IL Covo Trattoria in Victoria

Always an amazing dining experience when I come to Il Covo. The food is delicious, the waiter and staff are always very friendly and attentive, and the restaurant itself has a wonderful atmosphere. We have been here many times to celebrate special occasions and every experience has been fantastic. The gnocchi special was heavenly. The drinks are always delicious. The bread with the olive oil dip is a great way to start. From start to finish, this restaurant will truly blow you away!

It was an amazing experience. Food was fantastic and our waiter David was professional and pleasant. Will go back.

Very nice Italian restaurant. Very good selection of food, delicious dishes and great wines. Superb atmosphere and great service.

Pretty solid. Probably one of the better expensive Italian restaurants in Victoria, for what it s worth. Not amazing, but certainly not disappointing.

Too dark for someone who lip reads Dietary restrictions: Celiac Food : 5/5 |

We booked a table at Il Covo to celebrate a belated Thanksgiving. The meal was wonderful, our waiter was attentive but not overbearing. My self-confessed picky mother-in-law loved it, and gave it 5 out of 5. Which is high praise indeed. Tasty food and certainly the perfect place to celebrate.

Dining at Il Covo is an absolutely wonderful experience Id recommend to anyone. The food is delectable & portioned well, the atmosphere is cozy & intimate without feeling too secluded, and the service and staff are impeccable. We will make them a regular stop for our nights out.

IL Covo Trattoria is an exceptional choice for dinner! The restaurant exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels intimate and lively. The beautifully rustic decor creates a perfect backdrop for a delightful evening. At IL Covo Trattoria, the food quality is outstanding, and the menu is a testament to this. It features a wide range of Italian classics and creative dishes, catering to a variety of tastes. As a vegetarian, I was delighted to find several tasty, satisfying, and flavoured options. One of the highlights of IL Covo is its fantastic patio. It s a charming outdoor space adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for al fresco dining. The ambiance is magical as the sun sets, providing a lovely setting for a romantic dinner or a special gathering with friends. IL Covo Trattoria is a must-visit if you want a memorable dining experience with excellent food and a beautiful atmosphere!

This place is perfection!! From the moment we were sat to the moment we left, we loved every second! Our server was so attentive the whole way through and the food was outstanding! It was my moms 75th birthday and they made her feel very special! Great night!

Really great restaurant. Everything is amazing, the food the service the decoration. Really love the place. $50+ a person, but it really worth it Food : 5/5

Might be one of the best spots I have been to here in Victoria.

Really cozy and romantic spot with lovely garden and intimate inside. We sat at the bar but it was still great. Our waiter was very attentive and very personable. Made it a fun experience. While the servings were not massive, the food was rich and flavourful. Overall made for a nice date night out.

It is an amazing Italian restaurant that checks all the boxes. Great authentic food, excellent staff, a full bar menu with knowledgeable bartenders, and an atmosphere that, while it doesnt have a view, is more than interesting enough to keep your eyes occupied. Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free options usually available more most menu items.

What fabulous dining. First of all, the menu is extensive and the selections are top notch. The only challenge was picking just one of the exciting options. We sat on the patio and although the weather wasnt the warmest, the heaters were perfectly positioned and made it cozy. You can bring children here - our six year olds loved the safe, fresh garden setting and the decor impressed upon them that this was a special experience. Service was top notch! Lots of patience with our childs interesting but legitimate requests and fitting for any fine dining establishment. We had the table for four from 5 to 7 and that was just the right amount of time for a fulfilling experience. The food quality and portion sizes were excellent. My son and I were full after clearing our plates while the ladies had enough to bring home. I normally dont enjoy a dessert but this was an exception; the server created a special one for us and Ill never forget the delicious chocolate mousse! Afterwards, a harbour-side walk was a great way to finish off the night. If you live in Victoria and havent been here yet, youve been missing something special! Kid-friendliness: Warm, kind and patient.

Amazing, cozy ambiance, kind servers, and delicious food!

Amazing food! Weve been looking forward to going here for years but only recently got the reservation. So glad we had date night here!

The tagliatelli with mushrooms was devine. The service was impeccable and despite rain, the garden experience was cozy and romantic.

We come to Victoria every summer and this is our favorite restaurant in the city. We make our reservation weeks in advance so we dont miss out. Excellent food and service every time!

Beautiful patio with heaters and umbrellas. called to make a reservation and was told those would be available, but we may want to bring a blanket, which was very nice of them. we went for our anniversary and were given glasses of prosecco and congratulations. our waiter was attentive, kind, and knowledgeable. the food was amazing. fresh pasta cooked perfectly, the mushroom pappardelle was particularly flavorful, and the seafood in the spaghetti coglio was wonderfully done, no rubbery or over firm pieces. the drinks were very good (and sizeable!). dessert was delicious too, definitely recommend the sample platter. Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian options which are clearly marked on the menu.

Italian kitchen with Vancouver Island ingredients is perfect!

Open Wednesday through Sunday google didn t show that and alas we were there on Tuesday. Blue Crab down the street was very nice

I had the best risotto ,outside of Italy , in my life . It was simply exceptional. Great service.

Last night dinner with my wife before heading back to the US. The food was amazing. Service was exceptional and accommodating considering they were so busy and made an effort to get us in without reservations. Overall, really enjoyed ourselves here. 10/10.

Great food, great ambience! My in laws have been coming here for years and they brought me along this time. I had the meat sauce lasagna. The most memorable part of this dish for me was the quality of the tomato sauce. Yum!

Even though I waited too long to make a reservation and ended up with the worst table in the house, the food more than made up for it. Stellar Italian Cuisine and excellent service. Food

Great food and great service from a dynamic team of wait staff and cooks. The homemade pasta is fantastic and cooked to al dente perfection. Delicious!

Service was attentive, food was exceptional, and the setting is really nice. We had a wonderful meal with friends. All dishes really excellent!

My experience at IL Covo was mixed bag. I took my partner here for our anniversary as many of our friends had recommended, however me and my partner and I both agreed weve had better experiences at other restaurants in the area. While our server was friendly and the food was good, the price point does not match either the quality of food or location. I think it was good, it just isnt great. While we are little let down, if cost isnt a priority, Il covo trattoria is a decent restaurant near James Bay

Tried to book a month in advance for 6 people. The hostess was short on the phone and unfriendly. I booked and was then told need to give credit card details. If you cancel within 48 hrs of reservation, they charge each person in your party 25.00.Thats 150.00 . If I give reasonable notice for example...illness or unforeseen issue, I would hope a restaurant would honour this on good faith. Ive heard so many good things about the food but I wont be going.

Weve been waiting for the right time to go. Our anniversary seemed like a good time to go. We ordered one dish each and shared. I had lasagna alla bolognese. My husband had Maiale pork tenderloin and brandy. Creme brulee and Mousse al Cioccolato. Tea & latte. Excellent meal, great service and wonderful location. Id recommend this place anytime. Dont wait for your anniversary!

Excellent on all criteria. I will return whenever I m in Victoria!

IL Covo Trattoria deserves every one of its 1.3k reviews! My experience at this restaurant exceeded all expectations. The service was prompt and knowledgeable, and the kitchen staff were on fire that night, delivering food quickly not just to us but also to the table of eight beside us. The food portions were perfect, leaving me satisfied but still able to enjoy the fabulous dessert. Everything from the appetizers to the main course to the dessert was outstanding. If I could give more than five stars, I would. IL Covo Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone looking for exceptional dining in Victoria.

My wife said the spaghetti was the best ever! I loved my lasagna! Make reservations!

Top Restaurant in Victoria ! Always the best food and top notch service

Excellent Italian food. Everything was good from the focaccia and olive tapenade to the mushroom pasta. Call ahead to ensure they have a table available. Wonderful ambience.

Beautiful patio and outstanding service. Food The antipasto for two was great. We shared the Lasagna Bolognese and the Tagliata With Gnocchi, both were very underwhelming. Felt like I could have gotten the same version of lasagna at a spaghetti factory, there was nothing special about it, other than maybe the melted mozzarella on top? The steak was an awful cut, came out cold and was chewy, and the gnocchi were not at all light and airy. The creamy sauce was basic at best. The small tiramisu was enjoyed as a birthday surprise, and tasty. A disappointing meal to end a birthday celebration day.

My wife and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary here and the staff were so nice. We got complimentary glasses of champagne and seating in the outdoor garden. I had the Lasagne Allá Bolognese, my wife had the Canneloni Di Mare, and they were both spectacular! The drinks were super tasty, too. It s a very chill environment and we ll definitely be back next time we re in Victoria!

Whoa!! Make sure you book in! Had a great day at The Butchart Gardens & to top it off, had a beautiful evening here at Covo! Awesome meals & drinks but our service by Silvio was superb!! Thanks matey! Great Food & a beautiful atmosphere restaurant! Food

This was a nice restaurant located near Fishermans Wharf, Victoria BC. The food was excellent, with adequate portion sizes. The bread before the meal was excellent! Make sure to get reservations early. Dietary restrictions: Attentive to our request of no nuts.

Today we were there after our work expecting some good food and end the day. But oh god I was wrong so Racist people there. We had a reservation at 9pm 5 people walked before us and got the table but us we waited for such a long time that s insane. Tha lady that was looking at the reservation at the front front was staring at us as if she is gonna throw us out right there.

We made a reservation two hours in advance and arrived 10 minutes early, but we still had to wait. Five groups that came after us were seated before us, and the hostess kept staring at us, which made us uncomfortable. After waiting 15 minutes, I asked why we were still waiting. One lady said they were cleaning a table for us, while another said they were putting tables together. Their responses didn t make sense, so we decided to leave.

The atomoshere is superb. The staff are excellent. The complemenary bread is superb. The food is; OK. the seafood (loster and crab) cannoli was disappointing. The lamb shank was so so. Polenta with lamb shank? The bread and Spinach salad was so so good. So mixed feelings about this place. It is very busy. So if you would like to try, be sure to make reservations a day or two before. And, you decide. All in all was fairly good

Website says only phone reservations Wednesday through Sunday & phone lines open at 2:30 for reservations, we called 2:35 & were informed that they werent able to take reservations for the night. Very disappointing

Such a phenomenal restaurant. Our server John was top tier, a master at his craft. The food was divine. We had the Italian Familia dinner. Everything was heavenly. The tuna melted in your mouth and the desserts were incredible

We went to Il Covo for my wifes birthday dinner, and it was beyond amazing. The food, service, and ambiance were top tier, and such generous portions considering the gourmet level of cooking! We will definitely be back. Special shout out to Nathan, whose service made her birthday so special and memorable.

I really enjoyed this Italian, the food and wine are very good. Reservations are a bit more difficult, so I would recommend calling a week in advance (I called 3 days in advance). Thank you Covo for a wonderful dinner. Dietary restrictions: They have gluten free as an option.

I got the pappardelle with mushroom, and it s the best pasta I ve ever had!

We had a lovely experience at Il Covo on one of the first warm evenings in forever, sitting on the patio. The food, the service, and the ambience were all excellent and my only regret is that it had been far too many years since I was last here. There was complimentary house focaccia with a tapenade of sun-dried tomatoes, capers, anchovies, and olive oil which was perfect. We shared the carpaccio and then I had the special pasta - linguine alle vongole - while my partner opted for the papadelle con fungi. For dessert we went with the dolce per due which was a chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, and cannoli. All was paired with a reasonably priced Montepulciano.

We had reservations for the outside garden. Incredibly beautiful backdrop for 25th wedding anniversary. Cocktails were divine. Food was delectable. We had caprese salad, mushroom pappardelle and tiramisu. We were also treated to prosecco and cake on the house! The staff made our dinner so special, thank you Il Covo!

Amazing food. Great portions. Attentive service. Good wine. We will be back!

Yesterday, I called Il Covo to enquire about reserving for the patio on Friday. Of course, the spots there were already taken. So I asked about take out and ordered for pick-up Friday at 5:15. I received a called today (Thursday) notifying me that I was late. I tried to convey that I had booked the take- out for Friday, not Thursday. The manager gracefully just called to apologize about the mix-up. Perhaps I was not absolutely clear but this issue was handled professionally and courteously by the manager. Many thanks. This is still our favourite restaurant in Victoria. John Billett

it was amazing, the food, everything. and our waiter, Raimundo, was magnifico. HE WAS THE BEST!!!!! Food : 5/5

After 4 weeks with lots of burgers and fries, we wanted to eat European food again. The food was absolutely excellent. Really freshly cooked. Great wine. And there was even a good espresso. Nice portions, excellent service and good value for money.

This is the absolute best restaurant for authentic Italian food in Victoria. Food taste and presentation is amazing, service is superior. Atmosphere is very Italian but a bit loud if full. Nothing could deter me from eating there. Pauline Penner Food

My wife and I sat outside in the garden and had a wonderful time. The staff were polite and attentive, the food was truly amazing, they had plenty of gluten free options (not just salads), and the ambience was lovely. All in all, wed highly recommend.

Great spot. Our server Silviom was a excellent and attentive.

Food was a bit fancy for me but I was able to easily change it to suit my needs. The food was made very accurately. That was great. Service was very good and prompt. The waiter a made great effort to make sure everything was right. I have only one recommendation: The restaurant needs air conditioning.

Excellent like alway

Great waiter, food and atmosphere.

Picked this restaurant during our trip to Victoria because my wife needs to eat gluten free. Great menu for her and me, Nathan provided knowledgeable advice, and both our selections were very excellent. Great choice!!

Favorite date & celebration spot. Always feels special and the food is awesome! I recommend the charcuterie board, gnocchi with beef, risotto, tagliatelle with beef and the pork dish. Just delicious Food

This is the second time we have eaten at this excellent restaurant. The food was delicious and they could accommodate simple changes in the menu such as substituting one pasta for another. The flavours were superb. Our server was friendly and efficient. The food was hot and well prepared. This has become one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Victoria.

Beware that their reservation system is a nightmare and the hold times are very long. Manager was rude when we tried to make reserve a table for 6. Check out all the other 1 star reviews - all about the reservation. Manager should take note.

Food delicious and authentic and super cute patio with heaters. A must try in Victoria. Call head and make reso or you wont get in. Cute art/nick knack store next door - check it out before or after dinner.

Fantastic service and food. Atmosphere is wonderful, you will not be disappointed.

Great little spot if you re looking to have a relaxing intimate dinner with friends and family. Food came in good portions, flavour was amazing and service was excellent. Our waiter clearly knew the menu and provided some great recommendations. Overall great atmosphere and would definitely come back.

During our recent dining experience, my spouse and I had the pleasure of savoring two delectable dishes: seafood cannelloni and Alloscoglo. Both entrees were generously portioned and exceptionally flavorful. To conclude our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the Dolce for two, which consisted of chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis, two miniature cannoli, and crème brûlée. Each dessert component was truly delightful. The service provided by the establishment was both professional and cordial, and the timing of the food delivery was impeccable. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian selections as well as gluten free.

Best restaurant in Victoria! I live in Alberta now but I crave the puttanesca all the time. This place is a must visit whenever you re in town!

Excellent food, courteous, professional service, in a comfortable setting.

This was a treat. Came here after a local recommendation. Reservations required. They set the mood as you walk in through lovely garden. You are greeted by attentive staff. There is no rush, the table is yours for 2 hours. Good selections on the menu. The atmosphere is old world. Many nice decorative touches. The food was good. Good portion sizes. I throughly enjoyed the dining experience.

You can assume that a restaurant is good when there is a lineup down the street to get in 10 minutes before it opens in completely full by 5:45. Our server was Daniel, and he was informative and very pleasant to deal with. We had halibut with a blueberry salsa, which was super tasty. Also, the spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs was amazing, warning though the size of this was huge and could be shared. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.

One of our favourite places for celebrating special occasions. Food is awesome.

Seriously an awesome experience from start to finish! The food is fantastic and the atmosphere makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. The service is the perfect blend of attentive yet not over the top, would highly recommend for a nice date night or just to try somewhere different.

This is the finest Italian restaurant weve ever dined at - including some of the best Italian restaurants in New York City, where were originally from. The ambiance is perfect - just like an upscale trattoria in Italy! The service is attentive and unobtrusive; it almost felt like things magically appeared when you werent looking. And the food - oh, the FOOD! A caprese salad with mozzarella so fresh you could almost see the milk spurt from it when you pierced it with your fork. Homemade pasta prepared al dente, of course - but with such luscious ingredients and perfectly seasoned sauces, youll want to try all of them. The list of il secondo courses is brief, but memorable. Even the desserts provided special touches, like the bits of dried orange in the superb cannoli. Prices are somewhat breathtaking, but the family dinner (4 or more) is an affordable option if youre on a budget. This is absolutely not just one of the best restaurants in Victoria - but anywhere!

My daughter and I absolutely love this restaurant. Every time we visit Victoria BC, we make a reservation here. The food is fabulous and authentically Italian. And the wine list is extensive and superb. You cant miss, here. Be sure to give it a try.

Italian restaurant is always a go to! Il Covo has a cozy atmosphere, complete with dim lighting set the tone for a wonderful evening. The service was top-notch - our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu specifically the specials of the day. Apologies for the server as I forgot his name. I opted for the Tagliata con Gnocchi (steak)and the Gnocchi is perfection! The other dish was Maiale al Brandy (pork) and twas cooked to our liking too! Overall, experience was really good! Food never disappoint. Highly recommended.. Oh before I forgot, the complimentary focaccia with homemade dip was a real deal!

Everything was perfection. Seriously.

Been twice while in town for work and if I could afford $32 pasta dishes everyday I would go here. Delicious.

So good!

Best meal Ive had in a long time. Everyone at my table was also very impressed. Our server, Dan, was great. We will absolutely make plans to return. Parking: I parked down around the corner on Erie street. Others parked nearby as well. Definitely will attempt to carpool next time. Well worth the short walk.

Good food. A little pricey.

Pricey but amazing food!

AMAZING dinner. The food is really delicious, we had fish for the whole dinner : mussel as appetizer, spaghetti allo scoglio, cod.. everything was perfectly cooked and very enjoyable! They brought us also homemade focaccia with olive tapenade as a free starter, and because it was my husbands birthday they made him a tiny tiramisu in a coffee cup as a freebie. We were really impressed! Hope we lived in Victoria so we could go there more often

If you are in Victoria BC and you enjoy Italian food then, you must try IL Covo Trattoria! Excellent all the way around!

Took my best friend and mom out for their birthday and had an outstanding experience!. Service was on point and the food was amazing!

Probably the Top restaurant in Victoria. Food and service is fantastic. Went twice this spring. Wish I lived closer

Disappointing Experience I regret to inform others about my particularly disappointing experience at Il Covo, here in Victoria. Despite being a regular patron, spending significantly on each visit, the treatment I received from the manager during my last visit was anything but pleasant. On one occasion, after calling ahead to inform them of a slight delay in our arrival, we were unceremoniously denied entry upon arrival. My husband and I have always enjoyed our meals here, contributing to a substantial bill each time, a fact well known by the manager who frequently saw us dining. Unfortunately, the lack of courtesy and respect on this last visit has left a sour taste. This experience does not reflect the warm, welcoming spirit of Canada that we know and love. For those seeking a dining experience in Victoria that marries exquisite cuisine with exceptional service, I wholeheartedly recommend Il Terrazzo. The food and the attention to detail in service there are unmatched in Victoria, Canada. Choose Il Terrazzo for a truly enjoyable meal where your patronage is valued and respected. Reply to your answer: The service at this restaurant has been truly appalling. Imagine, instead of improving from critical feedback, they choose to delete negative reviews and even go as far as to retaliate against their customers. I am also going to report this behavior to Google, as it sets a terrible precedent for businesses to simply erase customer feedback instead of addressing it. My husband is a prominent businessman here in Canada, and its a shame you decided to delete his review. Attracting quality patrons to your restaurant might be in your interest, but it should start with offering superior service to your customers. P.S. Obviously, I will not be calling you because if your responses through these messages are this aggressive and rude, I can only imagine how you would speak on the phone. Truthfully, Ive already had one bad experience with you, and that was enough for me. Thank you for your lack of attention.

Anniversary dinner. First time at Il Covo. It s THE BEST!

I ve been coming to Il Covo for years and they never disappoint!! From the friendly and knowledgeable staff, to the romantic rustic Italian decor, to the Chef s delicious plates - it s always a special night out there. Can t wait to be back soon!! :)

I ve spent multiple Birthdays here & always bring family & friends when they re in town. Beautiful room (& magical patio) make it a must visit spot. One of the best dining experiences in town!

Delicious food, great service and lovely decor.

Great food. good service. a little noisey

THE Best so flavourful and so delicious Kid-friendliness: Really friendly Food : 5/5 |

Excellent as always. Food and service are top notch!

My fiancé and I had dinner at Il Covo to celebrate getting engaged earlier that day. I had heard good things about Il Covo and hoped that it would have been a great place to celebrate. The food and drinks were fantastic with the exception of a feature pasta and drink that we ordered. However, the service was well below what we were expecting. The gentleman serving us seemed inconvenienced by us and spent most of our visit talking with the table beside ours. Definitely put a bit of damper on a special evening.

We visited Il Covo for date night. Our Server was attentive and organized. He was knowledgeable about the menu and featured items. Entrees were delicious, my only complaint is the mussels were a lukewarm temperature (this may be a personal preference?). Price point seemed fair, as the cost of food is rising significantly in general. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience - lighting was very dim but maybe this was intentional (I did have a hard time reading the menu). There is no parking lot but if you dont mind walking a few blocks there seems to be ample 2 hour street parking available.

Great all around. We will be back again.

We had a family gathering and had a beautiful meal. The linguine, lasagna were awesome. The lasagna was delicious with soft fresh ricotta, pasta beautiful sauce. The service was superb. It is a lovely atmosphere, unpretentious but classy.

For our first time there everything from the service and food were excellent . The fireplace made for a very romantic evening . Highly recommend. We will be back Dietary restrictions: I have celiac disease and they have so many gluten free options .

Great food and atmosphere, will definitely be back again!

Very special place to dine at.

Great atmosphere and food! Perfect spot for dinner

Lovely dining space, pleasant staff. Food is solid, but nothing exciting or particularly memorable - standout was our salad course, which was refreshing and well-balanced. Excellent choice for a dinner with less-adventurous company.

Delicious Italian dishes, excellent service, beautiful building. Recommended.

It was a perfect experience. Friendly staff and excellent service from v Nathan and Winston. We ordered the Three Course Winter meal with wine. Absolutely fresh and delicious. You cant go wrong here. The yellow and beet salad on arugula with goat cheese and walnuts was divine! The mushroom ravioli and the cod witn mussels vied for first place. The profiteroles were the perfect dessert! Well be back!

This is such a lovely place. The food and staff are amazing. There isnt anything on the menu that will disappoint. If I could get their ravioli shipped here to US I absolutely would.

Probably one of the best Italian restaurants Ive been to. Although the choices were limited, the food was exceptional.

Can t say enough about how great this place was. Our server, Nathan, was very attentive and professional. He was knowledgeable and made us feel relaxed and let us take our time making selections. We went with 2 of the features of the night while I opted for the Cannelloni di Mare from the menu. Presentation was incredible and everything tasted fresh and delicious. Ambience cannot be overstated enough and the moment you approach the entrance, it is easy to tell that you are someplace special. I also was impressed with how meticulous the staff were in resetting tables. We were also completed with 2 glasses of Prosecco when we mentioned that we were there celebrating our anniversary. Can t remember the last time we enjoyed a dinner out this much. 2 huge thumbs up

Absolutely incredible. The mushroom truffle pasta was amazing and the vanilla orange creme brûlée is the best I ve ever had.

I had heard great things about this restaurant and was very excited to experience the authentic Italian food I had been told about. Maybe it was because I was expecting a lot, but the food was just ok. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was lovely. My gnocchi, on the other hand, was doughy, the caesar salad was bland, and Ive made better puttanesca at home.

Yummmmm!!! This place checks all of the boxes! Great Atmosphere, knowledgeable service, delicious food! I had the mushroom pappardelle. All the pasta is made in house! Definitely going back!!!! Vegetarian options: Mushroom pappardelle is the bomb!!!!

I was so looking forward to this night with my man. I had pointed this place out so many times and he surprised me with reservations for Valentines Day. What a disappointment. The special of halibut was $55, ok...the entire dish came out over done and dried out! The potato cake had been reheated then held warm, you could tell by the texture, and the fish...poor fish. I choose the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts, my fault, I completely forgot gorgonzola was blue cheese. The flavors were there, but, the gnocchi lacked the ridges to carry the sauce, what true italian does that? I will say, the bread is SO good! My vote is - NO

Wonderful meals, great service and I cannot wait to come back.

Excellent Italian restaurant

We absolutely love this restaurant. Great food, great service & great ambiance. However, their reservation system leaves much to be desired. It s very frustrating that they don t do online reservations. You can only reserve via phone. We re faced long waits & dropped calls when phoning so we often end up giving up & going elsewhere. They really need to invest in an online reservation system.

We had a lovely dining experience here last night. I messed up the time of our reservation and the hostess was very accommodating and found us a table. The service was excellent as was the delicious food and wine. Already looking forward to our next visit! Dietary restrictions: Lots of celiac friendly options!

We went for my birthday after having wanted to go there for a long time. I m so glad we did. It was a lovely restaurant and lovely evening all around. Very attentive service from our waiter and the pasta was to die for . Al a dente to perfection ! We had an appetizer of muscles , Caesar salad, and two pasta dishes . Thank you to Charmaine for making my birthday extra special .

Wife and daughters food great mine was a little fishy or off(crab and lobster canaloni

Would have given a higher rating but for one thing. We were given a time limit to be done, regardless of whether the service was quick enough or not. We actually had to ask if we had time for coffee and dessert.

I was a guest at a small dinner party July 12 and was disappointed in my dinner. I had ordered the seafood linguine and found the pasta not just el dente but really hardly cooked. I said nothing as I did not want to embarrass my host but if I had been paying I would have sent my dinner back. I am reluctant to return

Everything was excellent!

Our group of four dined at 7:15 last night. The service was a bit slow which resulted in us being rushed out of there as they had another reservation after us. At a high end restaurant we didn t expect that we d be given a 15 minute warning that our reservation was nearly over and then told that the next party were waiting for their table!! The food was good although the three that had pasta felt there was not enough sauce. The pork tenderloin was good but could have been a bit more tender. The ambiance was great on the patio! This restaurant is a bit over priced in our view. However we still enjoyed the evening. Dietary restrictions: There were a number of gluten free options and they were very helpful about substituting a sauce for a gf one. Also provided gf toast with the tapenade for dipping which was very nice.

Beautiful restaurant. Excellent food. Highly recommend sitting in the garden and ordering the chef s choice which consists of four courses served family-style. At $65 per person you get a ton of food. The presentation is stunning! For dessert you get a whole assortment of goodies. 100% get the mushroom risotto, it was the highlight of our evening.

I dont remember having been ignored as much as our party was at Il Covo. It was a good 10 minutes before anyone brought water to our table. After we placed our orders, our waiter disappeared and we had to flag another waiter to bring us some ice as the restaurant was extremely warm. He brought one glass of ice for three people to share. Our waiter disappeared after he brought our orders, which by the way, he leaned across the table to serve instead of walking around the table. After I flagged him down to bring the check, he stood over my shoulder to watch how much of a tip I selected. I should not have given him any because he really did not provide any service. The food was good, but not worth the price. Im wondering if we were treated so poorly because I am an old white-haired lady or because we had a disabled (but high functioning) person with us. What ever the reason, the wait staff as well as the support staff made it obvious that we were not welcome there, and believe me, I wont go again.

I adore this place. I took my dear friend there last week and had, as always, the most magnificent time with the most delicious food!!!

Exquisite! Special mention to the gnocchi al pesto, the best I had outside Liguria region.

Excellent food and good staff, thanks to our Italian Walter tonight!

Service is incredibly rude. We got disconnected during a phone call, and whichever host was working (female) then left an additional message saying how rude it was that we hung up on her and how other people would kill for our spot. Considering she has no idea what happened over the phone, I think it is quite bold of her to leave a message like that. Especially when they have no messaging service of their own and didnt answer their phones while open. Do not recommend and will not be returning.

We did not have a reservation but were grateful that there was room at the bar at 8:45 pm. The service was exceptional. Our server was never intrusive and was always there when needed. He gave great recommendations. We had the Lasagna and the Gorgonzola and Walnut Gnocchi. We also tried the Strawberry Gazpacho special and the caesar salad. All were excellent. parking on the street only. We circled a couple of times before finding a place. Probably a place to leave the kids at home.

Had a wonderful night and meal, all four of us opted for the Familia meal basically a set price/person and the chef surprises you with what he chooses in all four courses. Resounding success with all of us and chef did not disappoint! Everything was delicious and presented beautifully! Well worth it and a beautiful dining experience

We came in with no reservation and got lucky as they had an open spot. The staff was nice and accommodating. The food was amazing and flavourful. The waiter was very attentive. The wine was exquisite as well as dessert. Definitely a good place to celebrate a espacial occasion!

We enjoyed one of the best meals we have ever had at Il Covo last night. From the beyond stellar service we received upon arriving to celebrate a very special event, to seating us in a beautiful lower terrace immersed in greenery and fairy lights - to the entire Michelin Star quality meal. We savored their specials that evening of a fresh, colorful, inventive halibut dish, and a silky linguini with prawns, zucchini, saffron and some kind of magical fairy dust in the sauce. Mouth watering. Then there was the Panna Cotta and Chocolate Mousse sent down from heaven. Were still wowed. Until we meet again Il Covo. Grazie di tutto for the most exceptional evening.

Food and drinks were great. The service was excellent. Love the outdoor sitting area. Definitely an amazing place for a summer dinner with your loved ones.

Excellent food and service. Parking a bit of a challenge, but worth the effort !

We ordered the chefs choice four-course family-style dinner. We were served with an arugula salad, linguini with white fish marinara, beef tenderloin with roasted root vegetables, and three different desserts. All delicious! As a table of four on a busy Friday night, it was a rush to serve all four courses in the two hour reservation we were given, and as a result, they were rushing us out. The hostess was obviously eager to clear the table (looking at and gesturing toward our table while having conversations and walking by several times), and our cheque was delivered before we could finish our last course. I recommend you try to extend your reservation beyond 2 hours if your group is larger or if you are having multiple courses - that way, there is enough time to prepare, serve, and enjoy.

As the stars and the reviews show, this restaurant does not disappoint. You may even feel like you just stepped into a hidden corner trattoria in quaint town in Italy. All the dishes look amazing! My beginning antipasti to my seafood connoli was absolutely fantastic as with my ending pleasure of a creme brulee. Delicious Perfection.

Upon arriving, this place has exactly what youre looking for in an Italian Restaurant, amazing location, the space and decor is 5/5. The service staff especially our server were also 5/5. Im a local and this was probably the best service Ive had this year. Bread was solid with a tapenade(probably best thing we ate). Wine recommendation was spot on. Started with a Caprese salad and Caesar to share. The Caprese looked to have soggy pre sliced tomatoes with zero flavour and I have no idea where they source the basil from but it was just bad. The Caesar was just ok. We all had a version of seafood pasta, myself getting the Cannelloni which I was told was the most popular. The dish resembled a premade frozen meal, like tiny spots of dried up milk parts supposedly having been ricotta and overcooked what they said was lobster. My dinner companions had a similar experience with poorly executed pasta, over powering garlic(probably pre cut) and just gummy seafood. Really wanted to like this place, but the pasta was why we went and was a huge miss, a real shame as this has the potential the be a gem.

Now I know why Il Covo is said to be one of the best restaurants in Victoria.

Amazing all around. Definitely one of my favourite Italian Restaurants on Vancouver Island.

We ate on the patio surrounded by greenery and bright red umbrellas. Fantastic food and really pleasant servers.

Lovely food

Went here for my birthday a few days ago. Absolutely awesome food. Easy to make a reservation over the phone. Make sure to call early for a reservation as it books up quickly. Kind and attentive service. Beautiful patio and garden. Highly recommend. quality of food is exceptional.

Great neighborhood restaurant. Shared a Caprese with my wife. Great taste. Had Veal Scalopini (sp) and Lasagna. We would definitely come back.

Fantastic patio! Some of the best pasta dishes in the city

We had two appetizers and two pastas and a bottle of wine. The soup was 14 bucks and we had approximately 3.5 spoonfuls each. The salad was good. My pasta was the special but there wasnt anything special about it. Meat, tomato sauce and rigatoni for 35 bucks, I make better pasta at home. bill was over 200 bucks and I will not be going back.

Food was so so. Lasagna was pretty average.

Will not go back. Not only do they take your cc down for reservations and will charge you bigtime if you do not cancel within 48 hours. The food was meh I was ill the following day and they also kick you out within a time frame even though you made reservations.

Fantastic food and service. Can t wait to come back! Food

Its the best service Ive ever had. Our server Sylvio had impeccable timing for our needs. Complimentary foccacia bread was melt in your mouth quality. The salad we had and our main courses were perfectly salted with a perfect balance of flavors. It might be pricey, but you pay for what you get. Will definitely be back.

I recommend reservations...this place fills up fast. Amazing lasagna

After coming back from a 3 week trip to Italy we were very excited to try this place as we ve heard great things but was extremely let down. We ordered scallops to start which were cold, then got risotto and ravioli for mains. The risotto was extremely salty and had a pool of butter over the prawns. The ravioli was very bland and off tasting. Left this place with an upset stomach and an upset wallet. I don t mind spending good money on good food but the food was not up to their pricing. Let s just say you can go to your local grocery store and get better tasting pasta and sauces.

This place is outstanding !!

Went here for my birthday dinner. The food was amazing! The staff were very friendly and attentive.

I arrived in Vancouver for work and I found this Italian place on the internet with friends, we ate very well, high quality products, the waiters were friendly and good, I recommend it to everyone who goes to this place. Thanks for everything

First time there. They had my reserved table ready on time, wait staff were attentive, ambiance was great and the food was amazing! Plus lots of options for gluten free eating. Would recommend Dietary restrictions: Many gluten free options

Went to this amazing nook in Victoria downtown during my short trip to the Islands. Was lucky to get a seating on the bar counter as we didn t make a reservation but the food was so great. Loved the cocktails, especially the season special. Highly highly recommended this place if you re in town. Don t forget to make a reservation. They serve Dinner only.

This is one of the top restaurants in the city. By the best italian place within the City of Victoria. Food: Portion sizes are large and fair for the pricing. Food is made fresh in-house, and the seafood doesnt taste fishy at all. Even the shellfish wasnt bad, and I am not a shellfish person generally. Atmosphere and table: It is a very small restaurant but Its an open concept which makes it feel very spacious. There are no booths within. There are only tables and chairs. During the summertime, they have a very nice patio. Service: Service is excellent as you would expect in fine dining. The only con on this aspect is the popularity of the restaurant on the same day? Reservations are hard to come by. Be prepared to be planning out at least a week in advance. On the day of your reservation, you might end up waiting for a table to leven though you made a reservation. The staff gives you 3 hours for your table/reservation before they ask you to leave. So if the table prior to you is running late, you will have to wait for them. Parking: Very limited parking. On the 100 block of kingston, make sure not to park in the residential parking zone. There is parking on Superior Street and some limited time zones on Kingston.

Great atmosphere and staff. Food was delicious and the birthday moose. Must have reservations!

Good food

Food on another level! My wife and I are G-F but there were plenty of options. We split a salad, an entree and dessert and it was a great plenty. The Barbbara wine was perfect. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and professional. The chocolate mousse was the best I have ever tasted!

Fantastic food! We made a reservation on a Wednesday for the coming Friday and initially were only able to get guaranteed seats at the bar. Luck was on our side as when we showed up a table for 2 had become available. We enjoyed the meatball appetizer, spinach gorgonzola salad, mushroom ravioli special, and a steak dish over mushroom gnocchi. It was all delicious! We finished the night with the dessert sampling for two, and the creme brulee was definitely our favorite of the three. Our waiter was very kind and helpful with our questions. We never felt rushed, despite the restaurant being busy. We enjoyed our experience at this exceptional restaurant and would love to come again.

Came here for our anniversary. Great experience from our server Nathan. I had the seafod pasta special and 2 glasses of red, my wife had the parppadelle, my son had cheese pizza, then we had chocolate mousse for dessert.

I have tried on three occasions at different times of the year to make a reservation at Il Covo. Every time I am put on hold for lord knows how long, until I hang up. If I ever hear Dean Martin singing Thats Amora one more time, I will spit. Maybe you should start an online booking service. I only gave one star because I never managed to get an answer.

Great place for wonderful experience. The food was excellent! Service was way above and beyond! The flavor of the food was incredible all three meals were terrific.

Best Italian restaurant in Victoria

Absolutely unbelievable! Had the special which was linguine papolina, one of the most exquisite, flavourful pasta dishes I ve ever had!! Incredibly well done our server Raimondo was very friendly, funny, knowledgeable and recommended a beautiful wine that matched my order perfectly. I am so impressed with the calibre of service, the quality of food, and overall excellence achieved by this restaurant!! Would absolutely recommend this place, and will definitely be back!

Classic Italian: fresh, locally sourced ingredients,homemade everything: the pasta, the focaccia bread, the tapenade. I had the legendary puttanesca and it was delicious. The servings are generous, the servers attentive. Such a pleasant room to enjoy a lovely meal. You need a reservation it is popular for all the right reasons.

Burrata wild mushroom ravioli was 10/10. Please make it a regular menu item and not just a special!

One of the best resteraunts I have ever been to. So satisfied with the food service and atmosphere!

Amazing food

Definitely one of the best in Victoria!

We love this spot. Food is always amazing, the drink menu is creative and the atmosphere and service is wonderful. Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp to the entrance

We celebrated my husbands 60th, and the experience was perfect! Attentive service, beyond description delicious food, and we had the best seats in the house.

We had one of those magical holiday moments as the 4 of us spent another lovely time at Il Cova Trattoria. Silvio was the perfect host, and he truly made our evening special. The boy knows how to elevate a dining experience vibe. Thank you very much for your warm welcome; conversation, sense of humour, and your thoughtfulness will be remembered forever.