Erbil Restaurant — Restaurant in Vancouver

I so badly wanted to fall in love with Erbil Restaurant, but I’m sorry to say it just didn’t come through for us. As someone who travels from city to city chasing the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine—especially Iraqi food, which holds a special place in my heart—I was really hoping for an authentic experience. Sadly, this spot didn’t capture the soul of Iraq’s incredible heritage.

The turshi, for instance, didn’t resemble the authentic turshi we know and love—it just wasn’t turshi. The kebab lacked the bold spices that is so prominent in Iraqi cuisine, and it was undercooked, leaving it mushy and tasting like plain ground beef. The hummus felt forgettable, and the bread didn’t reflect the warm, traditional bread you’d expect from Iraq. Iraqi cuisine is known for its diverse, rich flavor palette, but none of that came through here. Even the tea, which should’ve been a highlight—Iraqi tea is a whole experience on its own—was a complete miss, bearing no resemblance to the fragrant, delicious chai we have enjoyed elsewhere.

Then there’s the decor, which left me a bit confused. Walking in, I was greeted by images of Marilyn Monroe, rainbow-colored Albert Einstein prints, guitars in the bathroom, and Audrey Hepburn on the walls. There were even wine glasses displayed as decor, which felt out of place for a restaurant claiming to be halal. When I step into a Middle Eastern restaurant, I’m hoping to be transported to the region—to feel its history and culture. Iraq has one of the richest histories in the world, with busy bazaars, stunning landscapes, and so much to celebrate. I’d love to see this place embrace that by showcasing images of Iraqi people, markets, or historical sites—something to honor the depth and beauty of the culture.

I’m truly rooting for Erbil Restaurant to find its footing because I adore seeing authentic Middle Eastern spots thrive. There are incredible Iraqi restaurants out there that nail the flavors and atmosphere, and I hope this one can join them. If we’re back in Vancouver, I’ll be hoping for them to have made some changes and to share the true magic of...

If I can put half a star just for the some what decent customer service I would. But other than that I ordered item 2 which was a chicken rice plate and an order of the chicken wings rice plate. Total was just under $54.

Firstly I can get the same thing in Richmond for only $25. Now time for the food, I’m not even sure what to say. Rice was cold with even colder chickpeas. When looking at the other reviews the rice was a different colour and when I called back referencing to that. The worker who answered mentioned there are two different kinds of rice that they serve but that wasn’t mentioned when we made our order.

Pita bread was so stale literally felt like I was chewing on a piece of rubber.

Asked for spicy for the 2 plates nether had any spice whatsoever. The chicken wings were not even crispy they were just baked and a failed attempt to char them because they were burnt and I have no idea what chicken they had cause the wings were sooooooo small.

As for the chicken that came with the other plate. It was so dry I don’t even know how someone can even serve that and expect people to eat it. I wouldn’t even give my dog this to eat.

When all this was addressed to the worker who answered the phone. She just simply said to order before midnight cause that’s when “the good cook” is working “the other cook who comes at midnight isn’t as experienced they don’t know what they’re doing sometimes.”

Overall AVOID...

Had worst food experience ever in my life in Vancouver. Got sick, chest and stomach pain after eating their NO 2 Adana chicken kabab platter.

When the food was served there's no spices in it and the meat looks raw, we thought maybe this is how they made it because it was our first & last time there. Called the restaurant next day after getting sickness, the call taker said she will let the owner know about it. After some hour owner called and start talking in Arabic or some kind of different language with me. I said I don't know what are you talking about, the owner keep saying oh why you don't the language, I don't speak English and then he hangup the call saying he will call back with his translator. He never call me back. So disappointed experience. My question is you are having a business in a English speaking country and you don't know how to speak in English? And specially when a customer complained about the food, you should have show some apologetic manner or arrange something for the customer for your mistake. I have worked in many restaurants in my life, if a customer having bad experience we don't just hangup the call saying I don't...