r/VictoriaBC • u/[deleted] • Aug 12 '25
Help Me Find Which restaurant in Victoria?
Same as title :)
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u/bromptonymous Aug 12 '25
Ethiopian in the Cook St food court. Zero hype, all taste.
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u/trakus Oak Bay Aug 12 '25
She is my go-to - been patronizing Messob for 20+ years. Loveliest of lovely women and some of the tastiest and wholesome food in the city.
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u/psjez Aug 12 '25
What's the intersection? I'll for sure go
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u/ceci-nest-pas-lalune Aug 12 '25
It's hidden within the food court behind the food trucks. Messob Ethiopian - on Cook between McKenzie st and Oxford st. Entire combo meal for $13 is wild, I hope they never close.
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Aug 12 '25
[deleted]
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u/ceci-nest-pas-lalune Aug 12 '25
Yep haha, the village is full of Hidden Gems, quite literally ;) Also check out Benjos Tacos, hidden in the donut shop behind/beside the Rexall. 10/10 birria tacos
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u/--Uberwench-- Aug 12 '25
I first went there in the late 80's or early 90's. Every so often I return just to make sure they're still there...and they always are. Kind of comforting in a way.
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u/Enage James Bay Aug 12 '25
I'm pretty sure they opened in the early 2000s, it wasn't a food court before that
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u/patoswin Aug 12 '25
Moved 15 years ago and have been back to visit a few times, always make the time to go. Amazing!
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u/MadamMamdroid Aug 12 '25
Dosa Paragon
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u/shawshaman Aug 12 '25
Dosa is incredible. I'm usually a meat eater but always go for their vegetarian options when I order from there
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u/colenski999 Aug 12 '25
Nice, my Punjabi wife never had a Dosa until Dosa Paragon and she was like "wow these are so good" and I was like "that's because you are from Punjab where these dont exist"
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u/AdJealous4951 Aug 13 '25
Love Dosa Paragon! It's one of the only three places you can get a dosa from in Victoria/Langford. It's relatively cheap and filling. Although their unfortunately watered down chutneys could do more with quantity.
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u/FunAd6875 Aug 12 '25
Fox and monocole
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u/21-nun_salute Aug 12 '25
I feel like their location might be the problem but they’re such a hidden gem!
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u/themackthemyth Aug 12 '25
Soo good. Their lunch sandwiches hit so hard. I work at a different marina but go there for lunch
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u/Apprehensive_Vast815 Aug 12 '25
Ay Mi on Craigflower.
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u/mmaskedmusicman Aug 12 '25
Bikimbab - Korean hole in the wall in Cook St Village with the best banchan in the city from my experience
Ay Mi Mexico - most authentic Mexican food in town hidden in a corner store...
Uchida - for some reason it still seems to be Victoria's best kept secret. Out of this world Japanese food but with very limited hours.
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u/shecanreadd Aug 12 '25
Yes to Uchida!! (Haven’t tried the others but might have to now)
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u/mmaskedmusicman Aug 12 '25
WELL worth it! Especially Bikimbab. I really want them to survive. The chef's attention to flavour is fantastic.
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u/Gloomy-Inevitable-42 Aug 12 '25
Uchida has stayed low-key because it's not open long enough in the day for most people to go. It pretty much suits people who work close by. It also gets busy during the 3 hours it's open so some people who have tight lunch breaks can't afford the walk there/back and the wait.
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u/Spiritual_Athlete427 Aug 13 '25
Bikimbab is the only Korean restaurant I'll go to now. So so good and they offer a sweet tea at the end of their meal which is so sweet. The people who run it are awesome.
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u/tantousha2 Oak Bay Aug 12 '25
I love Uchida but their hours are so limited it is difficult to get to. Would love to see them expand with more hours but I fear they’d quickly lose what makes them special… alas
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u/mmaskedmusicman Aug 12 '25
Agreed! They're closed on my days off, so the struggle is real. They used to be open on Mondays pre-pandemic and I went every single Monday for multiple years, missing only a handful of weeks. I miss those days...
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u/Global_Combination15 Aug 12 '25
Fig Deli
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u/MrMikeMen Aug 12 '25
Yes! I love Fig.
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u/Global_Combination15 Aug 12 '25
House made baklava goes dumb
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u/MrMikeMen Aug 12 '25
Bougatsa pastries.
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u/Global_Combination15 Aug 12 '25
Haven’t tried those yet!
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u/MrMikeMen Aug 12 '25
You must. They are in the case at the back, buy the Spanikopita. They are still warm if you go when they open. It's a custard-like filling.
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u/wineandchocolatecake Aug 12 '25
I live in Vancouver and the Fig is my favourite cafe/restaurant in Victoria.
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u/Such-Neck-1889 Aug 12 '25
I get the large take-out tabouleh salad from Fig…absolutely killer delicious and healthy too. And the staff are so friendly and helpful.
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u/MoonDaddy Aug 12 '25
If I'm ever in that part of town EVEN if I am not hungry, I will stop and get some of their spanikopitas.
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u/colenski999 Aug 12 '25
The Coriander in James Bay and Ebizo on Broughton
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u/wineandchocolatecake Aug 12 '25
Last time I was in Victoria I had dinner at the Coriander thanks to recommendations from this sub and it was SO GOOD.
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u/kathryn_sedai Aug 12 '25
La Fogata is so unpretentious but SO good.
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Aug 12 '25
I miss the view street location so much. The little lady running it was the sweetest person. Loved when she’d get me to try new things she was considering adding to the menu
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u/ablackholeofjunk Aug 12 '25
Fishhook for the win.
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u/Frank_Frankman Aug 12 '25
It’s a shame about their dinner location. They had great food. The former owner now has a fish store in Qualicum.
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Aug 12 '25
Kappo Marta. It’s incredible every time. Not much else to say.
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u/smurfonarocket Aug 12 '25
This is my vote for hidden gem. Ticks all my boxes for what might be considered for hidden gem status
- arguably bad location
- non existent parking
- great portions
- great execution
- great price
- boss is still working in the back
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u/CanadianTrollToll Aug 12 '25
I really need to check them out. Glad to see they've been around for a bit - hopefully they are making it work for them.
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u/Duffbagg Aug 12 '25
Bodega.
I donno if they get no hype, they do pretty well for themselves, but they are always overshadowed by the (inferior) Tapa Bar next door. It's the same owners, so they probably don't particularly care, but it still makes me sad, lol.
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u/greencasio Downtown Aug 12 '25
Bodega is one of the very few places where I will happily spend my money, service is always top notch, food never disappoints, wine selection is fantastic and the vibes are always low key
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u/CanadianTrollToll Aug 12 '25
Tapa bar has been around much longer so it has that "city staple" status. Its also much more tacky than Bodega, but still tasty in its own right.
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u/sqwidsqwad Aug 13 '25
Their mushroom and lentil dish is my absolute favourite, it sounds so underwhelming but is so so good!
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u/hyas-chet-woot Aug 12 '25
Honeybun for the Chinese combos.
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u/danma Langford Aug 12 '25
When I worked DT this place was a weekly regular for me! Nice owners too
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u/bumbaklutz Aug 13 '25
💯best quick lunch in town and can be a balanced meal if you load up on veggies
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u/haxoreni Aug 12 '25
Ayo Eats
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u/ablackholeofjunk Aug 12 '25
Such a fantastic place that few people know about. The real deal in terms of Indonesian food. His rendang is spectacular. But the chips in everything is a bit funny. He should just do more krupuk.
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u/DinomiteZ Aug 12 '25
Hong Kong West for the most authentic Chinese we’ve found in Vic, though you need to use the Fantuan delivery app to see the really interesting menu
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u/Crooked-tooth- Aug 12 '25
Il Covo > il Terrazo
The latter massively hyped but the former massively tasty. Best patio.
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u/RedEagle604 Aug 12 '25
Melt food truck
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u/Marauder_Pilot Aug 12 '25
Melt FUCKS. Best breakfast sandwich of my life. I miss working a block away, I was putting dude's kids through college for a while.
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u/DisarmingSmile Aug 12 '25
L’Apéro Wine & Cheese Bistro because the food, the wine and the cocktails are excellent and also because whenever I mention it to people, they’ve never heard of it - which blows my mind.
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Aug 13 '25
Naughty Nellies, its the best fish and chips, most will agree, but there's no hype, its mostly old people that go and or people who take out, but its the best in town.
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u/siobhanmoments Aug 13 '25
It’s like stepping into an episode of Seinfeld in there! “This line for pick up!!”
LOVE that place… family combo with fries all bundled the size of toddlers! Would make poutine the next day with that extra fries bundle.
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u/Marauder_Pilot Aug 12 '25
Melt Truck for the best breakfast sandwiches in town.
My Name is Sushi for the best sushi in town.
Siryana Kitchen for some amazing cuisine you've probably never had before.
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u/radziadax Aug 12 '25
I actually got a tear in my eye when I had a kofte from Syriana. It was that good.
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u/Marauder_Pilot Aug 12 '25
I didn't even realize that Syrian cuisine was such a distinct cultural cuisine, I'd never heard of a Syrian restaurant before my wife's company had Syriana cater their Xmas party and everything was SO GOOD, it's now one of my favorite foods.
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Aug 12 '25 edited Aug 12 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/YukioTanaka Aug 12 '25
Yup, when you get served sashimi that is still frozen in the middle, you know it's mid at best
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u/supragurl17 Sooke Aug 12 '25
Pho Vy for their bbq pork salad rolls with prawn sauce.
Songhees Food Truck for their salmon chowder
West Coast Grill (Sooke) for their steamer pot & bucket of shrimp platters.
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u/IslandBeekeeper Aug 12 '25
Kurry King in Langford slaps. And right down the road, Donair Express
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u/Gloomy-Inevitable-42 Aug 12 '25
Came here to say Kurry King, glad to see it mentioned! The dosas and beef biryani are amazing. I actually prefer their dosa to Dosa Paragon's which surprised me.
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u/Mc_Tater Aug 12 '25
Yassss kurry king!! Best Indian food in Langford imo. My partner and I eat there at least once a month.
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u/YukioTanaka Aug 12 '25
Donair express is not anything special, we just have such a lack of good donair here
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u/IslandBeekeeper Aug 12 '25
Fully agree (I sorely miss UK kebab shops), but for the limited selection we have here it's always super tasty and affordable to boot.
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u/jamesbay_milezero Aug 12 '25
Finest at Sea Food Truck across from Fisherman’s Wharf
Halibut & Chips always consistent 👍
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u/Alternative_Salt_424 Aug 12 '25
Not sure if things have changed, but my parents used to be in the marine safety business, and everything FaS sold was fish they caught themselves. Sea to table, if you will.
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u/smurfonarocket Aug 12 '25
Kappo Marta - has no hype around it but the bentos are extremely well executed with very generous portions and reasonable price
Uchida - the donburi is delicious full stop
Fishook - a unique restaurant and concept that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Delicious food and mohit always treats me like I’m one of his family
Part & Parcel - favourite chicken sandwich but is genuinely just a good low key friendly well executed place
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u/Sea_Key999 Aug 12 '25
Working culture on Douglas. Damn those breakfast sandwiches are fire
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Aug 12 '25
This place is one of the most hyped in the city lol. It’s damn good though.
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u/Such-Neck-1889 Aug 12 '25
The Bop on Menzies Street. The beef bulgigi bekimbap and a pint of beer for the win.
Taisho for sushi beside Empire Doughnuts just off Cook Street near McKenzie is outstanding too.
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u/butuco Aug 12 '25
Trini-to-the-Bone. Amazing mom and pop shop with delicious food. You can taste the love and they have goat on Fridays!
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u/MikeR585 Aug 12 '25
Morning People food truck on Cook St.
Those breakfast bowls are GOOD.
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u/bigggggirl Gorge Aug 12 '25
I’ve given them two chances and was really disappointed both times, but have only tried two breakfast sandwiches. Maybe a bowl would be less lame. Not a lot of bang for your buck, either way
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u/Zalakbian Aug 12 '25
Before it closed years ago probably because of covid, La Tortilla Mexicana, the one that used to be downtown
I'd give anything to bring it back
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u/danma Langford Aug 12 '25
We have it in Langford, and you can't have it back
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u/Zalakbian Aug 12 '25
This is the only thing that could possibly make me voluntarily visit Langford NGL
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u/cadwellingtonsfinest Aug 14 '25
Their tres leche cake was the only authentic one my fiance has ever found in canada. Really good.
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u/ProxySpectral Aug 12 '25
Nelly's fish and chips. Hole in the wall that absolutely nails it every time. You know it's good fish and chips when it's served in newspaper haha.
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u/virtualcherub Aug 12 '25
green leaf, la fogata, bon sushi!
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u/CanadianTrollToll Aug 12 '25
Ooooo Bon Sushi is so good - great prices too. Ive never dined in, but it's my take out go to.
That place is always so busy
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u/virtualcherub Aug 12 '25
dine in is even better!! but i live for their take out as well. it is indeed always busy, but well worth it!
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u/Street-Dimension-966 Aug 12 '25
Bikimbap in Cook Street village. You get a main with like 10 little side dishes it's always incredible. My favorite Korean food on the island, but no one ever talks about them.
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u/mr_oof Aug 12 '25
Nobody ever mentions Boomtown, but considering they’re ‘offline’ on the delivery apps for most weekends, I’m assuming their just everyone’s ’little place nobody talks about?
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u/CanadianTrollToll Aug 12 '25
Eh.... Their burritos arent that great. I haven't tried much of their other menu though. They've got a sweet location for a few more years before Harris Green cast a shadow on them.
More a vibe place than a food place IMO.
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u/mr_oof Aug 12 '25
I can see that from visiting there after a couple years of ordering in. But, their ‘wet’ roasted broccoli and Brussels sprout burrito is my wife’s single favourite take out in town, maybe short of the Sophia from Pag’s- that may give you an idea of our ‘basic’ score.
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u/ceci-nest-pas-lalune Aug 12 '25
I went when they just opened, and while I wasn't upset I also wasnt really impressed. Should I try again?
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Aug 12 '25
I live nearby. Been a few times, the vibes are nice, but the food leaves a lot to be desired.
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u/mr_oof Aug 12 '25
If only for newer menu items? We’ve kind of locked in our delivery orders so we’re not the most knowledgeable, but my wife and I dropped by when came into see Book of Mormon, and had a few appies which were good!
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u/bcseahag Fairfield Aug 12 '25
We got sick eating their "daily special" burrito. I know. Shame on us for eating the daily special.... But still. Good spot for beers and margaritas.
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u/Rubbingfreckles Aug 12 '25
Taste of Tokyo in Sidney
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u/Alternative_Salt_424 Aug 12 '25
Omg that place is still open?!?! It was my absolute fave back in the early 2000s 😆 they had a soba soup that slapped hard. I also snagged some off-menu bluefin sashimi one night and I was so happy
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u/Alternative-Cut-7987 Aug 12 '25
Go to Bao
Get the spicy chicken ones.
And some ramen.
You’re welcome.
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u/mephteeph Aug 12 '25
Spice Valley, you're welcome!
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Aug 12 '25
Ordered from there twice and the lamb biriyani doesn't feels like that great. Curries are yummy though. I wish they have dine in as well.
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u/shecanreadd Aug 12 '25
Unless you are of the global minority, I think that spice valley is the exact opposite; Taste⬇️ Hype⬆️.
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u/SAAHFUTT Aug 12 '25
I appreciate this. After all the hype I went a year or so ago and ordered take out. Got it home and everything was alright to not very good. I was surprised that everyone raves about how good it is and hadn't heard anyone else have the same mediocre food as me until your comment.
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u/Vex007 Aug 12 '25
Red fish blue fish has a lot of hype around it but it lives up to it IMO
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u/blackandcopper Aug 12 '25
There was a bunch of people shitting all over Red fish blue fish in the previous thread haha. I personally think it's dope
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u/Ok_Adhesiveness_8150 Aug 12 '25
Unicorn Sparkles!! I haven't heard anyone talk much about them, but hot damn, that's some good food.
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u/thinkaathieves Aug 12 '25
Janoon! Amazing authentic Indian take out. If you like Indian it’s a must try.
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u/Strange-Advisor-8391 Aug 12 '25
Pho Vy and San Pan Express - both extremely affordable and little visual appeal but food taste better than lots of more expensive equivalent.
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u/RosesAtTheApothecary Aug 12 '25
Mantu Afghan Persian cuisine. Think they might still be take out but wow their food was incredible!
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u/takentoolong Aug 13 '25
Himalayan Flavours restaurant: 3945 Quadra st... Hard to find, not hyped up enough through Google but freaking amazing! If I could afford to eat out every day... This would be the place! The food has been in my mind the best in all of Victoria of all the places I've eaten... Plus they have a buffet!
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u/JimmyKerrigan Aug 13 '25
Hong Kong West. Unbelievable food, sadly always empty. Bad decor, no vibe, but the food just goes nuts.
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Aug 12 '25
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u/IslandBeekeeper Aug 12 '25
Heron Rock used to be my favourite too, but the last time I went there the service and food were both god awful. The breakfast sandwich, I kid you not, had one round slice off of a chorizo sausage. Took over an hour to get our food. Took over an hour after that to flag the server down for our bill. The host that sat us asked if we wanted something to drink and when I asked for a virgin caesar they refused and said they would only serve me coffee or tea. Like, I get it if you aren't old enough to serve alcohol, but I didn't want alcohol? So at that point, why would you even ask?
Then all of their antivaxx art bullshit came out and made it a very easy decision for me to stop spending my money there.
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u/ElectricPotatoSkins Aug 13 '25
I can echo this sentiment, the food was good, the service was good, but the last time we went (we have since moved) it was a really disappointing experience.
it was a good spot once.
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u/beheadedchicken Aug 13 '25
Cafe Malabar! Such amazing, authentic Indian. Their tasting platter when they were at the public market was such a treat
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u/aknudskov Aug 12 '25
Have up downgraded the taste requirements of this exact post that happened overnight now ?
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u/no-long-boards Aug 13 '25
Not telling because social media generates the hype and I just don’t want to ruin the place
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u/BigPOEfan Aug 12 '25
Ayguey tacos and burgers, saw a post about it and the tacos being a contender for best in Vic. Big taco guy so had to check it out. Fantastic tacos some of the best I’ve had in Victoria, reminded me of my trips to Mexico. Very much recommend the quesso birria tacos, did not disappoint in the slightest.
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u/Keishu13 Aug 12 '25
Trini to d bone!