Excellent food and service

Very nicely paced courses, excellent wines. Staff makes it work well. Like the gastown area, this spot is a sort of modernist white on white decor I would normally pass by, but we enjoyed the evening very much.

Exceptional

This is one of best restaurants in town, I strongly recommend it.

Lovely Sunday Brunch

My 18-year-old daughter and I (from California) had been at Secret Location two years ago, probably very soon after it opened. When we were back in Vancouver this time, we wanted to see if it was still there. It was, and although the dinner menu was too expensive for us, one of the staff suggested we try Sunday brunch as an alternative. We did, and it was great. We sat outside on a beautiful... more

Pleasant surprise

Outstanding menu, courteous service and elegant atmosphere.
I strongly recommend and will become a habitué.

Excellent

Great five course dinner in a beautiful setting. The combination of settees, tables and chairs did make for a relaxing space. The foie gras was one of the best I've had. Polished service. Very reasonable pricing considering courses came with wine or cocktail pairings. Very talented bartender - his cocktail pairings were very much spot on.

Great Dinning Experience

We had 5 course dinner. Excellent food and service. Creative dishes with fresh ingredients. Portion size could be a bit larger. Very nice and contemporary decor. Definitely will go back soon !!!

Great dinning experience

We had 5 course dinnner with wine pairing. Excellent food and service. Very nice and contemporary decor. Highly recommend !!!

Great places, but...

This a great restaurant and they had a really attractive cooking style. They provide 3 types testing menue for choosing. This is a typical European Fusion Resturant. Beautiful and fancy design about their decoration and food. I just could not understand why there is not so much customer come to here. It is little expensive, but acceptable, because their service and food is extremely great. It... more

elegant atmosphere

My friend and I stumbled upon this restaurant and stopped in for a drink. Our waiter was very charming, and served us some very unique cocktails. I decided to return for lunch, and tried the "special" , the wild boar burger, very tasty. I hope to come back soon.

New favorite in Vancouver

Up from Seattle on a weekend break. Wandering Gastown and found the Secret Location empty on a Sunday night. But the menu looked intriguing, so we tucked into the 10 course tasting adventure. With wine pairings. We've eaten our way through our share of tasting menus up and down the west coast and around the world, and have had some... more

Food was not to my standard

We came here on Father's Day for brunch. It's the first time we came here. My husband ordered Crepes and the presentation looked awesome. I ordered Bison and Eggs. The bison cooked to my liking and it tasted great. The eggs were a little charred on the edges. Harsh brown was on the oily side. My 6-year old son said the croissant was "yummy".I personally like the ambience and the service. I will... more

Wasted potential

Gorgeous décor and great location. Strange that we were seated near the back when the restaurant was almost empty and not even offered the patio when completely empty. The amuse-bouche was excellent as well as the coffee and cronut. The eggs were not for amateurs and when we requested them be re-cooked, the replacement was identical.

Wonderful experience

We lived in France from 2009 to 2012, and made a habit of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries at Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Spain and Italy. It's a tradition we have so missed since coming home to Vancouver. Our city has wonderful, exciting food, but this was the first meal we have had that approached that Michelin standard. The food at... more

a secret no more

As someone in the restaurant and hotel business I have always stayed away from doing reviews.
I am a chef by trade, have opened and operated several top restaurants & I am certified teacher of the International Sommelier Guild, I am also the GM of downtown boutique hotel in Vancouver. So let’s assume that I am familiar with the biz.... more

Very good find

The Secret Location isn't for everyone. The food is very out there and different, creative. The food is like a painting produced by a skilled addict, it's completely out there yet beautiful and enjoyable. If you are looking to explore food, and try something very new and different, this is the place to go for brunch/lunch/dinner.

Dining in Vancouver Just Got Exciting

Just loved the experience at Secret Location. We felt truly transported from Vancouver to some lovely European restaurant. We had the 5 course tasting menu. We had:
Snacks: lentil chip with bison tartare; Maple blossom tempura style with dill sauce paired with champagne
Brie foam, fresh rhubarb, freed dried raspberries along with gluten free brioche – it was beautiful and... more

Secret Location

This restaurant just misses. We were the only patrons at 12:30 pm on a Friday. JUST US! The service is... very strange. The music was loud with a heavy beat and though it was changed twice for us, it didn't get any better. Food was incredible so it really is too bad.

Impresses

I had pretty high hopes for this place and it surpassed them by far. I'm not much of an elitist so maybe my standard isn't high but I was really happy taking my wife and little girl there for our mothers day brunch. The food was outstanding and the service was extremely pleasant and quick! Couldn't recommend it any more!

great service

I had a good time here. The lobster hash was really yummy. Hashbrowns were nice and crispy. There were lots of choices for gelato/sorbet. The caramel one was delicious. The only downside was having a smaller table for a big group of people.

Great dining experience

We had a really great evening at Secret Location. The food is beautifully prepared, interesting and gives new tasting experiences in an excellent way. They have a choice of tasting menus, with more courses, the menu is set. With the 3 course menu we had, you chose from a small but varied selection and they match drinks to your choice,... more

Awesome gastronomical experience

Funky venue with delicious food, audible table talk, stunning French waiter. Quirky yummy food with delightful accompanying drinks. This place is a must for all visitors and residents to Vancouver!

Gastronomical

Awesome food, environment and service. Different and a credit to Vancouver for internstional visitors.

Pleasant Secret

We were on a mission to find undiscovered shops in Vancouver and stumbled across this restaurant /designer outlet. We had the brunch menu, starting with the manimosa with an excellent chili kick, followed by the halibut and the golden pond dessert - the latter being exquisite and worthy of a Michelin Star. Service was also good but couldn't be sure... more

Soup Special and Dessert were amazing! Creative menu items!

Incredible tasting menu

We went there last night for the tasting menu. It was the best I have ever had. Each dish was spot-on, highlighting the multiple ingredients yet presenting a harmonious whole. And with five wine parings (bubbly, two whites, a red and a desert wine) an incredible value at $75/person. Apparently, Jefferson Alvarez is preparing a different 10 course menu each... more

A Perfect Evening

My wife and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary at Secret Location with a tasting menu by Chef Jefferson Alvarez. It was an amazing meal with exceptional service.
The atmosphere of the dining room was very relaxing and the communications with the restaurant manager, the bar, and the chef were very welcome as we knew all about our wine pairings... more

Let THE secret out

This is a very exotic labour of love of a restaurant. It's a flamboyant on all levels. The room is a fantasy in white. The food is divine. The austere, almost clinical atmosphere seems to put some people off and, sadly, this remarkable restaurant is rarely packed. What people don't realize is that if you take a moment to look... more

Great dinner

My wife and I had dinner here one night and were the only table in the establishment. We normally enjoy having a tasting menu and they were able to accomodate us, since there really was no one else in the restaurant. Our waiter was great and really wanted to please us. He also got the wine tasting responsibility of picking... more

Delicious brunch followed by some eye candy for dessert

I loooooove Secret Location.... And living in Vancouver with some many great choices around, I rarely Looooooooooove anything without some substance behind it. Today my friend and I had brunch here and it was amazing. It felt very European in its concept and the Phillippe Starck luminaire was striking. My friend and I had a poached egg with bison short... more

Fantastic food

You must go here. We had dinner and loved the meal so much went back for brunch the next day. Foie gras app was outstanding ribeye was perfectly cooked. For brunch we had the perfect egg as well as pastrami hash. All were beautifully presented with delicious combination of flavours. But what you really need to know about this place... more

disappointed

We loved the decor of this restaurant, very beautiful and on a saturday night, we wondered why such a beautiful restaurant is empty (and all the restaurants around are BUSY! Like you have to wait an hour busy). Then the food came and we all realized the reason. Unfortunately the food is not good at all. The presentation is beautiful.... more

Soulless

I live in Gastown; just half a block away from Secret Location. What amazes me is that since its opening over a year ago, the restaurant has almost always been empty (by empty I mean 2 or 3 tables occupied even at the peak hours of evening!). I am not sure if it is the white decor or lack of... more

Dining 'Palace

When we first walked in, it was really shiny. There were many varieties of seats an tables, from couches to chairs, and from short coffee tables to tall regular tables. I loved the atmosphere. There were long couches for big groups. And comfy seats for small groups, singles and couples. The food was really succulent, yet it costed about $8.00... more

Tantalise your taste buds

Our first visit here was to get out of the rain at lunchtime! What an amazing discovery - Heston Blumenthal crossed with El Buli. Too delicious to believe so on our last night in Vancouver we returned just to make sure. A wonderful culinary experience topped off by a server who really knew his menu and how to advise to... more

Unique and unexpected

When in Vancouver for a quick visit, my husband and I went here on the recommendation of a friend, and we are happy we were given this recommendation. Have to say that the server was impeccable with his timing and execution throughout the evening. He was really top notch. The wine menu had sufficient choices, and was not too pricey.... more

Top Chef of Vancouver at Secret location

Wow, best food experience ever! All thanks to Chef Jefferson Alvarez !
We had an amazing experience , every food from the menu was unique, super fresh and pleasant to the eye. Defiantly the best restaurants in Bc must to visit

Unique in Every Way

The dining room is jarringly ultra modern - white walls, chairs, ceiling and chandeliers. The bar is also white with disco-like flashing strobe lights in every color of the rainbow. The staff is upbeat and energetic in a very entertaining way. It's like you've entered very special party.
You won't just get a recitation of the nightly specials, you will... more

Pretty interior, mediocre food

I went for lunch with a colleague a while ago. We found it odd that when we ordered salads to start before our mains -- we weren't told that our main courses came with the exact same salads that came with our burgers. The meal was okay. Nothing special. It may be better for dinner but I'd sure give it... more

The best kept secret

Nearly passed by the door! That would have been a mistake. Unbelievable ambience, amazing decor and food freshly prepared. This restaurant had a very different kind of menu than average but if you want to be adventourous then this is the place to go. Very helpful and knowelegable staff. Be sure to visit the restrooms to view the artwork on... more

Best Place in Gastown

To start off, the restaurant itself is simply beautiful. Modern and stylish, very clean and comfortable.The food is fantastic. they have a small but very well thought out menu offering unusual and hard to find items like ostrich. They use a lot of molecular gastronomy to enhance their menu which definitely adds to the experience. I think my favourite part... more

An amazing experience

A great location for foodies and to experience a contemporary chef trained in the new mecca; Spain.The food is great the servers are knowledgeable and the decor is eclectic and provides a fantastic setting and ambiance for the dining experience. I recommend the chef's tasting with the wine pairings. I have always been a bit of a Napa snob but... more

Superb Service, Interesting Food, all in White

High couture room, minimalist and lovely. The wait staff was superbly attentive, a little chatty and made us feel very much welcomed. Food was interesting, some I loved, other felt like trying too hard. Fish was outstanding, as was burata appetizer. Much more a couples/date night than anything else. Well worth the visit

great looking restaurant

We went there once, for drinks and once for dinner. Both times we had a good time and did not get disappointed. The staff is fabulous and very attentive. The last time we went for dinner and we were blown away, especially by the dessert. We have been told that the pastry chef is a young female and I am... more

Secret Location should not be kept secret any longer

What a fabulous restaurant. Our meal started with a non alcoholic beverage; with the lovely aroma of mint in a deep red liquid that startled the mouth and opened the senses to what was to arrive.
A small appetizer that was just enough to hint at what was to come. Small piece of Sturgeon fish beautifully presented.
The two of... more

Really extraordinary, new restaurant in Gastown

This is an extraordinary and quite chi chi new restaurant in Gastown, and we went there because its host Mark Taylor is a long time favorite of ours from the Vancouver restaurant scene. We went to RainCity Grille for ten years because of him, and now thanks to him we were introducef to this new place.
It's a beautiful place,... more

Secret Location should be Kept a Secret

I am surprised to see any positive reviews about this place. It's a high end restaurant with an adjoining high end boutique that offers limited choices in both places. The decor is elaborate and the owner had to pay a fortune for a sterile looking restaurant that doesn't belong in Gastown. The food was mediocre but not memorable and not... more

Sleek, modern decor, friendly staff and tasty brunch menu

Just had our first try here for brunch. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, definitely have an interior designer who really spent time and money in the overall package. Art work is also matchingly impressive with the chairs, tables and utensils.
Menu is simple, but good. At least, we worried about the quantity may not be sufficient, but the chef obviously... more

Refined in every way

I had seen this restaurant a few times and was captured by the decor and vibe of the space. Finally made a dinner reservation and was not disappointed at all. Jackson was our server, and the service was attentive, knowledgeable , and extremely friendly. And although the ambiance is stunning, the food makes quite the impact as well.
Before the... more

One of Vancouver's Finest

There are many newish places to eat in Gastown but this place is a shining jewel. Featuring a serene yet sumptuous all- white interior, Secret Location really excels in all areas. Delightful service, wonderful drink list, and thoughtful menu. Food was some of the best we've had in years in a town packed with places to eat.
If you've never... more

Very Special

I took my husband here for his birthday dinner and we have a fabulous time. The restaurant was quiet when we arrived as most guests were on the patio but we were greeted as if we were friends and shown to our window table. The decor is quite amazing and it draws a lot of looks from the passers by... more

Stumbled on it...lucky me

I was actually passing through the area and literally stumbled on this little gem. It stood out visually from all around it and draws you in. I decided to give it a try the next day at lunch and was surprised to see it virtually empty. As a result, my expectations weren't very high but it turned out to be... more

Faultless

I hosted 7 clients on a business trip here ,each of us had eaten at many expensive restaurants around the world and undoubtedly this was one of our best experiences.
The flavours and variety of food were unmatched at any place I've ever eaten.There was a brilliant cocktail ,beer and wine list at prices much lower than a similar establishment... more

Slightly out of sync with the neighbourhood - in a good way

My wife and I stumbled upon this place while strolling the touristy part of Gastown, a bit far from our comfortable Coal Harbour domain. Normally a bit skeptical about the area, we were taken by the store, the décor and the nifty bit of patio overlooking the hipster laden Chill Winston patio. It was a nice late spring Sunday so... more

What A Find

Our son has recently moved to Vancouver from Sydney and it was our first night in the city when we happened upon Secret Location- what a find! Fantastically fresh local food in a stunningly designed space.The staff were very knowledgeable , professional and personable.On the evening we ate in this restaurant there were very few people- I hope Secret location... more

Bright space and Brilliant food

Today I became a believer that there really is such a thing as a fine dining breakfast experience in Vancouver. Yes, there are a lot if great place that serve a great big decent breakfast but secret location serves a reasonable portion AND over the top quality.
I had the Beef Cheek pastrami hash with Brussels sprout leaves, gruyère, 2... more

Fun store to visit-half cafe half store

This is a concept shop as is Colette in Paris. So it has a well-curated collection of items and clothes you won't see everywhere that are pricy. There also is a place to eat. I can review only the shop not the cafe. I had coffee across the street at Coffee Bar. But the shop was amusing. And the area... more

Excellent food, decor and service overshadowed by smaller portions

Ate Mothers Day brunch at Secret Location with family on a busy Sunday. Usually Secret Location is only half full (or less) making the stark white interior look even more empty. This day it was packed to capacity and the kitchen and excellent wait staff had no problems keeping up.
The Poppy Seed Pancakes, Strawberry Shortcake Crepes, Quiche and Deep... more

Nice decor

Went for lunch with a friend. The Cesare salad is nothing like a cesare salad however it was good. A bit expensive for the small amount. We asked for bread to accompany and after we had nearly finished our salad comes two tiny pieces of toasted bread for the two of us. The very smiley waiter said there would be... more

Best Coffee in Town

This place has become one of my top favourite places to go for a coffee in town. Also, one of the only places I can substitute milk for almond milk (Thanks Guys!).
The service is always top notch, and the food is delicious.
We have started coming here quite often, as their wine list is expertly curated to match their... more

One of Vancouver's Best - Spectacular

Go here, go here now.
The interior is easily one of the best in Vancouver. Hawksworth and Pier 7 are the only others I can think of with a comparable interior.
You are already feeling good being in such nice surroundings, and then they blow you away with incredible food quality. Came here for brunch, everything was great, the chocolate... more