Calabash Bistro
West End
(326)
West End
(326)
326 customer reviews
Nathan Lance Deschamps
Had a great time here celebrating my birthday. Good vibes and good food!! Respect!! ✌️
Reviewed on Facebook
Chantal U.
Super recommend this restaurant, theyy have tasty food and sweet friendly staff and service.
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris Childs
One of Vancouver's best restaurants!
Reviewed on Facebook
Regina Ip
Ethan always craves for Jamaican food because Toronto, his hometown, has some authentic taste. Yet, you can barely find any in Vancouver. He did some research and found Calabash Bistro. It has a high rating, and it offers Caribbean Food, which is a similar style to Jamaican. So we decided to give it a try. It is my first time trying Caribbean food, so I am excited to explore new flavors! ...Read full post on pigoutyvr.com More...
Reviewed on Zomato
Regina I.
Ethan always craves for Jamaican food because Toronto, his hometown, has some authentic taste. Yet, you can barely find any in Vancouver. He did some research and found Calabash Bistro. It has a high rating, and it offers Caribbean Food, which is a similar style to Jamaican. So we decided to give it a try. It is my first time trying Caribbean food, so I am excited to explore new flavors!The restaurant can get quite busy throughout the night, so reserve a table ahead of time. The restaurant is spacious, with dimmed light. So we chose the table closest to the window, so we can take some nice photos. We ordered 2 dishes to share, Oxtail Stew and Jerk Chicken.Oxtail Stew ($26) is the highlight of the night. Slow-braised oxtail is tender and flavourful. The sauce is absorbed fully into the oxtail. On the side, it comes with rice & peas, ripe plantain, seasonal veggies, and coconut dumpling. The coconut dumpling is like a baked shredded coconut ball, with a crispy shell. I wish there are more on the plate!Ethan is excited for the Jerk Chicken ($19) because he has been craving it for a while. Jerk Chicken is a classic Jamaican dish, which showcases an authentic cooking style in Jamaica. The Jerk Chicken is marinated in house, but Ethan said it should be spicier and more flavourful. Though the chicken is tender and juicy, the jerk sauce is not fully absorbed to the meat. *** Overall Impression ***My first experience of Caribbean/Jamaican food at Calabash Bistro is amazing, and I really enjoy the Oxtail Stew. Ethan did mention that Toronto has better Jamaican restaurants, but right now, this can satisfy sudden crave. I have never tried other similar dishes, so I can't tell how authentic they are. Overall, I really enjoy the food, service, and vibe here. So if you pass by Chinatown, give them a try! It is always fun to be adventurous and try out new cuisine!Taste : 4.5/5 * Service: 4/5 * Ambiance: 4.5/5 * Quality-Price: 4.5/5 More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Marlon J.
I went down under in Calabash for the monthly hip-hopcalypse and absolutely loved it. The neat ambience, great people, amazing dark and stormy (although pricey) made it a place to be and I've returned since! Thank you team!
Reviewed on Yelp
Mathieu Morgan
Calabash has an inviting atmosphere. Guaranteed a good night out if you're looking for dinner and music!
Reviewed on Facebook
Kate M.
Love everything about this joint - service is awesome and staff and super friendly! The food and drinks are tasty and the dance floor tucked away downstairs is my favourite aspect of this bar! It's so rare to find a good dance bar these days that's not filled with teens and super drunk people aka the Granville strip. This is a great mix of people, more mature crowd and awesome music! We went on 90s hip hop night. We started upstairs with cocktails and some bites. I had the sour which was awesome and the punch. Both super tasty, sour was my fave as well as the dark and stormy - tasted like Christmas and chai! We ordered fish tacos which came as a trio. Good size and awesome flavour. We also had the Doubles and they were super flavourful. Sorry didn't take photos of the food! After our bites and drinks we hit the dance floor which was already buzzing. Everyone was having s blast dancing and zero judgement. Love this kind of place! I will be back without a doubt! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chelsea A.
So Im West Indian and was visiting Vancouver and my cousin brought me here and I couldn't have been more SATISFIED. A restaurant that serves food upstair and like a club downstairs? Only thing is...we had a group of like 8,9 and it took over an hourrrrr to get a table, maybe even longer than that. WE killed time by going downstairs and having a few drinks. I got the vegetarian roti which was teuly a blessing. Definitely one of the best rotis Ive had! I was soooooo happy. Afterwards, we went downstairss to party. What more could I ask for. Shots were a reasonable price, I don't remember how much-but if they were unreasonable WOULDNT HAVE BOUGHT EM! lol.I had a great experience here. I was starving and didnt want to leave, but that wait did really kill me. But the food made me happy. There was also a rally friendly host that night who kept giving us updates, she plays a strong role in why we stayed. I dont remember her name but I was here the night of March 16th into the morning of the 17th, so please thank her.I want to come back here next time Im in Vancouver and hopefully the wait is significantly less because next time I JUST CANT (but I still probably will)! thanks so much =)Music was solid, enough to vibe to and it was an overall great time. They need to play soca though... More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Allison L.
Amazing cocktails and food. The papaya salad is so yummy, and my favourite cocktail was the rum punch. super fun atmosphere as well!
Reviewed on Yelp
Amy C.
The food is really tasty and has lots of flavours. I ordered the chicken curry and was not disappointed. The restaurant was busy and service was slow. Be prepared for a long dinner. We were there for 2 hours waiting for our apples, food and dessert. Otherwise, I would definitely go back. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Greg Michael
Always a good time at Calabash
Reviewed on Facebook
Nali P.
I enjoy Jamaican cuisine, but this place made that certain!!! Food was absolutely fabulous. The environment is kind of loud though so didn't enjoy that part too much, but the restaurant is super chill and the service was great. My friends and I got the Roti and Dip, Jerk Fish Duo, and the Oxtail. My friend enjoyed her Jerk Dish and my other friend and I split the Oxtail. It was sooooo goood!!!! The one Oxtail dish was the perfect amount of food for the both of us. All of us weren't too fond about the Roti though. I'm used to Rotis being super thin and fluffy and with plenty of dipping sauce. This one was like a tortilla, so was thick, and they barely gave us any dipping sauce so we only could eat half the Roti.. so ehhhh. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Grace L.
A quaint restaurant with a basement that turns into a evening dance bar.Food is amazing! I had the seafood curry .. loads of flavour served with coconut flavoured rice with a garden salad. The service was spot on, with our water always topped up. Our server checked in several times and super nice. Not the first time I have been here . Always had a great time and everyone enjoyed their delicious meals. Can't wait to go back again. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Genevieve L.
Amazing food! Cute place in chinatown, portions are big and worth the price! Love the atmosphere.
Reviewed on Yelp
Cheryl Brown
limited seating make reservations on line, where you can also review the menu. Food and service was very good. Our server Yohn(? ) was awesome, friendly and very polite. Loved the choice of music while dining 90’s r&b reggae etc. Definitely would revisit. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tori P.
Probably one of the best places in the city! Foods is so amazing and flavorful, service is great, drinks are awesome. They even have a late night menu, we strolled in after 1am this weekend when everything but McDonald's was closed for food and got an amazing chicken curry bowl and some veggie parties- yum! Keep it up Calabash :)
Reviewed on Yelp
Alvin L. A. Horn
This Joint-CALABASH BISTRO in Vancouver BC, the food is so good your mouth will have multilevel-multiple food-organism with each bite no matter what you order. Then bring a towel with you when you hit the dance floor in the basement as it is skintight hedonistic funk with non-stop funky reggae More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tina Purewal
Amazing flavours and delicious drinks! Luv this place!
Reviewed on Facebook
Guerric H.
I love Calabash! Every time I go the food tastes great, and this time was no exception. We grabbed a bunch of appetizers to share - delicious ginger plantains that are ripe and fried with ginger and sugar, a poutine with crispy fries and jerk chicken, which goes really well with the rest, and the crunchy, sweet fried coconut dumplings, which I get every time I go. We also got the ackee and saltfish, which was an interesting surprise - I had no idea what ackee was, but I liked it! The texture is a bit eggy and soft, and the flavour is very neutral, so it blends in well with the rest. The rice was really nicely seasoned too, and the fish was good - a nice entree all around.The cocktails were also great, the staff was friendly, and the food arrived quickly. It's a great place to grab interesting food downtown, probably my favourite Caribbean place in town. I picked it as the place to go for my birthday this year, so that about says it all I think. Can't wait to go again! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chico Loden
Being from Toronto with plenty of Caribbean restaurants Calabash's menu is second to none. I have tried almost everything on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Fyi their brunch is equally as delicious. But what makes them unique is the fusion of high food standards, atmosphere of art/music/culture finished off with pampering service that leaves you feeling spoiled and well-taken care of. Much thanks and wishing you all continued success and still waiting for the expansion to Toronto. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kelsey Stelter
This place is unreal! Drinks are strong, the oxtail is tender & the best ever coconut dumplings!
Reviewed on Facebook
Trish Carruthers
flavours galore! enjoyed the food and music.... will return!
Reviewed on Facebook
Alexandria D.
Super fresh tasting, you feel good when you leave. Chicken curry is my favorite with the coconut dumplings! Yumm
Reviewed on Yelp
Eric Kolotyluk
I am often disappointed by Caribbean food, but the food here was very good. In addition to fun selection of delicious rum cocktails, there are some very nice top shelf rums and other whiskeys available. I will have to go back sometime to checkout the music and dance scene. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sangeetha M.
I've gotten calabash delivered home before but I recommend going there for the experience. Amazing atmosphere, I felt like I was on vacation! Drinks were delicious! Food was too hot for me but still delicious. The service was very good, and after a few drinks I headed downstairs to dance a little. This place was popping. Definitely coming back! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Patricia Ann
fabulous staff and amazing food and great atmosphere!
Reviewed on Facebook
Rebecca Ketler
I had my girls come here with me for my birthday and it was amazing. Karmen was very good to us with our reservation. and she put our table next to the performer - who was amazing. The food was delicious, and our server was great! It was my first time ever coming and I'm looking forwards to coming back. Thank you! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Chantelle W.
The food was delicious and surpassed my expectation. Thankfully I walked here and back so I could burn off the calories. I had the Dark and Stormy to drink. If you like ginger beer you will love. It comes topped with fresh coconut shavings and a dash of cinnamon. I ordered the Jerk Pork belly on top of coconut fried dumplings. This was amazing. The sauce wasn't spicy and had sweet pineapple in it. But the real winner was the coconut fried dumplings. Lastly I had he stuffed plantain which was on the special menu. It was stuffed with jerk veggies and cake with rice and peas and calabash cole slaw. Again you cannot go wrong with plantain. I would always come back here when in town. I need to taste more of the menu! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Ryon Xavier Smith
When I lived in Vancouver we loved going here! One of my favorite places, food was amazing!
Reviewed on Facebook
Evan Rouleau
Such different dishes with wonderful tastes. I have to go back there again
Reviewed on Facebook
Ruth Maradiaga-Jorgenson
Amazing!! Good food and good service...I defenetely going back and I highly recommended .
Reviewed on Facebook
Britt R. Coleman
Irie vibes, great food, 100% friendly staff, Reggae Night bashment was off the hook til the early morning.
Reviewed on Facebook
Drique DjPikup Eiland
They’re definitely keeping the culture alive. This is a totally different vibe. Great food with candlelight, murals throughout the lower level, wood paintings, a vintage elevator, a concrete DJ booth and timeless LP’s. I was at a lost for words. Will definitely be back More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Michelle Young
We had a private Holiday party & the food & service was the best! Those coconut dumplings are to die for! They go with EVERYTHING! !! A must try! Can't wait to go back and try brunch! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Ma Bulgaria
Thank you so much for allowing us to host our fundraiser at your amazing restaurant..its one of the dopest places to hang out and eat...great vibes.
Reviewed on Facebook
Sierra Bishop
My favourite place to go when I’m in Vancouver! Always order way to much because I wanna try everything. Best staff best place �
Reviewed on Facebook
Jillayne J Nagle
Food and atmosphere phenomenal, we will return!!!
Reviewed on Facebook
Mikee Sull
Great food and atmosphere - everything delivered quickly - in and out in one hour, drinks & food. Great for pre-game or show at BC place or the Arena where the formerly great Canucks still play... :)
Reviewed on Facebook
Casey S.
Great food and service! I went with my wife and some friends and had a great time. I had the chicken roti with a side salad and it was super yummy! Wife had the goat curry which she thought was okay, but not super great! Drinks were good. I had an old fashioned which I thought could have been better!! I know, I should have had rum! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Dariya V.
I've chosen this place to celebrate my birthday with a bunch of friends, and it was amaaaaaaasing the food was just great and the live music was unbelievably performed I'm more than satisfied with this restaurant and definitely coming back.
Reviewed on Yelp
Arzina Nayani
Mouth watering food, very friendly staff and amazing raggae music to dance to.
Reviewed on Facebook
Nicole R.
I've been to calabash three times- once as a couple, with a large group of 15, and most recently with a group of 6. All of these experiences have been consistent, regardless of party size- each time I've been received with attentiveness and efficiency (very impressive for a group of 15! )The atmosphere is lively, with great music (however it may be deemed loud to some), friendly, accommodating staff. They were genuine and relatable, but still professional. It was easy to book a reservation with calabash online or over the phone, but be weary that they are popular, so book in advance! I ordered the Beef stew, pork belly with coconut dumplings, and their Jamaican patties. Of course I shared this- the portions were enough for 2 people- great for first timers. The beef stew was hearty, and the pork belly was seared to have a thin caramelized crunch on the outside. Paired with the belly were coconut dumplings that soaked up the sauce perfectly, (they held their own!) with their distinct sweet and salty flavour. The Jamaican patties with their pastry crust had that "just got out fryer" crunch. We were stuffed, our drinks were unique (they have a huge rum selection btw!), and the vibes were great. My recommendation to those who want to work off the calories, stay late and dance your butt off- they turn the downstairs area into a dance floor! If you are going for a date where you'll be wanting to chat, opt for a lunch date or stay upstairs where the music won't get in the way. Overall, I am still a satisfied customer and will be coming back More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Aidan O'Connor
Been to Alberta (Banff,Canmore & Calgary) then headed to BC (Vancouver) && this was by far the best we've had so far!! The staff are amazing! The food is incredible and the drinks are ��� Will he going back before we head home for sure! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Mike Laing
Great food, music and the staff is friendly... The overall vibe at Calabash is one of the best in the city. One of my favorite places to dj and hang out.
Reviewed on Facebook
James K Wanyee
Great spot, awesome food and amazing group of people...
Reviewed on Facebook
Emily M.
Amazing !! My favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Their coconut dumplings with butter are to die for!Great atmosphere, service and now they have brunch coconut French toast OMG ! Really fresh ingredient, fast service! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Breanne T.
I went here for brunch with my family. The ackee and salt fish and dumplings are great! Waffles are just okay with the chicken and waffles entree. However, the chicken is great! The waitresses are great, and music is good!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Angel Bergling
Came here for a birthday dinner. We arrived early so we sat at the bar on main level and had a drink created especially for us by the bartender. He was so nice and the drink was delicious, we named it the bsachi :p we then went downstairs to our reserved table and ordered more drinks, I had one that I didn't end up liking and they happily made me a different drink that they thought I would like. I was happy with my drinks for the rest of the night, even the shots!! We all shared the family style dinner, we chose menu A. It was all soooo delicious. My first time trying goat!! After filling up on dinner we had desert, it was also good. We then danced the night away, it was reggae night!! Had a great experience. Nice people!! Great food!! Love it!! Will be going back :D More...
Reviewed on Zomato
Kirsten C.
Long time fan of Calabash! Friendly, fun staff - even better food. The chicken roti is the only thing I ever get because i can't bear to risk NOT getting it. The housemate hot sauce is something I want to use as body lotion because it's so delicious. Every time I go I ask when they'll sell me a bottle (soon!)Live music, creative drinks, authentic food. A MUST More...
Reviewed on Yelp
