I love most of my dine out experience aside from the fact that it was quite rushed. LOVED my seared tuna appetizer. It's a cute quaint little place to have a nice dinner. No better time to try it than Dine Out Vancouver! :) read more

New change up to the room is awesome. Tons of plants, cool cocktails, tried some of the new food. Very nice!

I have had better tapas. I give this place a 6/10. The drinks are small. Seemed like a 3 oz wine. The gnocchi was great though. The waiter didn't know anything. And he made you feel a bit awkward. Not hurrying back. read more

Went here after work with a few girlfriends...and had a great time! I was really impressed with how friendly and nice the staff was. My iphone actually ran out of battery and one of the managers/workers(?) overheard me and brought me a charger!! Granted it wasn't busy...I don't expect they would do that when it's busy...but it was a little gesture that made me feel like a valued customer. The food is a lil on the more expensive side of things...but delicious. Overall, I thought it was a great atmosphere with good food :) read more

Came here for a get-together with some old coworkers and I had an awesome experience. My friend and I ordered the meat and cheese board and it was delicious! My other friend ordered something with chorizo and potatoes and the flavour was amazing. I loved the atmosphere here - one half was more quiet where you can sit and talk whereas the other side was a bit louder for mingling. I asked if they could make a sangria since it wasn't on the menu and I loved it! However, my two friends ordered 2 cocktails that were pretty up there in price, but weren't the tastiest.... Overall, I'd definitely come back, but maybe skip out on the cocktails. read more

Great, affordable food and creative cocktails. Very friendly staff. You can see my full review on my blog (view my profile). read more

My friends and I started at The Refinery on our first night in Vancouver. The atmosphere of the place appears very sophisticated. The drinks were great and we really enjoyed our night there. The staff was very friendly and one of them sat with us for a while and gave us other recommendations for our stay in Vancouver. I did not try any of the food here, but would definitely be interested in doing so my next time in Vancouver. read more

Wow. Bartender attitude as soon as we walked in. And it didn't get any better. I would have left immediately if it weren't for the fact that the four of us were meeting another table of 6 already seated. We told the hostess that were hoping to join another party that had already been seated. She informed us that we couldn't squeeze in next to them, but would have to wait, or take a table at the other end of the restaurant. We were fine with it, but before she could finish, the burly bartender yelled "They can't sit there!". That silenced us, and we sheepishly asked if we could site at the 4 lone seats at the bar instead. No niceties from the bartender while we entered his arena. After a round of drinks, we noticed that the table beside our other group had opened up. It had been vacant for 5 minutes when someone tried to make their way over there. That wasn't too well-received by the bar guy and again he yelled over everyone "You can't sit there yet!". Again, we were silenced, and waited another 10 minutes before the waitress finally gave us the green light. There are too many other options close by to make me even think about returning. read more

We'd been at an Irish bar prior to this, drinking with a few Rugby teams... so, here's what I remember. We had to wait behind the "velvet rope" for a few minutes to get in, I had to explain to the bartender how to make a negroni (which I probably did not need)... however, when we sat at t he bar and ate, the food and the chef's were awesome! Russian dumplings and a calamari po' boy! Delicious! read more

I met up with two of my girlfriends here after work to kick-off the holiday season. Nothing says Xmastime more than stuffing your face full of food until you feel sick, so why not get a head start? I was pretty stoked to check this place out since I had read so many positive reviews online. I gotta say, I probably woulnd't have even noticed this place (or found it) if I had not read the reviews about the little door that was not marked. There was a small sanwhich board outside, and a lady all bundled-up moved in front of the door when I approached it. Confused, I pointed to the door since she didn't say anything but just proceeded to block me from enterting, and since it was my first time coming to the Refinery I wasn't sure if this was the right door or not. I was just about to ask if I could come in when she asked me "Refinery?" to which I mummbled "uuuuhhhh yea?" She walked in front of me to the top of the stairs and stopped, and then she took my jacket for me and hung it up. There was no one at the top of the stairs, just a long bar with some guy behind it, so I was a bit confused as to why there was no podium for reservations, or signage saying "please wait to be seated" so I kinda peeked my head around and walked in wondering if I should just seat myself? Then a lady approached and I saw that my friend had been seated so I stroled over to the table to sit with her. We ordered a round of drinks (most cocktails start at about $11) mine had pear in it and was pretty ok. We ordered up some spicy green beans, hummus, risotto balls, and prawsn (for the meat eaters). The hummus was kind of bland, but they did bring us extra crackers when they saw that we ran out. The green beans were good, and definitely spicy, but the risotto balls were my favourite, they were veggie, but I can't remember what was in them? The Refinery was okay, I liked the decor and the way the restaurant was set up, but I gotta admit I didn't feel super welcomed when I first arrived. I mean, when you only have a door with no ground level signage and people aren't sure where you are, its probably a good idea to make them feel like they are in the right place, rather than making them feel awkward and unsure. I would like to go back and try some of the other veggie options cuz they do sound good, but its not the first thing on my to-do list. read more

My boyfriend and I came here for dine out because the menu sounded great, especially for $18/person! The food was mediocre at best and the portions were small. The only exceptional part of our dinner was the Pan Seared Arctic Char. The hash that came with the dish was pretty unappetizing and the salad was bland. The Tartain Crumble tasted like mushed up peaches and the Flourless Chocolate Cake was so dry we couldn't even pierce our forks into it! In other words, not worth $18 each. Though the food wasn't the greatest, the service made up for it! They were all incredibly friendly and very attentive. read more

Now this was not the first time I had been here but this was the first time that I actually had a full meal at The Refinery. We came during the dine-out Vancouver and ordered off of the set menu. The food was ok, not the greatest but it was ok. Would I go back for a full meal, probably not but I would go for appy's and of course a bevy or two. I absolutely love the space and they get extra points for their simple yet beautiful interior design. Now here comes the kicker. The most entertaining part of the evening. So after our meal I decided I should go and use the washroom. Nice little washroom it was until I went to leave. I went to turn the door knob to have the door knob break from the door and no means of getting out of the bathroom. It was quite the entertaining dilemma. Those who were with me had already left the restaurant and were waiting for me outside on Granville Street and well the washrooms are right across from the kitchen so no one would hear me in there. So my solution.. call my friends thinking that someone will pick up their phone. First call, no answer, second call, no answer, finally on my 3rd call my friend picked up and I said I have a bit of a problem. I am stuck in the washroom and have no way of getting out. So my friend goes back upstairs and talks to someone working there and says we have an issue, my friend has called me and she is stuck in your washroom. Finally, someone from the restaurants knocks on the door and opens the door for me. I handed him the broken door knob, he apologized for what had happened and I said no worries and went on my way. I left the restaurant with an amusing story and a good laugh. read more

Drinks are interesting and tasty. My friend and I were recommended different cocktails according to our preferences and we both were satisfied with what was beautifully presented to us. The food is also great with perfect portions to share between two people. One of their tapas, pork belly was amazing and it's a must try! read more

The Refinery - Wine Bars Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

There was a miscommunication regarding the date for my wedding rehearsal dinner that resulted in my guests and I arriving one day earlier than the refinery had planned for. Since we had guests in from as far as Texas and Australia, I panicked! While I had a bit of bridal meltdown, Graham and his staff worked with my mum and dad to fix everything! It was Graham's day off and he left a family dinner to come save the day. With little notice they had a projection screen, microphones for speeches, a room blocked off and tons of food going in no time. Every guest said they had no idea there had ever been a problem. The food was great, the atmosphere was awesome and I can't say enough about the Refinery staff for pulling off a miracle! It was a wonderful night and they were so kind to us, making sure my husband and I, as well as all our guests had a great time. I highly recommend the Refinery for any event as they are true professionals and wonderful hosts! read more

Its odd that in a world of a million choices do you find something that deserves a glowing review. My experience at the Refinery over the weekend had prompted me to text a drunken note on Evernote (best iphone app EVER) so that I remembered to write a review of this little treasure. I have been to its sister restaurant located just below it many times for numerous special occasions but never had the time to wander upstairs to see whats up. I was on Granville street for dinner and on my way home I decided to finally make that move... checkmate. I was greeted warmly by about 3 different staff before I even made it to the bar (which was alive with action). A gorgeous young woman (among the many there at that time) asked me if i would like something to drink and I told her to surprise me. What she created blew my mind and sent my tastebuds exploding like a supernova. I'm not sure what she put in there but I swear it contained that rock candy you used to get as a kid... the kind that popped when you put it in your mouth. I didn't sample the food menu but i noticed some tables dishes and they looked good. I will be back this weekend to see what the chef has in store for me... and if its anything like what the lovely lady behind the bar created then I'm in for a treat! read more

I heard a lot of hype about the Refinery and its cocktails in particular, so when Ethical Deal did a deal for half off food I jumped on it. The cocktails are indeed no joke. I had the Gunpowder, which was just the perfect sweetness (more tarte than sweet) without much taste of alcohol. There are a few vegetarian options, and I'm glad I went for the Fettucine Primavera because it had a good helping of veggies. And if I hadn't had pasta, I might have been in serious trouble with my cocktail! As I ate I started to feel a nice buzz. I had a few bites of my boyfriend's Heirloom Tomato Salad which was also very good and cleverly seasoned. We ended off with the Tiramisu Cheesecake, which was the best cheesecake I've had in a while. A very subtle taste of cheese, with whipped coffee icing served on the side. If I wasn't such a lightweight and already buzzed off the one cocktail, I would have had another one with dessert (they do have dessert cocktails on the menu too). The interior deco is very cool and trendy; I see why this place gets talked about & agree with the high ratings. Definitely the best place for professional-level cocktails & a good meal downtown. read more

See all

Wonderful service! He wouldn't service me until I got off my phone. Much respect to the waiter and the quality of service here. The dishes are fabulous and complimented with the wines makes for a great experience! Love it!!! read more

Love this place. The new chef (March 2016) is experimenting and making delectable creations. The wine list continuous to get more adventurous and the staff is friendly and accommodating. When in Vancouver this is my go to for apps and good wine with friends. read more

i liked the music, decor and the service was great... the only thing was the menu was not to vegan friendly not that that's a bad thing, i just have food allergies. BUT that aside it was lovely! read more

This place is a hidden Gem! We walked up stairs and my jaw literally dropped the Room was beautiful but not in an overpowering way modern but not futuristic. We were seated in a cozy corner with an awesome view of the street. With friendly service, we enjoyed a great night of unique cocktails and dinner. Sweetly completed by the best cheese cake i have ever had in Vancouver. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a fun atmosphere great music and awesome times. read more

The food at the Refinery is quite refine. I came here for dinner with a friend on a busy Friday night and had a really really nice time. The space is clean and modern with a cozy feeling. $11 for a cocktail.........quite pricey for a caz tapas style joint. Nevertheless the bartender did a pretty good job. I didn't like anything on the list and he created something just for me and it was really good. Kudos to him!! The wine list is pretty diverse and well priced. My friend and I each ordered a glass of white and a bottle of red. The food was really good and well priced. We were really full afterwards. The portions were generous. Highlights: 1)gnocchi w/sage brown butter, preserved lemon & pancetta-very good. It came out on a little cast iron skillet-really cute. Those gnocchis were pillowy soft, quality level same as authentic Italian restaurants. I didn't get much lemons in there but had lots of pancetta. 2)halibut cake- thank goodness those halibut weren't overcooked otherwise taste really dry on the mouth. It had capers & cornichons in there to give it texture & saltiness. The caper tarragon aioli was really smooth. 3)beef carpaccio-good portion however I felt there was too much aioli, so it felt a bit greasy on the palate. Even the arugula couldn't save it. 4)crab meat potato salad-huge portion w/lotsa crab meat, so they weren't stingy w/it. a good filler dish 5)bruschettes- ordered 2 styles recommended by our server. both were really good. It came on a big piece of toast. It's a more "rustic" presentation but it was still tasty. Service was really good. They would periodically ask how we liked the food and kept filling our water glasses even after we paid the bill. I'd definitely go back for a caz meal with friends or even on a date. Luv it, luv it, luv it!! read more

Happy hour for a few drinks before dinner. Service was good, our cocktails were original and tasty. The two appetizers we ordered, however, were sub-par. Seemed like freezer section dishes. Recommended for drinks! read more

I finally made it to the real The Refinery and the high reviews were no lies! First, be aware that The Refinery is upstairs, don't mix it up like I did with the restaurant downstairs which is not the same experience... Back to The Refinery: - First impressive touch was the very welcoming waiter that, when seeing us struggling to choose the right cocktail, just asked us what type of alcohol we like and took it from there to simply improvise one for each of us, according to our taste, and the result was amazing! - we then went for a mix of cheese and meat plate to share, this is a must! It's of a good size, with lots of little extras to dip in, all very savoury - when we chose our main, the waiter kindly asked us if we'd like to follow his advice and share every plate like tapas, which we did and this just made our whole diner so much more friendly, definitively a thing to do more often :) and about the food: just plainly delicious! We took the four main courses on the menu, all 5 stars! Certainly a place I would recommend to go to with friends! read more

Had a great experience at The Refinery on my Wife's Birthday. The service was excellent and food was delicious. They treated us very well and my wife felt like it made her birthday date a special one. The Hanger Beef was soooo tasty. Gnocchi and meat balls were exceptionally yummy as well. A great selection of cocktails and wonderful atmosphere as well. Very close to the Commodore Ballroom, where we finished our evening. read more

My wife and I had the rare opportunity- since having twins, to go for a night out. A friend had recommended The Refinery as a good choice, she was so right! We had an attentive server (Australian? English?) who guided us through the menu, and pointed out the cocktails and a few of her favourite dishes. She suggested an 'impromptu' where the Bartender would make something to suit our tastes. I had a 'Yuzu Bastard' and my wife the 'Organic Berry', both were delicious. We ordered plates to share, the yuzu tuna, gravlax, a prosciutto flatbread and a BC Board. We ended with the Goat Cheese Cake, you HAVE to get the Goat Cheese Cake. All the food was well cooked, nicely presented and suitably priced. But what really made our evening was the service. It was a busy night, but the server made us feel welcome and special, which when you don't get to go out together too often is important. Special, made extra special! read more

We had heard really great things about this place and were looking forward to using our Living Social coupon to try it out. Perhaps that was our first mistake. The service was terrible and we felt completely ignored and treated as second-rate. They made us come at 5:30 on a Sat night even though the main part of the place was empty the whole evening (at least explain why we weren't allowed to sit there). First server couldn't crack a smile if he tried (and we tried). He told us they had to book us early because it really fills up. It didn't. He was obviously very distracted by something and wasn't really into being our server at all. The food was good, although the last dish we ordered came 30 minutes after all of the rest, and the server used her finger to try to rub a black spot off our plate before leaving it with us (eww). She came back a minute later with another clean one, but we weren't sure if it was because she realized she had wiped it in front of us or if she was just worried about the spot. Later she came to see if we "were waiting for anything else". Oh, you're our new server? (we didn't know that as she hadn't really spoken to us much) Shouldn't you know what/if we've ordered? Yes, we were waiting to order dessert. We asked for it to go at that point - we had by then been there for a long time and were anxious to go somewhere we would feel welcome. We would have loved to have ordered additional drinks and food if the environment was friendlier. I understand that daily deal coupons can bring a certain clientele into an establishment that the staff may not enjoy serving. But we were not that clientele, and I felt we weren't even given a chance. If you treat everyone like they are a regular then they just might become one. read more

Amazing! I visited from out of town and went to many restaurants and bars - this was by far the best in all areas. Beautiful great little location. We were there Friday evening and had no problem getting a table, the long community table helps with that situations. The ambience is nice and not overbearing. The DJ was actually pretty good too. Our server was very sweet and she knew her stuff. They make a lot of the liqueurs and specialty syrups they use in their beverages in house, she showed us a few they were working on, excellent. All the staff was really passionate about what they do, true mixologists and food lovers. We didn't order any food cause we had just eaten but oh my god do I wish I had. The entire menu looked amazing. I saw the cheese plate and a few of the tapas walk by and they looked and smelled amazing. My boyfriend and I ordered a few of the house specialty drinks off their menu and they were the best drinks we've ever had. We got the gazebo, I don't even like vodka and I loved this drink. The lime bitters and lavender liquor paired beautifully. We also got their take on whiskey ginger called the Drive by Argument, was the best bourbon drink, perfectly smooth with no harsh after taste. They will mix a special drink just for you also if you tell them what type of alcohol You want, how you like that alcohol flavor wise and maybe a mixer flavor suggestion. Simply fantastic. The drinks were a little spendy but completely worth it. Homemade quality ingredients and they don't skimp on the pour. I got proper tipsy off two drinks. Great absence, certainly the perfect spot to start or end any night with a great drink and a quality nosh. Wish I lived close so I could go to the special they have on the last Wednesdays of each month. It is a 3 course meal with drink pairings for $30, a very good deal considering quality and price of food and drinks there. Highly recommend! read more

Brilliant service. During the wait we were served Champaign and hors d'oeuvres, and even treated to a wonderful cocktail from the owner himself. The food was excellent and fun atmosphere. They love what they do here! Definite returning customer. read more

I was here last Friday night with my partner. We ordered the Marinated mushrooms, Prosciutto flatbread, and Meatballs. All VERY BLAND we were disappointed. Wine was ok and servers were nice but not much ambience. I think this placed used to be great but has lost its mojo sadly. read more

Cozy, modern and romantic atmosphere. Service is great and food is delicious. Love the duck breast and pear salad. I will come back for small plates definitely. read more

See all

This place was great! The food is awesome and so are the drinks. It was hands down the best place we ate at while visiting Vancouver (and we ate a lot). read more

I went to a Birthday party at the Refinery where the long bar in the lounge (the long table) area was reserved for the 40 or so celebrants. The guy throwing the party had pre-ordered appies that kept flowing all evening and the great service staff called everybody by name and kept our drink tabs separate. Very well done this was 5 star service. The lamb sliders were note worthy. read more

Cocktails are 4-5 stars, really great and well-balanced. If you just want cocktails, I would definitely go here. The food was hit or miss. The anchovy flat bread was really spectacular, though we had to break up the sardines so that each piece of flat bread would get one. The marinated mushrooms were pretty good--maybe a smidgen heavy on the vinegar, but we did enjoy them in the end. The octopus carpaccio was excellent--I really enjoyed the way the fresh cucumber and house pickles combined with the tender slices of octopus, and the flat bread that came with it was also quite yummy. The real disappointment was the flank steak brûlée--supposedly sous vide and then caramelized with cinnamon and sugar with a torch, but in execution really tasted like boiled meat that had been refrigerated (it was not the least bit warm) and then heavily dusted with cinnamon and sugar. I had one piece and didn't eat another bite. I love the idea and can see coming up with it as a concept, but I cannot believe that another human tasted that dish and said, "Yep, let's add it to the menu." It was no good. I don't know if they forgot to torch it, or what, but it wasn't great. The atmosphere was a little awkward, but fine. read more

I had been eyeing the Refinery for a while and was slightly disappointed. I may have overhyped it in my mind and that's the main reason I am going to give it a 3/5. Drinks - Solid. Wine list is a bit thin, but they make up for it with their creative cocktails. Food - I had the ratatouille a few nights ago and my palate was applauding. It was a good size portion, satisfying and well presented. On the flip side is also had their vegetarian flat bread and it was so-so. Just a bit too bland. I like the atmosphere of this restaurant and the location is great. This is the type of place that I will come back and try again to see if it can redeem itself. read more

Mixology...wow, after visiting The Refinery, I understand. They make the most complex mixed drinks I've ever had...without the crazy prices. I had the vanilla hickory smoked manhattan at barchef in Toronto, it didn't compare. Most other drinks have often been overbearing and you wonder why why why?! I had the Hot Air Balloon here as well as the Anti-twitch...so balanced, complex, and flavorful. I could not get enough! I also had the fried risotto balls, great too. The duck Pate....fresh fresh fresh! Definitely would want to come back! read more

Had originally planned to eat/get drinks for my birthday at SIP this past Saturday, however there was a little mixup and double booking so the manager asked if we would consider having our party upstairs at The Refinery instead. I have never been to either place so I didn't mind seeing what it was like and moving my birthday group there for the evening. I am SO GLAD we chose it! The tapaz style food was delicious and filled us all up, and the cocktails were amazing. (us girls recommend the Victoria Secret). The lovely manager also gave us complimentary meat and cheese platters due to the mix up, which was absolutely amazing and excellent customer service. The waitress (blonde.. sorry I am bad with names) was very fun and friendly, and served us perfectly as well. The décor was very Gastown-esq which my group commented on being very nice. The girls in my group also wanted to give their compliments to the DJ as the music was great all night. The only "con" was that there was no whip cream when my friends wanted to buy me muff divers! hahah. I will definitely be back one day. :) Thank you for making my birthday great!! read more

LOVED this place - an enthusiastic 5 stars. Just go and you will see what I'm talking about... Order the pate special, a flatbread and the cream puff dessert and walk away happy. Try one of the cocktails on the menu or ask the waiter for their personal favourite; you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be going back, see you there! read more

Eats: Bacon and Eggs Fried Risoto Balls Hand Made Gnocchi Meat Balls Beef Short Ribs Calabrese Flatbreads and their Beef carpaccio pizza (can't exactly remember other ingridients) Service: Service was good, the waitress was very nice, she spilled some wine on my friends (a few drops on his thumb), he was able to salvage and suck the wine up. Although I suggest the waitress should carry a white cloth with her so she wipe the tip of the wine after every pour to avoid the spills Parking: Street parking since this is in downtown area. One of the gentlemen was knowledgable where to places for clubs, hangouts, bars, etc. read more

I give this 5 stars because of the exceptional service. I don't know what strategy they use with their staff, but the two times I've been here, service has been top-notch. Warm, friendly, helpful but not overbearing, and with just enough style to make you feel cool just by being there. I organized a surprise dinner for a friend's birthday and the staff were more than happy to help make it a great success. The service really made the evening. Food: Oh, the tiger prawns and the merguez meatballs... *drool* Drinks: Nice selection of bottled beers and bottles of wine. Haven't tried the cocktails but it looks like an innovative menu. read more

Went here on a Saturday at 8PM for a dinner reservation for a table of nine to celebrate a family occasion. The $11 custom cocktails are indeed truly amazing! The subtle blends of liquor, spices and herbs is indescribable. The alcohol content gives a pleasant buzz, but also allows you to have two without getting blotto. The cold plates and entrees and desserts are also very good. The only minor complaint was that the entrees were served to us almost immediately after to cold plate appetizers. The DJ was also very good that night! We had children in our group as young as 10 and had a great time. Up to you if this scene is ok for your kids. read more