Olivo Cafe — Restaurant in Burnaby

I was sincerely hoping that this place would have been a very good visit since it's so close to me but I can't say anything was particularly shining about this. The location was just off the road without any real signage other than one flag that if the wind blows the right way isn't visible from the direction we came.

Something positive I can say about the place is that I like what they manage to make it become with the space they had. They had a nice seating area out front with a very nice interior as well it was very well themed and executed design except for the wall of randomness really throwing everything off, they were selling eyelashes on one shelf, gundams on the other, and locally made chocolate on another whether it comes to their benefit or not it felt desperate.

Mediocre was the service, the girl at the counter really didn't seem interested in being there and pretty much stuck to a standard cashier's script, the lady who brought us the food was pleasant sadly she wasn't the main person that we spoke to.

The food is probably the worst part. My wife and friend were enticed by the Mexican fusion Ramen where I was just craving some Benny's. I can say solidly for the price of what we got compared to Northern cafe ($15vs$14) just down the road taste and quality was a nose dive, I'd gladly pay that extra dollar. The prosciutto Benny didn't taste any better than what I could make at home, actually less than and the ramen was pretty much instant with a bland stock that my friend had to add salt to to get anything out of it. Though I would say the one shining thing about this visit was the waffle croissant I felt tasted good and my kids liked too for a time.

I don't usually like to give out two Star reviews to places that didn't cause us any displeasure but I can't help but feeling this is as accurate as I...

Right, listen up. It’s a blazing long weekend, mid-Sunday, and I’m feeling peckish? I gamble on Google and end up at Olivo Café—thank God I did, because this place? It bloody delivers.

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🔥 Todo Bien Burrito

HOLY WRAP! This beast looks like it bench-presses lesser burritos for breakfast. It’s smothered—no, bathed—in a duo of sauces that scream “¡VAMOS!” The crema? Silky. That orange drizzle? Like a Mexican sunset punched you in the mouth. And the filling? Juicy, flavour-bomb carnitas wrapped in a tortilla that’s had a spa day in the fryer. Absolute stunner.

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🍳 Carnitas Eggs Benedict

Look at it. Just LOOK. The hollandaise is practically molten gold—velvety, punchy, spiked with paprika and love. That shredded carnitas underneath? Tender enough to make a grown man cry. Poached eggs? Bang-on. Gooey yolk explosion. Even the little side salad’s in on the action. Bloody marvellous.

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☕ Spanish Latte

Rich, warm, cozy like a grandma hug from Sevilla. Not bitter, not too sweet. Just right.

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🍩 Churros

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar like they just came back from a Las Vegas bachelorette. That dip? Liquid caramel sin. You’ll be licking the cup and praying no one’s watching. Or praying they are.

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🎶 Vibes & Service

Authentic music that makes your hips move against your will, and the service? Warm, cheerful, and cute enough to forget you’re eating three full meals alone. 10/10 would pretend to be on a date again.

⸻ Just one...

This place is honestly a crapshoot every time you visit. While the food and ambiance is good, the service is all over the place — it’s like rolling a dice to see what quality of service you'll receive.

On my most recent visit, I ordered the birria ramen and a coconut matcha latte. Even before placing my order, I sensed the waitress was already irritated by my presence. Maybe she was under pressure or new on the job — hard to say.

When my order was ready, they called out a completely different name, and I realized they had assumed I wanted the entire order to go, even though I had clearly said I only wanted the latte to-go. Mistakes happen, but when I clarified I’d be dining in, the waitress gave me a subtle but unmistakably annoyed look — no apology, no acknowledgment of the mix-up from either staff member.

When my food finally arrived, the ramen was lukewarm and soggy with no effort on their part to reheat. It was dropped on the table with barely a word, and the waitress walked off. Just incredibly poor service.

To be fair, I’ve had decent service here before — it really varies. But when it’s bad, it’s bad, and it makes you question whether the nearly $30 price tag for a dish and drink is really worth it.

As someone who lives nearby, it’s disappointing we don’t have more local cafes to support beyond what’s in the River District. Unfortunately, with service this inconsistent, we’re left having to weigh whether decent food is enough to justify such a...