Old Surrey Restaurant Surrey
⭐ Old Surrey Restaurant is known for Tableside Caesar Salad and Chateaubriand.
💡 Good to Know
- Established in 1975
- A family-run French restaurant founded by Valentine Aguirre.
- Historic Farmhouse
- Fine dining inside a century-old Surrey home.
- Tableside Traditions
- Caesar salad, Chateaubriand and flambéed desserts.
❤️ Top Favourites
- Père Magloire Calvados
⭐ Old Surrey Restaurant Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
Tableside Caesar Salad
One of Old Surrey Restaurant's most celebrated specialties. Servers prepare the dressing and toss the salad at the table, turning a familiar starter into a memorable part of the evening. Customers repeatedly describe it as one of the best Caesar salads they have tried, with many returning specifically for this traditional presentation.
Chateaubriand
A signature choice for couples and special occasions, featuring tender beef prepared and presented with classic accompaniments. Diners frequently praise the quality of the meat, the tableside presentation and the overall experience of ordering this traditional French dish. It is particularly popular as part of the restaurant's special dinner menus.
Steak and Filet Mignon
Beef dishes receive consistently strong recommendations, particularly filet mignon, tenderloin and ribeye. Customers praise the tenderness, careful cooking and accompanying sauces. Steak au poivre and combinations featuring seafood or Béarnaise sauce are also frequently mentioned.
Rack of Lamb
A longtime favourite among diners seeking a traditional fine-dining entrée. Reviewers regularly compliment the tenderness and preparation of the lamb, with several recommending it as one of the restaurant's standout main courses.
Steak and Lobster
Surf-and-turf combinations are popular for celebrations, especially filet mignon paired with lobster tail or prawns. Customers appreciate the combination of carefully prepared beef and seafood, along with the restaurant's traditional presentation.
Fresh Oysters
Oysters are frequently recommended as a seafood starter. Reviews specifically mention fresh Vancouver Island oysters, including Effingham oysters, making them a notable choice for guests who enjoy raw seafood.
Prawns Provençal
A popular French-inspired seafood appetizer that receives praise for its flavour and presentation. Diners often choose the prawns as part of a multi-course dinner, particularly when ordering one of the restaurant's seasonal specials.
Escargot
This classic French appetizer is recommended by customers who enjoy traditional European dining. Reviewers frequently mention it alongside the Caesar salad and seafood starters as part of a complete fine-dining experience.
Pacific Crab Dip
A frequently praised appetizer, with several customers describing it as a highlight of their meal. The crab dip is particularly popular among guests sharing starters before a steak or seafood entrée.
Crêpes Suzette
One of the restaurant's signature desserts, appreciated as much for its tableside preparation as for its flavour. Customers enjoy watching the traditional presentation and frequently recommend ordering it to finish a special dinner.
Cherries Jubilee
Another longtime tableside favourite. The flambéed dessert adds a theatrical finish to the meal, with reviewers often recommending it alongside Chateaubriand and Caesar salad for the full Old Surrey dining experience.
Crème Brûlée
A consistently popular dessert among customers who prefer a classic French finish to their meal. It appears frequently in reviews of the restaurant's multi-course menus and special occasion dinners.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Historic Farmhouse Setting
Old Surrey Restaurant occupies a converted farmhouse on 72 Avenue, offering a setting quite different from a typical commercial restaurant. The building retains the character of an older residence, with smaller dining areas and a traditional layout that contribute to its distinctive atmosphere.
Classic French-Inspired Interior
The dining rooms feature traditional furnishings, warm lighting and elegant decorative touches. Rather than adopting a modern restaurant design, Old Surrey preserves an old-fashioned fine-dining atmosphere that many longtime customers consider part of its appeal.
Intimate and Romantic
Customers frequently describe the restaurant as cozy, quiet and romantic. The historic building and traditional decor create an inviting environment for couples celebrating anniversaries or enjoying an evening together.
Multiple Dining Areas
The converted house provides separate dining spaces rather than one large open room. This arrangement gives the restaurant a more residential feel and can make smaller gatherings feel relatively private.
Old-World Character
Many reviewers appreciate the sense of stepping back in time. The combination of historic architecture, traditional furnishings and understated elegance creates an atmosphere reminiscent of classic European restaurants.
A Relaxed Pace
The restaurant is suited to guests who enjoy settling in for a longer evening rather than a quick meal. Its surroundings encourage a leisurely dining experience, particularly when visiting for a celebration.
Signs of Age
While many customers enjoy the historic character, some feel parts of the interior are dated or would benefit from maintenance. A few reviews mention worn furnishings or an unpleasant odour, although these criticisms are considerably less common than praise for the atmosphere.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
On-Site Parking
Old Surrey Restaurant has a parking area beside the historic building. The lot is relatively modest in size, and customers occasionally report difficulty finding a space when the restaurant is busy.
Unusual Surroundings
The parking area sits among neighbouring automotive businesses and railway tracks. First-time visitors sometimes find the surroundings unexpected for an upscale restaurant, although the atmosphere changes considerably once inside.
Busy Evening Parking
Parking can become challenging during popular dinner periods and special occasions. Customers attending a reservation may want to arrive a little early to allow time to find a suitable space.
Historic Building Accessibility
The restaurant occupies a converted older house, which may present accessibility challenges. At least one customer with mobility limitations has reported significant difficulty accessing the restaurant.
Confirm Accessibility Before Visiting
Step-free entry, accessible washrooms and designated accessible parking have not been verified. Guests using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids should contact the restaurant directly to discuss their requirements before reserving.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Newton Neighbourhood
Old Surrey Restaurant is located at 13483 72 Avenue in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood. Its setting is quite different from the commercial restaurant strips found elsewhere in the city, with a historic residential building surrounded by a mixture of local businesses.
Near King George Boulevard
The restaurant sits west of King George Boulevard, one of Surrey's major north-south routes. Visitors travelling through Newton can reach the area using 72 Avenue, making it accessible from surrounding Surrey neighbourhoods and other parts of the Fraser Valley.
Historic Surrey Farmhouse
The restaurant's building is a distinctive local landmark in its own right. The converted farmhouse has retained much of its original character, offering visitors a glimpse of an earlier period in Surrey's development.
Railway and Commercial Neighbours
Railway tracks and automotive businesses are located near the property. The surrounding area is more industrial and commercial than visitors might expect, making the historic restaurant an unusual contrast to its immediate neighbours.
A Longstanding Surrey Destination
Operating since 1975, Old Surrey Restaurant has welcomed generations of local diners. Many customers describe returning after years away or continuing family traditions of celebrating important occasions at the restaurant.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Reservations Recommended
Old Surrey Restaurant is particularly popular for anniversaries, birthdays and romantic dinners. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends, holidays and special occasions. Some customers report obtaining tables without reservations, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
Traditional Fine Dining
The restaurant specializes in leisurely, full-service dining with French-inspired cuisine. Guests can choose from appetizers, entrées and desserts, with particular emphasis on classic preparations and attentive table service.
Tableside Preparations
One of the restaurant's defining traditions is preparing or finishing selected dishes in front of guests. The Caesar salad is a particular favourite, while Chateaubriand, Crêpes Suzette, Cherries Jubilee and specialty coffees have also featured tableside presentations.
Seasonal Multi-Course Menus
Old Surrey regularly offers special multi-course dining experiences. Customer reviews describe three-course and four-course menus featuring seasonal appetizers, salads, meat or seafood entrées and desserts. These menus have been especially popular for anniversaries and holiday celebrations.
Special Occasion Dining
The restaurant is a popular choice for Valentine's Day, wedding anniversaries, birthdays and family milestones. Customers frequently mention attentive service and thoughtful recognition of celebrations, making advance notice of special occasions worthwhile.
Private Events and Group Dining
Old Surrey has hosted wedding receptions, family celebrations and business gatherings. Reviews describe groups of approximately 20 to 32 guests receiving coordinated multi-course meals. Larger parties should contact the restaurant directly to discuss seating, menu arrangements and availability.
Takeout Specials
The restaurant has offered takeaway meals, including a Wednesday takeaway program mentioned in customer reviews. Availability may vary, so guests interested in takeout should confirm current offerings and ordering procedures directly.
Dietary Accommodations
Several customers report that staff have accommodated food allergies and other dietary requirements. The restaurant has also prepared customized multi-course menus for groups with different dietary needs. Guests should explain any restrictions when reserving, particularly when ordering set menus.
Wine and Specialty Drinks
Old Surrey offers wine and cocktails alongside its dinner service. Traditional specialty coffees are another distinctive feature, with customers describing tableside preparation of drinks such as Spanish coffee and B-52 coffee.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
Traditional Fine-Dining Experience
Customers consistently praise Old Surrey Restaurant for preserving a style of dining that has become increasingly uncommon. The combination of formal service, classic French-inspired cuisine and tableside preparations makes the experience memorable for diners who appreciate traditional hospitality.
Exceptional Tableside Service
The restaurant's tableside Caesar salad receives some of its most enthusiastic feedback. Customers enjoy watching the preparation and frequently describe the salad as a highlight of their visit. Flambéed desserts and specialty coffees add to the sense of occasion.
Professional and Personable Staff
Many reviewers compliment the servers for their knowledge, attentiveness and friendly personalities. Longtime staff members are sometimes mentioned by name, and returning customers appreciate being recognized after previous visits.
A Favourite for Anniversaries
Wedding anniversaries are among the most frequently mentioned reasons for visiting. Customers regularly describe romantic dinners, attentive service and memorable celebrations, with some families returning for important milestones over many years.
Quality Meat and Seafood
Chateaubriand, filet mignon, rack of lamb and seafood combinations receive repeated praise. Diners appreciate the quality of the ingredients, traditional sauces and careful presentation. The restaurant's range of seafood starters is another recurring highlight.
Generous Hospitality
Customers sometimes mention complimentary small bites, thoughtful gestures for celebrations and staff who take extra time to make guests feel welcome. These details contribute to the restaurant's reputation for personal service.
Historic Atmosphere
Many diners love the character of the converted farmhouse, describing the interior as elegant, cozy and nostalgic. The setting appeals particularly to guests seeking an alternative to contemporary restaurants with large, open dining rooms.
Mixed Opinions on the Interior
While the historic decor is a major attraction for many visitors, others feel the building looks dated or needs additional upkeep. A small number of reviews mention worn furnishings, cleanliness concerns or an unpleasant smell.
Pricing and Value
Old Surrey is generally considered an expensive restaurant, particularly when ordering multiple courses, wine or premium meat and seafood. Many customers feel the food and service justify the cost, while others believe certain dishes or specials offer less value.
Occasional Food Inconsistencies
Although most reviews are enthusiastic, some customers report overcooked steaks, disappointing appetizers, inconsistent sauces or dishes that lacked flavour. These criticisms are less frequent than the positive feedback but indicate that individual experiences can vary.
Service Complaints
Most diners describe excellent service, but a minority report slow pacing, insufficient attention or uncomfortable interactions with staff. Some negative reviews describe feeling overlooked during busy periods or dissatisfied with how concerns were handled.
A Restaurant with Loyal Regulars
One of the strongest themes is the number of customers who have returned for years or even decades. Many describe Old Surrey as a family tradition, returning for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones because of its distinctive combination of food, service and atmosphere.
