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  • Cafe il Nido

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Cafe il Nido
Cafe il Nido

Cafe il Nido Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.cafeilnido.net
  • Phone: (604) 685-6436
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am -2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
  • Executive Chef: Franco Felice
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: Home-in Chef for private events.
  • Private Party Facilities: Special menu on request within their budget.
  • Private Party Contact: Franco (604) 645-6436

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Robson
  • Public Transit: Bus stop & skytrain station walking distance in the heart of downtown
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: Best place to park Alberni and Thurlow St across from the Shangri-la Hotel.
A word from Cafe il Nido
Here's a city gem as hidden as a Mafioso in the witness-protection program. This courtyard patio tucked away between the Manhattan Apartments has that la dolce vitta atmosphere and Italian dishes as finely crafted and imaginative as a Fellini film.
Foodspotting photos
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Diner Reviews
  • "by the trellis of a summer evening, on the patio at Il Nido's, we sipped superb wine to a service and fare that were nothing short of excellent, we were celebrating my dad's birthday, long gone now, but my mom and I couldn't've spent a better evening celebrating his life, as we've been doing for several years now, always at Il Nido's, and they've always been utterly perfect - Richard"
    Dined on 7/8/2014
  • "Special appetizer pasta request a smashing success. Listen to do the Maitre De's recommendations. The pasta, garlic and parmesan, vegetables were very fresh. Excellent Caesar Salad with right amt of dressing - most places over dress salad. We always forget about Café Il Nido for dinner, not any more, perfect business lunch spot. Italian foodies will luv it. The outdoor garden area cozy and pretty for dining with a party of 4. Good coffee, incredible dessert - good portions on all. Perfect before heading off to our jazz festival show. We'll be back. We will tell our friends."
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "Very disappointed with the food at this restaurant. My husband ordered the Bolognese and I ordered the Lasagna. We didn't mind that the portions were small, but the dishes lacked any taste and was really salty. Definitely not even close to the excellent food we had in Italy. I saved a little bit of food for my daughter to go and I was shocked they put the piece of bread in a used popcorn paper bag and the box in a used BC liquor bag. This is suppose to be a fine dining restaurant?! I have to mention the gentleman that served us was very very nice, but can't say so much for the lady."
    Dined on 6/12/2014
  • "the food arrived HOT and delicious with good portions. the ravioli was a little disappointing in portion size but otherwise tasty. the wine was overpriced compared to the cost of the food and it was noted that most diners did not purchase wine or appetizers - was it the cost? the bread and olive pate was a treat even though it was an extra cost. overall a good experience "
    Dined on 6/2/2014
  • "For 15 years we have enjoyed special occasions here. Great food, nice people and convenient location."
    Dined on 5/30/2014
  • "We had to walk out as the drinks were being ordered. Waitress was soooo rude!!! I have never been treated like that before. Excuse was she was tired. We have all been tired before, suck it up and move on."
    Dined on 5/10/2014
  • "The patio must be the gem. It was closed and in the inside was like eating in your rec room. Hostess was argumentative. Food was pretty basic, nothing to be excited about. "
    Dined on 5/10/2014
  • "the most extensive, inventive, superb pastas, to my mind, in the city; the service was warm, welcoming, helpful and discreetly, but professionally and knowledgeably, attentive; thanks for a wonderful night - Richard"
    Dined on 5/3/2014
  • "We both really enjoyed our meals at this restaurant. Much better than Cin Cin the previous night."
    Dined on 4/29/2014
  • "Dinner was outstanding; food and service was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend and will go back. "
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "Surprisingly quiet night, we had the restaurant all to ourselves. Excellent service and accommodating for a large group. "
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "We had dinner before a show so we were a bit earlier than the usual dinner crowd. The ambiance is better later in the evening when it's dark outside (lots of windows) and the energy picks up a bit. Overall, good service and an enjoyable dinner."
    Dined on 4/18/2014
  • "One of the very few spots in Vancouver where you can have an excellent meal, very good service and it is quiet enough to carry on a conversation."
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "Cafe Il Nido was wonderfully accommodating in every way when we dined there to celebrate a "milestone" birthday. The restaurant was quieter than I'd expected (we were the only ones there) but it was an all-around lovely experience--excellent service (thanks Momo for the efficient, attentive, good-humoured service); cozy, elegant atmosphere; and delicious food (only one of the menu items did not meet our party's satisfaction, but that may be a personal thing--she found it too salty). To top things off, the birthday girl was treated to a complimentary dessert. All of these qualities plus a good wine list and central downtown location add up to a gem of a restaurant."
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "The waitress that sat us down was not so friendly, she was not smiling, and had a scowl on her face. Thankfully I had read reviews of the restaurant beforehand and knew that they did half hours of pasta, but she did not care to mention that to me until I asked her. She also did not tell me that the half orders were all priced at $15 each, instead of half the price listed on the menu which was what I expected. I only found this out once I received the bill. Thankfully our servers alternated between her and another waiter who was much better and more attentive than her. He explained the special of the night and was very informative. Food was great, but I would have brought my clients to another place like Italian Kitchen for their service."
    Dined on 3/19/2014
  • "We visited Cafe Il Nido last Saturday night; the food was okay but overpriced. Though the restaurant wasn't busy our server keep rushing us though the meal."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "The food at Café il Nido is very good but not worth the cheap décor and questionable staff. We had two staff members serve us - one male who was extremely personable and happy to serve us, the other a woman who seemed constantly distracted. The worst of it was that she actually asked my companion and I if we would switch tables between our main course and coffee/dessert so she could accommodate a party of three where we were sitting! We had made a reservation that we were only an hour into and she had sat us at that particular table! Appalling at a restaurant supposedly of this caliber. I won't go back there... There are other Italian restaurants in town with equally good food (or better) and with much better service and ambience!"
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "We enjoyed our evening, but I qualify my approval rating for the following reasons: the restaurant does a limited menu very well, but is is expensive. There is no veal on the menu other than Osso Bucco, even the pastas are very few. The wine list is good, but again it is expensive. However, the service was excellent and not intrusive and we did spend three and a half hours, so a very leisurely evening was the result."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "We tried Cafe il Nido during Dine Out Vancouver, - 6 of us - what a find! The service was friendly, attentive, accommodating. From the bread to the desserts - the food was excellent - portions were very generous, especially as it was Dine Out. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the evening was a ton of fun! We closed the place down. We will definitely revisit, and have already referred them many times!"
    Dined on 1/22/2014
  • "I took my girlfriend here on Valentines day, mainly because they didn't have some lame "V-Day Fixe Prix" menu. They had their regular menu with a couple special entrees for the occasion. I was greeted by one of the ladies up front who promptly asked for my reservation details and were seated right away. Yes, our table was PROPERLY reserved, and through OpenTable, woohoo! I will add that my particular server (I believe his name was Momo?) was incredibly courteous, prompt, and friendly. He made a great recommendation to a bottle of red off the wine list which accompanied our meal perfectly. On to the food: I was very impressed with how everything tasted so fresh, delicious, and was presented elegantly on our plates. Delizioso, be back!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "The first strange thing was trying to book through Open Table. For the second time in a week OT told me that a restaurant was full then to telephone them to find table and in one case to go and find we were the only ones there!! You guys need to get your act together. The food here was perfectly acceptable, the service a little chaotic, the wine list expensive. My only complaint was that after the main course the service seemed to be terminated as the staff concentrated on closing the restaurant (9.30)and making a fast escape Fortunately i had delightful dining companion so it didn't matter, though we were not offered any dessert or coffee or the bill until I finally attracted a waiter's attention. Attention to detail is important il Nido"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Great food but you are too close to everyone else.. not too romantic... tables are too close"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Tucked into a quiet courtyard just off busy Robson St, Cafe Il Nido is a favoured spot for casual business lunches and intimate dinners. The food is consistent and the service is excellent."
    Dined on 2/12/2014
  • "The food was tasty and nicely presented but portions were small. Lobster ravioli tasted a little "fishy". Pork chop was a bit dry. The atmosphere was disappointing. Seriously needed updating. No view even to the street, felt like being in someone's basement in the 80's - had a musty smell. Service was great and staff was lovely."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "The dine-out menu at Cafe il Nido was wow. So many dishes to choose from especially at dine-out where most places offer 3-4 choices. Our meal was exceptional. Enjoyed every bite esecially my Ossobuco. There were 7 people in out party so it did take awhile for out main course to arrive but it was hot and delicious. Unforturately your lemon tart was to to tart for my husband and my friend. The service was wonderful and our whole evening was very very enjoyable especially since it was my birthday."
    Dined on 1/27/2014
  • "Excellent Service! Delicious food! Perfect ambience!"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "My boyfriend and I had been to a few restaurants for dine out Vancouver and chose Cafe Il Nido for the gnocchi entrée option. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised with such a cozy restaurant tucked away in the corner. The manager was extraordinary and he set us up with a table as we waited since I was on crutches. He insisted that we order drinks to make the waited more enjoyable. He was very lovely and made us feel like family. We were then brought into the dining room and he took my jacket and crutches so I could be more comfortable as we dined. Service was impeccable and the food was to die for! We have definitely found our new "special occasion" restaurant!"
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Great customer service. Quick with food. Good atmosphere. A little crowded and noisy, bur overall pretty good. A little pricey, considerin the portion, but the service makes up for it."
    Dined on 1/29/2014
  • "We had a party of 7 and everyone remarked on how good the food was. Not much in the way of character or ambiance. Service staff were friendly."
    Dined on 1/29/2014
  • "Found this gem of a restaurant by searching online for romantic dining close to our hotel. Got a table using OpenTable after phoning and being told they were booked solid. Staff were great, food was excellent and the mood was just right."
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "I'm not one to go to high-class dining often - usually the more you pay the less you eat and the more likely you'd have to top up your stomach with a trip to McDonald's. I was so happy we chose this restaurant during Dine Out Vancouver. We went in early at 5:30 as I was late to reserve a spot but I'm glad we did, it was quiet and not crowded with people. Food was incredibly delicious and the portions for the mains were way bigger than I expected. Service was prompt, never needed to call for attention as our drinks were always refilled and meals came out fast. Servers were a delight and the room felt very cozy and warm. I'd love to come back to try out what else on the menu they have to offer."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "We had a really good night there, the food was exceptional."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Th is little gem in the heart of downtown was inviting and warm.. The food was excellent . Can't wait till summer to have brunch or dinner in their beautiful outdoor garden patio"
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "Professional yet relaxed staff, with excellent food. Even though the restaurant was full, the noise level was low enough to permit pleasant conversation without having to raise one's voice to be heard. The lighting was subdued, but not to the point of having to search for your dinner. All in all, an excellent choice for an enjoyable dining experience."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "Hostess was not friendly when we first entered. Nobody offered to take our jackets. Food was delicious though. Not sure if inwould recommend people back to this restaurant."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "Dispite server/bartender communication issue, over all service was great and efficient. Also, presentation of plates, portion, quality of food was good.. This was during the dine out event, and we had dine out menu. only things was that size of dessert was really tiny and looks like cut it half or 1/3 of reguar size, so got Only two bite out of it. I will definitely dine here."
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "The menu was not exactly as shown on Dine Out Vancouver, house wine was very over priced for the quality. food compared to our favorite Italian restaurant was not even close."
    Dined on 1/20/2014
  • "First time here, wasn't sure what to expect since it seemed like a little hole in the wall. Turned out to be a remarkable experience and we would definitely go back. Make sure to try the osobucco & tonno both were beyond exceptional."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "We were greeted warmly upon entering the restaurant and shown to the best table in the house. Each of the 4 diners at our table chose a different appetizer to share, and all were very good. All entrees were delicious. Popular dessert choices tiramisu and lemon tart did not disappoint. Presentation for each course was very appealing. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive, and actually listened to our request to bring our courses to us slowly. She gave us the perfect amount of time between each course. Our party of four agreed to the following scores: Food: 3.5 out of 5 Service : 4.5 out of 5 This restaurant gave us an enjoyable dining experience"
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "The service was extremely slow. There isn't much ambiance for an Italian restaruant, it really lacked that cozy feeling and definitely doesn't feel like fine dining. We ordered off of DOV menu at a 38$ pricepoint.We ordered: antipasti plate & grilled squid, oso bucco & bolognese and tirimisu & lemon tart. It was all okay but not great. The primi: enjoyed the squid...the secondi: osso bucco was lamb and a good portion size but had strong undertones of nutmeg.The bolognese was okay too but sauce not very meaty. The desserts were average...not memorable. So essentially saved 4$ pp and got a free dessert w/DOV menu price? I wouldn't reccomend this place. Over priced for quality, lacks Italian ambience and food is just okay."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
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