Swiss omelette well below the normal standard, flat, not fluffy. Service great as usual. Physically cold inside with the majority wearing outside coats and jackets. We decided to change to takeout but our food arrived. They moved us from a nice window seat to an inner area where it was a bit warmer. Buying used chairs and equipment and keeping the heat low on very cold days are the realms of the cheap. No more for us! read more

Such a great place. We went on Friday for fish and chips. It was Devine! A great selection of beer, wine, cocktails and zero alcohol cocktails. Fish was perfectly fried. Service was fantastic. Super friendly and welcoming. The building was beautiful and historic. Lunch was busy! Come early and beat the line! read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

See all

Super nice vibe and friendly service. The oldest building in the village. Built in 1912. Such a fun local scene here off the regular touristy beaten track. I believe oak panels line the walls. Apparently they also have the best brownies in town. Good choice of grilled items too. Exactly what I'm looking for. Get here early, especially when a band is scheduled to play. Best to make reservations in advance. There might be a few seats at the bar if you don't make a reservation. read more

See all

Great tea during the previous visit. This time we ate a really early "dinner". We had 2 appetizers, that were $3 off during HH, plus a Coconut-Lime Curry dinner that we shared. All were excellent, as was the service. We used to come here many years ago when it was the Blethering Place but were happy to find that this incarnation is good as well. read more

See all

We came for high tea at what was once The Blethering Place, unfortunately it's under new ownership. As a result, I can't fault it for its quality of high tea based on the restaurant and grill, that it now is. Nothing tasted like homemade so it wasn't what we expected. So don't go solely for this high tea eat something else maybe they're better at it. read more

The Oaks Restaurant - High Tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Very standard fare. We were in Canada and saw a very English style bar restaurant and thought it would be nice to try out some English/Irish style breakfast products (we are Irish and really miss breakfast from that part of the world) The internal decor is dull and aging, but lots of Brit stuff on the walls and shelves. First red flag was a very gruff server, second one was her not knowing what a banger was even though its on the menu...long story short, they dont know anything about british food and served very mediocre American food. May have been unfair of me expecting something they didn't directly advertise, but we left disappointed with most of our food still on our plates. Average at best read more

I should have listened to myself when I said I wouldn't go back there the last time I went. I find they have a good selection on the menu but I always end up somewhat disappointed with the food. I had a half a sandwich with fries. They put a big old pickle slice on it. Looked nice but it left the sandwich all wet. My husband enjoyed his mango salad. The China tea cups are a nice touch. read more

See all

Casual atmosphere and it was hot inside (only fans running). Service was fine. We ordered fish and chips, Shepard's pie, mac and cheese and a lasagna dish. Met some friendly people sitting right next to us. It's along the Oak Bay town road. read more

The food is normal. Service is good , nice ambiance. The scone is delicious. Others is just average. It's a good breakfast handout for family. read more

See all

One of our party of four ordered the seafood paella and asked for extra prawns instead of scallops. As she worked through the dish she found there were no scallops, bits off salmon, bits of cod and -- only one prawn. The waitress initially explained that it was the last prawn paella in the kitchen. At the end she changed that explanation to claim she could have provided extra organs had they been requested. (As they had been at the outset.) After a couple of consultations with the manager she offered our friend a 25% discount. Rather than create a scene she accepted -- but disappointed that the entree had been virtually protein free. I was satisfied by my dish but this disregard for my friend will keep me from going back. I have enjoyed the place in the past despite the small kitchen often causing delay in delivering the food. This experience was most unsatisfactory. read more

Good, reasonably priced Afternoon Tea. I had the light cream tea with a pot of Earl Grey and a huge berry scone. The dining room is traditional, with wood paneling and high back chairs. The area has nice shops and parks for burning off the teatime calories }} read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Cream tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

See all

Hey kids! Love Victoria but hate being jostled by a million fat, sweaty tourists? Love High Tea, but don't want to pay through the nose for the pleasure (see: Empress Hotel)? Well, have I got a deal for you! Hop on the #2 bus out of downtown for a short ride to Oak Bay and the deeeelightful Oaks Restaurant! WHO SHOULD GO: Anglophiles WHO SHOULD'NT: Perfectionists THE ROSES: This place is just so...so...English! It looks like a typical village Public House! Pictures of the Royal Family are on the walls, and the establishment just exudes a wonderfully cozy vibe. Menu is skewed toward traditional fare. We had the High Tea, which cost quite a bit less than what you'd pay at the Empress or Buchart Gardens. All the High Tea goodies are made 'in house'; the scones, lemon curd, and mixed berry/rhubarb compote were particular standouts. Staff is very pleasant. THE THORNS: The High Tea is definitely skewed toward the sweet end; not a lot of savory stuff here; you really feel like you're going into a sugar coma by the time you're done. Sugar is served in individual packets; I know this is a niggly thing, but for High Tea, I want sugar cubes (so I can say, 'One lump or two?' - then bash the other person over the head with a mallet just like the cartoons! ... [KIDDING!!!]). NEITHER ROSE NOR THORN: It's interesting to note that not a single item in the tea service matches another; it's as if all their tea serving ware came from a thrift store. In a more expensive venue, I'd have an issue with it, but given the cozy informality of TOR, it just 'fits'. THE VERDICT: Great way to enjoy an authentic English High Tea without the crowds in a space that makes you feel like you're taking tea with your favorite dotty English Aunt. Very strongly recommend! read more

Went for brunch with my husband. We both had eggs Benedict. My husband had the smoked salmon and I had the California benny, they were both very good. The service was great as well, our server was polite and friendly. We have been several times and have never been disappointed with our meals. I'd like to go and try their afternoon tea. FYI, their Sticky Toffee Pudding is really good. read more

We stayed at a hotel not too far from downtown Oak Bay, and opted to try this place for breakfast. It was a great decision - we ended up eating here twice in the four days we were in town. Each time, our eggs were cooked perfectly. Their hash brown potatoes have a good flavor and were cooked well both times. I opted for a more traditional breakfast both times with eggs, meat, and toast, but my husband chose to try their pulled pork Benedict and it was absolutely delicious (I had a few bites myself). The hollandaise sauce was well done, and the taste when it mixed with the bbq sauce was good. The cider brined pork added the right amount of flavor to the dish. The service was prompt - we never felt rushed, but also never felt ignored, even when we sat in the far corner. If we lived here, I'd probably eat here at least once a week. read more

Food we ordered for lunch was dreadful. The fish and chips haddock was so overcooked that the batter was dark brown almost black. The sandwich special on toasted bread was neither toasted or special. GI distress the rest of the day. Tums for dessert. The coffee was bitter and service was robotic. Not recommended. Zero stars. read more

We came here for a friends birthday party to have some high tea. It was our first public experience in Victoria and it ended up being a bit of an uncomfortable one. The server, Nicole, was very unkind when it came to ordering and answering our simple questions. She acted like we were such a burden for asking for something as simple as having a cheese scone with our order instead of a raisin one. I understand that restaurants can't always accommodate certain changes, but they can still speak to their customers with respect and kindness. I will not be going back and I recommend others to spend their money elsewhere. read more

Oaks would not take a reservation for afternoon tea because they needed their staff to set up tables for music night! I don't understand why they would willingly turn away easy business when we would have been out by 5 pm anyway! read more

I think need another couple waitresses as place is full inside and outside and two waitresses so very slow

YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM...to the point where we were both in a food coma. This place is absolutely beautiful...for something built in 1912, it seemed like a well worked on modern building. Just breath taking. We had breakfast here since we were both craving some delicious eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce. The orange juice was the best I've ever had as well. Our server was amazing and so sweet and helpful. The price was a bit more than what we'd normally pay for breakfast, but so well worth it. Oh...and no lines! Love it love it love it! read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Delicious food $58 for family of four. Absolutely great place to eat. Definitely recommend to anyone, breakfast til 4pm and lunch and diner as well! read more

Wow! First restaurant meal since the "Virus" struck. I was greeted warmly for what I hoped was going to be a good lunch. And it was. I ordered coffee (fresh and hot, in a bottomless cup) and The Oaks Burger. This is a great burger ... loaded and stacked high. Beef, bacon (mmm, BACON), sauces, cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickle. Delicious and tangy. The fries are a step above. Hot, seasoned and fresh. I really enjoyed this lunch. read more

Wonderful pub/traditional fare. Great for lunch or afternoon tea. The atmosphere is delightful, the service friendly and cheerful, and we enjoyed looking at the armchairtourist.com "vistas" on the TV (I imagine they play sports in the evenings). read more

This place was very nice. I went there with my mother for her birthday and we had an afternoon tea. It was very good and the jam was so delightful! I definitely recommend going to this place and will be going back. The service was very good and the people were nice. read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Cream tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

See all

Service sketchy. They charge extra to split a meal. The short rib benny was their specialty but it was lousy. I mentioned it graciously, but their response was ... lets say.. less than satisfactory. The restaurant business is tough so i dont want to criticize. But probably will choose a different place next time. read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

We eat here quite a bit location is great if you're in Oak Bay , the food is good and I have had everything at all times of the day breakfast, lunch and dinner with dessert. The staff can be somewhat short and abrupt and I find the hours are inconsistent , hard to know when they will be open or not. Call first would be wise. They serve English tea and biscuits which I haven't tried but believe they are popular for the area. We will go back , hope they are open and the staff is in a good mood. read more

Getting a proper English breakfast and a strong double bagged pot of tea served in Royal Albert China warrants a 5 star review!!!

This is a good restaurant and good addition to the Oak Bay scene. But they could be a great restaurant. If they would get a decent wine menu they might get a lot more customers. Prime rib dinner last night was excellent. It's a pity there was no good wine to go with it. read more

Very cute part of town away from the touristy madness. Breakfast was very good and the listed desserts look worthy of a return visit later in the day... read more

The Oaks Restaurant - Short rib hash.....oh, my.... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Had a great breakfast here - fluffy omelettes and breakfast potatoes. All was delicious and the waitress was very friendly. The coffee was strong and tasty just the way I like it. We chose this spot because it is a half block from where we stayed, but we were not disappointed. Haven't tried dinner or lunch but the menu looks good and they have live music every Friday 7-9 and some Saturday's and Sunday's. I would come again. read more

See all

Waitress was rude and seemed upset that we ordered cocktails instead of beer... Then we requested to purchase the $22 halibut fish and chips at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon and we were told that it was their policy we could not split and we had to order a soup if we would like to do that. Then we were overcharged for cocktails and the waitress breathed heavily when we requested it to be corrected The manager had to get involved for the correction and we let them know about our concern of the policy of not being able to split an item. Again even the manager was rude and let us know that was their policy. We will not be going back and would suggest anyone pick another place in the beautiful town. Heading to another restaurant to spend our money. read more

Solid place, very good if you don't want to wait in lines. I would recommend it. Omelette was decent and benny was better than average. Hot cider was very good! read more

My wife and I had breakfast this weekend at the Oaks. The regular breakfast came with a choice of 3 x bacon, 2 x sausage, or ham. The breakfast that I ordered came with all three included. I asked if I could substitute the ham for 2 x sausage since they're listed as compatible choices. The waitress had to ask the owner who said that he'd give only one sausage instead of the ham, and sell a second one for $2.00. This seems absurd and petty since we're already paying for what should be the equivalent of 2 sausages already, so to give half as much and charge $2 for one more seems inflexible. The lack of customer service really put a damper on our treat of going out for breakfast, very disappointing. read more

Service was slow despite a nearly empty restaurant. Ordered smoked salmon benedict for breakfast. Waitress asked how I would like my eggs, soft, medium or hard. I requested soft - want yolk to dip my potatoes in. When the food finally arrived - long time for an empty restaurant - eggs were poached about as hard as could be, not a drop of yolk. No problem, this type of thing happens. Only takes about 15 minutes to get the waitress' attention. She said she would have them poach a few eggs. Great! after another 20 minutes or so, still no eggs, my wife is finished with breakfast. I ended up telling her not to bother and left without breakfast. Would not recommend. read more

Have been here a few times and the food is great. Unfortunately one of the servers is so passive aggressively rude it deters one from going back. Came in July 29 at 11:00am for breakfast with my 82 yr old mother. We wanted to sit at the top floor as she had a walker with her. We waited for a table to become available and yet the brunette waitress working that section never greeted us or acknowledged us. Eventually a table came up and we sat down before it was bussed so as not to lose it. Our server came to the table without saying a word and very angrily cleared off the dishes but never even wiped the table off. This is after sitting at the dirty table for over 10 min. She took the dishes away banging them together and then walked away in a huff not bringing menus and leaving us sitting there like we were intruding. I waitressed for over 15 years and know enough to treat the people tipping you to greet them with a smile and bring menus. We walked out as who needs to pay for crappy service and rudeness? This is the second time I have experienced this horrible sever. She clearly hates her job and what is so sad is there are a couple of amazing severs working there and she is ruining the business for everyone. We took our business to Shine and spent $60 there. Doubt I will come back to this place until the owners get rid of such a horrible waitress who is a blight on thier business. read more

Great location, relaxed family atmosphere, very friendly personnel, good service. Interesting interior, especially on the smaller upper part near the main entrance. Nice to sit by the window and look outside. The food is rather average, with some exceptions which can be really good. You would expect to find a steak in such a restaurant but they do not have any! The menu is pretty limited. This is a place really popular with the locals. read more

We had breakfast at the Oaks after spotting it from a tour bus and returning the next day. It is homey, clean, and spacious. The food was well prepared and delicious (eggs Benedict and bacon and eggs). Our server was very engaging and attentive. It was quiet as one might expect on a mid-morning week day, and we had a table in the window so we could watch the world go by. We would return here for sure. read more

Visited the Oaks for lunch, Had a great time. seems like they are keeping it simple, great food, friendly service at a reasonable price. I'm glad to see a family place in Oak bay. read more