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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$6 - US$29
CUISINES
Seafood, Italian, Mediterranean, Grill
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features, about
Reviews (227)
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LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
160
43
14
5
4
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All reviews veal sablefish chef roland his team fine dining experience the short ribs wine list illuminated vancouver appetizers delta presentation bc servers
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Reviewed April 2, 2023 via mobile

This small restaurant is located in a strip mall in Tsawwassen. The atmosphere is nice. Apart from their regular menu, they do have a separate daily sheet featuring Steaks at market price. I ordered a NY Steak. It came with Broccolini and Scalloped Potatoes. The...Steak was served perfectly medium, as ordered. It was nicely charred and on the thicker side, which I prefer. It was tender, succulent and very flavourful. It was one of the best Steaks I have had in quite a while. The Scalloped Potatoes were very tasty and the Broccolini was nicely cooked. I had the Neapolitan Gelato for dessert, which was a perfect was yo cap off an enjoyable meal. This restaurant serves higher quality food at reasonable prices. Service was good.More

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed February 16, 2023 via mobile

We are travelling through to Vancouver island, and stayed in Tsawassen for the night. Being a couple who enjoys fine food and service we were treated to a very fine dining experience from the time we sat down until the time left. Sarah our server...was outstanding in every aspect, from her knowledge of the menu to knowing when she was needed at the table. The food was absolutely outstanding in every aspect. Presentation was an art form and the tastes, textures and balances were spot on. The drinks were original and again exceptional. Definitely a diamond for this area. Highly recommend you treat yourself to a wonderful meal and experience.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed August 9, 2022

We have dined at this restaurant on several occasions but not since COVID. This visit was,quite frankly, disappointing and expensive. The food was,at best, adequate but very highly priced. We asked for the music volume to be turned down but this did not happen. We...had hoped for an intimate dinner but that wasn’t to be. After being offered a dessert menu we waited and eventually had to ask for it. Altogether a big let-down on what was to be a special evening.More

Date of visit: August 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed July 6, 2022

A very luxurious surrounding. Classy open kitchen look. Fabulous chef owner once tied to Umberto's in Vancouver. Swiss chap. Typically a bit stand offish but plates very good food. Expensive. Servers really not up to speed for an eatery of this stature. Locally there probably...are not many well trained servers so the place makes do with locals less than knowledgable. No matter. A very good meal experience.More

Date of visit: November 2021
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed May 21, 2022

Not that we really expected fine dining but when my wife and I recently visited Illuminate we were hoping to be surprised. We were surprised, but not pleasantly. It took considerable effort to find our reservation but eventually we were seated. Once seated we waited...unacknowledged for 5-10 minutes and noticed . Service is spotty with untrained or unprepared staff. The wine list has the old tired names that speak of the '70's. For a restaurant that claims to be Italian to only have 2 low end pinot grigios for Italian white wine is ludicrous especially when what is offered by BCLCB. The wine we ordered was brought already uncorked but we had to ask for it to be poured. The appetizers and mains were quite tasty...no complaints there. But dessert was very disappointing. It was advertised as a passion fruit Napoleon, except it was stale and tasteless. Then the coup de grace came when my wife unfolded her napkin to find old blood stains. When we pointed that out to the owner who came to process our bill we were told "it was probably chocolate". Needless to say Tsawwassen will not see our faces again when it comes to spending several hundred dollars for dinner/wine.More

Date of visit: May 2022
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Reviewed January 26, 2022

Hands down the best restaurant in Delta and one of the top ones in Greater Vancouver. Last night, we enjoyed take-out. Chef Roland and his team layer flavour after flavour in each of the appetizers and main courses. The ingredients are amazingly fresh. Last night,...we enjoyed the carpaccio, caprese salad, veal scallopini, pasta al fredo, and sablefish. The veal and fish were coated with the most delicious and subtle crusts. I admit that the carpaccio was my favourite. In the past year, we have savoured the short ribs on risotto, seafood pastas, and other fish plates. Without exception, the meals are have all been exquisite. Having been a regular visitor to Montreal's finest Italian restaurants, Illuminate meets and exceeds the standards of the best restaurants.More

Date of visit: January 2022
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Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded March 22, 2022

Thank you for the 5 star rating and wonderful review we appreciate your continued support and look forward to the opportunity in serving you again soon.

Reviewed January 24, 2022

After having had some good times at Illuminate, I will not be going there again. Either the chef/owner has become conceited, swollen headed with all the good comments are simply racial. We made a reservation for 5 & were there for a special evening on...January 20th. We were pleasantly greeted and guided to our well set table. We asked about their corkage charge and were advised it was $30.00. (Bit pricy compared to most restaurants). We agreed and I went to y vehicle to get the bottle. On my return we were advised "because of Covid" np outside wine was permitted. Give us a break I thought. I said I came in from the outside too and the wine was sealed. The 'manager' then came out and advised the young lady who advised about corkage was misinformed and that if we had a $300 bottle of wine he may have permitted it but not on a cheap wine that may have been on sale at the BC Liquor Store. Just before we ordered our meal two adults felt a cold draft and we requested for another table. They were prepared to provide blankets instead! Were we at a picnic spot or sitting on a bench outside. There was only one other table occupied. We asked if we could move to a table for four and add another chair. Again, we were informed Covid regulations do not permit that. Covid -Covid -Covid, restaurants are seeing customers yet places like Illuminate are using Covid as an excuse. We walked out and they probably lost a sale 0f $300-400. We went next door to the Greek restaurant where we were warmly welcomed. Corkage was $14.00, we had a table for four and fifth chair was added, service was excellent and we enjoyed our meals. We were so full that we could not indulge in a desserts but to show our support each of us order a dessert to enjoy at home. However good the food and ambiance is, if I am not welcome at a place I would rather take my business elsewhere.More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed January 14, 2022

Hands down the finest meal I have had in a long time. Everything was perfection. My friend had the carpaccio which she said was the best she's ever had and trust me this woman has eaten at the finest restaurants around BC. The Tuna was...gorgeous and the lamb rack special was tender and again highest on the "We Loved It" scale. This spot is a gem!More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded March 22, 2022

Thank you for the 5 star rating and review we appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity in serving you again soon.

Reviewed June 21, 2021

Perfection!We loved the seafood platter -exquisite...Service impeccable as well.And to finish the experience a complimentary creme brulee for the birthday girl!

Date of visit: June 2021
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Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded November 23, 2021

Thank-you for your 5 bubble rating and review we appreciate your support and look forward for the opportunity in serving you again soon.

Reviewed February 26, 2021

I’ve lived in Tsawwassen for 6 years and visit this restaurant often, always great food and great service. Since Covid19 we now do take away and again, the service is wonderful. Fully recommend dining or take out from Illuminate. Jim Marshall

Date of visit: January 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded November 23, 2021

Thank-you for your 5 bubble rating and review, we appreciate your support and look forward for the opportunity in serving you again.

Reviewed January 23, 2021

We were in Tsawwassen for the night and discovered Illuminate while walking around town and decided make a reservation for dinner. Food was very good....the salad very fresh and lively; the crispy prawns (dusted with panko) were a tad overdone - too crispy for my...taste....spaghetti bolagnese with additional meatballs very nice. Nice selection of wines by the glass and the bottle as well as cocktails. It appears to be a very popular place with the locals....it was buzzing! Service overall was good, a little offhand here and there. It is I suspect the best place in town.More

Date of visit: January 2021
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded November 23, 2021

Thank-you for your review our apologies for the crispy prawns please let us know the next time you visit us and we will take of it, we appreciate your support and look forward in seeing you again.

Reviewed October 19, 2020

The food is excellent, with generous portions, prepared to perfection. The chef and his staff are steeped in European tradition but remain relaxed and inviting. The best place to dine and socialize in Tsawwassen.

Date of visit: October 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded November 23, 2021

Thank you for your 5 bubble rating and review, we appreciate your support and look forward for the opportunity in serving you again soon.

Reviewed July 24, 2020

It just happen in the neighborhood to see one of my aunt ,so we end up at the Illuminate for dinner , feel very comfortable and relax the safety plan nicely done , the decor not a classic Italy restaurant but very cozy ,very surprise...the restaurant so quite ,No Body , but I guest aunt know the owner / Manager ,she want it to stay ,,menu is not over size ,,lot to choose from ,it is not fancy or classic ,,but it is closed to good home cooking ,very fresh ingredients ,my veal tenderloin is delicious and my aunt's Linguine Pescature looks amazing good ,and the grilled calamari cooked it just right , ,over all ,it is good value and for a quiet place for dinner ,, price little expensive , drop by and try it out ,I think they closed on Monday and dinner only !More

Date of visit: July 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded October 5, 2020

Thank-you for your review, we appreciate your support and look forward for the opportunity of serving you again soon.

Reviewed June 12, 2020

Another amazing meal at Illuminate. In spite of the necessary changes the atmosphere remained, as always, delightful. There are some wonderful additions to the menu which are mouth-watering. No need to be concerned about safety as their customers are their main concern. Get out there...and enjoy!More

Date of visit: June 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joeqyna, Owner at Illuminate Restorante, responded to this reviewResponded October 5, 2020

Thank-you for your 5 star rating and review, we appreciate your support and look forward for the opportunity of serving you again soon.

Reviewed March 22, 2020

We made reservations almost 2 months in advance for a special birthday party with guests arriving from out of town. They called us 2 days before the occassion to tell us sorry but the restaurant will be full with another party. They offered us nothing...more than an apology and offered to make the reservation on a different day. With folks arriving from out of town this was not something we could do with such short notice. We had been loyal customers but we will not go back. This has happened to other people in town once we started sharing our story. Terrible way to treat local patrons who were loyal to your venue.More

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?7  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Diane M
December 26, 2018|
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Response from Warren S | Reviewed this property |
We have been going to Illuminate for the past several New Year's Eves, so yes they have a menu, usually in two seatings.
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ILLUMINATE RESTORANTE, Tsawwassen - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Illuminate Restorante

Illuminate Restorante is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5