Vis-á-Vis Wine and Charcuterie Bar
2228 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria
The village of Oak Bay is shamelessly hiding a charming little French-inspired restaurant that is one of my favourite haunts when I’m feeling in the mood to splurge a little bit. Let’s be honest, I’m often in the mood for a splurge!
What I love about it:
delicious farm to table food,
top-notch local wines,
charming atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff!
Vis-a-Vis is tucked right beside the local Oak Bay favourite, the Penny Farthing Pub (review coming soon). It is very popular for good reason, so I highly recommend getting a reservation.
Charming and intimate feeling the moment you enter the door, the atmosphere at this bistro-style restaurant is upscale, yet relaxed. The space is small, with seating at tables or taller stools at the bar.
There is year round outdoor seating in front of the restaurant along Oak Bay Avenue, weather-permitting of course, but blankets are available.
OK, time to get to the good stuff: the excellent food and drinks. Whether there for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you’re in for a treat...
Victoria is well known for its brunch scene, and I’m confident saying that Vis-à-Vis has one of the best breakfast/brunch services the city has on offer. You know that’s saying something! PLUS if you get there before 9 AM, all breakfast items are $9! That’s a screaming deal! Especially given the top quality local ingredients. The hungry male carnivores in my family always go for The Standard (bacon and eggs and sausages, with potatoes and toast for $17), while my teenage niece loves the strawberries and cream crepes ($15). I go for the Breakfast Sandwich - it’s a classic, with bacon and egg among other delicious toppings, that can’t be beat.
Moving on to lunch... I always start with a glass of wine; the restaurant has a fantastic wine list with some lovely local selections. The French Onion soup is rich and full flavoured, with delicious melty gruyere cheese. The Vis-a-Vis burger is a favourite go-to if you’re feeling like a more substantial meal. I also love the shrimp and avocado salad, with it’s light and delicate dressing.
Before dinner, I recommend trying the tasty local gin or one of the well-crafted cocktails. The staff are very knowledgable and happy to answer questions. For a lighter meal, I often split a couple of starters with my better half (I recommend the Fried Brussel Sprouts) followed by the Fromage and Charcuterie Board.
The meats and cheeses are excellent with wonderful condiments such as pickled red pepper, delicious grainy mustard, and homemade fig jam. For those looking for something more filling, the Beef Bourguignon is considered the house specialty, and I’m looking forward to trying it soon. I’ve also heard the desserts amazing, but I’m usually too full to indulge!
ACCESSIBILITY FACTORS
Now let’s talk logistics:
As I mentioned, the space is small, with seating at tables or taller stools at the bar. Wheelchair seating is definitely do-able but folks with large power chairs will feel very crowded. The bathroom is large and accessible, but located at the back this narrow restaurant, so be prepared to “thread the needle” between other patrons to get back there. Remember my strategy about smiling and voicing your appreciation when asking people to scooch in a little bit – it works every time!
The Verdict
The space is tiny, but this is part of the charm! If you are looking for Victoria’s most intimate brunch scene (or any other meal), and you are up for the “face-to-face” experience, you have found it here at “Vis-A-Vis”!
These beautiful photos were from the Vis-á-Vis facebook page, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/visavisoakbay/