Firehall Bistro, The

Added Nov 8, 2009 by mapleridgefoodie of Maple Ridge (1 Reviews)

Average Experience

I think that your experience at this restaurant is directly related to whether you are comparing this restaurant to a downtown Vancouver place or a Pitt Meadows Place. My review is making ratings compared to what you'd find downtown, no extra brownie points simply because they are in the burbs.

Our evening started with a warm welcome, and being sat in a nice little two person booth. The ambience is quite nice.

Our server was nice, if not a little inexperienced. I think she did an adequate job for us. For example, if you are going to tell us the features (the younger chap that sat us told us the appetizer feature, then the waitress told us all the features, and not once did anyone bother telling us the price of them?)

We were hoping for a little apperitif, maybe some champagne. No champagne available by the glass you say as you look towards the kitchen? Not the end of the world. What other options would you suggest? You don't sell any hard liquor just beer and wine? THAT was a little weird. What kind of fine dining restaurant does not serve liquor? Anyway, we settled on some nice red wine. I agree with previous reviews that they mark-up on wine is quite fair. However, if you're looking for a developed wine program here, don't. Maybe 12 reds and 12 whites.

Time to eat. We'd like to chat and get caught up, so maybe just a little appetizer to share while we have some wine. You can't do that. You can't take our order without us deciding everything first? Hmmpphh. Alright, we'll adapt to your house rules, after all I guess this isn't a tapas bar.

The menu looks good, at least as good as a menu can look printed on a piece of paper. About 8 apppies and 8 entrees (2 already sold out early on a Saturday night?)

The appetizers were average. We shared a few, Smoked Salmon which was ok, a Scallop and Crayfish dish that we were not blown away by by any means and a nice Onion Tart. The amuse served to us was a tiny little cracker type things with a small spoon of Jelly. Probably the weakest amuse I've ever been served in a fine dining establishment.

We talk and have more wine while waiting for the mains. This is where the imperfections of the service show through, water glasses sitting empty for long periods, wine empty. Finally another chap came by and asked if we needed anything. Um, more wine maybe?

Mains were better than the entrees, Halibut was well cooked with nice potatoes, Chicken Leg that my companion had was also enjoyed.

Would I go again? Probably, there are only 2 or 3 nice restaurants in this area so the pickings are slim. But in my opinion it is certainly not worth the drive in from out of town.

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Added Oct 29, 2009 by food4enjoyment of Maple Ridge, BC (1 Reviews)

Looking forward to going back!!!
Tonight, a friend treated me out for dinner. He chose this location from some newspaper ad. I never heard of it; so I checked it out on this "dinehere" website first. Hmmmm, sounds like good food but questionable service. Well, it was excellent food, and the service was perfectly splendid!
I am not a big fan of seafood, especially of the shellfish group, but I do enjoy fish. I was in the mood for "something different" so rather than jumping on the steak (my usual favorite), I went for a salmon appetizer and Halibut entree. Wow! I believe this is the most pleasant surprise I have had in food in years! Even the salad and spinach had a 'special' flavor of some wonderful dressing. Every bite... Excellent! My friend had the steak; his comment... MMMMmmmm!
There was only three desserts offered; but what a choice they were. I don't recall the name of what I had (Sticky something something). Delish!!!!
The hostess (Veronique??) is lovely and charming (and yet could handle my friends 'interesting' humor like a professional heckler), and the owner (sorry, forgot the name... Gord?) was extremely attentive to the details and our satisfaction.
The atmosphere is not ideal for children nor energized teens, but marvelous if you simply want an enjoyable evening of incredibly FINE dining! Decent portions, although my appetite was beckoning for second helpings of everything because it was so good. For the quality of the food (more so than the quantity), the price is extremely fair! I am eager to return. The steak DID look really good!

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Added Jul 20, 2009 by Wong85 of Richmond (1 Reviews)

Worth going to
I'm from Richmond and we drove all the way to Pitt Meadows to try this place out because it was recommended by a friend. I really enjoyed my experience there. The food was great, the portions were great and the service was unbelievable. I guess there were some people missing in the kitchen so the Chef was on his own and our food came out a little late, but they took really good care of us while we waited. We really appreciated the way they compensated for us waiting. Only 2 negatives I have to say.. they should change their awning name because right now it still says "Seasons Bistro" and it was a little smoky when we walked in , but that doesn’t even touch the service we received. I would drive the distance to go there again.

Added May 18, 2009 by mr_eater of maple ridge (13 Reviews)

their P's are all wrong
I have dined at The Firehall Bistro a few times now; while the food is good; (not great, way too much salt, among other mostly minor issues), I just am not willing to put up with their 'P' confusion any more. The Chef and Head Waiter need to understand a couple of things: Their Restaurant is in Pitt Meadows, not Paris. Customers are looking for Pleasant service, not Pissy Waiters, and finally; While theChef truly believes he has created Paradise in the Pitt; he really has only created another Place I can go to get abused. Yes abused, I don't diferenciate between abuse by food quality or abuse by attitude. Firhall Bistro, get over yourself.

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Added Apr 17, 2009 by mia of Maple Ridge (6 Reviews)

Good, not great

My husband and I tried this new addition to the local dining scene a few weeks ago, and found it to be a decent experience for the most part.

After a beffudling 1/2 hour trying to find them (the sign out front is from an old restaurant) we were a little put off right off the bat. However, the reception was warm enough so we settled in for dinner.

We found the wine list, contrary to some other reviews, quite inadequate. Not even the best in Pitt Meadows, which is saying something right there. My husbands glass of wine had to be returned (twice) as it tasted like it had been open for a month!

Our server was quite hospitable, and the menu selections, although limited, looked good enough. Our shared Calamari appetizer was adequate, certainly not exceptional. My Lamb was VERY good, my husbands pasta a little too al dente for his liking, but they quite cheerfully re-did it.

Our biggest complaint was the attitude by the cook (we gave him a quick hello on the way out) who seemed to judge us with a equal mix of amusement and contempt. Maybe he was having a bad night? He should stay out of the way of paying customers with an attitude like that.

All in all, good enough, but probably not worth a repeat visit.

Added Apr 11, 2009 by steve_avs of Port Coquitlam (5 Reviews)

What a satisfying surpise
My wife and I have struggled to find a real high quality restaurant in the area. While I'd hardly say we have expensive tastes we do appreciate good quality, well prepared food and service that is not stuffy. FireHall Bistro did not disappoint in the slightest. This cozy little place tucked away in Pitt Meadows (yes, Pitt Meadows) is fantastic!

Gordon, our server, and co-owner went through every single menu on the item and explained them in delicious detail. Not too many places will do that for you. Many of the items are locally sourced (in season) and the ambiance is simple but classy at the same time.

My wife ordered the aged Alberta Ribeye and I had the Halibut, after we had shared the Calamari starter. Both the steak and fish were prepared perfectly and the presentation was excellent, as well as the carefully prepared sides.

Having heard about the desserts we had to sample them as well and they did not disappoint. Initially they looked very small but the tastes and textures made up for it and we left satisfied...

The overall bill - $70 before tip for shared appie, mains for two, two desserts and one glass of wine. Not bad at all, and well worth a decent tip as well. I also think it was very reasonable relative to what you would have paid for a comparable meal in Vancouver proper, or even Coquitlam or Port Moody for that matter.

We highly recommend this place and we will be back enthusiastically when the occasion arises.

Added Mar 21, 2009 by milou of East Van (44 Reviews)

Trully a gem
Finally, we had to run errand in Pitt Meadows. Firehall Bistro was on my shortlist to visit based on its glaring review. At first, we had a little trouble finding the restaurant. It turns out the name shown on the windows is Season Bistro not Firehall which got us confused in the first place. Anyway, we were there for lunch and they only had 1 server. So we ordered calamari, salad, and lamb shank. The lamb shank was very tender and fall of the bone, the calamari was perfect and the salad was simple but good. To close we ordered the Russian White Chocolate dessert..which came out stunningly decorated like what you had in expensive restaurant. Everything tasted very good. To compare this place is like eating at CHOW in Granville with 50% more portion but half the price. Overall, we are very impressed with this place. The service could be better but we can't blamed the guy since he's the only one there. The waiter did a good job explaining the menu into great details...this is what every good restaurant need. We will definitely come back if we're in the area.

Added Feb 15, 2009 by rgroves of Pitt Meadows (1 Reviews)

Great little gem in Pitt Meadows
Small menu but everything done well - from quality of food to presentation. Nice variety with seasonal changes. Desserts are sublime - works of art that taste divine. HIghly recommend the chef's version of a banana split. ICe cream is made on the premises.
Each time you go you will be treated to some complimentary canapes which change everytime and they give you some idea of what is ahead.
The most exceptional feature of this restaurant is the value.

Added Feb 4, 2009 by davelynda of pitt meadows (1 Reviews)

Refreshing Relaxing Refined
It was my birthday on Monday Feb. 2 ... My husband called from work at about 4pm and said,
"Hey, don't cook, I'm going to take you out for dinner."
I said, "Awesome ! Where are we going?"
He replied, "Ah, I don't know yet ...."

He's never been a big planner. I began to search here for a new and different food experience. Unexpectedly, my search lead me back to our home town of Pitt Meadows!

I was thrilled to find this gem only minutes from our home. I read all the reviews on this site and called immediately for reservations. We arrived at 7:30 to a wonderful atmosphere, and welcoming service. Our server explained all the Chef Creations and menu items to us. Each item that we ordered lived up to it's delicious description.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening together, which was enhanced by attentive service, good wine, and extraordinary food. We'll definitely be back with friends and family. Thanks to Gordon & Stephen for super birthday meal ... you made getting older a little easier.

Added Jan 19, 2009 by SmilingLady of Coquitlam, BC (1 Reviews)

What a great find!
Four of us tried this restaurant out last night and were very impressed. The food was excellent, service attentive and friendly and wine list reasonably priced. There were some added touches such as a taste of the wine to ensure we made the right choice before ordering a bottle and a mini-appy served prior to our ordered salads and meals. Two of us had the chef's special lamb shank -- very tasty! We will definitely return. The quality and ambiance rival the significantly higher priced restaurants in downtown Vancouver.

Added Dec 30, 2008 by mojo of Vancouver (4 Reviews)

Well priced and delicious
Had a nice Decmeber dinner here with a close friend. After a spot of trouble finding it because of the different signage outside we made our way in. Great ambiance and very warm and cozy. In the month of Dec. there was only one menu with three appies, mains and desserts to choose from. Was a little disappointed at first but not for long. Perfectly done. I had the lamb and she had the beef. All of the meals were just the right size and we left feeling staisfied but not stuffed. Good service and a decently priced although, small wine menu. Did not have to spend too much to get a really great dining experience. I would recomend this to anyone wanting a gourmet prepared meal without the heavy prices.

Added Nov 25, 2008 by goofball of Pitt Meadows (3 Reviews)

Delicious Food, Great Service
This was my boyfriend and my first time at the restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious! I had the lamb and it literally fell off the bone, it was so tender. Perfectly cooked! My boyfriend was cutting his beef with his fork. We had salad and dessert too and it was all so good!
Our waiter was very friendly and cheerful and made us feel very welcome. He was very attentative and funny.
It seems like a pretty high-end place but it was still a decent price. My boyfriend and I each had a three-course meal and wine and our bill came to about a hundred bucks.
All in all, we had a very lovely time and will definitely be returning often.

Added Oct 11, 2008 by lotusmud81 of North Vancouver (8 Reviews)

Not a huge meat eater but DAMN!
First off my aunt dragged me to this restaurant against my will and I thank her!

FOOD: I am not a huge meat eater and was a bit put off at the lack of any vegetarian items on the menu but after reading the descriptions I was drooling. The food was in limited suppy as a couple of the menu items were sold out. I had wanted to try the roast chicken breast but it was sold out (next time) instead I settled on the gruyere tart to start and the ground porc shoulder with mild peppers and homeade linguini noodles. The noodles were melt in your mouth tender. The sauce was spicy and meaty. There were a few hard chunks of fat in the meat but I gladly picked around it while I dug around for the delicious pasta.
SERVICE: There was one waitress and she was amazing. I had barely put my water glass down empty when she was right next to me filling it up.
VALUE: Initially I thought 'wow expensive' but after I tasted the food it was definately priced accurately though higher than most in PITT/RIDGE area.
AMBIANCE: Clean, modern and stylish. A bit difficult to talk because I hesitated to have serious descussions with people so close to me and sound travelled so easily.

A nice little restaurant with an amazing staff. Tip well!

Added Sep 7, 2008 by trapri of Anmore (1 Reviews)

A Great Discovery
Our group of 4 visited this Bistro last night for the first time after I found it through this website. I didn't tell the other 3 anything about it. After some difficulty in finding the location (signage reflects the previous restaurant), we settled in for our experience. And a great night it was......what a terrific find! It's a small, intimate restaurant with a comfortable ambiance and a small but very friendly staff. Chef Stephen has put together a flavourful menu that combines very effective and non-standard taste sensations. While smaller than most restaurant menus, (one page of Starters, one page of Entrees) it is understandable as he's the sole operator in the kitchen. What a talent! Our starters included the King Crab salad, Lobster Bisque, Carmelized Onion and Gruyere Cheese tart and the Gem Salad. Entrees were the Veal, Salmon, and Pork Belly. Absolutely no room for dessert! There was something for everyone and all agreed that the meals were amazing in terms of quality and just enough in terms of quantity. And the price? The most reasonable meal we've had in years. There are no entrees over $20. Yes, the winelist is small, but we appreciated that there were some lesser known wineries represented as well. The staff were very professional and let us take our time savouring our meal. While we didn't have dessert, we saw some being served and they were absolute works of art. Presentations we've never seen before. We eat out frequently. The Firehall Bistro is at the top of our list, and closer to home than venturing to Vancouver.

Added Aug 26, 2008 by Kalbany of Pitt Meadows (2 Reviews)

Looking forward to next time!
My husband and I were looking for a nice local restaurant for our anniversary. We were very pleased with our experience at the Firehall Bistro. The food - Wow. We started with the special appitizer for that evening the King Crab salad and a regular menu choice the Onion Tart. Both were delicious. I had the Ribeye steak and my husband had the braised Pork Belly for our entrees. Both were very tender and tasty with nice accompaniments and presentation. To finish we had the apple tart and the "Still Life" the latter being a work of art, it was almost too pretty to eat. The service was very good with the pleasent servers checking back frequently to make sure we were enjoying the meals etc.
It would be nice if the Bistro had a full liquor license instead of the beer and wine option, although the selection of wines was fine and reasonable.

Added Aug 11, 2008 by Royce1 of Port Coquitlam (1 Reviews)

Gourmet meals at very reasonable price
My wife and I along with my mother-in-law went to this restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The restaurant is small and cozy; there is a nice fireplace at the back of the dinning room, which added to the ambiance, which I found to be very pleasant.
We were early for our reserved time (I would recommend reservations) but we were welcomed and seated promptly by the friendly owner. The service was outstanding; the owner took the time to ask if we had any questions about the menu, and answered our questions with a sense of pride and humour. The menu had a very good variety and selection and in addition, there was a special for the evening. We were delighted when the owner brought us some aperitif (which were delicious) as we contemplating our order. I started with the Lobster Bisque, which was very good, and then I had the Paella, which I found to be very, very good. My wife had the special, which was a Nova Scotia lobster cooked to perfection, and my mother-in-law had the chicken dish, that she loved. The helpings were just the right size for anyone’s appetite. We finished off with desert, my wife and her mother shared the chocolate dessert, and I had the apple crumble. Both dishes came with some homemade ice cream, which was very good.
The total price for all three of us was very reasonable as all of the main course items were under $20.00 and the cost of the liquor was reasonable. This restaurant provides outstanding value for money spent. The food is equal to or better than some of the fancy restaurants; we have tried in downtown Vancouver. So if you are interested in fine food, at reasonable prices without going into Vancouver then we would recommend this restaurant to you. We plan on going back soon!

Added Jul 22, 2008 by stevie of maple ridge (1 Reviews)

second time not so lucky
had a wonderful evening with a friend three weeks ago at the firehall bistro. as a treat decided to take my partner on the weekend only to be badly disappointed. food was a treat, service atrocious. had to ask three times for water and when we dared asked to have our candle lit on the table were told there were no matches in the place. i could understand if the place was busy but, there only four other tables.when it came time to place our order for appetizers and wine, were also told (in no uncertain terms) that if we could order our meal at the same time-'it made it easier on the kitchen'. overall the attitude of the serving staff was patronising at best. we had to again request our bill three times and it appeared that we were being avoided. on our way out we saw the chef in the parking lot. i thanked him for the great meal but mentioned the lack of service. his reply was 'perhaps we could go in and help serve the tables'. did not appreciate this comment as this was uncalled for and i felt unproffesional. hope this was just a glitch, unfortunately my partner has told me he won't return with me there.