Modern European Restaurants in Vancouver, BC

“Walking into this café felt like stepping straight into a 1980s European road trip, but not the cool, nostalgic kind—the kind where your tour bus breaks down, and you’re forced to eat at the only place within a 10-mile radius. The décor screams “IKEA met a flea market and they decided to live together forever.”

Our server was friendly but had the attention to detail of a goldfish. I asked for water—she brought exactly one glass, as if hydration is a privilege, not a right. My husband requested coffee refills for both of us, and she enthusiastically topped up only his cup, leaving mine tragically empty like my dreams of a hot, delicious brew. Speaking of coffee, it was cold and uninspiring, much like the customer service training this place probably skipped. And just when I thought I could salvage the situation with some sugar, she swooped in, snatched our teaspoons, and vanished into the chaos of the café, leaving us to stir our coffee with sheer willpower.

To be fair, she was running around like a contestant on a reality show called “Canada’s Next Top Multitasker”—seating guests, taking payments, and cleaning tables all at once. I almost wanted to cheer her on, but I was too distracted by my lukewarm coffee and the faint scent of regret.

The food? It was…fine. Edible. Not offensive. But if you told me I had to eat here again, I’d probably fake a food allergy just to get out of it.

Overall, Dutch Wooden Shoe Café is a great place if you love retro décor, accidental fasting, and watching your server play a real-life version of The Sims on high speed. Otherwise, maybe just grab a coffee somewhere else—one where they acknowledge that two people at a table might both be thirsty.“

“Delicious fries and dips , poutines soooo good“

“Thank you very much for your generosity towards Ukrainian women, affected by war and for donating delicious pastries that reminded them of a taste of home.“

“What a great restaurant..came across it while shopping and enjoyed the happy hour. Great food, ambience and service.“