The Shoestring Cafe - Richmond, British Columbia

Cindy I.

Great hors d'oeuvres!

Mi K.

The restaurant is small and cozy. Amazing service. The crust for the beef wellington was too soft and soggy, but the meat inside was fine. With the rib steak, it was over cooked and they were willing to give another one. It was a long wait and by the time it came, my friend already finished their main course. The server did apologize, but it just wasn’t a great dining experience.

Xiao L. Z.

Came here to celebrate Father’s Day because I remember this restaurant being decent from two or so years back.

The prices have definitely increased with the food quality going down. We ordered two prime ribs sets, one tomahawk and a squid ink pasta.

Most items were fine but the tomahawk was ridiculous. I ordered it cooked to a medium rare and as seen in photo not even the bone part was a medium rare. This steak was really overcooked. At the price point of $79, I expect the chef to be able to gauge how to cook this steak, otherwise why even ask how I wanted it cooked?

When I brought this issue up to the server, his response was simply “I’ve let the chef know,” and there was no mitigation. I did not want to make a fuss as we were celebrating my dad, however I believe this entire situation was unacceptable. Needless to say I will not be returning.

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.

Dead P.

This place is what it is, not too fancy, it's a local joint run by a talented chef. Service is a bit amateurish but very friendly. Ambiance is just another local hole in the wall, we'll a bit better than a typical hole in the wall. Where it shined is the food.

Kasumi A. Y.

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.

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.

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.