Bon Rouge (BR) is lovated just off the hustle and bustle of Government street and acts as a wonderful oasis from the traditional tourist tract. We chose to sit on the delightful outdoor terrace (although sitting inside would be just as confortable), we were a little worried as the night was a bit brisk but the helpful hostess assured us that the heaters and fireplaces would keep us cozy. They certainly did.

Although BR calls itself a French Bistro I wouldn't go so far as to call it French. There is a lot of European infulence on the menu and given the number of risotto options with the various meals it would be fair to say that it has strong Italian influence. BR has a nightly entree available for $16 which is a nice option for those looking to save some cash. Additionally, they have various 3 course options for $29.

We chose to order a la carte. I started with they crispy pork belly with fennel apple slaw. Fantastic and very well cooked. I am a huge fan of pork belly. The slaw was fantastic and was a nice compliment to the dish. My only complaint was tha tthe dish it was served on was a bit small. My wife had the blue cheese stuffed figs with cranberries and candied walnuts. An awesome dish.
For the main course I had the seared albacore tuna on tomato risotto. The tuna was cooked to perfection and the risotto was a great compliment. The lady had procuitto wrapped hailbut on lemon thyme risotto. We both agreed that the meals were fantastic.
The dessert menu is fantastic as is the French pressed coffee. We had the Creme Caramel cake which sounds like a bastardization of a classic but it was REALLY exceptional.
The service was good and our server was friendly however sometimes it seemed like he forgot about us along with a couple other tables in our section.

Overall Bon Rouge comes highly recommended and deserves a try.

For the three years that I lived in Victoria, Christies Carriage House Pub was my neigbourhood pub. A great place to grab a tasty meal at a resonable price. Given it's location it is a choice amongst locals of Fernwood and Oak Bay. Located in a historic Carriage House (go figure) there is certainly nostaligia combined with modernity. As with a number of Victoria pubs Christie's is an intimate space covered with dark woods and accented with historial finishings along with a splash of TV screens showing sporting events along with keno. The food is fairly standard pub fair with a few surprises tossed in. The thing that I really like about Christie's is the variety on the menu. It really does cater to the picky eater. I have always been a huge fan of the pesto chicken burger mmmm. Thinking of it just makes me hungry. Additionally, there are daily special and a fantastic beer menu featuring a number of local, micro and staple beers. Sunday is a great day to check out Christie's as they have a $6 appy menu all day. The portions are a good size and the variety is very good. I have always had stellar service with a friendly smile. As a university students Christie's was the place to check out for wings. The house special "Blue Boy" wings consisting of blue cheese hot sauce and sweet chili sauce are my fave. I still haven't found a flavour elsewhere in Victoria or Canada that can compete.

With that being said, I have noticed in the past 2 years that the quality of food has really gone down. The cooks don't seem to show the same care in their food preparation. I have sent a number of salads back due to having wilted lettuce. Sandwiches are notorious for having way too much mayo. Additionally, my favourite wings have gone down in size. Given that Wednesady wings are 25 cents they aren't a stellar deal for a wing night and the reduced size has less appeal to me.

Given that Christies is nestled into the neighbourhood is closes down early. Management is strict about last call and clearing the joint out. So don't expect a late night of libations and nosh!

Conclusion: Christies is your average neighbourhood pub. It has great service and a fantastic indoor/outdoor patio with a fire pit that is great for those nights when a cool wind blows in off the water!

I am always shocked how few patios there are in Victoria given its mild climate. Canoe certainly has one of the best, if not the best patio in the city. It is certaily a great place to enjoy the sun on a warm afternoon. I have always been very pleased with the service at Canoe, the staff are courteous, knowledgeble and prompt. Canoe has a great selection of beers brewed in house and their seasonal brews are always a treat. The food is fantastic and a welcome change from places such as Earls and Moxies.

Ferris' has been one of my standout favourite dining spots in Victoria for quite some time now. But diners should be warned, expect lenghty waits for a table and a very intimate setting.
Ferris' is one of those places that has something for all diners. The room itself is long and skinny and is highlighted by an awesome brick wall that runs the length of the room. As a result the majority of the tables are two-tops squeezed into a very tight space. This means that your table may be just a foot away from your neighbours. Who cares its worth it! Ferris' is an oyster bar so the first page of the menu features a great selection of cooked and raw oysters. If oysters are not your thing, fear not the menu has a great selection of hearty salads, tasty sandwiches, burgers and amazing pastas. sandwiches and burgers are in the $10 range and are VERY filling. Ferris' is well knows for their sweet potato fries, which are super yummy! If you like your fries a bit crispy be sure to ask for them well done (they fry up so many orders that I find they are often limp).
The Verdict: Ferris is a must eat on your culinary trip to Victoria. Great prices, great staff, fantastic food! If you dine in the summer it is a real treat to eat in the terrace at the back.