The Polly Fox — Restaurant in Abbotsford

Very disappointing experience. This was our first visit back after a few years (since COVID) and we were excited to return. In the past we loved the vegan chicken and waffles. We noticed they weren't on the menu but no big deal, we got a vegan sandwich and the vegan BLT and waffles. There were only two other people in the place. We waited about 30 mins for food which is a bit longer than I would expect as it wasn't busy at all. The other two people got their food about 10 mins after we came in but I'm unsure how long they waited.

When we got the food we were just happy to start eating and the wait wouldn't have been a deal breaker. The vegan sandwich was cold, like the bread had just come out of the fridge. The filling didn't taste good - no flavour at all. The vegan BLT was awful, the bacon, which I think was made from rice paper was impossible to eat. It was incredibly hard and chewy. I've had and made this type of vegan bacon before and it's never been bad. There were 4 or 5 staff members. There were two staff members taking our order. The one grabbing our baked goods was great but the one inputting our order was very off. I know people have bad days but it was off-putting to me and everyone else in our party noticed it too. Again, almost everything would have been OK - the slow service, the odd vibes, if the food was good and it just wasn't. It was terrible, and honestly, I can't remember having anything worse at a cafe/resturaunt in my life. I will say the baked goods were fantastic though, which is why this is two stars. Would never get food here ever again. Stick to the baked goods if you're gluten free and you'll be happy.

Sad this place has gone downhill as we're always happy to support...

Hello . This review is intended for the owner and staff of The Polly Fox. At Just before noon, my husband and I came to your new location on Essendene for lunch and expected to have a wonderful lunch, as we have had in the past at your Mayfair location. The restaurant was crowded and there was a line up to order. But, I did not mind since I was anticipating a mouth watering sandwich. I was surprised to find out that there was only half a ciabatta left to make a sandwich. They had run out of everything! However, there were 3 loaves of bread in the showcase, so I offered to buy a loaf and asked if a sandwich could then be made using that bread. The answer surprised and upset me. "No, we don't make sandwiches with bread." Pardon?? I did not express my upset or ask why since I did not want to create a scene, but it does not make sense to me that you would not decide to put aside normal procedures in order to satisfy a customer. Why not make a sandwich with bread? I was a paying customer, willing to pay more just to get a sandwich.

I ended up getting a BLT for my husband. He loved it! I had a dry overcooked frittata and a greasy cheese bun which I did not finish.

Almost $20 dollars for a very unsatisfactory experience. For the same money, I could have had a lovely lunch with lots of veggies at Chopped Leaf.

I am sad to write this, but I do hope you can be more...

I never would have expected a gluten-free food option in Abbotsford so discovering this place with such great-tasting food was like finding a treasure trove! I am not Celiac or have sensitivities to gluten, nor am I vegan, although my wife and son are (who were not with me at the time), so I've tried & been disappointed by many vegan & gluten-free places & the bland food they serve. This place was exceptional!

The LEMON BAR MINIS and VEGAN MILLIONAIRE'S SHORTBREAD were delicious, albeit smaller portions, so a bit pricier, but you pay for quality and great taste. And their peppermint hot chocolate beats any of the over-priced, franchised coffee places.

However, it was the egg frittata that caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting much when they told me they were out of bread and could make it with gluten-free waffles, but I thought I'd be open-minded and try it. So glad I did! Not only was it great-tasting, but filling, so I had to take half of it to go (see photos).

Would I return? Most definitely, and recommend it not just for those on a gluten-free or vegan diet, but anyone! Be open-minded and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Especially if you have a sweet-tooth.

If I return again (live in Burnaby but was working in Abbotsford) and am impressed a 2nd time, then I'd score this place 5 out of 5. And the staff here was also...