Cafe Zen On Yew — Restaurant in Vancouver

I rarely update reviews, but this morning revisiting Cafe Zen after several months it was so drastically different that I had to.

As we walked in, we noticed the "Seat Yourself Sign" and while walking through this tiny space half the lights were off, so kinda gloomy on top of the already overcast and grey weather, it wasn't a good look for the restaurant.

There were two other tables. That's it. I was surprised as this place used to be packed and "the place to go to" in Kits for brunch. We found out why very quickly. The tables were barely clean and as we sat waiting for our server, our host, anyone...to come by. No one did, and it was strange because she walked by our table half-dozen times with only two other tables, and not even a glance our way. We waited, and waited, and waited..... No menu, no waters, no coffee...not even a "Oh look...we have new customers"....nothing. It would've actually been quite amusing if it hadn't been so bad. I don't know...maybe it was a social experiment and we were on camera or something.....titled, "How Long Will It Take for Customers to Walk Out? - An Experiment."

.....and that's exactly what we...

My friend and I visited Cafe Zen on a Wednesday early afternoon (today). I arrived earlier and then my friend arrived. I knew I wasn't hungry because I'd had a late lunch but my friend was undecided when she arrived. She ended up also deciding not to have any food at the end and we ordered a Mocha and a Latte. There was literally only one other table that was occupied so the place was far from being busy and there was no good reason for the waitress' attitude. We weren't occupying a coveted table or anything. Regardless, being a "good" Canadian, I apologized and going on with our reasons for not ordering food as I realized the waitress had the most unwelcoming stare and she wasn't even listening. Then she turned her back with no comment whatsoever. My friend and I were both shocked at the rudeness. I will definitely NOT go back. The Kits area is full of servers (maybe she was the owner, I don't know) who are more than happy to provide good friendly service. Your...

Honestly one of the worst experiences at a restaurant in Vancouver I've had from both food and service. I ordered smoked salmon eggs Benedict and can almost guarantee the salmon was from a can: not fresh, thick flaky odd tasting. The person I was with ordered chorizo eggs benny and his eggs were extremely over cooked and hard. I had also ordered an apple juice, in which they never even brought me and then had it on the bill at the end. We didn't get a single visit from our waiter the entire time since we ordered (someone else brought the food). When I asked for my bill and they brought it, I asked for a debit machine. The women left and came back about 8 minutes later to tell me if I need the machine to go up to the front. None of the waitresses knew what they were doing and were asking each other prices of random sides for other bills. Would never go there again unfortunately. Don't order the fake salmon! Super disappointing being on...