SOCIAL CORNER YALETOWN — Restaurant in Vancouver

Extremely disappointed with the experience we’ve had this evening. We made a reservation to celebrate my birthday. I received a call this afternoon confirming the reservation. The staff member made a point to ask if we were celebrating anything - which I appreciated. She sent well wishes and said: “we will note it on your reservation for your server”. When we got to the restaurant it seems like there’s a disconnect and our server was not even privy to the previous conversation or context of the visit - he did not ask either. About 10 minutes in after we’ve placed orders we realized that the restaurant was very hot and air was stagnant. We asked their server THEN he confided that the AC is broken and due to the long weekend they were not able to have it fixed. As time passed by and more guests are in the restaurant, it became more and more uncomfortable. We asked for iced water because that was the only solution. There were also other tables within the same dining room doing the same so we surely are not the only ones feeling uncomfortable. It got to a point where we felt unwell because it was so hot and the air was so congested. Honestly we did not enjoy the food and I can’t express more how disapppinted I am with the experience and with the way this well loved and reputable restaurant deals with a typical issue like the AC being broken. I called after because I honestly was so turned off and spoke to the manager on duty. Friendly individual but also told me unfortunately there’s nothing they can do. I’m sorry, Best Buy is within 5 minute distance for some portable fans to be sourced. Not very luxury sure but MUCH BETTER than customers having ruined experiences and potentially suffering from heatstroke. Yes it was that bad. Also, how about giving customers the courtesy when they’ve settled in and prior to ordering that the AC is not working and if it is uncomfortable there’s ice water or they can switch their tables outdoors (which is actually much cooler than indoors). This is not rocket science and again, when people are coming to restaurants paying a decent amount of money for an enjoyable time, they deserve to know and not be treated in a passive manner. On a side note, two tables close by received a cake with Happy Birthday on it - we were not even offered even if they already should know. I don’t care for the cake or the acknowledgment but honestly if you plan to acknowledge when calling me, I’d be expecting some level of consistency - also consistency within clientele. I hope it’s not the amount of the bill or our background that has anything to do with this. But again, extremely disappointing and I felt disrespected. This visit not only soured my good memories associated with the restaurant from the past and also my birthday. I will not be coming back ever again and trust that I will definitely be sharing this experience with those within my industry and friend circle - trust me no one wants to risk being in a situation like this and getting irresponsible and unprofessional responses from a...

I came here with a friend several years ago and remembered it was a decent experience. So when I found out it was on the list of Michelin recommended restaurants, I was excited to go back with my husband while we’re in town.

Unfortunately, we felt very rushed right when we got seated. The staff that seated us at our table hastily told us we only had 1.5 hours to dine, even though we had a reservation. It wasn’t a big deal because it was a Friday night so we figured it is a busy time for the restaurant and thought it was a reasonable ask.

But then our server came and the way he served us felt really rushed. He came so fast by our table when we haven’t had much time to really look at the menu. When he served our wine, I barely had a sip and he was already asking how it tasted, and before I can answer, he was gone.

Our appetizers came really fast, which we were extremely surprised. Then our server explained that he had asked the kitchen to prep it fast because they will just continue to get busier. We didn’t have an issue with that - but then we tasted the food, and it was just too salty. Presentation was also not that great - not what you would expect from a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

The first part of that experience felt really rushed, which made us eat our appetizer quick. After that, we ended up waiting for more than 20 minutes to get our pastas - which when it came, were a huge disappointment. They were lackluster, inconsistent, and doesn’t really have any depth of flavour. It didn’t compell us to stay any longer for dessert.

Throughout the experience, our server kept saying they have a group of 24 people coming so they just want to get the service done quick. I’m all about quick and efficient service, but it should not be at the expense of the experience of current customers.

Some good points to note, however, the atmosphere and vibe of the place is good. Aesthetically, place is really nice. A few times, they did acknowledge the service was long for our pasta and offered a top up of our wine and a 10% discount on our bill - which we do appreciate.

Overall, it was a disappointing experience. I had expected so much more from the Michelin-recommended restaurant. But it just didn’t live up to the expectation, both food...

In the middle of the bustling Homer Street in downtown Vancouver, this lively restaurant managed to impress us from the moment we arrived. Despite the near-overflow of patrons — it was packed to capacity — the hostess skillfully and graciously escorted our group of 14 to our table with remarkable efficiency.

Our luncheon commenced with classic cocktails: expertly mixed Negronis and refreshing Mimosas, and sparkling San Pellegrino for those who thought it was too early for alcohol.

From there, we dove into an assortment of tapas, each dish vying for attention. The Boga Boga, a hearty Italian spin on bouillabaisse, brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp, finely sliced squid and chorizo, was a standout, delivering bold, briny flavors that melded harmoniously. The crispy calamari offered a satisfying crunch, while the Margherita Pizza arrived with a beautifully blistered thin crust, crowned with rich San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, fior di latte, and sharp pecorino Romano — a simple yet elegant triumph.

While the generous portions of the tapas made ordering a main course unnecessary, a few of us couldn’t resist trying the House Burger, a dish with a reputation that precedes it — allegedly the best burger in town. It did not disappoint. This 8-ounce masterpiece of organic ground beef, adorned with melted fontina cheese, truffle aioli, and caramelized onions, cooked to perfection at medium-well or well-done, delivered decadence in every bite.

The House-made Lobster and Crab Ravioli was an undeniable highlight, its silken pasta enveloping luscious seafood and bathed in a rich coconut butter cream sauce, brightened with the delicate sweetness of Spanish piquillo peppers. It was a dish of pure indulgence.

The restaurant’s ambiance is as inviting as its menu — warm, convivial, and effortlessly charming. As a group of avid food enthusiasts who relish discovering exceptional dining experiences on the first Wednesday of each month, we are already looking forward to our return. This establishment has earned its place on our must-visit list. Next time, I’ll sample...