I used to really enjoy this restaurant, but it’s COMPLETELY gone downhill over the past year. The service is now is inattentive — you’re left waiting far too long for even basic things like water refills.
Definitely not coming back. There are far better places nearby where you actually get what you pay for.
Maggie Fang
Overpriced, bad customer service
Jared D
My wife and I ate here last night, while it was not what we expected when we entered. We were very pleased with the food and the service. Our food was absolutely amazing... our waitress was so nice and so attentive, we will definitely be back next time we are in the Vancouver, BC area... Thanks
Zeta
Overpriced mediocre food
It was our third time coming to Shoestring Cafe and it seems they have since increased the prices quite a bit. At this point, they are charging prices that higher end restaurants in downtown are charging but you are seated in an old diner like environment.
Ordered the seafood and corn chowder, the signature pan fried linguine, and the seafood alfredo. The chowder tastes exactly like the seafood alfredo.... both of which were not good. We were told the pan fried linguine is the signature but for 36$ I got a bowl of tiny overcooked prawns mixed with too much salt and pasta.
Overall a very disappointing experience that costs much more than it should have.
Brodie Hernandez-Winkler
I was pleasantly surprised coming here for the first time.
The food is a bit pricey but I definitely feel I got what I paid for, the chowder was amazing, duck breast tender and flavorful, and a souffle that is to die for (20 minutes to make it is well worth the wait).
It is a small space and doesn't feel as upscale as the price may suggest but it is easy to overlook with the quality of food.
I will definitely be returning to try the pasta.
Kency T.
We have been going to the shoestring cafe for years; however, price has increased and portions of food has decreased. Yet we still come back.
Our favorite dish, simple, but flavourful is their seafood chowder. My husband and I always order one of our own (of course I still eat out of his bowl). The soup is made fresh so it does take a bit longer to arrive at your table than the average restaurant that has premade soup in a heated pot.
The bread with shrimp butter used to be complimentary but now they charge $5. We still order the bread and butter because it is so delicious. The bread is always soft and the shrimp butter is very flavourful.
Their main courses varies throughout the season but I always like to go when there are more seafood options and you can never go wrong with seafood. Ribeye steak is a good option if seafood is not available.
For dessert, I recommend the chocolate soufflé. It’s so fluffy and not too sweet. It also comes with ice cream.
Pearobearo
Was here some years back and absolutely loved everything about this place. The food, the service 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
This year, however, everything was very disappointing. Even the fresh bread!
Service started off nice for appetizer and main, but then it seems they forgot our dessert... After waiting quite a long time (other tables that finished their mains after us all got their desserts), ours came. I didn't mind the wait that much as I was enjoying my conversation with my friend. However, they started to rush us as the next reservation have arrived. They rushed us by actions and looks, and not words when we just got our desserts.
Fresh bread was undercooked, the butter weren't that good. Something is off about it.
Seafood chowder was slightly too sweet and the texture was a little off. I used to love this so much, it was unfortunate.
Lamb shank were subpar, mash potato wasn't good, veggies were below average. I've never had a lamb shank I don't like until that night.
Chocolate souffle was still good though, I just didn't enjoyed them as I was rushed to get out of there.
My friend didn't enjoy her dishes as well. She said food used to be so good, but not anymore.
I always crave this place, but after this experience, I don't think I will be returning anymore.
Nikki c
Waited for our mains for forty minutes while those who were seated when we were eating appetizers already got their mains… and I noticed we ordered the same thing… Had to remind them and I’m about 80% sure they forgot
Food was mid nothing special, and very expensive which does not match the vibes of this restaurant, their chairs were worn out and they use plastic plates
Matt
Overpriced food, a crowded atmosphere, and overly bright lighting made for a disappointing experience. Our main dishes were also significantly delayed, arriving only after we inquired with the server following a 40-minute wait.
The bread, lamb and dessert are good tho.
Jamie K
I was there with friends for Dine out 2025. I was excited to try this restaurant. This is my first time there and I am not impressed. The lamb shank was very very gamey; although, it was tender and the meat falls off the bone, I think it was from overnight and not fresh, that's why it tasted and smell so gamey. My friend had the duo black cod and salmon filet and it was very fishy and flavorless, again not very fresh or it will not be so fishy. The only items half decent was the crab cake and the chocolate souffle. The panna cotta and cream caramel's texture was too firm, had too much gelatin but flavor was good. Sorry, i will not be back.
Came twice for regular dining (not dineout) throughout 2024, and then my most recent visit was during dineout 2025.
Cozy little restaurant - about 8 tables total. When it is not dineout season, there will be additional menu items on the blackboard that are not found on their printed or online menu (perhaps new dishes being tested, or seasonal offerings - not sure).
All tables used to be given a complimentary baguette with house-made shrimp butter. They no longer offer it for free and it now costs $5 for a 2-person portion. I think it's worth the $5 - the shrimp butter was fragrant and the bread was fresh with a crisp crust. We had a table of 4 and just all shared 1 order of this. I'd say it's honestly ok for 3-4 people unless you intend to chow down on bread.
All the appies I've ever had from here have been good. Their seafood and corn chowder is VERY rich and slightly on the sweet side, but mostly well-balanced and still a 4/5. Crab cakes were really quite good - could taste the crab and not just a mouthful of binders. I don't remember the other appies we've gotten here, but I remember appetizers being the strongest and tastiest part of the meal.
Their entrees are mostly fine. - Cajun chicken Alfredo was fairly flavourful, but just a lot of noodles in comparison to the chicken - fish duo from the 2025 dineout menu was tasty, really enjoyed the pan sear on the fish skin - steak was overcooked even though we asked for 'medium' but thankfully it wasn't too tough. - we've had the rack of pork in the past; it was fine but not particularly memorable - braised lamb was very tender - duck breast was very tasty but felt like quite a small portion All the entrees (aside from the pastas) came with random veggies and a scoop of mashed potatoes. I have to say the single most disappointing thing on any of the plates here is the potatoes - they are flavourless, lacking in texture, and sincerely taste like instant mashed potatoes. Really lackluster and brought down the overall enjoyment of the entree.
Desserts are fine. I'm not a dessert person so can't comment too much. - panna cotta with mango and blueberry - panna cotta was fine. Mango sauce was far too sweet. - chocolate souffle with ice cream - wish it was more 'dark chocolate'-y tasting. Souffle was a little too liquidy in the center. Still tasty. Finished most of it.
Servers are friendly and efficient. When I ordered the pasta, I wasn't able to finish and asked to pack the leftovers to bring home. Server was concerned and asked if the flavour/seasoning was ok - I clarified that I was just full, but I appreciate that they cared about my experience.
Overall a pleasant experience; food is on the pricey side but tasty and worth the occasional splurge. The only thing I really hope they work on is the potatoes because I could make better mashed potatoes at home and for these prices I would expect the sides on my plate to still have some quality standards applied to them.
Kasumi A. Young
The ambiance of the restaurant appears cozy and informal. Their signature dishes, including the chocolate souffle, lamb shank, and crab cake, did not meet the expectations set by last year's Dine Out Vancouver event. The pricing is steep, and I would not pay full price for French cuisine at a cafe-style establishment without a liquor license, despite the efficient and friendly service. Notably, the restaurant was nearly empty during dinner hours. We like their fresh and hot bread with shrimp butter and seafood chowder.
ivy tsui
If you haven't checked out this place you should, from the quality of the dishes and the freshness of everything you eat its amazing. I highly recommend their pasta and calamari any of their seafood dishes are actually immaculate. and must try that I didn't expect to like is the Chocolate soufflé, actually the best i ever had
Christina Reis
I love coming here as it’s a hidden gem! The food is amazing and and the ambience is great. Seats about 30 people giving an intimate and warm. Must have the shoestring fries! Thanks Eddie!
E O
What an incredible food experience. The dishes are executed beautifully. The quality and taste is very good. Service was attentive. A must try and hidden gem in Richmond.
I used to really enjoy this restaurant, but it’s COMPLETELY gone downhill over the past year. The service is now is inattentive — you’re left waiting far too long for even basic things like water refills.
Definitely not coming back. There are far better places nearby where you actually get what you pay for.
Overpriced, bad customer service
My wife and I ate here last night, while it was not what we expected when we entered. We were very pleased with the food and the service. Our food was absolutely amazing... our waitress was so nice and so attentive, we will definitely be back next time we are in the Vancouver, BC area... Thanks
Overpriced mediocre food
It was our third time coming to Shoestring Cafe and it seems they have since increased the prices quite a bit. At this point, they are charging prices that higher end restaurants in downtown are charging but you are seated in an old diner like environment.
Ordered the seafood and corn chowder, the signature pan fried linguine, and the seafood alfredo. The chowder tastes exactly like the seafood alfredo.... both of which were not good. We were told the pan fried linguine is the signature but for 36$ I got a bowl of tiny overcooked prawns mixed with too much salt and pasta.
Overall a very disappointing experience that costs much more than it should have.
I was pleasantly surprised coming here for the first time.
The food is a bit pricey but I definitely feel I got what I paid for, the chowder was amazing, duck breast tender and flavorful, and a souffle that is to die for (20 minutes to make it is well worth the wait).
It is a small space and doesn't feel as upscale as the price may suggest but it is easy to overlook with the quality of food.
I will definitely be returning to try the pasta.
We have been going to the shoestring cafe for years; however, price has increased and portions of food has decreased. Yet we still come back.
Our favorite dish, simple, but flavourful is their seafood chowder. My husband and I always order one of our own (of course I still eat out of his bowl). The soup is made fresh so it does take a bit longer to arrive at your table than the average restaurant that has premade soup in a heated pot.
The bread with shrimp butter used to be complimentary but now they charge $5. We still order the bread and butter because it is so delicious. The bread is always soft and the shrimp butter is very flavourful.
Their main courses varies throughout the season but I always like to go when there are more seafood options and you can never go wrong with seafood. Ribeye steak is a good option if seafood is not available.
For dessert, I recommend the chocolate soufflé. It’s so fluffy and not too sweet. It also comes with ice cream.
Was here some years back and absolutely loved everything about this place. The food, the service 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
This year, however, everything was very disappointing. Even the fresh bread!
Service started off nice for appetizer and main, but then it seems they forgot our dessert... After waiting quite a long time (other tables that finished their mains after us all got their desserts), ours came. I didn't mind the wait that much as I was enjoying my conversation with my friend. However, they started to rush us as the next reservation have arrived. They rushed us by actions and looks, and not words when we just got our desserts.
Fresh bread was undercooked, the butter weren't that good. Something is off about it.
Seafood chowder was slightly too sweet and the texture was a little off. I used to love this so much, it was unfortunate.
Lamb shank were subpar, mash potato wasn't good, veggies were below average. I've never had a lamb shank I don't like until that night.
Chocolate souffle was still good though, I just didn't enjoyed them as I was rushed to get out of there.
My friend didn't enjoy her dishes as well. She said food used to be so good, but not anymore.
I always crave this place, but after this experience, I don't think I will be returning anymore.
Waited for our mains for forty minutes while those who were seated when we were eating appetizers already got their mains… and I noticed we ordered the same thing…
Had to remind them and I’m about 80% sure they forgot
Food was mid nothing special, and very expensive which does not match the vibes of this restaurant, their chairs were worn out and they use plastic plates
Overpriced food, a crowded atmosphere, and overly bright lighting made for a disappointing experience. Our main dishes were also significantly delayed, arriving only after we inquired with the server following a 40-minute wait.
The bread, lamb and dessert are good tho.
I was there with friends for Dine out 2025. I was excited to try this restaurant. This is my first time there and I am not impressed. The lamb shank was very very gamey; although, it was tender and the meat falls off the bone, I think it was from overnight and not fresh, that's why it tasted and smell so gamey. My friend had the duo black cod and salmon filet and it was very fishy and flavorless, again not very fresh or it will not be so fishy. The only items half decent was the crab cake and the chocolate souffle. The panna cotta and cream caramel's texture was too firm, had too much gelatin but flavor was good. Sorry, i will not be back.
Restaurantji Recommends
Came twice for regular dining (not dineout) throughout 2024, and then my most recent visit was during dineout 2025.
Cozy little restaurant - about 8 tables total. When it is not dineout season, there will be additional menu items on the blackboard that are not found on their printed or online menu (perhaps new dishes being tested, or seasonal offerings - not sure).
All tables used to be given a complimentary baguette with house-made shrimp butter. They no longer offer it for free and it now costs $5 for a 2-person portion. I think it's worth the $5 - the shrimp butter was fragrant and the bread was fresh with a crisp crust. We had a table of 4 and just all shared 1 order of this. I'd say it's honestly ok for 3-4 people unless you intend to chow down on bread.
All the appies I've ever had from here have been good. Their seafood and corn chowder is VERY rich and slightly on the sweet side, but mostly well-balanced and still a 4/5. Crab cakes were really quite good - could taste the crab and not just a mouthful of binders. I don't remember the other appies we've gotten here, but I remember appetizers being the strongest and tastiest part of the meal.
Their entrees are mostly fine.
- Cajun chicken Alfredo was fairly flavourful, but just a lot of noodles in comparison to the chicken
- fish duo from the 2025 dineout menu was tasty, really enjoyed the pan sear on the fish skin
- steak was overcooked even though we asked for 'medium' but thankfully it wasn't too tough.
- we've had the rack of pork in the past; it was fine but not particularly memorable
- braised lamb was very tender
- duck breast was very tasty but felt like quite a small portion
All the entrees (aside from the pastas) came with random veggies and a scoop of mashed potatoes. I have to say the single most disappointing thing on any of the plates here is the potatoes - they are flavourless, lacking in texture, and sincerely taste like instant mashed potatoes. Really lackluster and brought down the overall enjoyment of the entree.
Desserts are fine. I'm not a dessert person so can't comment too much.
- panna cotta with mango and blueberry - panna cotta was fine. Mango sauce was far too sweet.
- chocolate souffle with ice cream - wish it was more 'dark chocolate'-y tasting. Souffle was a little too liquidy in the center. Still tasty. Finished most of it.
Servers are friendly and efficient. When I ordered the pasta, I wasn't able to finish and asked to pack the leftovers to bring home. Server was concerned and asked if the flavour/seasoning was ok - I clarified that I was just full, but I appreciate that they cared about my experience.
Overall a pleasant experience; food is on the pricey side but tasty and worth the occasional splurge. The only thing I really hope they work on is the potatoes because I could make better mashed potatoes at home and for these prices I would expect the sides on my plate to still have some quality standards applied to them.
The ambiance of the restaurant appears cozy and informal. Their signature dishes, including the chocolate souffle, lamb shank, and crab cake, did not meet the expectations set by last year's Dine Out Vancouver event.
The pricing is steep, and I would not pay full price for French cuisine at a cafe-style establishment without a liquor license, despite the efficient and friendly service. Notably, the restaurant was nearly empty during dinner hours.
We like their fresh and hot bread with shrimp butter and seafood chowder.
If you haven't checked out this place you should, from the quality of the dishes and the freshness of everything you eat its amazing. I highly recommend their pasta and calamari any of their seafood dishes are actually immaculate. and must try that I didn't expect to like is the Chocolate soufflé, actually the best i ever had
I love coming here as it’s a hidden gem! The food is amazing and and the ambience is great. Seats about 30 people giving an intimate and warm. Must have the shoestring fries! Thanks Eddie!
What an incredible food experience. The dishes are executed beautifully. The quality and taste is very good. Service was attentive. A must try and hidden gem in Richmond.
Loading...