Peya — Restaurant in Vancouver

We had high hopes going in and were unfortunately disappointed. I will not be returning to Peya.

TL;DR:

-food was good, portions were a bit on the smaller side though the idea is most things are meant to be shared -service was atrocious, inattentive, unknowledgeable staff, forgetful and slow

Longer summary for anyone still on the fence:

-the restaurant decor is beautiful -seating was comfortable, good lighting -flavors of the food - delicious! -smaller portions but if you share you’re good, don’t expect to be full unless you plan on ordering 4-6+ dishes -service, as you can read from reviews, is very hit or miss, in my case it was a major miss (expectations and bar were pretty low going in) -after being seated we were greeted after about 12 mins- not the worst thing but that’s how it started, no water refills- had to get up to find staff to ask, incorrect drinks were brought, drink order took place after food order, we had to figure out popular dishes from reviews- our server lacked the knowledge to tell us what the must haves or popular dishes are, when we finished up we waited over 15-18 mins for someone to be seen so we can flag them down to get our bill- I had to get up to find someone

If owners/management are reading:

-your front of house is taking away from the solid dishes coming out of back of house, impacting the overall dining experience, I’ve had better care and attention at my local McDonald’s -give each table an equal amount of care and consideration, we should have been the easiest table to manage…smiley, happy, hungry people thrilled to be there -better music playlist, it took away from the great decor and ambience - someone from your service team thought it would be a good idea to crank the volume as soon as it hit 10 pm. The playlist would be a hit at my 2010 euro dance audition, not the restaurant you worked hard to...

A Stunning Fusion of French Elegance & Indian Soul.

The newly opened Peya is a revelation—a seamless marriage of French finesse and Indian warmth. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance strikes a balance between chic sophistication and cozy familiarity, setting the perfect stage for what can only be described as an unforgettable dining experience. I felt I’m dining at a restaurant somewhere in Paris!

The menu is a masterclass in curation. Every dish is thoughtful, daring, and beautifully plated. We began with the Figs & Goat Cheese Samosa, a playful yet elegant reimagination of a classic—crispy pastry enveloping a rich, tangy filling, elevated with just a hint of sweetness. The Herbed Paneer & Artisanal Crackers followed, offering a delicate interplay of textures and flavors that felt at once comforting and elevated.

The star of the evening was undoubtedly the Cornish Hen—a testament to the chef’s creativity. Juicy, flavorful, and roasted to perfection, it was served with subtle French accents that highlighted the spice-forward Indian roots of the dish without overpowering them—a true balancing act done right. Great job by Chef Ashwani!

The cocktails were equally impressive. The Gold Dust Woman shimmered both visually and on the palate, with notes that were floral, bold, and slightly mysterious. The Mumbai Mule brought a refreshing punch, infused with aromatic spices that gave this classic a welcome twist. Kudos to Chris Enns for his take on masterfully crafted Cocktails menu. We paired everything with a bottle of Merlot, which rounded out the meal with a smooth, full-bodied finish.

This restaurant doesn’t just serve food—it tells a story, weaving together two rich culinary traditions with grace and ingenuity. A must-visit for anyone seeking a refined yet soulful dining experience. Kudos team Peya and thank you for the gem of...

I was skeptical when they first opened in our neighbourhood because of the phrase "chai tea" appearing in their menu in addition to French and Indian cuisines seemingly diametrically opposition in favour and in spirit.

However, I was curious enough to try and brought my partner there for her birthday and the whole experience managed to thread my very particular needle.

The aesthetic felt cool, grounded and modern yet still managed to remind me of grandad's home in India.

It was a very slow night for them. That's maybe why the service was able to be extra attentive for us. They were a lovely calming presence without being over bearing.

The food felt very familiar while simultaneously inventive. Sweet potato, burrata, and chutneys was a combination I would have never thought to try but somehow felt like home. The kulcha and naan were both the best bread I've had from any Indian restaurant in the city. The former paired especially well with the Hen. The portion sizes weren't quite made for a large family style dinner but they were very filling.

We got two of their non-alcoholic options for drinks. They were very fun and tasted great but could maybe be a little less sweet.

A few minor quibbles: it really knocks me back when I'm in an Indian space that clearly has a focus on authenticity and I hear lines from the Guru mantra recited in a very non-Indian accent. There was also a perfect little nook for a sink outside the washrooms that felt like a missed opportunity. It's a personal thing but having a designated space to wash your hands feels essential in a place where eating with your hands is part of...