had limited choice. However, what we were able to order was excellently prepared and very tasty. I have to say I think I have a new favourite cafe for a quick casual meal.
It is cafeteria style, you place your order at the counter and they give you a number to put at your table. Service was fast and efficient.
I'll be back, there's many other menu items I need to explore. :)
8/30 -
Review from Tara M.
10/19/2011
Vendome embodies everything wonderful about Sunnyside; a cute, little approachable place with sunny windows, nice staff, decent lattes and excellent food.
I like it here, the atmosphere is relaxing, and I feel slightly teleported into a small town that's suspended somewhere between the North American west coast and Europe.
This is a popular place with the Sunnyside folk, so on the weekend expect a long line and a slightly longer than average wait for the food. They also frequently run out of egg benedict. I am one of the lucky ones; I've tried the eggs benny and it's pretty darn delicious. So it makes sense that they run out.
Overall Vendome attracts an eclectic clientele while serving better than good food. Last time I was there, the server, three strangers and I discussed whether or not it's cruel to eat duck because ducks are cute...
See you there!
T. -
Review from Wendy P.
I've been waiting for this for a long time. French toast at Vendome. Not just French toast, but French toast for lunch... or lupper? It was 2 pm.
I've heard good things, but I wasn't quite sure what made this French toast so great. After all, some batter, some good bread-it's really not that hard. When my plate of fried bread and batter (that could make a great pun for a French toast place... "It's our bread and batter!" the slogan could read) showed up at the table, it was this mound of neatly sliced bread squares, lightly battered, and drizzled in syrup with delicious pockets of cream cheese and whipped cream around the edges. I expected them to be overly sweet, but they were not. Instead, each bite was a delicate balance of lightly crunchy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. A mouthful of that dipped in a bit of the side dressings had my eyes rolling into the back of my head. It's that wonderful.
Beyond the French toast, I'm a fan of Vendome. I love the other room away from the main coffee bar. I just wish I could find room to sit in it! This is one busy little spot just off the beaten track in Kensington. -
Review from Genre S.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2011
Quasi-literate affectation seemed to be a required character trait for at least 68 percent of the customers while I was there. Could be me, though. You'd think they're all trying to enact EatPrayLove, instead of Babette's Feast. Anyway, the service was perfect. They got us a table asap. The place was packed, so events took time. Which gave my lovely and I space for good conversing. Waitress got our orders to us as soon as the cooks were done with them -- a big plus. If prep time is quite a while I don't care, so long as the food is at me when it's fresh-ready! Now the down side first -- I will avoid the breakfast skillet until they upgrade the sausage. I'm not paying uptown prices for mechanically separated no-name meat product which smells and tastes EXACTLY like those pork-tubes that Lido throws at you. Everything else in the dish was fine. There may have been subtle flavour combinations yet I couldn't tell because everything that made the dish was straight-out mugged by what smell-tasted like Cisco/Safeway/Cargill meat product. Ruined the dish. Believe it. Good news? the jam/compote of fruit was fresh and (on that day at least) good. Some day I may go back just for toast and jam. Worth checking out if you're in Sunnyside, just be warned about that dutty sausage...
P.S. -- the coffee is to be avoided. There is a coffee-roaster around the corner from Vendome. If the owners were actually trying to maintain a good cafe, instead of the appearance of one, they would get their beans roasted fresh AROUND THE CORNER. Doesn't take a rocket scientist... -
Review from Sabahat N.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I revisited Vendome just to see if the Crab Eggs Benedict was available that day, as I had missed it last time. And lo and behold, they had it! I ordered, and went to my table to take a seat.
When the meal was brought to my table, and I dug in, I was in heaven. This is was probably the best Eggs Benny I've had in Calgary so far. The crab meat was a bit spicy, and meshed deliciously with the perfectly cooked eggs benedict and hollandaise sauce. Absolutely mouthwatering.
Love love love this place. I wish every brunch/breakfast place was this good. Pricey yes, but SO worth it!Listed in: Entertaining out-of-town…, So swanky and fabulous, even…, Cream of the Kensington Crop!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/28/2011
I FINALLY went to Vendome cafe this past weekend, after living in this neighbourhood for almost 9… Read more »
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Review from Sam F.
Calgary, AB
3/14/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I go to the Vendome frequently, as it is conveniently located at the Sunnyside C-Train Station.
The coffee is great, as is the food. My only beef is that a medium Mocha and Club Sandwich costs $19.00.
I would recommend going here for a good cup of coffee and a scone (the White Chocolate Raspberry is my favorite; ask them to warm it up!), but only spend the money on the meals if you're suddenly rolling in cash :) -
Review from Peter A.
Ottawa, ON
8/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm not going to really add anything to all of the 5-star reviews so far. It's in a neat-o locale, the coffee was good (par for the course as far as price is concerned), and, the menu is pretty great too.
I will take away a star for the sloooow service, but whatever, they're friendly.
I do like the building itself. It's sort of the thing that feels like there should be a lot more of in Calgary. Older Heritage building and all that. -
Review from Kait K.
Calgary, AB
11/5/2010 ROTD 7/21/2011
I first discovered Vendome last winter when we ran out of breakfast places to go in Kensington. We were sick of Lido, Nellies, Kensington Pub and whatever other cafes the cute neighbourhood offered. We were just sick of them -- but we had heard there was a lovely little cafe around the corner that we should try out.
I am so glad we did. Vendome is truly a gem in that side of the city. Beautiful breakfasts, a wonderful heritage building that is SO cozy on cold winter days, and really sweet staff. I also enjoy that you can get a coffee to go when you finish up breakfast.
They have homemade artisan bread, homemade preserves, and incredibly fresh eggs. You know the kind that have that extra yellow yolk? Mmm.
I can't wait to go to Vendome again in the next couple of months. It will be a really nice treat.Listed in: Coffee Addiction
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Review from Jason H.
Calgary, AB
12/27/2011
Wonderful food and atmosphere. Fairly large for a cafe but still very cozy. Great service and good coffee. Presentation of food is excellent and the eggs benedict is wonderfully savory. A little pricey for a cafe, but an excellent choice for a late breakfast!
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Review from Sarah T.
10/3/2011
I had high expectations of Vendome due to the reviews I saw on here. I don't see what the fuss was about. I've tried it twice, and was not impressed. For the price there are far better places than this for breakfast.
I can say I like the idea that you lineup and pay first, and they bring the food to the table, as well as the coffee was good, and you can serve yourself water.
The first time i ordered the Skillet Frittata and it had no taste, the second time I ordered the Open Faced Sausage and Egg Sandwich. Eggs weren't done well, toast was impossible to cut through, sausages were cheap stampede bfast style, and there was no side at all, for $10.00 it was a tiny portion, and I had to eat an hour later. I think the toast was a bit soggy because they forgot my order, and I ate 15 minutes after everyone else - no apology either.
My friend who had the Ham and Cheese croissant said it tasted great and his fruit salad was mediocre for being full sized ($6). Some of the fruit was pretty brown/soft. My other friend had the same issue as me with his panini, the bread maybe wasn't fresh?
I don't think I'm willing to give this place another try, which is too bad because I love the interior of it, and how comfortable it feels. -
Review from Erin D.
6/1/2011
I really, really, really want to like Vendome. So much so I posted a 2 star review of them a while back that I removed because I wanted to try it again. I just think it's totally overrated. It's uncomfortable to sit down in, the service is inconsistent (if you have the tall, friendly guy serve you, count yourself lucky). The lines are often long with one person on till that sometimes does double duty by pouring coffee as well as taking orders, it's not very organized and what you get in return just isn't that spectacular. I really think Calgarians get to used to settling in this city that we forget how good food can actually be. The food is good, not great, I have never been blown away by anything I have eaten there and today was no exception.
I order a carrot zucchini muffin that cost over $2.00 and was a crumbly, bland mess....even the butter they provided on the side was flavourless. The fruit salad I ordered was far too big of a portion and would have been wonderful if it was just a bunch of fruit mixed together, instead it was a bunch of fruit in a pool of syrupy sweetness that just wasn't good. My husband ordered an Eggs Benedict which he seemed to enjoy, but it would have to be a terrible Benny to leave him unsatisfied. I also had a tea which was "Mighty Leaf" which is not good tea, I am sorry, but with all the incredible selections there are out there why are Calgary businesses so afraid to go out on a limb and offer something different?
My husband also had a coffee and our total came to $33.00 with tip. Too much for too little. No more Vendome for me. -
Review from Colin S.
Calgary, AB
11/4/2010
Oh Vendome how I love thee.
Vendome's staff are friendly and helpful. The drinks are delicious and the food, particularly breakfast is killer.
We go for breakfast every weekend and I am never disappointed. I highly recommend the open-face sausage sandwich or the eggs Benedict. The breakfast panini is surprisingly filling if you want something a little less rich (and cheaper).
If you're planning on making a trip for breakfast you might consider grabbing a coffee and then scouting a table before ordering food. There isn't a whole lot of seating but on weekends folk tend to come and go fairly quickly. -
Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
I've always tried to limit my five stars ratings. As my college professors always said, "If I give you an A+ how are you to improve for the next time." But I'm all too happy to bring out a 5-star rating when it absolutely deserves it and Vendome definitely does!
The best part of this cafe is the service. While most joints under a year old have a rotating stuff of less than grateful baristas, Vendome has been able to maintain an amazing staff that is always courteous, polite and genuinely kind. Saying things like, "Make sure you come back for your free refill" adds that extra piece of customer service all but lost in the service industry.
The food is also out of this world delicious. Every meal is made specifically for you and if it isn't, it certainly looks like it. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about their paninis. Is it weird if I go back more than once a day?
If you are visiting the Kensington/Sunnyside area, don't go for the obvious choice of Starbucks or even Second Cup. Walk the extra block and check out Vendome. You'll probably see me there.Listed in: Working from a Coffee Shop, Funny Guy!, Coffee for everyone!
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Review from Mike W.
Calgary, AB
1/3/2011
Love this place. Amazing little building, fantastic food and great ambience. I've had the spicy tuna sandwich a few times now and have to say it's the best I've had anywhere, and then tried the Caesar salad on my last outing which was interesting - and good. The salad was basically a couple fresh romaine leaves with fresh bacon, cheese and a cooked egg cracked over it. Wasn't sure I was going to like it at first but after one bite I knew I made the right choice and will def. be trying it again.
I'm not a coffee guy, which this place would be great for, but I am a sucker for the old style orange so-dee-pops they have in the glass bottles.
Seating is always a touch tight, but once you try the food you forget about it anyhow. :) -
Review from Donna M.
Calgary, AB
Love this venue. Great place to meet for coffee - and be sure you will be tempted to order something from their menu!
Located across from the LRT station in Kensington, a block off 10th street. Street parking is always available, if free spots taken, there is always room in the metered spots.
Dessert cooler located at the till and is very tempting. Highly recommend the Macroons - all flavours are tastely and I can hardly ever resist!
I have tried the Soup Of the day - awesome. Many other menu items on my list of things to try!
Althought there are always people, usually still able to find a table for 2. Only negative for me has been that the shairs are uncomfortable.
Need to meet a collegue or friend for coffee - this is a great choice! -
Review from Melissa L.
Calgary, AB
I visited Vendome the other day for lunch. I love the location close to the Sunnyside C-Train station, and the building itself has great memories for me (cinnamon buns from Heartland Cafe were my second-year university hangover cure!). Now, it's a little bit more upscale, and managed by the folks who also bring us Teatro, a downtown restaurant.
When I entered there were three people ahead of me in line. It took them quite a while to make up their mind ("What do you mean I can't get a half order of French toast?") and pay. That gave me lots of time to check out the menu and decide on the marinated beet salad. It advertised red and golden beets, Fairwinds Farm goat cheese, and "artisan greens" or something. I placed my order and asked for a slice of focaccia as well. The girl looked a bit confused and said, "Do you want a side of toast?" I don't usually think of focaccia as being toast, so I just said, "Whatever it takes to get a piece of focaccia with my salad." She confirmed that it would be a side of toast. As a drink I had some of their homemade lemonade (there's a strange price and size differential between to stay and to go lemonades, though in retrospect I think the extra four ounces for twenty cents actually gets you four extra ounces of ice). I got my lemonade and my number, and took a seat. As it was often hard to get seated at Heartland Cafe, I was pleased to see Vendome had additional seating.
So I sat, and I sat. For more than fifteen minutes, actually. I don't know what they were doing in the kitchen- growing the beets from seed? Other people who came after me were served before me, and the clock ticked on. Luckily I was not in a hurry, but I don't think twenty minutes is a reasonable amount of time to wait for a salad and side of toast in a not-busy cafe. When my salad came it looked good, although a bit small, and I was glad I had ordered the "toast" too. The salad had small pieces of beets, a few slivers of raw zucchini, pieces of carrot, two or three pieces of cherry tomato, a little bit of goat cheese and some "artisan greens" (is it official that "artisan greens" = "Earthbound Farms Spring Mix"?). It was good, but not big enough to be filling. The focaccia was unusually thin, and the toasting had dried it out. I lived in Italy for several years and I'm not sure this would have passed any Italian's "focaccia test". It came with a little pot of something... considering it was served with a savoury salad I'd hoped it was tomato chutney or something, but it was actually berry jam. Good for breakfast, not really appropriate with my lunch.
Overall the meal was passable, but not memorable. I would return again and give something else on the menu a try, but it won't be a top lunch stop for me. -
Review from Luke R.
8/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Thinking Venodome (owned by Teatros) would be too trendy for the more hippie leaning yuppy residences of Sunnyside, I was pleasantly surprised after several visits for brunch and coffee. Venodome fits right into the neighbourhood.
Venodome took over from where the Sunnyside staple cafe Heartland Cafe left off. Although Heartland had a more rustic feel it was actually not very laid back. Venodome has class, great food, and good coffee. The atmosphere is easy going and friendly.
My friend always has the breakfast classic which is simple (eggs, bacon, hash browns if i remember correctly) but it's well spiced and fairly substantial. I'm a fan of the spinach and cheese croissant--the croissant, flaky and crispy on the outside, moist and on the inside, is quality and the cheese is strong and flavourful. I despise when a sandwich is made with cheap cheese. Venodome uses quality ingredients.
It's quite busy on weekends around lunch so try getting there before or after noon. Unfortunately it is closes early everyday. What's with cafes in Calgary closing at 5 or earlier? -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
6/17/2010
Having taken over the old Heartland Cafe location, Vendome Cafe had big shoes to fill and I'm happy to report that they have more than delivered.
Located in Sunnyside, Vendome is an artsy cafe that serves up healthy, fresh and most delicious meals.
Brought to you by the folks of Teatro, it's no wonder that the food is presented so perfectly and tastes so darn good.
Aside from ordering breakfast and lunch, you can also order espresso drinks and gourmet goods. Their cinnamon buns are especially delicious!
Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.
A perfect cafe in a perfect location. What more can I possibly say? -
Review from Jessica v.
Calgary, AB
3/11/2011
The Vendome Cafe is that great little community coffee shop and breakfast place you want to visit every weekend. When I walked in I was greeted with a smile and the smell of fresh muffins baking in the oven. You order at the register and they bring you your breakfast to your table. I ordered the Veggie Bennies and my friend ordered the Frittata. Both were phenomenal and made from fresh and high quality ingredients. We also shared the pear vanilla muffin which was also to die for.
The restaurant was a little cold but the atmosphere was great and for those that want to sit and work, they also offer free wireless Internet. Check out the picture of historic Sunnyside when the community was just getting started. Everyone will -
Review from J K.
Calgary, AB
10/11/2010
Perfection , has driven many to insanity . However in the case of Vendome Cafe , a five star rating is deservedly earned. The food is pretty great, the menu is extensive and the coffee is pretty banging. The place has a great vibe , it really reminds me of a cafe I used to frequent on the Upper West Side. Beyond the fantastic atmosphere and food , what really makes Vendome standout is the staff. Simply put , their rad.
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Review from David T.
Calgary, AB
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not bad. Tasty waffles but uninspiring compote. Benedict not available before 9 then limited after that. music system boomy. Lots to like but a lot of small annoyances
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Review from Charles T.
Calgary, AB
12/17/2009
The Vendome is a cross between a coffee house and a lunch place. It is very artsy but, at the same time, neither pretentiously so nor uncomfortable. The food is exquisite. I had a butternut squash soup and a beet, goat cheese salad. Absolutely delicious. But don't expect big portions; remember it's an artsy place. Other pluses I noticed were good coffee, clean restrooms and nice decor. Parking is going to be tough. There are a few spots out front but mostly it's a walking destination for local Sunnyside and Kensington residents. The LRT Sunnyside station is just a block away so that's a possibility too.
All in all, I can't think of anything that could be done to improve this place. I highly recommend it. -
Review from C I.
Calgary, AB
10/17/2010
Vendome is perfect! The people working there are so happy, friendly and always the same. And the food has to be the best breakfast food in Calgary. Their butternut squash soup is my favourite.
