Palate Kitchen — Restaurant in Vancouver

I remember having brunch great there before, so when I saw the Groupon deal for high tea, I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

My reservation was 2pm, and we arrived at 2:05pm, well greeted by a host, and our table was great on 2nd floor by window. Server was friendly and explained the menu well. Feeling good till we started getting our tea. Very small pot of tea with a cup was served per person. The pot is like about 30ml. I opened the pot to see what kind of tea they use. And nothing. They already made tea, and filled the pot. At that time, I thought, wow, that's great way to keep the quality of the tea the same, that's nice. (As I don't like too strong steeped tea) But after the little pot of tea, they said there will be extra charge for more tea. ??? I had high tea many places in town, including Fairmont, Shangri-la (when they had it), secret garden, etc. And i never had this option. I thought 'afternoon tea' was to take time & enjoy tea with finger food. Do I drink too much? 🤔 I was shocked.

And 3 tiers food came. Top was warmed scones, which were nice. Middle tier was dessert, bottom was savory finger food. First thing I noticed was a hair on a macaroon. (I even saw the root of the hair at the end) Our server apologized and took the whole tray and brought a new one quickly. I hope they actually replaced the macaroon. Other desserts were not impressed either. Carrot cake and a chocolate cake were like cheap bulk order from catering. Cucumber on one of the sandwiches wasn't fresh. They serve HAM&CHEESE SANDWICH. Like something I make at home when I'm lazy. With Singles sliced cheese and cheap processed ham.

It felt like they just do the minimum to set up something to make sales. (And that's probably thats what it is)

Not a long time after our food being served, our server came to us to tell we can make our last call. I think it was around 2:30pm. The restaurant have high tea from 2pm, and asked for a last call at 2:30pm. LOL.

The place is a restaurant, not the high tea. The music is too loud, like one of typical...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Palate Kitchen, and I have to say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was struck by the sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The décor is tastefully done, with a modern aesthetic that blends comfort with a touch of elegance. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy a meal, whether you’re out for a casual lunch or a special dinner.

The service at Palate Kitchen is top-notch. The staff is not only attentive but also genuinely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. It’s clear that they prioritize creating a welcoming environment where guests feel valued.

Now, onto the food—absolutely outstanding! I decided to try the waffles, and I have to say, they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The waffles were perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. They were served with just the right amount of toppings, adding a delicious sweetness without being overpowering. Each bite was a delight, and it’s safe to say I was thoroughly impressed.

What really stands out about Palate Kitchen is their attention to detail. From the presentation of the dishes to the balance of flavors, it’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into each plate. The quality of the ingredients shines through, and it’s evident that they strive to offer a dining experience that goes beyond just good food—it’s about creating memorable moments.

Overall, Palate Kitchen is a gem in the city, offering a dining experience that’s both refined and comfortable. The cool atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food make it a must-visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, I highly recommend stopping by Palate Kitchen for a meal that’s sure to impress. I know I’ll be returning to try more of what they...

This place reminds me of Hollywood. How? Glitz & Glam from the outside, but when you look close it's not pretty.

I can't have milk. I ordered the almond milk double shot latte. Yes yes, very pretty, but it just tasted like steamed almond milk. Anyone who likes strong lattes knows the taste of "the kick" of a double. Here? No kick, no taste...just foam with a pretty image that looked like a cactus...I think. I had to get a straight up drip coffee just to get my morning caffeine fix. Oh....and they charged an extra dollar for the almond milk. So, here's their logic: We're swapping her milk for almond milk...what the hell...let's charge her extra cuz she can't have milk. Moving on.....

On the menu, the Avocado Toast has the option of coming with added bacon for $6. I just didn't know they were two tiny pieces of bacon. $3 per strip. Yup. Just so you know. I asked for medium poached, got soft poached, and the egg was tasteless and seemed low grade. The bread was so hard that at one point after my knife nearly gave way.....I thought the bread was gonna frisbee its way to the attorneys' table and canvas itself onto their fancy ties. Luckily it didn't and I just took a break and sipped on my already cold almond milk...double shot wanna-be latte.

So, after we nearly spent 70 bucks for a couple of egg dishes and some coffee...it was time to go. Once you get past the high ceilings, the fancy tables, the great service and the fancy decor on the plates.....the actual experience of the food, the value and the quality really missed the spot with me. I just felt robbed somehow....the extra charge for everything, the poor quality eggs and the weak coffee you could feed an infant.

Our server SILVIA was wonderful though. Professional, approachable, friendly and very attentive. She's the reason it's not going to be a 1star, but a 2star for Palate...