To celebrate my friend’s birthday and another friend’s graduation, we decided to have dinner up on Grouse Mountain . It was my first time up there so I was pretty excited. Unfortunately, the weather was poor in April, so we could hardly see anything on the gondola or from the Observatory restaurant.

The gondola usually costs a whopping $39.95 per person, but if you make reservations at the restaurant, the ride is complimentary. Despite the weather and view, the dining was quite a pleasant experience. It was $39 per entree, (I think it’s the most expensive dish I’ve ever ordered in my life) and I had the Scallops Diver’s Caught dish.
The interior was nice, and so were the furniture. The servers were all very friendly and professional.
The bread was really good. I’m usually not a bread fan, but these were good. The main dish was delicious too. Though, I’m not sure if it’s still worth the $40 price. However, if you think that the ride was also included with the food, then it doesn’t sound outrageous.

For dessert, we ordered 2 special dessert plates, each $20. We didn’t tell the servers that it was one of our friend’s birthday, but they probably figured out after the gift opening, and presented the dessert for her with a nice birthday wish with sauce.

At the end, they were nice to treat us with some chocolate cups. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have any since they contained hazelnuts (I’m allergic to nuts).

I give a thumbs up! If you’re celebrating an occasion, I recommend! However, do remember to make reservations. During summer seasons, it can fill up pretty quickly. Scroll further down to read my second visit to The Observatory in July.

Very nice interior

Menu

Complimentary taster-size soup
Bread and butterScallops Diver’s Caught

Complimentary chocolates

Food Taste:      Price for Value:

Atmosphere:    Service:
Location:

On my second time there, we were able to go whenever we wanted. So we waited for a weekend that had good weather. The restaurant was a quarter full, and we were seated at a table away from the window. The same waiter served us from last time, but this time, the menu had changed. I was a bit disappointed to find that the scallops were no longer on the list. But I thought I’d try something new this time and ordered the Northern Divine Sturgeon.

The little ‘surprise complimentary treats’ were different from last time too. Before the meal, it was compressed chicken with sweet sauce on a spoon. After dinner, lime jello with strawberry and  coco powder. Both were interesting to taste.

Furthermore, we were not served bread buns, but baguettes instead. The butter was garlic based last time, while this time, it was with sugar and honey. The baguette was very warm and fluffy. I ate quite a bit. After the bread were eaten, a couple left the table by the window. We asked the server if we could change tables, and they gladly allowed us to. They changed the table cloth, set up clean new plates and utensils.

The view from the window while eating was fantastic. It made the dining even more enjoyable.

My company had asked for his beef tenderloin to be as rare as they can get it, but it was served really cooked. It seemed really hard and more like a block. When we saw that the neighbouring table had rare ones, we knew that they had made a mistake. That was the only downside for the dinner.

At the end, we walked out onto the patio and started taking photos. The ‘manager’ looking man that also helped us change tables came all the way out to help us take photos. Great service!

Hoping to bring my parents next time their in town!At the base of the gondolaGondolaInside the gondolaComplimentary ride up the gondola if you reserve at The ObservatoryView from the window – can see downtown VancouverNorthern Divine SturgeonBeef TenderloinDessert