Seaside Provisions: Wine, Spirits & Gourmet — Restaurant in North Vancouver

Recognizing it would likely be busy for happy hour on a Sunday, we thought it would be a good idea to call ahead of time to see if a table might be available for two before making the trip to North Van. We placed the call just before 4:00PM.

On the call, the individual sounded kind and said they were committed for reservations, but for a table of two walking-in, it could be possible for us to get a table if we arrive in the next 20-30 minutes and that he could probably put us on a waitlist. Again, understanding there would likely be a wait and that there were no guarantees, we were prepared and decided to travel there anyways.

Upon arrival at around 4:15-4:20, we were greeted by a male host (or based on how he was speaking to us, possibly a manager of some sort?) that said, without appearing to check any lists/computer screen, that they were committed for all reservations and tables and that the earliest we could possibly get a regular table is at 7:30, but that bar seating could be available.

The bar seating was not mentioned on the call whatsoever and the tone he used was remarkably different than the one he had on the phone. We also noted at least 2-3 empty tables (one table specifically for two) in the regular dining area and no one was around the entrance. When we arrived, there was also no one standing at the entrance and they did not seem to be in a hurry to seat people in those tables, considering how busy and unavailable the tables were at that time.

When asked about the information he provided on the phone, he was rude and he talked down to us, saying that even if he did say a table could be available, that is what the table availability is now. He was not at all interested in having the conversation further and did not bother to provide even a cursory apology for the potential miscommunication.

My friend and I were dressed casually and unfortunately, our perception was that we were treated in such a manner due to our appearance in-person versus how my friend sounded on the phone. I would like to state that this was only our perception because there did not seem to be a reason for the notably different tone, attitude and information we were provided in-person versus the phone call about 15-20 minutes prior to our arrival.

Their food must be delicious, if they feel they can treat customers the way this individual treated us. I am not sure if I will be returning to this restaurant in the future, but I hope no one else has the same...

Given that Seaside Provisions became one of our favorite restaurants in BC soon after we moved here from the US 3 months ago, and that we've already been here a couple of times since then, this review has been long due!

We discovered this place when craving for a nice dinner one fine evening in North Vancouver, and little did we know that we were in for a treat! The neat restaurant is located in a complex by the happening and busy Lonsdale Quay area and right by the lobby of the Seaside Hotel. If arriving in your own vehicle, the underground parking is paid and not validated (something that we've come to realize is common in and around Vancouver ouch), so you might as well enjoy pre- and post-meal strolls in the vicinity since you'll be booking a parking spot for a couple of hours.

We've not had to wait for long to be seated during our visits, and their menus are not too elaborate or confusing, so placing an order has always been a breeze. All of their cocktails that we've had are really delicious, so I won't even bother listing them down (go wild!). But, when it comes to food options, we simply love the Wagyu Flank Steak, the Seafood Chowder (the best chowder we've had till date!), and the Fettuccine (Oh-so-delish! Just wish that they start offering another variation with Italian sauces too fingers and toes crossed). The Premium Oysters are yummy, but better to order them during Happy Hours when you'll get to savor more for less. Rest assured that the menu items are on the pricier side but definitely worth the extra dent that they leave on your pockets! Last call for dinner is at 9:30 PM, so please make sure to order and have your fill before ordering the heavenly Chocolate Lava Cake dreamy sighs

We were served by the amazing Vadim and Danny during our visits, and both of them ensured that we enjoyed our dinner dates.

In a nutshell, Seaside Provisions offers fantastic and delicious food, a good ambiance and great service.

Pro tip: If you call for a reservation and don't get one (more often the case than not!), you might still want to swing by if you're in the area and try your luck with a walk in. In the best case scenario (that we've experienced), you will be escorted to a table and enjoy the yummy food and good service on offer! Otherwise there are a few other good restaurants along the shipyards, plus you can enjoy a nice stroll along Burrard Dry Dock Pier and savor the views of Vancouver Downtown...

I'm sorry I didn't take any photos. To start, I have had not great experiences with Dine Out Vancouver, so I was hesitant to try and give a place my first taste under Dine out... My partner and our bubble friend wanted to go, so I'm game.

The meat menu was mussels, artichoke dip, or seafood chowder, entrees were Surf and Turf (steak and prawns), truffle/mushroom risotto, and a banana cake for dessert.

We stayed with cocktails. I got a ln old fashioned... It was a little sweet, not really strong yet inoffensive. They had some niche cocktails that my co-diners got and I had order envy...

We l having three dining, we got all the appetizers (no sharing) and everyone was happy. I got the mussels and I normal don't get them, ever. They were simply delicious in the white wine and garlic sauce. Not chewy and tasty.

We split a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner. The steak and pawns came in a bed of delicious, roughly mashed, Yukon Gold potatoes and delicious seasonal vegetables.

My partner got the risotto and it was more than she could eat. A generous portion and real spices of truffle, not just infused oil. Bravo!

The dessert was tasted, but we were FULL. We still had another leisurely cocktail at the end.

What I need to point out: out server was easily one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You know how people can try and be really kind and it comes across insincere? Our server was genuinely kind and attentive. He was thinking ahead of our needs better we need to ask and have us time to enjoy and socialize. Truly great service.

TL;DR: went to Dine It Vancouver, normally hate it, and had a terrific experience.

Jan 2023 update. Returned for brunch and guy to experience the new brunch menu. I have to admit brunch has been really average over the last five months and I can finally say they're back to top notch brunch. Great selection, great ingredients, great execution, great service. We had the Seaside Hash and Mushrooms on toast. It was so good. In house made hollandaise sauce, nicely poached eggs, just delicious. This new management had really returned this place to...