1809 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 4M6, Canada
AnnaLena is a Tasting Menu focused restaurant located steps from Kitsilano Beach and a short walk from Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The restaurant was opened by Chef Michael Robbins and Operations Manager Jeff Parr in 2015. Awarded as one of En Route’s Top 10 New Restaurants in its opening year and consistently named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants, AnnaLena continues to grow and evolve. In June 2020 the restaurant decided to focus exclusively on offering a multi-course set Tasting Menu, focusing on seasonal local farms and suppliers, highlighted by thoughtful wine pairings and unique cocktails.
Everything was fabulous and good. A lot of interesting flavors. I thought the blue cheese butter with the torn flavor was very good paired with the soup. I could see why some of the lower reviews mentioned it was too sour or too salty but i think the restaurant is trying to highlight the flavors in their dishes which they captured.
AnnaLena was an unbelievably enjoyable experience from start to finish. Their set menu was paced so well. Every single member of the staff was so friendly and welcoming to us. Everyone involved in the dining experience from the kitchen to the front of house staff is clearly proud of the work they do, and it shows. This was a celebratory meal for us, so we had the highest expectations and this meal knocked us flat on our backs! AnnaLena has earned every bit of their Michelin fame. We will be back again soon.
This place was highly recommended to me by friends, but I think that their quality has gone downhill since they’ve gained a name for themselves. And in an attempt to create unique dishes, they have disregarded how well the ingredients may combine together for each dish because I found that almost every item that was served missed its mark slightly, when I was expecting perfection for a restaurant of this calibre. Some dishes were slightly too salty or sour, the ingredients could’ve been put together better. Nothing was bad, but nothing made me feel like it was amazing either. My favourite thing at this restaurant would have been the torn bread that they served, it was on par with the bread found in France. I wish that I could order just the bread for take out.
In general, I enjoyed the appetizers and desserts, some of which surprised me. But mean courses did not meet my expectation, some were too salty and some were to sour, those heavy flavor make food lost the balance of taste. For the choice of plates, it looks very simple and it goes perfectly with each dish. The lady who ordered our drinks and took our bill was very friendly and provided nice service.
Went for the prefixed menu and was not disappointed. Everything was quite flavourful and the torn bread with one of the courses is amazing! Kind of wish you could get it for takeout. Decent amount of food for the average person so make sure you don't make the mistake of having a late lunch like we did; we were stuffed. The main course was really good. I'm not normally a fan of lamb but I enjoyed it this time. The sable fish was also very sumptuous. Not sure which I liked more.
Wife and I came to Vancouver for a show and immediately booked a reservation for AnnaLena. It came highly recommended to us, and did not disappoint. 6 course tasting menu was closer to 10 dishes and each one was exquisite. Service was outstanding, exactly what one would hope for for am experience like this. Knowledge, attentive without being overbearing and just delightful all around. Tasting menu constantly changes, we had no idea what we would be served until we arrived. Each dish told a story and was not only fun to look at, but delicious as well. If you haven't treated yourself to the Annalena experience, do so. We will definitely be back next time we visit Van.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Vancouver to celebrate any special occasion. This restaurant does a tasting menu (only?), which changes constantly. There are a few delicious staples which remain on the menu, but the majority of dishes are new, fresh, and seasonal every time you visit. I've never had a dish that I didn't love at Annalena, and some stand out as some of the best food I've tried anywhere - the mushroom noodle dish that made an appearance in their late summer 2024 landing squarely in that category. The wine pairings are always wonderful and they do a great job of showcasing local wines as well as international ones. They are very knowledgeable about everything they serve. The atmosphere is very pleasant and the service couldn't possibly be improved upon. I look forward to many visits to come.
Had an amazing experience! Food, service, atmosphere all 5 stars. Our server she was so amazing. I can tell she loves her job and she is very good at it. How she explains food I almost can taste it. The tasting menu.. wow!! Out of all $$$ places that I have been truly was the best! I was so full at the end I couldn’t eat desserts. Be there with good friends was also plus. I will visit again!! Thank you for amazing experience 💛
I went for the 6 courses tasting menu, at first I didnt knew what to expect, but from the very beggining, the amability and attention from Scott (the guy who recieved us) was great, the lights the decoration, everything was getting in tone, and after an introduction to what was about to come, the first snack was on and I found it amazing, the second snack came, and I suddenly realize that I was satisfied, not full or without hunger, I was satisfied with the experience, the little snacks were enough, that I could call it a day, and go away, my senses were reaching for boundries I didnt experienced before, then two more snacks that made me feel like I was eating an edible piece of a painting from Dalí or Picasso, something I could enjoy in more than one way, it was amazing, In AnnaLena I discovered new levels of gastronomic pleasure. I thank all the staff and everyone that made it possible. Thank you.
Best restaurant in vancouver! Tara is just awesome! The Scottish guy was hilarious and great! And what can u say about the dead sexy bartender who looks like Freddy mercury! But most importantly the food is always unreal! Love this place!
Great food, no complaints. Very cool dessert idea using the sole of a sneaker
The food was unfortunately a letdown. After trying it for myself, I can understand the negative reviews. The flavors were either too salty or too sour, and I couldn t finish the one meat dish we were served. The lamb was particularly underwhelming and felt like a mediocre cut of meat. Overall, it didn t meet expectations. Does this capture your sentiment? Let me know if you d like to adjust it further!
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday at AnnaLena, and I was genuinely impressed by both the service and the creative quality of the dishes. The restaurants small size creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, which I found quite appealing. Though we were seated at the bar, which I was initially uncertain about, it turned out to be a wonderful experience. The host, servers, and bartender demonstrated great attentiveness and friendliness, making us feel welcome throughout our meal. One particularly interesting aspect was the kitchen, which I was able to observe in action. It was impressive to see the chefs working quietly together, seamlessly, and in their flow-state. As for the food, it was absolutely delicious and stands out as one of my favorite meals of the year. The creativity and elegance of each dish truly exceeded my expectations. Overall, my experience was so positive that I decided to book another reservation a couple of weeks later for my husbands birthday, and I m happy to report that it was just as enjoyable! I would highly recommend AnnaLena, and I m glad to rate it a 10/10 as a self-proclaimed foodie. Its a remarkable restaurant worth visiting!
The appetizers and desserts are really good, but the main courses are hard to tell We found a hair in the food and sent an email to the restaurant. The response was air and silence. The waiters first reaction was to take away that dish instead of apologizing Food
5 stars overall, but some dishes didnt hot the spot. Ie, the beef brisket shiso tempura was more like a beef jerky rather than a brisket. The sablefish was a little dry and salty, not moist/buttery. The pre-dessert, root beer float inspired, had pop rocks on the of the creme and it popped and hit my face... Would come again to try a different menu
Loved our experience at AnnaLena!
Excellent delicious warm restaurant. Fantastic food that is as beautiful and impressive to look at as it is flipping delicious. Like really delicious. Staff is also really great. Perfect w/o being fussy
This was my second visit to AnnaLena, and after being impressed by the food last time, I decided to bring my girlfriend along. The tasting menu was fantastic, and we were both wowed by the appetizers. However, the salad and main dishes leaned a bit on the heavy side. The choice of radicchio was interesting, but its bitterness overshadowed the flavors of the rest of the dish. The carrot agnolotti was overly sweet, and although we added truffles, we couldnt taste them at all. Overall, the presentation of the food was excellent, and the service was great. I hope the next tasting menu will be even better!
Very delicious and interesting bites. Great staff. The bison tartare was just a nibble but was deliciously done. The carrot pasta was amazing. The lamb was pretty perfect. Food : 5/5
Canada hasn t had Michelin starred restaurants for long, and I think I know why. I ve tried all the new Michelin spots in Vancouver, and I m still wondering if most of them truly meet Michelin star standards. However!!! Anna Lena Yes! It is one of my favorite spots. All time fav! definitely Micheline worthy! Drinks are fantastic too!
It s my first Michelin restauran. And it s was excellent
Really bad / unbelievable service Not recommend at all Service
Everything is amazing but the desserts are mid
Excellent ambiance, outstanding food, and high-quality service. This might be one of the best restaurants in British Columbia.
A cinematic experience. These guys went above and beyond. Colorful, thoughtful, deliberate, and delicious menu. Scott and James were warm, thoughtful hosts. I felt like I was in downtown NYC, having a meal that people travel the world to have - except I was in this phenomenonal spot in Kits.
What happened to this place? I ve been here 3 times before it became a 1 star michelin restaurant. The food is not good anymore, out of all of items of the tasting menu we might have only like 1 or 2. Dessert was so sad I had one tiny taste and just gave up. Horribly overpriced for what it s offering, $400 after 20% default tip, what an absolute rip-off. Will not visit or recommend it anymore.
Annalena earned its Michelin star over a year ago, and it s clear why! I ve visited a couple of times, and while the price has increased slightly, the quality and creativity have only improved. They used to change the menu monthly with a new theme, but now feature a set Chef s Tasting Menu with fresh, innovative dishes updated every 2-3 weeks. My standout favorite was the oyster served in a foam cooler, topped with shaved foie gras an absolute melt-in-your-mouth delight with a creamy, lingering finish. I love the ambiance here; it was a tough decision between Annalena and Publish on Main, but this place won me over yet again. If you re looking for an exceptional dining experience, this Michelin-starred gem is a must-visit!
I had the most unforgettable dining experience at Annalena, all thanks to my fiancé who surprised me with a reservation. From start to finish, everything was perfect. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was impeccable. The tasting menu was absolutely extraordinary each dish was beautifully crafted, delicious, and presented like a work of art. Every bite felt like a new discovery, and I could truly taste the care and creativity in every course. It was, without a doubt, the best meal I ve had in Vancouver. This was a special night that exceeded all expectations, and I can t recommend Annalena enough. If you re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place to be!
Terrible food
Very good across the board
One of the best restaurants in Vancouver and certainly my favorite!
Plan on a 2.5 to 3 hour epicurean delight!
Absolutely amazing meal at AnnaLena. Service was on point the entire night with a great recommendation on a cocktail, and fun little tid bits about some of the dishes and the history of the restaurant. Atmosphere is great with fun little figurines everywhere and a dark, but not too dark ambience. Music was at an appropriate level as well. The food was very good. Usually with these high number course meals there are a few dishes that dont always hit it, but I found this pacing, order, presentation, and flavor were top notch. Stand out dishes for me were the halibut with pulled bread, and crab takoyaki. I hope to experience their future chapters.
AnnaLena offers a truly memorable dining experience. The dishes are inventive and beautifully plated, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The ambiance is modern and stylish, yet still feels cozy and welcoming. Service is friendly and professional, adding to the overall experience. It s definitely a top spot for those looking to enjoy creative, high-quality cuisine in Vancouver. Highly recommend for a special night out!
Great atmosphere and service! Some very strong flavors, loved most of the courses.
Not a good restaurant. I wanted to book a table for one and the website would not let me. It would only let me book at the bar. The bar is for drinking not eating. This place is not very welcoming. Stupid website force me to create account. Other booking website do not force people to make account.
10/10 tasting menu.
Came here for a birthday celebration . Nice atmosphere, courteous and friendly staff. Food was excellent. Highly recommended.
Thoroughly enjoyed our set meal with wine parings at AnnaLena s last night So many incredibly unique and sumptuous tastes and textures bookended by impeccable friendly service and attention to every detail!! On top of it all was an evening with Vancouver s Chef sFavourite host, James Grass and his talented wife, partner and Gloss Boudoir owner Kelly Trerise AnnaLena s Michelin Star is well earned
I recently had a very disappointing experience at Annalena. We booked a table in advance and called ahead to inform them that we would be bringing our friends 5-year-old child, who had flown all the way from Calgary to join us for this special occasion. To our shock, we were told that if we didn t pay for a full tasting menu at $150 for the child, he wouldn t be allowed to join us. What s even more frustrating is that the tasting menu is labeled as an adult tasting menu, and there is nowhere on the website that mentions any restrictions regarding children or age. This lack of clarity is unacceptable and led to a very awkward situation. This policy is not only unreasonable, but it s also incredibly frustrating for families. It s hard to believe that a restaurant would prioritize profit over the comfort and enjoyment of its guests, especially when it comes to children. The fact that we couldn t even share a meal with the child is absolutely absurd.
The tasting menu was a delight, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was pleasant! And do not miss out on the bread! Thank you, Anna Lena team!
When we walked in and stood at the counter, the staff saw us but just ignored us, which felt pretty awkward. The free chocolate at the end was pretty awful. But honestly, the food was delicious. It was a bit salty, but still really good overall.
I had an absolutely perfect meal at AnnaLena. Everything was so delicious and I ate every last bite! If I had to choose a favorite it would be the the halibut with green curry and torn bread. The staff was knowledgable, fun and friendly. I cant wait to return!
Was so excited for this place. Visited on our anniversary. Starters went well. Tasty oyster, tuna was very good. Mushroom infused tea a delight. Mushroom with noodles and foam tasty. Beef and duck cooked very well. Desserts not great at all. Chocolate ice cream with berries clashing. Strange apple pie on a shoe poor with dry sponge, boring jelly. Wanted an extra drink at the end but was given the bill without asking informing us that was the end of the meal. $620 for 2 people. Noting inspiring im afraid. Left disappointed with the amount, quality, ambience. Will not be back. Kind of having enough of these Michelin star restaurants now. Definitely do not live up to the hype so far.
Excellent food and service. Best restaurant in Vancouver I have been to. Talk to sommeliere Reverie Beall for wine recommendations from BC and you will be surprised.
The food is absolutely delicious! The service and the atmosphere is top notch. Everything we tried was bursting with flavour, cooked to perfection and presented so beautifully! Hands down, 1 of the best food experiences we have had recently. Looking forward to our return!
Took a friend here a while ago and they were super accommodating for a last minute gluten free change to my tasting menu, and the gluten free substitutions tasted amazing! :)
It was not good taste
Amazing restaurant! Blown away by the quality and creativity of the menu.
Beautifully executed tasting menu. My favourites were the poached halibut with that yummy sauce served with fragrant kaffir lime butter & charred soft bread. Alkaline noodles with creamy prawns, decadent without being heavy. We enjoyed mouthfuls of fun with the licorice float garnished with popping candy
It was such a treat dining at AnnaLena. Everything from the food, to the drinks, to the service was excellent. And its no joke; their bread is to die for! Make sure to leave room for dessert!
In addition to reviewing this amazing eating establishment, it is my hope that this write-up will enlighten some of our curious Toronto foodies, the stark contrast in pricing between Vancouver s Michelin star establishments and our own. Being one of the hottest tables in town, I was fortunate to secure a table for our anniversary dinner, one month in advance. Using an abundance of local products and ingredients for their creation, the chefs managed to deliver an array of intriguing, visually appealing and delicious dishes. The flavor profile was well seasoned and balanced. Some dishes featured unfamiliar look and taste with absolutely satisfying results. The piping hot, crispy exterior and light as air, fluffy interior bread being such an example!....an out-of-this-world creation! The $40 supplement for about 3-4 oz of perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth, A5 Wagyu Rib-eye from Miyazaki prefecture was a steal!! The aged Fraser Valley cooked pink duck breast was equally impressive! The alkaline black ink noodle paired with local striped prawns cream sauce was another hit. Another favorite was the dainty and gorgeous bowl of Dungeness crab, topped with crunchy sourdough dust and local Sockeye Salmon Ikura! Taste bomb perfection with matching anticing textural interaction. The impeccable, super-friendly and attentive service was one of the best we have encountered and complimented the delicious cuisine perfectly. Now for the MOST AMAZING part!! At ONLY $149, our multi-course, surprisingly filling tasting menu, featuring some high-end local, fresh ingredients was hands-down an incredible bargain! This, considering currently, equal caliber Michelin star establishments here in Toronto, like Alo, Edulis, Enigma, Don Alfonso ..etc are all charging north of $200 for similar courses and offerings!
Nice place, furnished a little industrial and a little contemporary. I didnt like the lights being too dim, after 2 hours of dinner and a hard day behind you, you get a little sleepy. We obviously took a tasting menu for 2 which was as follows. An appetizer consisting of 4 mini courses. Oyster with jalapeño mousse and foie gras, very nice. Pork belly, good and not too fatty. Crab mousse, tasty and crunchy. Tuna wrapped in shiso leaf, good quality but nothing special. The first course was 6 cherry tomatoes, boiled, raw and I dont remember how else, with herbs and 1 Castelvetrano olive. I didnt understand this dish, the flavor wasnt anything special, in fact, in my opinion it was rather flat, not like a starred restaurant. The third course was Halibut with vegetable puree accompanied by bread that was as good as it was buttery. The dish was very good, the fish flaked perfectly and was therefore cooked to perfection. Fourth course, noodles (I didnt understand what), with prawns and carbonara foam. Quite appetizing and tasty dish. Maybe a little too salty and, mixing everything together, a little mushy. I would have liked it a little more liquid. The main dish is meat, we took both choices, i.e. both duck and wagyu. Both were excellent, very soft and melted in your mouth but the portions were extremely small (much less than the rest of the dinner) and I didnt quite understand the combination with the corn. Finally the dessert, consisting of 3 mini courses. A first very light liquorice based jelly with a sparkling grain on top which was very tasty. Followed by a miso jelly with berries and almonds, the savory ice cream was unusual but interesting. And finally an apple pie served in 3 different elements, very good and interesting. With dinner I also had a wine accompaniment which was composed as follows. A first sparkling wine from B.C., ugly and nothing special, it looked like a discount sparkling wine. The second was an Ontario Riesling, unfiltered. Nice aromas and good flavor but it prevailed a little on the dish as it was paired with cherry tomatoes with a very simple and flat flavour. Third wine, a Spanish wine. Acidic enough to cleanse your mouth after a nice piece of bread and butter. Fourth wine, German Pinot Noir. Good wine but I found it very full-bodied compared to the dish. Fifth pairing, since we took 2 different main courses and we took only one wine pairing, they kindly brought us half a glass of both wines on the menu, an Italian red and an Australian one, both good and perfect with the dishes. Last pairing, a Japanese sweet wine with a very intense aroma of almonds but a plum-based wine. Very interesting and spot on with the desserts. Nothing to say about the service, professional without being invasive or heavy. They explained all the dishes and wines served. Finally, the bill was very high, $450! For choosing the wagyu there was a surcharge of $40 which for 2 very small pieces seemed very excessive to me. I really didnt like this, it wasnt indicated on the menu, nor on the website, but they told us this information orally. Im already paying you $150 for a tasting menu, how much more does 30 grams of wagyu cost you? Including taxes then, there was another nice extra not included in the initial menu price. A tip must obviously be added to everything. In short, for a starred restaurant, I found it subdued, there were few really good dishes. I didnt always find the wine pairing right and then I dont understand why there were only 2 Canadian wines and 3 foreign ones. Cant find top-quality Canadian wines? Perhaps the standards with which they grant stars in Canada are lower than in Europe so I had higher expectations but this restaurant really disappointed me, I wouldnt go back.
The best restaurant in Vancouver. Highly recommend AnnaLena. Reservations open up one month ahead. The restaurant is tasting menus only, which I didnt like at first but now love because you try things you might not order regularly. I do wish they did a la carte afterwards. This menu was $150. We had the tasting menu at labbatoir for $150 and it not not remotely compare to here. Easy to find street parking. The restaurant is warm, and low light but not dark that you can t see. I love their pop culture decor/collections, it makes it feel much more personalized rather than just bland, copy-and-paste environments. Its cool to see trinkets. Every staff member who interacted with our table was great and two acknowledged my boyfriend s birthday which was appreciated. I love the menu design of their cocktails! Very vogue. Its also nice to see what your drink will look like as well. The bar is dark and beautiful. All the food was so delectable. Truly chefs kiss. The presentation of everything was beautiful too. It was 6 courses. Some may say it was 12/13 courses. The layout of the tasting menu was a bit confusing to me. When I saw the oyster with foie gras on the menu I was worried as I hate foie gras, but it was my to-die-for, and absolute favourite dish of the night, it genuinely melts in your mouth. I loved the presentation of it as well. A decorated styrofoam box was brought to the table, the lid was taken off and then liquid nitrogen came out. I wish I had taken a video. The crab, with sourdough, and ikura was my second favourite dish of the night. I loved the flavours, texture and presentation. My boyfriend said he found it too small. The tuna, with shiso, was good. The shiso is a bit strong and presentation-wise I can t see the tuna, just the leaf. The pork secreto, with romesco, was done extremely well and was my boyfriend s favourite dish. The heirloom tomato dish was great. Me and my partner both used our forks first to eat all the tomatoes and then used our spoons for the liquid. We both said we wished we had not used the forks to eat the tomatoes with the sauce together. My boyfriend found the liquid on the saltier side. The halibut with curry and torn bread was great. I found the curry a tad bit salty but my boyfriend thought it was fine. The kafir butter was good, light and not too salty. The shrimp, with noodles, and carbonara were good. The shrimp was a unique flavour, different, on the sweeter side - I m not sure if I loved it. The noodles were cooked well and the sauce was delicious. For the meat dish/last main, it was a choice of duck or A5 wagyu ribeye (extra $) (both with corn, chanterelle, and basil). We both upgraded to the Wagyu for $40. It was worth the upgrade. My boyfriend loved the chanterelle. I wish one of us ordered the duck breast to try because I believe it would ve been amazing as well. There was a duck spring roll - I felt it was lacking something but my partner loved it. The licorice root and long pepper float were very yummy. For the miso ice cream with summer berries and almonds - I loved the ice cream especially, I thought it had a bit too many almonds. The deconstructed apple pie was very cool. All three parts of it were amazing. Served on a sole plate - which I think might ruin somes appetite. 2 items not on the menu were a lemon vodka jello palette cleanser, and a mushroom tea, we especially liked the mushroom tea. We each ordered a drink. I ordered Evolv and my partner ordered something along the lines of game . We both liked our drinks, we decided mine was better out of the two. I recommend trying both drinks. I don t remember the price of the drinks but I believe they were averagely priced. Overall with the food, presentation, service, and environment, it was so reasonably priced, and worth it. We loved our experience at AnnaLena and will be back here for every special occasion we have
Phenomenal meal in Vancouver, highly recommend
Fine dining = portion is limited. If you like the taste, you better have a great memory because you aren t going to get a second bite. lol It s great experience. We love the place, the decor and the drinks and the staffs!
Absolutely stunning. 10/10 highly recommend. We did the tasting menu along with the basic wine pairing and I could not have been more impressed.
best fine dining restaurant in Vancouver!
we went here for our anniversary and were very happy with the food and the experience! the servers were so kind and lovely, super friendly. i loved the decor and the atmosphere (especially all the lego figures), and the experience was amazing! the staff knew we were celebrating and actually came out to take a polaroid picture of us to take home of the night, it was very memorable! the food is amazing, and the bread was to die for, i see why it always has a place on the tasting menu! would love to visit again with another tasting menu
This was my husband birthday gift. It took me 364 days to cash in because I was afraid of eating raw meats or strange items. I contacted the restaurant and asked if they could cook the meat instead of raw. They were so sweet and accommodating!! I wish I had not waiting. What a wonderful experience . The food was amazing with flavor and textures. The staff was so nice and answered any questions we had. They served tiny plates of delicious food! We had a tasting menu. I am so glad we did. I would definitely recommend Annalena!
saison (9) / tasting menu (148)
The food was amazing.
Celebrated my anniversary dinner here and had a wonderful experience. Each dish that came out was exciting and never failed to impress. The bread service in particular was and our main dishes (duck and wagyu) were cooked to perfection. We were surprised by a total of 3 dessert courses at the end of our meal but hell, who s gonna say no to that haha.
Well, it was the first time Id ever been, and I was most certainly not disappointed... They even let me be a heathen and drink beer out of the bottle .... Absolutely loved it, and will return. Wish I could post some pics though....
Absolutely delightful experience sitting at the bar. The tasting menu was fantastic but the highlight of the evening was the quality of service and outstanding mixology skills from Marian at the bar. She started our meal with an expertly crafted drink from the menu and closed our tasting menu experience with custom drinks based on our taste preferences. Whatever shes making, she deserves a raise! Definitely worth the flight up from Portland!
Tried the tasting menu at the bar. The bar seat was above average comfortable and I was absolutely happy with the food and service. Will definitely come back.
Top notch food, excellent Service. Overall all an enjoyable experience. Food
The last time I ate here was 3 years ago, and things have absolutely changed for the better. The menu was well-developed, interesting, and absolutely delicious. The apps, fish, duck, mushroom pasta, were perfect no notes. The service was wonderful as always, and the drinks were amazing! I am so glad to have returned, and I am excited to see the future of this resto.
Favourite restaurant in Vancouver
4th time back....best dinner yet. Honestly for $74, a 7 course meal is a steal. Their food is sooo well seasoned. Every dish stands out while you eat it. Ill never stop going...! Update 2024: Been a minute since my last visit. Like everywhere else costs have gone up. That said, if anything they were undercharging for a long time and now you get what you pay for. Absolutely delicious food and a wonderful dinner service. Ive said it many times, this is my favorite tasting restaurant in the city.
An absolutely amazing culinary experience with superb friendly service. Chose the wine pairing with the tasting menu and wines did not disappoint.
Great food, especially the torn bread - like a toasted buttery outside whisp cloud of Pullman; attentive but laid back service
Really unique dishes; an incredibly creative take on Canadian food. The best dishes were the dungeoness crab in the waffle cone, the oysters and the whispy bread. I wish the mushroom pasta and the duck breast was a bit more unique and had more bursts of flavor. I also wished that they offered hand wipes or hand towels before the dining experience. However everything was definitely excellent for the price point and presentation was 10/10.
Delicious tasting menu. The price has recently gone up but still the best restaurant in Vancouver
This has to be the most phenomenal dining experience I have ever had. I truly wanted to stand up and give the entire staff/establishment a standing ovation at the end of our evening. The attention to detail on every item, flatware, drinks, service, atmosphere, flavor combinations etc. was absolutely overwhelming. Well done!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience at AnnaLena. I wanted to try a Michelin star restaurant since it was my birthday and Michelin start restaurants are non-existent where I live. The service was amazing. I can never remember anyones name, but the woman who greeted me at the door (she was an anthropology major) was so welcoming and the bar tenders service was amazing too (he was from Victoria). He was helpful with wine pairing selections and I had the best Riesling Ive ever had in my entire life there. I enjoyed trying different foods from the tasting menu and expanding my palate. I loved the thoughtfulness and creativity that went into each tasting. I believe the restaurant name was inspired by the names of the owners/chefs grandmothers which makes it all the more perfect!
Dinner at AnnaLena was an unforgettable culinary experience! The ambiance was elegant and intimate, with impeccable service to match. But the true pièce de résistance was the exquisite cuisine each dish was a masterful blend of flavors, textures, and presentation. Every bite was a work of art that delighted my taste buds and left me wanting more. The chefs attention to detail and passion for culinary excellence shine through in every aspect of the meal. Five stars and a permanent spot on my favorites list!
Came here in 2019. Staff was very condescending to a novice to fine dining (at the time). Food was not memorable.
Took a dear friend named Lena and she loved it! Happy Birthday.
One of the best Vancouver dining experiences I have had. Celebratory dinner with my work team, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Would love to return for other occasions.
My partner took me here for my birthday dinner and this was our first experience at a Michelin restaurant! We were not disappointed. This was an amazing experience and an extremely filling meal. We expected finger foods and smaller portions from a higher end restaurant - but to our surprise, we left with a food coma. The atmosphere, service, and flavours were exceptional from the moment we stepped foot into the door. Everything came quickly, and the staff explained each dish in detail. I would definitely recommend coming to celebrate a special occasion, or to introduce any family or friends to a delicious meal here in Vancouver!
It was a pleasant fine dining experience! Oyster was my favourite dish that was just melting in my mouth Cocktails has a good selection and it was tasty Also, the client service was top notch! I like the calm and comfortable atmosphere and clean, nicely done interior I am willing to try again when the tasting menu changes to different dishes Highly recommended!
This year is better than last year, the taste is more refined, the chef has successfully combined innovation with deliciousness and personality.now, it s better than published on main.
There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington State, where I live, so my wife and I go on a restaurant trip to Vancouver, Canada once or twice a year. We also went to Vancouver in June for 3 days and 2 nights. Even with only 1 Michelin star, reservations are not easy, so this time we went there. We visited three Michelin 1-star restaurants on our itinerary, but the other two are not worth reviewing... In fact, I had high expectations for Annarena from a long time ago, so I had a perfect dinner in every way. Although it is a modern and small restaurant, each and every dish was great. I was impressed by the sincerity. They served raw oysters as an appetizer, and the taste is still lingering in my mouth. Hmm... I was impressed because it was so satisfying both to the eyes and the mouth. I think a restaurant that provides this level of quality should get 2 stars, but 2 stars. If it does, the price will rise by more than $100 and reservations will become more difficult, so I hope you continue to receive 1 star haha. I hope it continues to prosper for a long time while being loved by many people. We plan to continue that impression by making reservations every time we visit Vancouver. Enarena The neighborhood it is located in is also quite cute and pretty, so it would be nice to take a walk around the neighborhood after eating. I have several photos, but I dont know where they are uploaded. Maybe its because I cant log in to Google, but I hope I can update the photos later. This review stopped me from coming across Enarena. If you havent been able to make it, be sure to make a reservation and hope you have a great meal. Dinner costs 148 Canadian dollars per person and is a tasting meal that comes in courses. The meal seems to take about 2 hours. Restaurants in Seattle or Bellevue that do not offer high-quality food but are only expensive. Its on a completely different level than others.
Well deserved Michelin star. The experience from start to finish was superb. Every single item was prepared to perfection, the taste palette journey was smooth, and each dish highlighted its own qualities from taste to texture and presentation. The creativity surpassed my expectations. Considering how busy it was, the timing between each serving was impeccable. Our server Tyler made our dinner so delightful, thank you ty!
I love how Anna Lena changes their menu so frequently but still kept similar dishes with different twist every time. I love how it is a set menu and I don t have to choose from a big menu. Everything is spectacular. There are always ingredients I particularly hate but they made it to taste so delicious that I forgot I actually dislike it. Cocktails are made to perfection too. I am not a big wine person but the wine pairing is definitely worth it too.
One of the best meals Ive ever had. Not only was the food awesome, but our service was incredibly knowledgable, helpful and friendly.
Exceptional dining experience, worth the wait and worth every dollar. It s on the expensive side but the food was really well prepared- everything was amazing and came on time with very minimal wait in between each course. Also, we were very full after the full meal so this is not like a regular tasting menu where you have to order pizza after.
Sat at the bar, bartender was great, explanations of all the food and the wine pairings was perfect.
I leave you a secret to discover Chef magic Adam team . This restaurant really rocks with their one of a kind menu and unique flavours they bring to Vancouver. Would totally go back again! Bravo! Kid-friendliness: Family welcome but différent table Wheelchair accessibility: Easy from the street
We finally had the chance to dine at Anna Lena. We booked ahead of time through their website as I think they discourage walk-ins or gets fully booked. Every dish is so good and prepared with great detail. I cant even say which one was my favourite. Service was superb. They all took turns to serve and they know every detail about the food and wine origins. Its like a farm to table fine dining concept. Presentation at its best. I think the Oyster and foie gras was one of my favourites. The fluffy snow flakes of shaved foie on the oyster was merely a touch of savory richness, along with a touch of acidity from compressed apple and a hint of heat from jalapeno mignonette, together they help showcasing the oyster as the big star, front and centre. Not mentioning the box it was in had a smoke when they opened it and I was awed. Wagyu was nicely prepared. Hokkaido scallop with that hot soup mushroom sauce was nostalgic and very good. The Noix de Saint Jacques Homard Pêches Chanterelles dessert was very delicious. I could still go on and on but theres too many dishes about 12? I forgot. We had the tasting menu for $148/pp and the wine pairings for I forgot how much and some cocktails. Oh, the cocktail drinks are all so good. The mug was like a lego brick which was kinda cool too. Overall, I paid about $500sh which includes the tip and taxes for 2 people. It was super worth it!!! Its a true dining/ culinary exprience. I left with a happy heart, very full, tipsy, in-love, and felt like I travelled to different places overnight. I wont hesitate to come back. Ps my photos wont do justice to the food and experience I had. The place was darker so lighting for photo is not the best.
We had a really costly nice meal here. Great date night spot. The best is when the weather is nice, and the restaurant opens up to the street. Worth the visit.
10/10 all around. The food is so creative and unique. The service is TOP notch. The atmosphere is also laid back and not pretentious for a place with such amazing food. Love coming here!
A high-level restaurant in a relaxed pop culture atmosphere. A special thought to our sommelier who advised us for the rest of our trip in addition to super interesting discoveries in pairing.
A very enjoyable dinner, lots of creativity and details in each dish. The tasting menu is aesthetically pleasing and delicious. Flavors and ingredients went so well together. Service was welcoming and attentive. The last time I dined at AnnaLena was a few years ago, it was pleasant to be back and Id say they improved. Was here for dinner with my hubby, their caviar add on option for the torn bread is worth it. And really liked the fresh mint tea served on a pillow case plate, and petite fours on a Nike Air shoe sole.
Super creative menu with great service.
As someone who doesnt usually give extravagant reviews, I must strongly recommend this restaurant. I tried the tasting menu, and each dish was crafted with care and worth praising. I also want to extend my gratitude to the gril at the reception. She seated me in a dining area NOT close to the kitchen, which allowed me to enjoy my meal at a leisurely pace. Im eagerly anticipating the next menu update so I can embark on another culinary journey at this delightful establishment.
This will be the first restaurant in Vancouver to get a 2nd Michelin star. The service and food were absolutely flawless. This is currently better than many Michelin 2 start restaurants we have been to. You need to eat here. It is an adventure.
not well service
I ve been to Annalena before they won Michelin star back when they first open. It s been a while since I ve gone back and decided to book their set menu for dinner with my wife. Everything was absolutely amazing. From the waitress to the food to the atmosphere. My wife was so pleased at the end of the night. This is somewhere I would definitely recommend.
Great food, $$ Attentive staff Interesting atmosphere Food : 5/5 |
What an incredible dining experience! The food was exceptional and the service was great. Highly recommend.
Ive never done a tasting menu before and wasnt sure what to expect as anything is possible. Came with two friends who live in Vancouver as I was visiting. We all have a great time and enjoyed different dishes. The garlic bread dish with the green soup like texture with dill on top was one of my favourite courses. I also like the palate cleanser lemon jello shot. The first starter with the dried ice was great too. Really a great meal from start to finish. I kind of wonder what theyd do if they reimagined carrot cake or cheesecake as a final course. The apple pie dessert at the end was fun. If youre looking for a special night and something different...come here.
You just need to go to understand why this place is amazing. Great staff, food, and vibe. We went for our anniversary and they were able to accommodate the tasting menu to our dietary restrictions.
Best food and best time.
Good anniversary dinner Their side bread is so delicious
Sensational. This is as good as it gets, folks. I see little to no room for improvement, but I hope that they keep inventing and keep pushing. Although it is pricey, I actually think it s reasonable for what you get, and I hope they keep it that way when they earn their second Michelin star (a virtual certainty imo) The only thing that was a bit annoying is it was hard to book a single bar stool on Resy. But I will be back when I m in Vancouver.
How do I give 10 stars?!! Chefs kiss to every single tasting menu item and the service was phenomenal. To top it off, the decor was so unique and every corner of the restaurant filled with character :)
There was a wide variety of food, all of them were great and some were phenomenal. Would definitely come back for the oyster, salad, caviar (extra 35$) and shrimp, wagu (extra 45$), ribeye, and chai icecream with grapefruit and peppercorn waffle.
The timing of food service was awkward for a restaurant of that caliber. My husband went to the bathroom while waiting for the first course and it came while he was in there. Most restaurants we have been to of that price range wait until everyone is at the table before serving. The rapid firing of the first three courses was also awkward. We havent even picked up our first bite before being given the second plate and then the third plate arrived shortly after. The table was chaotic and we quickly forgot what we were eating next and had to ask the server to explain it again. The pacing was better after but the food wasnt memorable. The cocktails were good but nothing special.
Love the food and the texture combination!! Especially the oyster and the duck dishes. However I didn t really enjoy the dessert. Had a sea salted chocolate truffle.. which is way too salty never had that salty chocolate before.. had to drink water after it. And the cream on top of the financier is really greasy, heavy taste, tastes more like a plant based cream? Also I don t like the chai ice cream which is simply because I don t like chai so maybe it s on me.. but just sad coz feels like I came here spending money but forced to get what I don t like Apart from the dessert, the food the experience and the service was great! Had a good time over all.
Great experience!! You can tell how much time and energy went in to this place!! We really enjoyed the appetizers and desserts. The seafood main course was out of this world. The duck dish was not as good as the rest of the menu. Food
had such an amazing night here! The service was top notch, really friendly, attentive, great conversations, and no interruptions while enjoying the food and conversation. The food was incredible, full stop. The mussels and prawns in the dill with the torn bread and caviar cream cheese was insane. Hands down the best dish I ve ever had. The flavours were so potent but not overpowering, they were mouthwatering and crisp, and the prawns were cooked so perfect. I will never forget this dish and would come back here just to eat that. My husbands favorite was the oysters, the shaved foie was such a fun treat. My close second was the oyster mushroom in hollandaise - it had all my favorite flavours, I wanted to keep eating it! The desserts were so fun and light, I really enjoyed them, it was such a good way to finish off the meal! We did the premium wine pairing - my favorite was the Silvaner. The two Moët I believe were the differentiators for the premium vs regular pairing. The 2010 was so fantastic, and the 2008 rosé paired with the wagyu was super interesting. Would I do the premium again? Once was probably enough, but it was an experience. 10/10 overall hands down.
Great experience! Loved the food, the service, the decor (kaws figurines, etc)
All of the food/bev was unreasonably delicious and the service team was equally impressive.
The first time I have visited AnnaLena and I can say it truly deserves the Michelin star that it got last November. The servers are extremely knowledgable about their menu, and their memory is impeccable. Every dish was served in unison and the balance of flavours is perfect with every dish. There was not a single dish we did not like but the torn bread was definitely the highlight of the night. All of us left satisfied and full (rare for a restaurant like this). 5-stars for a 5-star restaurant
Very good all round
AnnaLena is an amazing experience. It is probably the most memorable one Michelin Star for me so far. Everything is so well thought out including food, service, ambiance. The menu seems to be mostly seasonal and local. Oyster, fried chicken, crispy bread, and duck were definitely highlights of the menu for me. Service is attentive, friendly, and personable. Totally recommend the Canadian wine pairing with many interesting wines. Ambiance is modern with cool French/Euro EDM playing in the background. A must for Vancouver.
Food is good but not filling, we went with the tasting menu. Overall a decent experience as a first timer but would not go again as it loses the novelty unless I see some really interesting menu.
Food was good but I didnt feel comfortable when the sweets were served on the bottom of a sneaker, even though it was specially made. For a fine dining Michelin restaurant, creativity is important but in the meantime, be thoughtful of what customers might feel or think.
Absolute must go. We booked bar seats and it was a great decision. Service was excellent and warm. Food amazing. Splurged on caviar and wagyu add ons to preset - indulgent, highly recommend. Savored every single bite of the evening. ...now if I could just figure out how to recreate those lemondrops! So refreshing
Everything was fantastic across the board. Warm reception, spot on service including knowledgable but not over the top pairing explanations, and of course absolutely stunning dishes. We had requested a vegetarian tasting menu and they were happy to oblige with enough notice. Really cute space, modern but cozy feel. Vegetarian options: Email in advance to confirm a vegetarian tasting menu is needed and theyll be happy to help.
This upscale restaurant has been overwhelmingly popular for the past few years and for good reason. It offers unpretentious and very welcoming service, creative plating, and some of the best food around. Its evident a lot of time and thinking go into the dishes. There is no generic sauce or ingredient that is used repeatedly through the tasting menu. Instead, each dish has its own distinct flavor profile and matching fresh ingredients. Their cocktails are also delicious. What really stands out in the experience dining here, even for fine dining restaurants, is their service. Everyone that I interacted with (5+) was just down to earth, friendly, and extremely patient and attentive. Though the restaurant gets busy, staff members take the time to make you feel constantly attended to and well cared for. The restaurant is also nicely decorated. Overall, Annalena should be at the top of your list if youre looking for a memorable fine dining experience in Vancouver. Vegetarian options: No vegetarian option. Parking: Lots of paid street parking within a short 3 minute walking distance.
Had their December tasting menu. I still think about their bread. Food overall was exquisite so it s wild to think the bread was the stand out- but trust me, it s incredible. Told the server and she mentioned it s one of the staple items they keep on their menu. One dish I wasn t too crazy about was the spaghettini. The maple bacon foam overpowered the chanterelles and wakame. Needed more acidity to balance the heaviness of the bacon flavour. The wakame and chanterelles were interesting enough as a pairing on their own. Maybe duck fat or tallow would ve been better. With a pickled fish roe topping. Okay, I ll get off my soapbox now. The fusion of Asian flavours for this menu was thoughtful and fun for the palette. I appreciate how much time and attention goes into creating the food and drinks. Definitely worth the experience if you re looking for dishes that challenge the imagination.
Came here last month for their 6 course dinner tasting menu (with 2 bonus dishes at the start and completion of dinner so 8 dishes in total). It was a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Ambience and service could not be faulted, and the food, though portions were small, were beautifully presented and tasted fresh and delicious. We left feeling very full and satisfied. You definitely get what you pay for, and although it wasnt an inexpensive meal, it was well worth the value and experience. Highly recommended.
Lives up to the Michelin star. Great flavors (and textures) and a wonderful staff to make your experience memorable. Dietary restrictions: Great accommodation of our diet needs that were communicated well in advance.
Absolutely incredible meal from start to finish. Let me start with her service - everyone was great, but sitting at the bar, I was primarily served by Nicole and she was OUSTANDING. From her service to her drinks, shes one of the best bartenders Ive had in a restaurant and deserves all the praise for making the meal and experience one to remember. The food was delicious, every course was solid and the perfect amount of food. The standouts were the snacks at the beginning, especially the oyster and the chicken. For the entrees, the aged striploin and the butternut squash were the highlights, with a beautiful combination of flavors and textures. A couple critiques - the prawn and mussels dish seemed a little lacking in the proteins. Even though the sauce was the highlight, a few extra mussels (which were delicious) would go a long way. For the desserts, the chai ice cream was great, but I felt as though the rest werent anything special, focus seemed to be more on the presentation vs the food for that course. Overall, it was an awesome meal and I commend the tea. Next time Im in town, Ill certainly stop by again!
Michelin-star restaurant that does not disappoint. The food is amazing! The staff is attentive but is not hovering. Highly recommend it if you are in Vancouver or visiting. This place is high-end cuisine.
First time going to a Michilin star restaurant for a lovely staycation with the husband. We had to email about my husbands grapefruit allergy first but they were quick to email back and say they could accommodate and to let them k ow what day and time we were booked in for. You need a reservation and pay for the meal and tip up front which was not a problem. We ordered a few cocktails with our tastings. Everything from the decor to the music to the fantastic presentation and knowledgeable staff was top knotch. Only took a few pics of the food because we were enjoying it so much! Thank you very much for a fantastic experience.
fantastic restaurant, food was delicious. service was amazing.
Was lucky enough to enjoy my first meal here for a special occasion recently. Im a a loss for words to describe the level of excellence exhibited by the AnnaLena team. Every aspect of the experience from service, to drinks to the meal itself was exemplary and deserving of the awards and recognition they have received over the years. I will be thinking about that night for a long time to come. Thank you so much.
Can t fault it. Incredible dining experience. Top three restaurant in Vancouver in my opinion.
Approaches a 2, very laid back style which was refreshing.
Loved our dinner here. It wasn t just great food but a genuinely fun experience and one we ll remember for a long time. Thanks Jeff and team. Part of the adventure of dining here is not knowing what you are getting just enjoy the evening, knowing that you are getting something special.
Food: Snack (first course) was amazing 10/10. Entres 6/10 - Idk what happened here, but the combination of everything seemed off or just out of place/rhythm. Each individual component cooked extremely well, but when combined, it doesnt make sense. E.g. Tortellini on top of duck, with chili flakes and soup. Why put the duck with crispy skin on the bottom, when the soup is going to make it soggy? It tastes great, but for a Michelin star restaurant, small details like that is noticeable Desert 8/10 - everything was fine except for the muffin with sea salt cream? on top. - Side note - I wouldve thought that each dish would have some explanation as to why it was made like this, since its related to the head chefs childhood, it seems like there should be a story, but sometimes it just seems out of context. Service: Sort of strange how after the 10/10 starter course, the servers stopped asking how the meal was. We told them the starters were amazing, but they never asked about Entres or desert. - It took 3 hours to finish the meal, 3 whole hours. The timing between dishes were super off. - 3 hours just really bugged me.
Torn bread. Thats it, thats the review.
A truly special dining experience - well worth it!
Great food. I rated a little less because not everything was a hit for me personally. Ive only been here twice
Third time weve been here and it never lets us down! The staff were accommodating of our numerous dietary restrictions. They were all personable and easy going, and were able to answer all of our questions. The food was nothing short of exceptional, especially the torn bread. Well be back again!
The experience is worth it, every single time. Staff are attentive and knowledgeable. Every dish was beautifully plated. Wonderful textures. Excellent cocktails. I m sure you ve all heard that torn bread soup on a plate dish is to die for! Book ahead.
Seriously, can it get any better? The food was amazing, no question, it is top 3 in Vancouver. The presentation is so well planned out and every little detail is carefully thought out. They only have few tables in the restaurant which really make the whole experience so much better, it is not noisy and you can enjoy your dining. The service was exceptional, servers are ready to help whenever you need. Every aspect of this restaurant are 5 star. I will definitely be coming back here regularly. Parking: Lots of parking in the evening.
Really awesome michelin star restaurant. Food was delicious course after course. Only complaint would be that the steak left something to be desired. Besides that, everything was amazing and good value for price imo. Service was also excellent. Would love to come again and already recommended to friends.
One of the best dining experiences Ive ever had, and Ive been to a good handful of Michelin Star and guide restaurants. Shoutout to Emma for making our night special!
The bread... the BREAD!!! Ive been here a couple times and I was blown away by this recent seasons tasting menu. They know their wines, they know their food, and the service is always interactive and gracious. One of the best restaurants in Vancouver.
Excellent food. Excellent wait staff.
Had a great experience with the tasting menu. We sat in the bar which turned out to be a nice spot because there s a lot of space and we got to chat with the bartender, who was really nice. The food was delicious and actually very filling, and everyone made us feel welcome and appreciated! Would come back on a special occasion again.
Michelin Star! This is our second time eating here. It never seems to disappoint. It s a set menu, their menu changes frequently depending on seasonal ingredients available. Two items that stay fairly frequent is their house made bread! So delicious so flaky dipped into their soup! And their famous oysters with shaved jalapeño foie gras on top. It s just melts in your mouth! Once you ve tasted this, there will be no other oysters that can compare. They only serve one so we ordered another (if they had extras they will serve it)
We absolutely loved the tasting menu, everything was amazing. Their signature bread was an unexpected highlight... soooo good. Fantastic service from lovely staff. Highly recommend!
Came here to check out Chapter Sixty Five of their set tasting menu. Overall, it was a great experience. The food was delicious and the cocktails were great. The A5 wagyu skewers, Hokkaido scallops, garlic torn bread and even the tomato salad with the creamy dill dressing were standouts. Only let down was the glazed cherry and thyme ice cream dessert, but that s only because I m not a big fan of the cherries and the thyme ice cream tasted like a big pile of Cajun chicken. The interior decor was a nice blend of contemporary designs mixed with streetwear culture pieces. Staff were attentive, engaging and friendly. Only other knock is a mixup with the host staff, as there was some confusion. We had checked in, saw that a table for 2 was already set up but we were told that they were still preparing our tables and sent us away, advising us that they would text us when the table was set and to go back later. As we left to walk nearby to kill time, literally within a minute we got a text notifying us that our table was ready - it was the table that we noticed was already set up when we had initially walked in. That little misadventure was pretty unnecessary, but first world problems I suppose. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend checking this place out.
Excellent experience! Food was really good.
Delicious food that is complex
I have been lucky to eat at Anna Lena numerous times including spending New years here one year. Every time it is excellent, the service is always top notch with excellent wine recommendations. The food is always creative and showcases amazing local produce. Definitely one of my favorites in Vancouver
Great experience! All food was perfectly detailed and handled with care. Menu was chapter 65 which was great and refreshing from other places I ve dined. The dessert blew me away though, it was so delicious. Food : 5/5
Exquisite dishes in a beautiful setting
Great room, with amazing service, creative cocktails and outstanding food.
Excellent in every way, from the minute we walked in, the service was extremely attentive, the food was simply amazing, every dish beautifully curated & complimentary, deserving of the Michelin star, absolutely world class. Dietary restrictions: Catered very well for gluten feee
Food was way better before the pandemic. Now you re stuck with a set menu, that s pretty whatever. Went recently with three chefs, nobody will be going back. Staff was super nice though.
elite
A fancy setting that doesn t make you feel uncomfortable with amazing food and drinks. Highly recommend for a special occasion
Second time dining here, first time since michelin star. Of all the michelin awarded restaurants we ve been to, this one I felt truly deserved it. The savoury courses were all exceptional and innovative to warrant a star. The only mediocre dish was the dessert.. plum, hazelnut, thyme ice cream. Service was personal and excellent. We all enjoyed the meal and look forward to future chapters!
Michillen star restaurants have it for a reason - exceptional service. The atmosphere could get more cozy, but the lighting was good, the food was fabulous, the quantity was just the right amount and the location is set in a quiet neighborhood. Overall an impressive experience. Recommended.
(For dining sept 2nd) This was the best meal Ive ever had. Each course was delicious and something I would order a la carte. The service is what really puts this restaurant on another level. The staff are military-like in their timing and precision but not their disposition, as our server had a dry sense of humour that mirrors mine closely. Unfortunately I cant remember her name, but I feel like in another life we could be friends. Its one of the most expensive meals Ive had but worth every penny for this culinary experience. The only aspect of anna lena that is close to a downside would be the acoustics in the building, it was sometimes difficult to hear our server. Also, the cocktails are up there with the best cocktail bars around, very well balanced. Disregard my recommendation at your peril!
I feel incredibly fortunate to come here. Its a Canadian and contemporary eatery located in Vancouver, and it was awarded a Michelin star this year. Getting a reservation here was quite a challenge. When I first checked for availability, it seemed like every seat was booked for the next few months. Undeterred, I continued to check their booking options for a couple of days, and finally, luck was on my side I snagged two available seats! Every dish was a masterpiece, both in presentation and taste. One standout was the black truffle corn alkaline noodles with parmesan beef broth. The flavors were exquisite, and the homemade garlic torn bread was the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the sauce of the BBQ duck velouté. I hope I come back again !
There is no other restaurant in the lower mainland that does such a consistently unreal service. The people, food, cocktails and wine offerings are always spot on. The staff are passionate and so knowledgeable. We try to come every few months, sometimes make it in more often. They switch the menu every six weeks but I don t even care if I eat the same menu twice, that s how delicious every course is.
One of my favorite places to go. Really enjoy seat in the bar table and enjoy their new chapters!
The Amuse Bouche and desert were the best of the meal along with the wine pairing. Mussels with torn bread wonderful. Unfortunately, the flavor of the salmon was a little smothered by the sauce. The service was again excellent.
Very good food ans service
We had a fantastic meal at AnnaLena. The service was impeccable. The cocktails, wine and five courses were absolutely delicious.
Fantastic, everyone and everything was amazing. Must dine here,you wont be disappointed!
This place need no introduction. It also needs no rating here. This is the dining experience you will be talking about 5 years from now. Pro tip; pay for the wine pairing.
Dined at the bar last night by myself. Well worth the Michelin star. The tasting menu was amazing. I think the king salmon course was my favourite. I had the add on bluefin and the add on wyagu. I would recommend both. The platewear and ceramics were also beautiful. Service was excellent Tyler went above and beyond.. He also made me 3 mocktails which were his creations and not on the menu. All were fantastic, especially the one which had basil and cucumber. When I asked about the ceramics I was given a page which lists the ceramics makers and some details about them. Even the paper it was printed on was beautiful. I will come back and dine with my partner next time we come to Vancouver. Also, check out the wall display on the way to the restrooms. The small lego figures made me smile. A little whimsy at one of the best restaurants in the country. May The Force be with you.
Great food and impeccable service. The wow factor was the oysters and the mussels soup was amazing. The only dish that felt underwhelming was the salmon dish (We thought the sauce didnt showcase how good the salmon was). I would definitely recommend the place. Food
Great food and impeccable service. We had a really lovely dinner.
120% worth it. There is a reason why it s so hard to land a booking here and it shows. From the Michelin worthy service and decor so the presentation of the food. This place was hitting bangers from start to finish. Totally worth coming here for their ever changing menu. Nothing on the menu disappointed. From the tartare to the oysters to the bread and the salmon and the hen.
The entire experience was flawless from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at the bar, which allowed me to have a view of the kitchen in action.
Damnnnnnn 10/10 So satisfying from the interior design to the music, service, and of course the food. Would love to come back! Hip & unpretentious BUT still manages to retain all the fine details
Beyond 5 stars for Annalena. Food was incredible, the bluefin tuna add on was definitely a highlight. Wine pairings were also extremely thought out and unique to the experience. Shoutout to Rev (mind my spelling if it s incorrect) for her amazing service - she was passionate and funny and made the experience comfortable and fun. Can t wait to see what they come up in the next tasting menu!
Must try restaurant in Vancouver. Great pairing. Great service and explanation.
Definitely worth trying to snag a reservation. Even the food that I dont like for personal tastes was delicious. The service crew were all great. Will definitely return.
I cant comment on the food or the dining experience as the booking system prevented me from even stepping foot in the restaurant. The booking system is a nightmare. I seriously doubt any culinary experience could justify the hassle it presents. Right off the bat, youre greeted with a red, ominous confirmation button warning that bookings are non-refundable. Next, youre prompted to sign up, and if the form decides your password is incorrect, it wipes all entered fields this happened to me 4 times for no clear reason. Ive given up. Its just a restaurant reservation, not a real estate or luxury car purchase. Its simply not worth the time. While I understand that overbooking is an issue, surely there must be a more customer-friendly way to manage reservations without subjecting potential guests to such a time-wasting ordeal.
This place gose hard. On god this hospitality is next level, they fold the toilet paper corners every 10 minutes.
Excellent experience overall. Small and interesting wine list and amazing cocktails. Sat at the bar and the bar team was very engaging and make the experience great. The food was excellent, excellent technique, presentation and flavours all around. Excited to come back soon!
Shocked they only got one star. Omg this is soooooooooo goooooood
A fabulous experience, from food to service. We added the tuna belly and wagyu courses to our tasting menu. Absolutely delicious. I also had the wine pairing. Fantastic pairings. The service was impeccable. Relaxed and personable. I love the layout of the restaurant. All in all amazing time at Annalena.
Absolutely delicious. The service was dead on. Our server McKenna gave perfect recommendations for wine to pair with the meal and was super nice and knowledgeable. The tasting menu (chapter 67) was delightful, the highlight for me was the mussel dish with torn bread. Great night!
A stellar restaurant highlighted by spectacular and creative food with local ingredients. Frequent menu changes means new experiences with each visit
Perhaps the best dining experience I ve ever had. I tried another Michelin star restaurant in the area and it wasn t at the same level as AnnaLena. Everything was amazing and they accommodated my preference to avoid shellfish.
Definitely did not disappoint. Service was top notch and food was great. I enjoyed their al a cart better when they offered it before they got the Michelin star, but still awesome. Hopefully they bring back the al a cart menu sometime :)
Exceptional in every way
TLDR : one word : amateurish. I cant recommend this place. We went there last week and Im still trying to get my head around the takeaway. We had 3 tasting menus and drinks, for 550$ in total, and it certainly does not feel like it was worth it. The vibe was pretty Instagrammy and fashionable - people taking pictures.... of the white walls ??? The music was modern RnB - which Im a fan of - but kind of a weird pairing with chef dishes. Now the dishes : fine, but nothing that stood out, or to remember a week later... Very small plates but the flavours were not strong enough nor unique enough to make them worth an experience... Even less so on a tasting menu. And then I think of the bill and know for sure it wasnt worth it. The service was odd - playing it too cool, too chill, too hip.... but also forgetting to offer us wine during the 2hour long dinner. They also kept telling us not to eat the plate ornements...Ive eaten at 20+ Michelin restaurants in my life, 1-3 stars, and thats a first.
This restaurant introduced the multi course tasting menu and has consistently been rating as one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada..our decision to try this very interesting approach was made as other friends just raved about their experience and our choice was awarded with a top flight dining exposure to the chef s focus on local farm seasonal items and creative evolvement of the ingredients ..the staff are welcoming and very well informed in all aspects of the dining experience and it was a pleasure to listen and interact with everyone as each course was presented.. a totally delightful evening and the food was superb..and so here we are once again with our waiter Scott providing very helpful information on the tasting menu and the accompanying wine tasting that we chose..this restaurant is so special, the staff are friendly and attentive and the service was exceptional..thank you again Scott for your attention to detail and for the very helpful information on the wines we tasted..we will be back soon, probably for my birthday in December..and here is my Birthday and the evening was Devine ! so once again we celebrate our birthday at this fabulous restaurant and totally enjoy ourselves with the imaginative cuisine and the entertainment so here we are again celebrating a special anniversary with our very favourite restaurant in Vancouver and this dinner was amazing..the service was fantastic and very authentic..conversations with the staff made our time in this restaurant feel like a home meal with special friends..our night here led to a wonderful evening before, during and after our dinner meal..AnnaLena is a treasure to experience with the imaginative cuisine and culinary specialties
Hands down my favourite dining experience in Vancouver. Thoughtful , friendly, delicious Absolutely recommend for a special night out Food : 5/5
Worth the money! every time I go to Anna Lena, I am very satisfied with overall experience Food
Menu 67, the beef is the biggest letdown. Otherwise pretty good, good service and atmosphere.
We had a nice evening at AnnaLena. They do things their own way, have a creative menu and try to work with independent wine producers. It has a Michelin star however we had more exclusive experiences at other Michelin Star restaurants hence the 3/5*. Don t get me wrong, it is a nice place but in a Michelin Star restaurant the devil is in the details: Pro s: - Creative wine pairing with dishes, in most cases the pairing really worked well. Also the background and reason for choosing the wine is well explained; - Handwritten note s and explanation of the menu by the chef give a nice touch - Beautiful location and atmosphere in the restaurant; - Very friendly and helpful staff, they really make you feel at home and go the extra mile for you - The dishes are original and in general really well made and presented Con s - When arriving on time we had to stand in the windy hallway for approx 10 minutes until we could take a seat; - It took around 15 minutes for our first drink to arrive after ordering; - The music was just a little bit to bass-heavy/loud to our taste. Sometimes it was a bit difficult to hear the explanation of the staff. But perhaps i am just a bit deaf; - The desert was just a little bit out of balance with a hint too much on the spice which made it too intense to our liking; - Communication regarding reservation trough e-mail could be better.
Food is good, and the service is top notch. We had a great time , for sure will come back again to explore more.
Excellent experience, would dine there again.
Second time here amazing as before ^^!!! Food