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The Refinery Reviews List
The Refinery
Redefining Granville Street, the Refinery is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment.
A food primary restaurant, this cocktail and wine bar with a 75-seat capacity will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style eatery. Chef Kirk Morrison takes pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things Market fresh. Remaining a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service, great value and the creation of a unique high quality dishes paired with amazing wines and beers from BC and around the world.
A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of 'belonging' for locals and tourists alike. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.
~The Refined Ones
See more The Refinery details
48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(24)
- good for groups(18)
- late-night find(13)
- special occasion(13)
- neighborhood gem(10)
- notable wine list(10)
The Refinery Reviews List
Review 1 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was expecting it to be more
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was expecting it to be more full, but it was quit empty!"
Dined on 05/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was wonderful! The only small critique I have was that the music was too loud and too disco-like. We were there for dinner and it was hard to have a conversation over the loud music."
Dined on 22/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 3 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Don't miss this gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love tapas restaurants in general, but The Refinery outdid our expectations by a mile! The food was fresh and delicious and the drinks creative and tasty. Service was constant, without being overbearing. Pricey, but well worth the cost. We liked it so much, we returned the next night to try other items on the menu!"
Dined on 20/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The cocktail selection was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The cocktail selection was great. It was a little too loud for our mood but I would go again on a different night of the week."
Dined on 16/03/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 5 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Birthday let down.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beer was great. Wish I could say the same for the food. Risotto balls were stil just barely warm after we asked for them to be heated, flatbread was overdone and difficult to chew. Plated the bruschetta with balsamic after we asked for it to be on the side, instead of making it new just replated with balsamic on the bottom of the bruschetta, never came on the side. Do it right or don't do it, looks lazy on the kitchens part.
Tiramisu doughnut for desert was dry dry dry -AND topped with super dry cocoa bitter cocoa powder. Flourless chocolate cake was nice. So many mistakes they should have comped the meal. Brought a group of girls to celebrate a birthday, was super embarrassed for suggesting it. Won't be back, ever."
Dined on 08/03/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 6 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Romantic, fun and delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"A+ Service! Incredible food, particularly enjoyed the mixed meat/cheese plate and the flatbread. The wine recommendations were relevant and the atmosphere was quiet and amiable with a nice energy to it. It was a perfect Valentines day"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 7 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
First Impression - needs some work
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was awesome no question here - but the wait time to get our tapas was too LONG! If we knew it was going to take some time, then we would have been okay. We finally asked about our food (30 mins after our first tapa was served) - and the manager brought out some brushetta. As for drinks, each of us had only one drink because we were never asked if we wanted another. I actually felt like we were being pushed out the door for our little table of 4. I hope my experience can be blamed on the large birthday party - so I will be trying this place again in the near future."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 8 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
vday menu was amazing, great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"vday menu was amazing, great food and a very reasonably priced! great cocktails as well!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 9 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We visited during Dine Out
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We visited during Dine Out and appreciated the servers waiting an extra 15-20 mins for the other half of our party to arrive after seating us.
The food was somewhat disappointing, however, as the portions were small, particularly the vegetarian mushroom option.
Would not rush back, but wouldn't completely rule it out for a non-Dine Out experience."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2007
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Review 10 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was amazing. Great food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was amazing. Great food. Graham had outstanding knowledge of food and wine. Love the atmosphere, furnishings, nice music."
Dined on 06/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We recently visited The Refinery on our anniversary trip and was pleasantly surprised when we entered. It was the middle of the week so we were alone and were greeted instantly with the up most friendly manner. We were brought delicious champagne to start The server was extremely friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Then we got our food It was absolutely delicious the bisque, the cheese platter and our main dishes The food was delivered quick after we ordered. Probably some of the best food I've eaten in a long time. We will be headed to this place again when we visit Vancouver again , we can't thank the staff enough. Highly recommend this place."
Dined on 06/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun time out!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The casual atmosphere was great for a good night out with a few gals. The wine list can be improved. The dine out menu was good but an interesting concept on the sablefish with tomatoes, not to my usual liking but was different. Overall, good time."
Dined on 31/01/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 13 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall a positive experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall a positive experience however the noise level made conversation at our table difficult at times and I hate to think how loud it would have been had we been seated in the area near the entrance. If we went again I would only be happy with a table in the room furthest from the entrance. (Call me old fashioned but I like to be able to talk with my company) With this in mind the noise level would restrict who I would recommend The Refinery to."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The dine out food was pretty
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dine out food was pretty fair on Saturday night. The Winter Soup and the tiramisu were both really delicious. The service was good at first and turned out to be a little disappointing at the end. We understand that the waitresses are busy taking care of many customers at the same time, but a simple manner of saying, "thank you", and making the customers feeling welcome might be at least something our waitress could say when we finished paying the bill. It almost felt like our waitress was really inpatient and made the our whole experience into one that we will not recommend friends to go."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 15 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Waitress was great. Floor
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Waitress was great. Floor manager was terrible as he rudely told us our time is up and had to leave."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2009
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Review 16 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The Dine Out menu was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Dine Out menu was very good and the service likewise. The main issue was the noise level - this is a noisy room!"
Dined on 31/01/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 17 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great night out!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was impressed with the Refinery. We ate there for Dine Out and the menu was very nice - I had the winter vegetable soup to start (excellent - they used a spicy paprika that was very flavourful), the gnocci for entree and the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Fabulous cocktails, good service, and a really fun atmosphere. Would eat here again."
Dined on 28/01/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We booked this restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We booked this restaurant as part of the Dine Out Vancouver event, purely at random. The food was nicely presented and tasty, although my husband felt the main course was a tad on the small side. Overall it was a pleasant experience and we will be returning to try the regular menu."
Dined on 28/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 19 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our opinion of "the refinery"
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our opinion of "the refinery" is this is a good find on granville!
did dineout menu my dishes were good but extremely small portions..also my pasta was overcooked!
really expensive wine list.
Service good.
ambiance good.
Would go back."
did dineout menu my dishes were good but extremely small portions..also my pasta was overcooked!
really expensive wine list.
Service good.
ambiance good.
Would go back."
Dined on 26/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 20 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bad Server Ruins Dining Experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were at The Refinery for Dine Out. From the beginning, it seemed our server hated working during Dine Out. She came to our table, stood there, and finally we broke the awkward silence with our dinner orders.
The food came promptly and met our expectations.
Since Dine Out is a busy time for restaurants, we finished our dinner with no dawdling and asked for our bills. Our server returned and overheard us talking about an elderly person we know who had trouble remembering his pin. And for the first time that evening she made a remark and advised sternly to make sure we entered our pin correctly because she had no time for this.
It was just our luck because all of the other servers seemed very friendly and even had smiles on their f"
Dined on 26/01/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was amazing, service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was amazing, service was not great. All in all a good experience, but could have been better with a bit more attention to detail!"
Dined on 25/01/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 22 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super impressed with everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Super impressed with everything about our visit to the Refinery.
Food - by far, excellent. Dessert was wonderful! Service was quick and friendly.
Definitely recommend."
Food - by far, excellent. Dessert was wonderful! Service was quick and friendly.
Definitely recommend."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The server was nice but food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The server was nice but food took forever and was only average, would not go back."
Dined on 21/01/2013
2011
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Review 24 for The Refinery
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I really enjoyed our Dine-out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really enjoyed our Dine-out experience! The service was great and the food was delicious!
The DJ made our night. AWESOME music!"
The DJ made our night. AWESOME music!"
Dined on 19/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Refinery
Based on the average of (24) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic