Janevca Kitchen & Lounge in Victoria

Wowwwww. Took my girlfriend for our anniversary. I knew shed be impressed but I didnt realise that my expectations would be exceeded ten fold. Food - unreal. Not a seafood guy and my gf isnt into squid. But I ordered it knowing if there was a place that would do it right it would be somewhere like here. We both loved it. The pork cheek... holy. Our favourite. The wagu... knew it would be good (wagu, right) and it was great. Service - Mercedes was a gem! Loved the service and she was such a vibe. Atmosphere- the Japanese maple (i believe?) In the dining area along with the fire all in a character home. Unreal. And the surprise cherry... vallet service? Lets just say my girlfriend said I nailed christmas date night.

Beyond exceptional.... Possibly the best service that we have experienced in Victoria, with staff taking the time to get to know you. Great food, and a gorgeous setting. Excited for the hotel to open and afternoon tea to be started. Parking: Valet parking only at the moment

Blown away! The decor is amazing and the decorator should win an award. Great service. Appies and drinks were tasty. Excited to return!

World class venue. Great atmosphere, and very welcoming staff experience. Food was great, I especially enjoyed the squash due to its texture and weight it had to it. The staff took a bit of time to get to us and didn t offer to pepper to pasta for us which is the one thing that prevented me from giving 5 stars in all the categories. This is easily my new favourite restaurant in town and makes me proud to be a local.

This is a true gem for our community. Nothing quite like this in the city, very reasonably priced for what it is too - free valet parking, coat check, amazing atmosphere, insane wine selection, unique flavours and exquisite service. My only slight complaint was somewhat inattentive hostesses, who were chatting with themselves instead of greeting people that are walking in, but this is a minor comment. Happy with the place!

We came to Janevca without any expectations and we had an incredible dining experience. From the moment we stepped into the whimsical renovated hotel, all the way to the end of our meal. We were looked after in a friendly and attentive way. Our waitress went out of her way to save us extra oyster shells for an art project. All of the food we had was exceptionally cooked, even though we brought small appetites, we ate much more than anticipated, including two desserts. We will be recommending place to our friends, whether its for a special occasion or a casual bite. We cant recommend Jenevca enough.

My partner and I had made a reservation at Janevca a week in advance, as we were aware that it was a new restaurant that had gained some popularity. We were fortunate enough to secure a table at 8:45 pm on a Friday evening. Upon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they offered complimentary valet service. The gentlemen who greeted us outside were very welcoming and hospitable. As we entered the foyer, we were immediately struck by the cozy, comforting, and modern interior design of the restaurant. The layout was very spacious as one side of the establishment was the lounge and bar, and the other side was the dining area. The artwork on the walls and the pieces around the establishment were carefully chosen, which helped set the ambiance and create a very pleasant atmosphere. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with some background information on the location, the Rosemead house, and the story behind Janevca. We tried three of their signature cocktails: the AStone Sour, Pimms and Petals, and Siesta to Fiesta were not particularly exceptional, but they did have good flavors and were refreshing. I did find something in my drink and brought it to the attention of our server, who apologized and promptly made me a new one. We chose two small plates to begin with, the Pork cheek and Smoked Paprika Campanelle. I personally found the campanelle to be quite delightful, as it was very flavorful and had a wonderful texture. The pork cheek was equally delicious. For our main course, we ordered the Macleods Leap AAA dry aged Striploin, accompanied by the potato rosti and the squash root farms. The steak was cooked precisely to our preference of medium rare, and when paired with the sides, it was simply delectable. Our server kindly suggested the Peach Melba for dessert, which we happily ordered alongside the coconut panna cotta. The Peach Melba was delightful and exceeded expectations. The panna cotta had some pleasantly crunchy bits (candied ginger) on top with the passionfruit pearls; the texture was enjoyable, though it did get slightly stuck in my teeth. I might choose a different dessert next time. I would rate Janevca a 4.75; the only area for potential improvement would be the drinks.

Spectacular. The atmosphere is amazing, the food was magic and the service we had was impressive. Highly recommend.

We had an amazing time in the lounge! We had wine from the fantastic wine list, mocktails which were delicious and a wonderful selection of excellent food. The attention to details and the quality of the food was excellent value. Our server was Chris who did a remarkable job with recommending our selections and he really made us feel welcome. All of the staff from the valet Herb, to everyone we had contact with were extremely warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend a visit to this lovely spot

Just a fantastic experience from start to finish! Began with a warm welcome from the hostess to drinks at the coolest new bar in Victoria. Then we were brought into the stunning main dining room with beautiful banquettes and old world charm. Our server, Kayla, was knowledgeable and made some recommendations that were spot on. Jacques - the sommelier- is a wealth of wine information, in a fun way. He found us a Sicilian wine I had never tried that paired perfectly. I was having dinner with a colleague who had studied cooking with Francis Mallmann and he was impressed with the Chefs use of fire in our dishes- including the dessert. It was the hospitality from everyone working there which really stood out to me.

When celebrating a birthday last week, we had a wonderful experience at Janevca! Everything about our visit was special our meals, the stunning décor, the warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere and the welcoming staff. Our lovely server Pam Pam made our evening memorable with her friendliness and professionalism. We started with the Gem lettuce salad. The smoked anchovy buttermilk dressing was tangy and delicious. The addition of pickled red onions and pangratto for crunch brought it over the top. It s a must try ! We followed with the wood grilled chicken which was cooked perfectly, moist with a real spicy kick to it. We also chose the roasted delicata squash which was deliciously flavoured with browned butter and crispy sage leaves. We finished our meal with Peach Melba which was truly a work of art. All the different components made it a fun dessert to eat. The peach had a marzipan stem and leaf. There was also a chocolate peach pit. Smoked almond slices were sprinkled on the plate which added a truly unique flavour. It was the perfect ending to a very memorable meal. Janevca is now our new favourite restaurant!

What an amazing place! The atmosphere is unique and cozy. The food was delicious and the service was really sublime. Our server, Jayden, really made our night special and we cant wait to go back!

Our visit to Janevca in Esquimalt on November 24th was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the luxurious and posh ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The private dining room provided an exclusive touch, enhancing the fine dining experience. The food was absolutely phenomenal. We indulged in a feast that included oysters, cacio e pepe, ravioli, grilled squid, a 39oz dry-aged ribeye steak, broccolini, crème brûlée, and tiramisu. The dry-aged steak was the star of the meal perfectly prepared, rich in flavour, and tender. The tiramisu, topped with shaved egg yolk, offered a unique twist on a classic dessert. To complement the meal, we enjoyed 12-year Macallan whiskey, which paired beautifully with the dishes. The service was equally remarkable. Our server (unfortunately, I didn t catch her name) was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that we were well taken care of throughout the night. The staff s hospitality reminded me of the impeccable service standards you find in luxury hotels in Asia going above and beyond to make every guest feel special. Janevca s unique approach to fine dining, served family-style, added a warm and inviting element to the upscale experience. While the pricing leans toward the higher end, it s absolutely worth it for the quality of food, service, and overall experience. I ll definitely be back and would recommend Janevca to anyone looking for a luxurious yet welcoming dining experience in Esquimalt. - Alfonso

A special evening with superb food in a relaxing atmosphere joined with fine service. We did, however, speak to them about the very long set of stairs to descend to the washroom facilities and also about the universal washroom which we refused to use - not a choice we would make. There is a backup washroom downstairs designed for those with physical issues (if they can negotiate the stairs) that can be used by anyone. A person might also be in peril going down the stairs after excessive consumption of the many excellent drinks on the menu. We plan to return and recommend Javenca with the above washroom caveat.

Birthday dinner wrecked by poor service and measly portions. Waiter screwed up our order and brought a tiny 6-ounce steak for two of us to share instead of the 12-ounce we d ordered. And the price was almost as much! Incredibly, he just announced that he d accidentally rung it in as the wrong steak, with the tone of, oh well, what can you do? When we made it clear we wanted what we d ordered, he checked with the kitchen how long it would take after I asked. We d been waiting an hour for main courses and were starving. After he said it would be a while, we gave up and just ate the tiny overpriced steak, rationing out every bite. Didn t want the waiter removing the dish or charging us for 2 steaks. Absolutely no compensation from the restaurant for this error, not even free bread. We d planned a birthday dessert and coffee there but decided to cut our losses. Left hungry after a $200 bill for 2 adults and a teen. Restaurant also at fault because the portions of even cheap items like potatoes are unbelievably small. No free bread or rice even with the monkfish which was in a cream sauce. The flavours were good, but not worth it. We d also told waiter if was a birthday dinner, but no acknowledgment of any kind. Parking: There s actually valet parking, but we couldn t tell that from the street. Several of us were circling the block to find a legal place to park. Just drive up to the resto to get the valet.

Excellent experience. Stunning space. Exceptional service. And delicious food. It s a 10/10 experience.

Legit fine dining. Beautiful space, great service and of course, great food. The striploin steak is the best steak Ive had in Canada. Charred broccoli, the Caribbean jerk flavoured pasta, and the dessert were also excellent. Even the cocktails were solid. All in all, if you got a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, you gotta give Janevca a try.

This is a truly special place kudos to Chef Andrea Alridge, team and the rest of the Aragon family. I m looking forward to visiting again when I m back in Victoria. Sending peace and love from Toronto!

This is what fine dining is all about. Our party of 6 had an excellent dinner last night and what an enjoyable evening. We arrived early and decided to start the evening with a pre-dinner drink in the lounge. Wow...what a selection. A few of us tried their zero-proof cocktails and they were all delicious. We then moved into the dining room and the atmosphere was outstanding. We were informed that most dishes are served family style, so we decided to order one protein and 1-2 sides at a time. What a flavor bomb. We started with the halibut, followed by the pork, and then ending dinner with the steak. Everything was cooked and served to perfection. Our wine pairings were matched extremely well. We ended the evening with dessert and port. Upon leaving, we went back into the lounge and thanked the chefs and servers for such a memorable dinner. Victoria needed this type of restaurant and whether it be a romantic dinner or family/group occasion, Janevca is highly recommended. Well done to the Rosemead House and Janevca team.

We had an incredible experience at Jenevca.! The food was outstanding each dish, bursting with creativity and flavour, clearly showcasing the talent of their young, award-winning chef. The service was impeccable, with a team that made us feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of, especially since some of our party had food, allergies. The sommelier, who was known to us from another fine dining restaurant, was on point with wine suggestions. We also loved the eclectic decor, which added a unique charm to the atmosphere. This place is exactly what the area needed, and we re excited to return soon and see what other culinary delights they have in store! Dietary restrictions: The team went out of their way to accommodate two of our party who had food allergies. They checked with the chef and were able to make great recommendations and even alterations to the dishes to accommodate their needs.

Dined at Janevca this evening for my grandmas birthday, it was everything I wanted it to be. The service was outstanding, a warm attentive welcome. The restoration is stunning, I have nostalgic memories of going to the Olde English Inn for their brunch buffet as a child in the 90s. As for the food it was so delicious, full of flavour and lovingly prepared. You can tell this is a labour of love from start to finish. Can t wait to come back for a date night.

I took my grandma to Janevca for dinner on Saturday evening. She was visiting from Alberta. We were both SO impressed with the venue, service, food, and atmosphere. When you walk through the front door you feel like you are stepping into another world...The interior/design is stunning. Cant recommend this place enough. As well, we found the prices to be reasonable for the quality and dining experience. Ill be back soon! Dietary restrictions: They accommodated my no cream restriction and although I was too full for dessert I was glad to see that they had a dairy-free dessert option - Coconut Panna Cotta. This is hard to come by!

The food is amazing. The room is fantastic. Andrea Alridge is one of the best things to happen to Victorias food scene.

Having done some catering at the previous English Inn we were totally shocked, in a good way, at the transformation. The room is gorgeous, the service attentive and the food and presentation superb. Highly recommended. Parking: Due to all the ongoing construction it is only valet parking at this point unless you park on the street and walk in.

Top notch, wonderful addition to the neighbourhood. Particularly pleased with the service and pricing on drinks.

I ll make this short and sweet, although I could share such a lengthy post about how incredible my dining experience was at Janevca. From starting the evening at the bar with beautiful cocktails to an incredible dinner with friends, made all the more incredible by our server Gavin and a knowledgeable Sommelier giving us a tour of the restaurant, this was by far one of the best dining experiences I ve had all year. Bok choy was incredible, please try the chicken liver, olives were amazing, and the steak to die for. Do your best to order an assortment of different dishes and share with the table to really get to experience everything.

Absolutely wonderful experience here. The reception was very courteous and the food great. The ambient is clean and pretty, the background music is not loud, and the acoustics are great for a conversation. We ordered a salad, sourdough, the chicken liver mousse, pizza (big easy), casareccia with lamb ragù, and pork chops. Its a 5/5 definitely, however, my only suggestion would be to reevaluate how much salt is being used in the pizza sauce, it was a bit too much for my taste. Still, being extremely honest, everything was great, especially the pork chops and chicken liver mousse.

Our server, Gord, provided exceptional service with a perfect blend of professionalism and warmth. He was attentive to every detail, making sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. It s rare to find someone who can deliver high-class service while being so genuinely friendly and welcoming. As for the food, everything was fantastic, but the standout had to be the Peach Melba dessert it was truly exceptional! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and it was a delightful way to end the meal. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an elevated dining experience with top-notch service and delicious food!

Incredible place! Just perfect, service, food and atmosphere were all impressive! Must try in Victoria.

My partner and I celebrated our third anniversary at Janevca last night and all I can say is WOW. Everything from the food, to the service and atmosphere was outstanding. We shared a few plates between us but our favourite items had to be the Cassareccia and the striploin! Chef Andrea and her team definitely know what they re doing and I highly recommend anyone in or visiting Esquimalt/Victoria to check Janevca out now!! Also one more thing to mention is the space it s self is absolutely gorgeous, every meticulous detail of the dining room was well thought out and planned.

My best dinner of this year so far!

Best meal ever!! Everything is so perfect. Will visit again for sure.

Incredible experience in a revamped gem. Highly recommend the Striploin! Food

What a wonderful experience!!! From the cocktails, food, and service. It was all 5 star. James was a wonderful server and Justin was so kind and gracious. Huge thanks. We will be back!

We really wanted to like this restaurant because the venue is quite stunning. We loved the decor of the restaurant and the bar, the lobby and the bathrooms. Unfortunately we probably won t be back any time soon. The food was disappointing with the exception of the pizza. The gem salad was so over dressed as to be almost inedible. One of our party didn t eat the chicken she ordered as it was slightly undercooked with an unpleasant flavour. The service was challenging for a couple of reasons: the waiter was far too familiar and proceeded to over share personal information. The food was a long time coming and the server was over attentive in pouring our wine to the point that we finished a bottle before the food came. So all in all it was either over or under in one area or another. We know this is a new restaurant and we hope things improve.

We loved the venue, service and delicious food. Each dish we ordered was delicious and memorable. The service was friendly and on point while the venue is an experience youll post about on your IG.

The atmosphere, service, and food exceeded all of my expectations offering an incredibly unique experience. The atmosphere was incredible and our server Mercedes was very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. A few of the dishes were the best I ve ever had and I am very excited to try the rest of the their menu. What a great addition to the Victoria food scene, I will definitely be dining at Janevca again.

Exceptional in every way. The chicken and corn croquettes were outstanding!! The decor was especially unique. Our server Mercedes was a class act as well. Hats off to the chef. Will be back here with my friends and family most definitely.

Incredible food and service, great wine recommend from the sommelier. Can t wait to go back to enjoy more flavours!

What a unique dinning experience in a city full of restaurants. The food was delicious and the atmosphere created made you feel like you weren t in Victoria anymore. Our server (Kayla) was above and beyond and was the cherry on top to create a magical night for me and my husband. After going through the menu with us we wanted to order everything, so she helped narrow it down to a few perfect choices paired with the best cocktails!

What an experience! Everything from the food to the vibe to the service was excellent. The restoration of the building is beautiful, definitely unlike any place Ive been to in Victoria. Our server Kayla was very knowledgable of the menu and the space - she made our first time there quite memorable. Check out the bathrooms downstairs! Very cool design aspects - we loved the decor. Definitely going back.

A real Jem!

Splendid architectural design inside and out but as yet a work in progress. The toilets are only accessible by stairs and are gender neutral with privacy closets. On street parking is a two block walk. The food is good and the servers knowledgeable and courteous. The artworks and other interior design elements are intriguing. Some are beautiful. A good spot to celebrate special occasions.

Theres a lot of potential here. The building is incredible. It really is world class. Just stunning. But its a restaurant, so the food is important, and it was just OK. I went with a group, and we tried over half the menu. Some things were decent, nothing was spectacular. And some items were not even cooked right. There was an order of squash that was undercooked. The cacio y pepe was the driest pasta Ive ever eaten. The chicken was really hit and miss in terms of doneness. The only item people talked about after the meal were the olives, and they were just olives! Overall, theres potential. But if they want the food to be on par with the venue, theyll have to step it up.

Recently dined at Janevca in Esquimalt, and I was truly impressed. The restaurant exudes an enchanting old-world English charm, yet each room offers a unique atmosphere that transports you to another place. The food was exceptional, showcasing a delightful blend of flavors that left me wanting more. The service was equally outstanding attentive and friendly, making the experience all the more enjoyable. I cant wait to return to Janevca again and again!

Amazing food and service. I will definitely be coming again

The restaurant was fun and energetic, and the food was fantastic.

Its been a long time coming but Janevca is worth the wait. Esquimalt is now a dining destination -- the food is delicious, the service impeccable and the building, from the lounge to the loo, is absolutely gorgeous. Cant wait to return.

Exceptional dining experience - food and service top notch! Esquimalt has been craving a fine dining experience for so long and Janevca delivers. From the resplendent ambiance (antiques and stained glass) to the great service of amazing dishes, we were blown away! Thank you . We will be back very soon

Wow, great service and amazing food in a wonderful atmosphere this place is a new gem. Thanks everyone soooo looking forward to our next visit!

We visited there tonight, it was like stumbled into a magical paradise. We were greeted right away and were able to get assistance with parking. They have coat check right at the door. The ambiance was great. We love our server - Mercedes and Pamela. We also enjoyed the food and dessert very much. Overall an amazing experience!

There s a lot to love here and such a great experience in Victoria. The decor is absolutely breathtaking, the service is impeccable, the food is delectable with very reasonable prices. The highlights of our evening were the little gem salad, which was surprisingly smoky and delicious. The chicken mousse is a must try with the perfect blend of savoury but not too rich. The pork chops were out of this world, just spicy enough without being overpowering and perfectly cooked. The Melba dessert was so beautiful and had really interesting smoked almond flavours. The only thing to nitpick would be that they re still figuring out the valet service at this time.

What a wonderful five star dining experience. Starting with the valet parking upon arrival. No attention to detail has been missed. Professional and attentive staff. A Passion for getting it right. This is reflected in the quality and presentation of the food to the fixtures and furniture. We plan on returning soon