Vendome Café

Cute Café to have a coffee date with a friend. Weird hipster vibe from the staff though. Get the impression they don’t want to be there. Suggestion, smile a little and don’t channel the Daria vibe too hard.
Had their carrot loaf which was pretty tasty and their coffee.
Would go again to try something else.

Hands down this is my favourite place in Calgary for breakfast! The first time I had the eggs benny I was blown away at how delicious it was. They are always really busy, but the service is consistently friendly and bubbly and I love the atmosphere. I moved to Toronto and I must say I really miss coming here for the food, or even just an americano. 5 whole stars.

Located in the Kensington neighbourhood, this cute little restaurant thrives. It’s busy for a reason — it’s good! They allow you to order half sandwiches which is perfect for a small appetite like mine! I got the Italian sandwich with a side of butternut squash soup. So creamy, so butternut squash –y, it was the least we could do to order another bowl to share.

Cute Café!
The atmosphere was super great. The place was full but we were still able to find a table for four on a Saturday afternoon. We were able to find free parking only a block or two away which was a great thing! Love being able to go somewhere without having to worry about parking mayhem.
Loved the décor and the style. The bathrooms were super tiny but at least they were there! They had said all the food was local I believe. We had a cream filled cupcake and the caramel apple crisp. The crisp was so delightful!
Drink wise we had the drip coffee, Americano, a vanilla latte, and a cappuccino. The cappuccino was a lot stronger than expected; had a real pow! The drip coffee was locally roasted and we considered it better than average. I really liked that they had a serve yourself water station.
I’m excited to go back and try more of their food it looked so wonderful and well-​plated!
We noticed a sign for live music which sounded so great!

Meh…
I was super excited about this place based on reviews.
First thing the line. Absolutely ridiculous an hour seriously. Why not sit people and take orders instead of having one line for people who are hoping to sit for their breakfast and those who want coffee to go??? I assume that this supposed to make a good impression as if this place is worth waiting, well it’s not that special.
I was very impressed being asked how I want my eggs Benedict. I opted for soft. After waiting another 30 min after ordering, I was served completely well done eggs. As if you place hard boiled eggs on top. I was looking for a waiter I ordered with to point out that this is not what I ordered and to be fair I tried it and it just didn’t taste right so I would not enjoy my 16 $ breakfast. To my surprise, the guys said that I can have dessert on a house. Nice gesture but what about my breakfast I asked. He said if I want new portion than I will have to wait as if I joined the line?!
As far as I know the cook overcooked my breakfast and I should not be penalised. So seeing my disappointment he offered to give me money back. I thought OK I will take my money back. One of my friends spotted that he was getting my money from the tip jar. I felt slightly bad about it but then hey, what’s the point of asking how you want your eggs to be cooked? And with all respect, after waiting 1 hour and 30 min, a slice of cake didn’t sound like a treat. I was annoyed and extremely hungry. Won’t be back for sure.

The level of service at this place is abysmal. They have renovated it and still not managed to find a way to deliver effective service. The staff is rude, the food is of average quality, for a similar price point you would be better served going to Vero Bistro or Chefs Table, which are located in the same neighborhood and are of far superior quality. The coffee at the roasterie is by any standard way better. Frankly, the only reason I believe this place is busy is that it gives off a pseudo hip vibe and as result people are somehow willing to suffer through what is a relatively terrible experience.
We live a block away from this place and never set foot in it.

I heard about Vendome’s reputation as one of the best brunch spots in Calgary during their renovations. When they reopened I was eager to try them out. As of this review, I have had brunch at Vendome twice. Both times, the line to order wrapped around the bar to behind the front window seats. The wait isn’t too long — about 10 – 15 minutes. Both times I went, I ordered their gravlax salmon eggs Benedict (it was that good!) and Mighty Leaf jasmine tea. The hollandaise sauce is rich and buttery, and the portion of salmon was generous. I also loved how they changed up the traditional English muffin with toasted panini bread. My only qualm is their macarons were not fresh when I had them. They were rock hard and could not be eaten without breaking one’s teeth.

A quaint little café in Kensington! Don’t let the small building fool you, it’s way bigger on the inside. Everyone working there was great with recommendations on the food for someone who’s never been there before. The butternut squash soup is one of the best I’ve ever had! You gotta try it. Creamy, velvety, and full of flavor, even a little crunch from the green onions. The next time I come back, I’m getting the French toast. It looks so decadent that it has to be considered dessert for breakfast. Speaking of desserts, if you like lemon, the lemon meringue tart was like biting into a sweet lemon. And the coffee, fo’getaboutit. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (but get the latte.

25 min wait and 25 open seats. The staff couldn’t care less if they were hipsters debating a band they hadn’t heard of. Had the eggs Benny soft… as a rock. Toast damn near broke a tooth. I’m 230lbs and left food on my plate.
I can’t wait to never come back :)

Fun place, good food. Probably the best hollandaise sauce I have ever had. One word — BUTTER! My only gripe is that you have to pay a dollar if you want a second cup of coffee.
Come give it a try.

We are breakfast junkies amd like to try new places. Today this was it. It looks nice but you cant fill your belly on looks alone. I have read the reviews and i cant say i had the same experience. It took 40 minutes from the door to the table. Then we had to wait for our food. Another 15 minutes. I have always wanted to try a breakfast poutine and gave it a go. With two poached eggs — MEDIUM — on top. What a mistake. There was very little cheese and no «gravy» other than the hollandaise. I can live with that. My egg yolks will do the job. But wait… they’re HARD. Let me say that i LOVE breakfast and would be happy if that was the only meal i ever ate. I bust a gut every Saturday. I left this half eaten. On the upside i didnt have to be rolled out of the place but i will not be back. There are SO MANY better places i have not been disappointed with. Rant over.

The wait to order food was way too long!
The food wasn’t anything extraordinary especially after lining up for over an hour just to order!

I am always impressed with this place. The wonderful aroma will lead you to this place if you happen to walk near by. They usually have quite the line up out the door but it’s worth it. For lunch, I got my usual duck confit panini and my lunch date had the salmon benny. Half way through, we swapped dishes. Glad I could stop by this place before heading out of YYC.

Well I was finally able to try the Café after it was closed for renovations. I heard all kinds of good reviews but they must describe the place before it was renovated. The food is well presented but it was obvious that it was sitting around because it was cold when it arrived after a long wait. The place wasn’t very busy so there is no excuse for cold food, not that there ever is. Not sure if I will be back. it’s obvious it has a following but we will see if that lasts.

I will not be returning to the Vendome Café’. I was looking forward to trying it after the many great reviews I have read on Unilocal.I guess those reviews are outdated. We arrived and paid (and tipped) in advance. (That is their system). The first few blunders — over filled and spilled drinks, no saucer for my companions t-​bag were awkward but forgivable. Then, over a 30 minute wait for the Salmon Eggs Benedict and that arrived cold. The waitress did not check on us and by that point I had enough of this place. My latte was uninspiring so only drank ½. The chocolate cake was just okay.

Vendome is reopened and it’s wonderful! Missed the food here and the coffee too.
I don’t know what they did but somehow it’s never a big problem anymore finding tables. Perhaps because the patio is opened? Maybe they are bringing food out faster? Maybe the line up is so long that by the time you order, some people have ate and left already? I don’t know what it is but at least I am not fighting over tables with people anymore and glaring at people with their laptops out with one coffee at their table.
One thing I’m sad about is they got rid of their salted caramel french toast and replaced it with bread pudding. The bread pudding is good but the french toast was better. Please bring it back!
Also could you please change the colour of the writing on the blackboard for the menu… It’s pretty but the blue is impossible to read.
The place always is lined up so go early if you don’t wanna stand in line for 20min.

They’ve just gotten better!
I went back on the first day they reopened and got an Americano. Still amazing! I love their espresso and they are so good at what they do. They use a traditional espresso machine rather than the modern day push button type, and the richness and flavour of the espresso comes through. It’s just so delicious!
I’m so pleased to see that they have all the same favourites on the menu, and a few new items I can’t wait to try (biscuits and gravy!!!) I had the salmon benedict today and I have to say it was better than I remember. The soft poached egg was done PERFECTLY.
The space has the same character and charm as before but it is brighter. Floors are refinished, benches are removed with a new one at the back of the restaurant. There is a new bar style seating area near the food prep. All the wall decorations are right back where they were before. Honestly, if you weren’t a regular here I don’t think you’d even know exactly what they changed but to say that it just looks and feels more spacious.
Also really great to see that many of the same staff are back. That is saying a lot for this restaurant because the turn around for this type of industry is massive. They are clearly passionate about this place and love working together as a team.
Welcome back Vendome! I wish you just the best success in the future. You are an absolute gem in not only this neighbourhood but in the entire city.

Super love the Salted Caramel French Toast!
Although I always prefer savoury food for Breakfast, I must share the toast with my hubby or friends!
And I love the Salmon Gravlax egg benedict!
The café is nice but if it’s a very sunny day then the place becomes very warm, too warm.

You must visit this quaint neighbourhood Café! Looking for an new place to try we found this recommended on Unilocal and the reviews were dead on.
Great west sw facing patio. Old wood floors creak as you walk. Pictures of various people are fun and interesting.
The display of many pastries and desert options make a return visit a must. I will try their Lemon Tarts next time.
On a very busy Saturday we were served in a reasonable amount of time.
I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benny. Pause… Hands down the best I have ever had, and I’m 44;)
My wife had the Salted Carmel French toast and it was awesome. The bananas were a bit mushy and a side of bacon made up for the missing protein.
Fun loud atmosphere in a quaint friendly Café. Put it in your calendar.

Vendome Café was, without question, my best dining experience in Calgary, and I’ll go so far as to say it’s among one of my most enjoyable dining experiences. period.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
Kensington is, in and of itself, one of the coolest neighborhoods out there, so that bakes in some trendiness by default. Even so, the interior of Vendome Café matches the appeal in the surrounding area, and while the lines can get long, fast and friendly servers make for a comfortable experience. Seating is diverse, and the clientele ranged from young people to families seemingly returning from church. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
First up: Smoked Bacon Mac n’ Cheese ($ 12.00):
Second: Salted Caramel French Toast ($ 12.00):
Sizable portions, fair prices. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
Oh… oh my. Let’s throw in some context here. For the past 18 months, I’ve lived in Dallas, Texas, which I’m inclined to crown as royalty on the global mac n’ cheese circuit. I’ve probably had twenty or so different varieties of mac n’ cheese in Texas, and the dish I had here at Vendome gave each and every one of those twenty dishes a run for their money. This was magical. Perfectly cooked with a consistent smoked flavor throughout, the crunchy surface was a cherry on top of the best of cakes.
The french toast was fantastic as well, and the uniqueness of cutting up the bread prior to (baking?) cooking it was met nicely with the whipped cream and caramel. Delicious. Dual Stars Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
Amazing. Yes. Star Granted.