JOIE Grillades in Victoria

Last night was our first time at this restaurant. We had a wonderful evening and everything about it was excellent- the food, the service, the ambiance and the wine recommendation. We will be back.

A truly amazing dining experience. Everything we ate tasted divine and made with love. The owner made us feel so cared for and was a delight to speak with. We will absolutely be here again soon!

I wish I could give 100 stars for each. Our dear server, who I hope we ll come back to see again soon, says it was a pleasure to wait on us.. it was our pleasure to dine with him! My sincere thank you to the team. What a lovely place to be. Our family is visiting from the US. We love high quality food and pay a lot of attention to detail in our own work, our expectations here were exceeded! You could most certainly order any appetizer or entree from this menu and be beyond satisfied. Merci merci merci! The kindness in our service really was an integral part to how memorable this experience was.. with the incredible food and wine too our family was very comfortable to really get to connect and be present with one another. What a great first stop in Canada. Thank you again to the entire team involved here. Good wishes to all. Charlize Bouchard.

The atmosphere was calm and comfortable, our food was amazing, the wine pairing was excellent, the tapas were a wonderful side to our main courses, and the service was exceptional. Overall, well done and we will be back.

I have just returned home from an evening at JOIE Grillades on Cook St in Victoria. Without a doubt it was the best meal I have ever had anywhere. Whether you live in Victoria or are visiting from elsewhere, don t miss a meal at this restaurant. I went with 4 other people to celebrate two birthdays, but any special occasion will do as an excuse. Taking into account various allergies and preferences of the guests, Georges helped us select a wide range of authentic French/ Basque dishes to share. All this in an atmosphere of quiet elegance and bonhomie. I am looking forward to my next visit

Exceptional meal and service- highly recommend the chefs choice 4 or7 course option with the wine pairing. An outstanding evening all around!

We had the chef s choice and it was one of the best restaurant experiences I ve ever had. The chef was friendly and helpful and the three courses were all delicious, and well chosen for our group.

Dining at Joie Grillades in Victoria, BC, was an exceptional feast of delights for our entire party. The six of us were out on the town celebrating a birthday, and French Cuisine was on the birthday girls mind. We made it to Joie Grillades and were welcomed in by the owner, Chef Laurant, into his elegant and petite restaurant. As Laurant laid out his specials for the evening, it was evident that he wanted to make our dining experience special. He put the menus away, checked in on allergies, and told us he would bring out several dishes for us to share. Waves of delicacies emerged from the kitchen, many ingredients sourced locally and prepared to delight our palates. Warmed goat cheese on baguette, Prosciutto smoked salmon and marinated artichoke hearts, prawns and scallops, chicken simmered in lobster bisque, cognac lobster, braised lamb sirloins, and sirloin steak served with sauteed green beans and roasted potato all cooked to perfection. The personal touch of the chef, the incredible food, the great wine, and the lovely conversation elevated the experience into my top 10-lifetime dining experiences. Dining with Laurant was an invite to a French chefs table. It was a remarkable experience in every way. Perhaps Im too bougie for my own good, or maybe Im simply seeking pleasure in exceptional food experiences. The Joie VIP experience was a ticket to my happy place, one of the true VIP experiences an aspiring hedonist like me can find here in beautiful Victoria. Dietary restrictions: Chef Laurant was attentive to all our allergies and restrictions. His team was able to modify everything they served.

Our family has been to JOIE Grillades several times for special occasions. We always have an incredible experience hosted by Laurent - delicious food with wine pairings, excellent service, and an awesome chill vibe in the restaurant. Highly recommend!

Was in Victoria for one night to propose to my girlfriend. Worked with Georges to plan a perfect intimate dinner following our proposal. Georges was very communicative and responsive leading up to the night, and even came outside to greet us when we arrived by cab. That really set the tone for a spectacular evening! We absolutely loved the fresh bread, goat cheese crostini, ratatouille, surf & turf (with a chicken breast substitute due to dietary restrictions), bread pudding, and apple tart! Georges also prepared a perfect wine paring with each course, and was able to stick with exclusively whites as that is our preference. Id be hard pressed to find a higher quality restaurant and better setting for a truly special night. Will absolutely return when Im back in Victoria, and look forward to trying Georges other restaurant (French cafe/bakery).

Came all the way here from Seattle just to visit JOIE. Damn hands down one of the best restaurants Ive ever been. Amazing food, great service!!

Wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion! Celebrating my wife s 62nd birthday. She had the rack of lamb and I had the prawns & scallops. Both meals were excellent!

The venue is quiet, chic and private. Georges is an excellent waiter, and provides very good service. Im French (from France) and that the best French restaurant in town so far. Food : 5/5

We arrived in Victoria late and was pleasantly surprised that the restaurant had a spot for us. It is within walking distance of downtown in a quieter area. The food is authentic french with a basque flair. Very impressive menu and friendly service. The proprietor went out of his way to ensure we had an excellent experience.

The food is absolutely great although is much more in quantity than expected! The crew is gentle, efficient and amazing! I truly recommend a visit!

This was an amazing dinner ! The service was also over the top excellent. I have been here two times and will definitely go many more

We were on a cruise and booked this restaurant because it was the only place that was open at our time of arrival. We were pleasantly surprised to have the whole restaurant all to ourselves and were amazed by the great food. Overall an unforgettable experience!

We went to JOIE Grillades for the first time because it was so highly rated by Google. We recently had the chef s tasting menu dinner with our grandson, a pseudo-Francophile. After the discussion of likes, dislikes, and food allergies, we had an amazing meal with a most attentive chef. We were treated as though we were the only ones there having a meal tailored just for us. The food courses were delicious (a tomahawk ribeye!), the wine selections were excellent. Just trust the chef. The grandson is even more determined to go to France. We may not get to Victoria as often as we d like, but we know where we re dining when there. This restaurant deserves all the stars possible.

This is the best French food I ve had in Victoria. The restaurant is not as fancy as those bigs ones in downtown but overall it s well decorated. Dishes are so delicate and ingredients are so fresh. The service is great and comfortable. Worth every dollar I spent.

Wonderful service, food, and ambience! The wine was exceptional as well as the beef tenderloin and onion gratinee.

Wonderful! A nice quiet venue allows for conversation. French cuisine, and service was unique with Laurent recommending 3 shared surf and turf courses for our group of four. Everything was a taste sensation, perfectly prepared seafood, beef and lamb. Expensive, but a place for a real treat or special occasion.

Almost definitely the most high quality breakfast I have ever had. I never expected this place to be so phenomenal. The location is so weird, but the food is incredible. Wow!!!!

By far and away the best restaurant in Victoria, everything from the service to the food was above anywhere we have been on the Island. We found the food surpassed our experiences in Paris. Dietary restrictions: All food is made from scratch so dietary restrictions are functionally a non-concern.

Had a wonderful dinner, with a salad and the stuffed mushrooms to start and a porterhouse steak for the table. Highly recommended.

I brought my parents here for a special evening and we had the most marvellous time. My father uses a walker and he was very kindly accommodated, our host was attentive but did not hover, and the food! One of the best meals Ive ever had in Victoria. We started with the bread board, then the lobster chowder. It was outstanding; full-flavoured, beautifully presented and larger than anticipated. Then we all had the prawns and scallops in creamy cognac veloute. We were delighted that this was prepared table-side! It was heavenly - the seafood was tender and crisp, the pieces were enormous, and the sauce was delicate yet deeply-flavoured. We were sad to be too full for dessert, so Ill have to go back soon for a smaller meal that leaves room for Creme Brulee. If I could give our meal 10 stars, I would! Wheelchair accessibility: There are stairs at the front of the building, but around the side there is a ramp, and then you walk through the atrium to the front door. The staff are very accomodating.

Excellent food and service; like being in France.

The food was exquisite. I still can t get over how amazing the food was. The waiter was exceptional. My husband and I wasn t celebrating anything special but our waiter made the dining experience a memorable one. I had a hard time deciding on what to order and our waiter prepared something special. I had a shrimp and scallop dish with a sauce that I could drink-it was that good! I had lamb prepared 2 ways-the spicy nut and a mustard Dijon-the spicy nut was so good. I don t usually like beans but I would eat a whole plate of JOIE s beans! I wish I had room for dessert! Next time!

I had some mixed feelings about our dinner here. Having seen such amazing reviews, we were super excited to try this restaurant that we reserved for Valentine s Day, which was probably our mistake, because we could only choose from a single tasting menu and not the original every day menu, which felt easily twice as expensive than if you d come on a regular day, even thought the items were exactly the same. Even the ambiance of the restaurant was a bit lacklustre with the simple dining furniture, dark tablecloths and minimal decor. Despite this we were okay to splurge for a special holiday, and we proceeded to let the chef choose our menu for us as that s what he recommended. Now the appetizers were quite a bit underwhelming. The shrimp and cheese was tasty but felt like an odd combination. Pâté was certainly palatable but felt strange that it was served with 3 crackers clearly picked up from the store (literally Costco sells these). And the bread was just fine, simple baguette that felt defrosted and heated and nothing too special. All super underwhelming for the price point. Now the mains were delicious. I have nothing bad to say about the actual meals, where we had lamb chops and beef tenderloin cooked to perfection, and followed by dessert where we had the pistachio creme brûlée and lava cake which were phenomenal. Really really good. But what really left an extra bitter taste in our mouth was the 20$ charge for water. This isn t France, and I couldn t understand how regular still water could be charged that outrageously. All in all over 400$ + without any cocktails or wine parings for a semi decent meal was just not exactly worth the experience for us.

Having dined at numerous French restaurants in both France and Canada, I am fairly picky when it comes to spending my money on French food. Joie never disappoints me or my family. My wife (who is also familiar with French cuisine) and I have been to Joie multiple times now. We enjoy it so much that we had to make the point of bringing my father in law to Joie; as exploring high French cuisine is a tradition of ours. The overall experience of Joie est absolutment incroyable. Now for the details: The food! The cuisine is not what one might traditionally associate with French cuisine. Joies food is not heavy in butter and cream. The food is full of flavour. Being more of a southern French palate, the food is fresh, lively, and relatively light in comparison to traditional Parisian cuisine. Now one may think that the food then lacks complexity or refinement. Thats where Joie really shines. The several dishes that I have eaten (including the full tasting menu), have all been full of complex flavours without being pretentious. The food is refined, right down to the herbs, without losing flavour notes. The cook on all meats is absolutely spot on. The care and diligence that the chef puts into these creations shows wisdom, creativity, and flair. He has melded Parisian, Basque, and Northern Italian flavours into an experience like no other in Canada. The spice! For the younger audience, wine may not be of importance. Having grown up in French culture, a meal is not fulfilled without the delicate accompaniment of fermented grapes. Wine is just a way of life in French culture. Its not something imbibed for its alcoholic purpose, but more to enhance the flavours of food. The individuals at Joie have absolutely perfected this process. Each time we have visited, I have ordered the flight of wine, which the chef personally pairs with the foods chosen. Having not ordered the same dish twice, I can say without a doubt that the chef understands how wine enhances all the nuances of each dish. On some occasions has actually brought out flavours in the dish that I couldnt otherwise realize were there. The pairings are brilliant. The choices of beverages are outstanding. Does all this mean that the food is lost without wine? Absolutely not. However, it is a demonstration that the chef completely understands flavour profiles. When it comes to high French cuisine, the experience is never inexpensive (unless you cook it yourself). However, for an experience like what Joie can provide, ever dollar spent is absolutely worth it. You wont find another French restaurant in Canada that comes close to what Joie provides. If you enjoy French cuisine and dont want the heavy butters and creams, then Joie will take you on a taste experience that cannot be missed. Bon appetite! Dietary restrictions: If the chef is made aware of any dietary restrictions or anything the patron may not like, they will still provide a wonderful experience while ensuring complete dietary safety.

Excellent service. Food was good, personally don t like the shrimp, but everything else was great. Love the desserts.

Visited JOIE Grillades in February 2023 on Valentines Weekend for dinner. SUMMARY: To sum up and after spending over $200 for a meal for two including a 15% tip and no excuse nor compensation for what happened, what can I say? Maybe this was not a good night for JOIE Grillades. Despite the fact my wifes main dish was good and she enjoyed it very much, it was not a good experience for me. In fact, there was no JOIE in having dinner there. Maybe its time for this restaurant to consider changing its name to PAS LE CHOIX Grillades (No choice Grillades in English)... CLEARLY NOT RECOMMENDED. DETAILED REVIEW: Unlike the overwhelmingly positive reviews, which drew us to this restaurant, our experience was a very disappointing one. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated at a table for four and the ambience was lively as expected on a Valentine weekend. We ordered half a liter of a French Sauvignon Blanc and our glasses were promptly filled. As we wanting to leave room for dessert, we skipped starters and ordered our mains right away. My wife ordered, Salmon Victoria. Having decided on the Poulet fermier i.e. chicken with a lobster cream sauce, I asked if I could get it without the cream sauce. I was told by the server that they couldnt do this dish without cream but that they would come up with something. Based on this, anyone hearing this would understand they would be served chicken without a cream sauce. Our server was from France like me and as our conversation was in French, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind I would get a dish with chicken but slightly modified, just like any fine dining restaurant would do, especially as there is a note at the bottom of the JOIE Grillades menu stating in essence to let them know of any food allergies or requirements. Upon being served, my wifes dish looked very appealing. It ended up being as good as appealing as it looked. She enjoyed her Salmon Victoria dish very much. The main issue came up when what was put in front of me was absolutely not what I had ordered. What had been prepared for me was the Choulette Basque, one of the JOIE Grillades signature dishes. It is beef covered in a mustard coating and served with potatoes. First of all, remember I ordered chicken but was served beef. Second of all, I was not told I was going to get served beef. Had I been told, I would have advised how I wanted my meat cooked. It was well done and I would have asked for medium rare. Third, there were three baby roasted potatoes served as the side. Very very small side. Fourth, when the bill came, I assumed they would charge me for the chicken dish price but I was wrong: They upcharged me $13 for a beef dish I didnt even order nor was advised I would be served. I believe the server was underhanded and dishonest in the way he dealt with the situation. The waiter asked if I wanted another dish if I didnt eat beef. Well, that question should have come BEFORE being served another dish, not AFTER. I kept my cool when mentioning my dissatisfaction to the server. I ate my overcooked and unwanted beef without much pleasure. What a downer on what was supposed to be a fun and romantic dinner! To finish our meal, we ordered the chocolate lava cake to share. It was mediocre at best. Served barely warm and not very chocolatey like a lava cake should be and with little fruit/raspberry coulis on the side. It felt like even serving us dessert was rushed. How can you serve a lukewarm lava cake? Lava cake is synonym of hot ! To try to compensate for what I truly felt was a very underhanded and in the end unacceptable practice, our server provided us with two Grand Marnier on the house. It was a nice and appreciated gesture. However, the approach by the server and its impact on what was supposed to be a romantic dinner for us had already left a very sour taste in my mouth Finally, which French restaurant is going to charge you $13 for bread when you have already spent $155 for two mains, wine and one dessert for two? Really? Dietary restrictions: Uninterested in offering a non-dairy option. See my detailed review for more details.

Another amazing meal at Joie! The Chef here is such a pro, you can taste the passion and expertise in all the dishes and feel the energy in the room as he works table service. You can tell you re in good hands. The space itself is humble, but tasteful and very intimate, perfect for date night or small groups.

We had an excellent evening with friends, very good restaurant with very successful French flavors Impeccable welcome and service Thank you to the Joie Grillades restaurant for this great discovery

Excellent food (best steak I have had in Victoria ) excellent service, and excellent atmosphere. Lorenzo is lovely and has a lovely establishment everyone should visit at least once.

This is my 4th visit to JOIE Grillades and it has always blown me away with the quality of the food and the excellent service. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The menu at JOIE Grillades is truly something special, with a wide range of dishes that are sure to please any palate. I particularly enjoyed the grilled meats, which were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. The side dishes were also delicious, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that really made each dish pop. In addition to the outstanding food, the service at JOIE Grillades was truly exceptional. The staff was friendly, and attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect. I truly appreciated the attention to detail and the care that was put into every aspect of my meal. Overall, I cannot recommend JOIE Grillades highly enough. This is truly one of the best restaurants in Victoria, BC, and a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Whether youre a local or a visitor to the area, be sure to put JOIE Grillades at the top of your list of places to eat!

I have been here with my partner four times now, the most recent visit being on Valentines Day. Every time we have been to Joie, the food has tasted amazing. On our last visit, I had the fillet mignon and my gf had the chicken and lobster. The fillet was cooked perfectly, and the sauce on my gfs dish was particularly delicious. The wine list is has a lot of rare or difficult to obtain wines, and every one Ive tried has been fantastic. The outstanding quality of the food and drink is exceeded by the quality of the service, which has always been the embodiment of sophistication without pretension, and you can never go wrong by asking for recommendations--they are always spot on! Some people have mentioned that it is pricey, but, for what you are getting here, it is very reasonable. Joie is our favorite restaurant in Victoria, and we couldnt recommend it more!

Pomegranate vodka with some sparkling water and lemon as I desired after a long day at work, paired with a glass of mousseline infused with French brandy, which I was just made aware that I love. The place that always offers what I didnt know I needed, but I can not stop loving after the introduction. Do yourself a favor and end the night with an espresso if youre not waking early for work the next day. I guarantee its quality, as I had the pleasure of tasting all the different beans and roasts over the years. Theres not a bad day for those espressos. Not one.

The tapa style options with delicious wine, felt like I was in Europe. Thank you for hosting table of 10 and it was one of my best birthday experience with my loved ones..

Joie Grillades is unique! The food was beautifully presented, with a good selection of local items. The food was delicious and our plate was an absolute art. The portions were ample for the price, and our meat was melt-in-your-mouth perfect in each dish. Laurent, the owner and the server was friendly, caring and informative. Desert was oustanding and the whole package gives you a fine dining experience which worth the price. I will certainly be coming back here some day and try more. The quality of food, presentation and location were all top quality.

Great food, nice ambiance and the services was excellent. We had an arugula ham truffle burrata cheese salad, scallops, lamb roast, warm bread with oil and vinegar (I d skip the bread), and hot chocolate lava cake.

Horrible overpriced food! I have no idea why this place has 4 + stars. Is the attraction French? Expensive? FYI, the food doesn t live up to the expectation. There was one waiter working all the tables, takes your order while walking away and rushes you through dinner. My steak had Dijon mustard spread all over it. Salad was saturated with dressing. Prawns were nasty with heads and intestines attached - maybe that s a thing? I m kind of shocked by my experience there that cost $200 (that was one entree, one steak with potato s, salad and 1/2L wine). Oh, and the bread (not artisan bread) was $13! the management below says the review is not accurate; granted, I could take out the part about the prawns (maybe werent intestines?)... Im just not sure what part of my review is inaccurate.

My wife and I decided we would try Joie Grillades for the first time and it did not disappoint! I had the Lamb sirloin and it was out of this world good. My wife had the spring salmon and it was cooked perfectly to medium well. The service was outstanding and what seemed to be the owner was working to make sure our experience was top notch. Wine list was great. If you are looking for an excellent French restaurant, definitely try Joie Grillades. Next time we go I will be trying the beef options as the table next to us had the ribeye and it looked delicious.

Quality does not match the price. Not well presented and staff became argumentative when my wife voiced her concerns.

I ll start with the positive, decent service, nice atmosphere, and generous portions. Two appetizers were ordered, the scallops and the prawns. They came together on one plate in a soup of pesto sauce, no garnish and the sauce slipped over the edge of the plate. What was worse as they were both overcooked. Disappointing. Then the mains, two halibut specials, totally over cooked and too hot to eat. Microwave? And I ordered chicken supreme , it was barely a supreme, as in the wing joint was very short, and it was served IN THE SAME PESTO as the appetizer! I was horrified, nothing in description of what I ordered mentioned pesto and it was also overcooked and very dry. I was actually angry. Dessert was a tart sable with fruit and Brie, not bad at all, but it was the boxed Brie you see for sale everywhere. Again very disappointed. The rub in all this is that the bill was over $400 for two appetizers, bread ( $13 for bread? And served with olive oil and balsamic, French?) three mains and one dessert. $400!!!!! Absolutely worse dining experience I have EVER had. I don t think they have a chef there is an untrained cook at best.

Average food at best, extremely slow service and totally overpriced. If you are looking for a French restaurant in Victoria, this is not the one. You could eat a lot better anywhere else for a quarter of the price. Very disappointing.

Very high quality food and service. This is a more formal restaurant. Would recommend for people used to higher end dining over people looking for something casual. Great for anniversary dinners, dates, or people who love French food! Expensive but worth the price!

Fantastique! The food was some of the best Ive had since living in Victoria, and the service was exquisite Highly recommend to anyone looking for a French fine dining experience.

Great service, food, and atmosphere. I ll definitely go there again! Arigatougozaimashita:)

My wife and I just had dinner this evening at Joie Grillades. The owner is warm and friendly and the service was prompt and attentive. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed and it easy to have a quiet dinner conversation and eat at an unhurried pace. The food was well prepared and the portions were generously sized without being excessive, leaving just enough room for the specially prepared for us, sabayon desert. Prices were reasonable, particularly given the quality of the ingredients, skill of preparation and unique menu items. If we were locals, it would definitely be one our special occasions favorites.

Amazing food and atmosphere. The wine was delicious and the service was masterful. One of the best places in Victoria

A great fine dining experience. Food was great and I was provided an excellent wine suggestion. I am just visiting Victoria but I will definitely eat here again when I come back.

Marvelous. Customer service was amazing and good was even better. I wish i could give it ten stars.

Exquisite food, friendly staff, wonderful atmosphere, great selection of wines, an unexpected surprise for your taste buds. We highly recommend this restaurant.

I absolutely love this place! The food is perfectly prepared and the service is exceptional. Lovely dining room. Amazing wine list for the connoisseur among you. This is the only restaurant in Victoria that offers authentic, traditional French cuisine. Everywhere else is just imitating. Ive been dining here for years. Even before the new location opened its doors. Highly recommend. Its like walking into Paris right here at home. Save room for the amazing deserts and maybe a cognac.

A Hidden Gem! Wow, what a find! Off the beaten track a bit, but well worth looking for and locating. Fabulously attentive service throughout from the owner/chef. The three in our group ordered three starters, three mains and one dessert, and everyone of them was shared because the flavours were too good to keep to oneself. The sauce in each dish was exquisite. Generous portions too. Add Joie Grillades to your list of must-visit local restaurants if you haven t already, and spread the word. You won t be disappointed!

One of the best services in town. The server is polite and kind. The food is out of this world. Food : 5/5 |

Since discovering Joie Grillades in Victoria BC, we have dined there a number of times for special occasions. They have become our go-to restaurant when we want to treat ourselves to an excellent french fine dining experience! Everytime we go to Joie Grillades, Georges welcomes us like old friends. He and his team really make you feel special. Plus, the cuisine is amazing. We believe that if/when Michelin star inspectors come to Victorias restaurant community, Joie Grillades will be a solid candidate for consideration. We recommend this restaurant to any of our friends and family when they want an authentic french fine dining experience.

We were celebrating my sons graduation this week and wanted to enjoy some french cuisine and Joie Grillades sure didnt disappoint! Everything from booking reservations using tock, to the warm greeting and EXCEPTIONAL service that we received to the delicious food that we consumed, it was a wonderful experience overall that we wont forget. We will definitely return to this gem of an establishment. Merci Beaucoup!

Just had dinner at Joie. Food was fantastic and service was exceptional. We are in rhe industry and couldnt have done better

Great place to enjoy some amazing French food with amazing friends. The atmosphere is lovely and the service is exceptional! Be prepared to have all 3 courses, starters, mains and dessert! Because that s truly the only way to experience this restaurant the right way.

Went on a Monday night while it wasnt very busy. Had an amazing atmosphere not too bright not too dim with modern decor and tasteful music. The owner was an amazing server with table side manner that was second to none. Had a cocktail as well as a scotch with the tomahawk steak and scallop starters. Both were cooked to perfection and seasoned beautifully with the classic French taste I expected. Kudos to all the staff. Dietary restrictions: Accommodating

Very nice Basque style cuisine and upscale atmosphere. Generous sized meals (enough for tomorrow s lunch) with traditional sauces. Don t be afraid to order the house wine and the Calvados was such a lovely finale. The waiter (surely the owner!) was attentive and very pleasant sans pretense or affectation. Next time I hope the strawberries are domestic. Don t hesitate to have an enjoyable meal at Joie Grillades on Cook street!

Absolutely one of the best French restaurants Ive been in outside of Paris. Service was impeccable, food was amazing, wine was delicious, and prices were great for this quality of food.

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending an evening at Joie Grillades. The service and food were beyond our expectations!

Would not recommend. We ordered a starter with bread and cheese and we got bread and olive oil with olives. Starter plates were not cleared before the mains were served. Wifes Soceye Salmon ws cooked in a broth not with a lobster tail. My meal was served 4 minutes later. Meat was tastless dry and over cooked. Soggy beans pepper sauce was OK. Could only eat half. Was asked by waiter what my meal was like he never waited for a reply as I was chewing. Was asked by waitress if I wanted the left overseas boxed to take home. Told her no as I did not enjoy the meal. The lighting is quite dark and it is hard to see meal. First time I have left no tip.

Went with my Sister and Brother in-law. Was very nice, service was very good!. My Salomon was over cooked but very tasty. We enjoy the bread and dessert not picture. We had a very nice evening. Thank you!

Nice quiet at.osphere. Everything cooked to perfection! The scallops and duck was decedent! Everything was amazing from the owner Joie taking good care of us, the selected eine was wonderful and the food was fantastic. Spend a little or alkt, something for everykne!

Delightfully subdued & <old school> romantic atmosphere; cheerful FaMiLy~RuN service ....which, though sometimes SLOW: has ALWAYS been well worth the WaiT!!! ....ET on peut aussi pratiquer parler FRANCAIS [bienque ca ne soit pas ta 1e langue!] avec le Chef, Laurent ....eH Vegetarian options: GRRReat+++ salads & home-baked Breads ....which are ALSO joyfully eaten by [almost ¡strictly!] CARNiVORous Husband!!! Dietary restrictions: Food +/- sauces SOMETIMES a wee bit TOO Salty ....BUT extra jug of iced water (+/- Lemon Wedges) cheerfully served [& replenished] on the side!! Parking: Prior to major construxn on Cook St,. many MORE street-parking spots WERE available closer by ....BUT, we prefer to WALK there [and back] anyways ....so we CAN both EAT more delicious+++ FOOD [& Husband ( le CHauffeur) can DRINK just a FEW more well-paired Glasses of Wine (+/- cocktails)]

This place nails ambience and service. Absolute 10/10. The food is also excellent, but be prepared for heavy sauces and very large portions. Our server was so on point, he read my wifes mind on what she wanted to order before she knew what she wanted . Would definitely return. Great place for a fancy date night.

Food and service is incredible. Highly recommend the duck platter for 2!

I had read some very good things about this restaurant including many excellent reviews here; however, I guess we must have gone on a very bad night. Very disappointing as we had switched from our usual Victoria restaurant to celebrate Mothers Day with our group. I had asked for a window table well in advance. Nope. I had brought our own wine, expecting a corkage fee. Nope. Instead, we were captive to an overpriced wine menu which was okay. I had hoped for an excellent French dinner for our family. Nope. Our entire table ordered various steaks, expecting exquisitely cooked French-style steaks. Nope. NONE of them came out correct - we even had to send one back, as the temperature was just so off (rare, well almost raw, instead of well done). It took forever to come back and still not right. And everything was mustard this and mustard that - WAAAAY too much mustard. The server was overly chatty, yet dismissive about our meals, and he spent 90% of his time with a larger group ignoring our and other tables for the most part. Three of us ended up taking home leftover steaks to be turned into soup - which says ot all . . . Worst dinner out in years. Again, very disappointing. Definitely not a $200 per person meal or experience. This is the worst restaurant review that I have ever posted.

The restaurant is lovely and romantic and cozy. The service was 100% - sadly, the food was not :( The reviews are so good so we were excited to try this restaurant while visiting Victoria. Perhaps it was a new cook the night we were there. Based on our first visit, we wouldnt go back strictly because the food did not match the value. But based on all the great reviews- we will give this restaurant another chance when we visit again.

My wife and I visited this restaurant on Thursday for our 9 year anniversary. It was our first time going to Joie Grillades and Im so glad we did... from the moment we walked through the door we were so impressed... the space is very comfortable and intimate and we had the owner serve us for the night which was a definite treat.. We both ordered the Surf & Turf and it was prepared and presented to perfection... the steak was perfectly cooked and could be cut with a butter knife.. The lobster was full and tender and the potatoes were to die for.... The service we received from the owner all night was exceptional... We got to connect with him on a personal level and listen to his story and tell our as well... it was a great night with great food.

My sister and I were in Victoria for just one night and wanted to treat ourselves to a special dinner. Joie Grillade s website was so tempting, we decided it try it. Our dinner was beyond our expectations, not just because the food was spectacular, but because of the wonderful service we received from the chef and his wife who own and staff the restaurant. They were so friendly and helpful, even carefully timing things to assist us in getting to our theatre engagement on time. And we received such personalized treatment that it made our special dinner so much more special. (It s not every day a talented French chef makes something not on the menu that he thinks will perfectly suit your tastes!) What a gem of a restaurant and a wonderful couple!! I hope many more patrons visit and try their incredible food! Dietary restrictions: The chef had no problem accommodating my celiac/gluten-free restrictions. Parking: We got a street parking spot right out front.

I never write reviews but there is always an exception. I have travelled far and wide across this planet occasionally a restaurant exceeds my expectations. After two months travelling throughout Canada I finally found a restaurant that makes eating an absolute pleasure. Even the olives where out of this world. The French malbec was excellent. I have drunk a lot of Argentinean malbec there are great but this one was superb. I have said enough just visit this restaurant and give your taste buds the treat they deserve.

We really enjoyed the ambiance, the food was exceptional and the service was first class. George has a passion for food and it shows in the taste and presentation. This is classic fine dining at its best.

Incredible service, delicious food, everything was so savory and the server was very knowledgeable about the menu, had great recommendations. 10 out of 10, highly recommended!

The food was so delicious and the service was fabulous. Our server was warm and friendly, and his recommendations were spot on. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience.

Steak cooked to perfection is what stands out the most. Excellent service and a lovely dialogue with the owner Frenchy . He was great in providing us advice on the dishes and the wine. An extensive reasonably priced wine list with by the glass and half litre options on most of the wines offered.

My partner and I came for the first time tonight and it was incredible. I felt like I was right back in a cozy restaurant in France. The food was so tasty and so authentic to French cuisine. However, what made our night even better was the exceptional service. The whole experience made me smile. This is my new favourite restaurant in Victoria. Merci pour tous, c était fantastique!!

Phenomenal food. Every bite is to be savoured. This is slow dining at its best. He makes the bread, cheese and vinegars and each dish himself. Breath taking food.

The meal was absolutely incredible. Service was amazing and the owner was charming. Magnifique!!!

The most amazing experience here! We let our server (the owner) pick our Valentine s Day meals and it was spectacular. Will be back!!

Wonderful service, food and wine.

The food is delicious and the owner is a wonderful host!!!

Impressive food and great atmosphere of JOIE Grillades made my day when my family went there for dinner. Highly recommended !

Beautifully prepared French cuisine. A real find in Victoria. We searched and searched for food like this and can say it has all the flavor, pairings, and presentation of first class French cuisine. So reasonably priced and a wonderful owner. Highly recommend!

Such an amazing hidden gem - fantastic menu that will leave you wanting more, and the owner creates the most welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. You feel like you re among friends the minute you walk in the door.

Plenty of delicous food for a fair price. Passionate service. One of the must go fine dining places in Victoria.

Wonderful food, wonderful service. The owner is a delight.

Had a great meal! Our table had the rack of lamb, wild salmon, duck breast, pâté, and garlic prawns. Service was excellent. Would recommend. Also, they do a good potato, and a great arugula salad.

Just let George guide you.

Excellent dining experience and incredible food! Everyone at my table was very pleased with their meals. They have excellent vegetarian options as well: the olives, the champignon diablo, the ratatouille, and the beet salad. Formidable! Georges even crafted us French cocktails!

Simply oustanding restaurant - my wife and I wwent with our frinds and had a wonderful evening. Georges who worked with us was just the most charming person - the food was both of excellent quality and was copious in quantity. We went with the 4 course tasting menu and we had nothing but praise for each course. Great addition to Victoria and we will be be going back there very soon!

This is the restaurant youre looking for. Amazing. Ill % be back. Do yourself a favour, give it a try.

We came here for a birthday dinner celebration. Excellent food, wine, and atmosphere. Everything was fresh and high quality. Just a wonderful experience!

This was easily one of the best dining experiences I have had in years! We were so happy to have found this place and enjoyed the staffs recommendations and expertise. We were recommended two wonderful wines which we would have not picked or found ourselves that complemented our meal beautifully. I was shocked that with food and service of this quality the was not a line down the block to get in, it is a true gem off the beaten path!

Truly 5 stars. Exceptional service, food, and wine. The recommendations provided to us were amazing and matched with each other perfectly. This was a dining experience to remember. The food was beyond excellent - what a wonderful anniversary dinner!

We booked our reservation by phone at short notice and were pleased to receive a seating. Id heard great things through word of mouth but didnt really know what to expect. I had enjoyed their cafe JOIE Cafe in Northpark Village, but i hadnt yet visited their restaurant. From our greeting it was clear that this gentleman who was seating us took real pride in his restaurant. The service we receieved was inspired. It was classic, polite, attentive. A the maitre-d. We enjoyed our wine and meal entirely by suggestion, and were rewarded with an exceptional meal, that was proudly crafted by an establishment focus clearly on the french culinary arts. The environment was intimate. The flavours a delight, and we left having completed several courses which had our bellies so full we couldnt eat another bite. The result was one of the most satisying meals in memorable history - albeit one of the most expensive - however i do not feel in any way that it was inappropriate for this style of culinary experience. We will will be back and cant wait to tell all of our friends about this hidden gem.

Food, drink, service, are all as good, as can be expected during the current critical labour shortage. Laurentiis, and his wife, who run the place, are charming.

Victoria s ultimate fine dining experience. The best dinner in town! Don t be fooled by this restaurant s humble exterior inside you ll find an amazing culinary adventure awaiting you. This place combines the delicious food of a fancy gourmet restaurant with the cozy and welcoming feeling of being invited for dinner at a dear friend s house. There are no stuffy waiters here; the place is family owned and operated, and I saw the owner Georges personally welcoming and attending on each table. I ve been a longtime patron of their cafe a few blocks away, so I was really glad to finally have the chance try this place. I took my parents, to celebrate my dad s birthday, and we had an incredible evening. Although Georges offered to design a custom dinner for us, we decided to order à la carte. I have no doubt that the custom meal would have been amazing though, and the same goes for the other set meal options. I look forward to trying one of those next time! As it was, we ordered a selection of delicious French tapas. The brioche was melt in your mouth . The scallops appetizer was perfect. My personal favourite though was the lamb, which came with a spicy nut coating. Definitely give that one a try! We also had a lovely bottle of French Malbec. For dessert, Georges insisted on surprising us, and the result was a tasty and beautiful fruit and chocolate creation. In summary go here! Bring your friends, and plan to allow yourself enough time to enjoy a slow, relaxing evening. Whether you re celebrating a special occasion or you just want to splurge on a delicious French meal, this place is unforgettable.

Best pure food in Victoria, bar none.

My friends from Vancouver treated me to a meal at this restaurant. We were celebrating that we finally got the 2 vaccines and were able to eat out again. It was a wonderful memorable evening with great food with wonderful friends.We let the owner decide what to serve which was a good idea. Let him spoil you, as that is what he does.

Had an exceptional experience at this French restaurant! The owner was friendly and very passionate about what he does. The food was delicious. We will definitely return!

A wonderful meal in the most hospitable and charming environment. I was entirely satisfied with my experience. Thank you Georges! I ll be back! Dietary restrictions: They asked if I had any

Amazing service, amazing ambience, amazing food! I would definitely recommend to everyone in Victoria, BC. I was astounded by the wonderful food and wine recommendations by the server. Everything so was flavorful and perfectly balanced. Definitely a must try!

A very unique, one of a kind type of restaurant. This place deserves way more customers. It was our anniversary and we had a wonderful time here. The food is just amazing, we cant wait to come here again!

Excellent food and service!

Immensely good. Authentic, honest, delicious french cuisine. Service was attentive and classy. We will be back and will be bringing friends. Awesome for date night, family dinner, or out with a group of friends. Bon appetit.

Absolutely one of the best places in the city. I ve been to France, and the quality and service at Joie Grillades exceeded all expectations. Georges is wonderful, and both the food and service were exquisite. We will definitely be back with friends.

Come for the warm, freshly baked bread and stay for everything else. Delicious food and lovely ambiance. Ill be dreaming about that bread...

Quiet atmosphere, soft music playing, limited and spaced out seating. Food was delicious, both starters and mains. We plan to return!

One of the best restaurant meals Ive ever had in Victoria. Exquisite sauces; excellent presentation; knowledgeable, friendly, attentive staff. It reminds me very much of some of the better restaurants in Northern Spain. Not cheap but, you get more than what you pay for.

Great food, fantastic service. One of Victorias hidden gems.

Wow. Being original from Europe I had lots of exposure to haute cuisine but joie is absolutely compatible with a lot of them excellent food service selection of wines and so on. Really outstanding cuisine What an experience. We will be back for sure. Food

Quaint little french bistro, check it out

We enjoyed wonderful service and a first class meal. Duck and Lamb well prepared . The owner is engaging and made certain our meals were enjoyed; they certainly were. We will go back.

Awesome Server with great food and ambiance. 10/10!

This place is incredible. Everything we tried was great, service was excellent. We went here for dinner at around 6pm and there was nobody there. The owner was very nice and welcomed. We felt a bit sad that the restaurant was quite empty even though the food is so so good. But it didn t last long, the restaurant was fully shortly after and we were glad to see the owner gets busy. Very impressed with the goose pate and the house bread. I like that the owner took pride of his foods. I would highly recommend the chef tasting menu.

JOIE Grillades secretly has some of the best food in Victoria. I recently went here for my birthday dinner with my partner. We were blown away by the amazing chefs plated dinner we had (vegetarian and a mear version). The veggie ratatouille was OUT OF THIS WORLD. The rib steak was incredible, with the topping that was full of garlic and acid. Hands down one of the best meals Ive ever had. The service was quick, friendly and lovely.

In a word, incredible. Atmosphere is relaxed as well as warm and inviting. The host/owner is gracious, personable, and generous. Prices are beyond reasonable. The our food was tailored for us. We expressed some indecision with the menu and he just put a bit of everything we wanted on a plate like it was nothing. It was my dates birthday so he whipped her up a cake on the spot. Doesnt really get much better than that! My only regret was not remembering his name, but Ill be back. If i had to make a criticism its only one of personal preference, that is, the heavy handed use of arugula on all the plates. We had such a good night though. As many before me have said, truly a hidden gem. Cant wait to try the café!

This restaurant is amazing the food was incredible.the U10 prawns with sauce was the best I have ever had. The Lamb sirloin were done to perfection! This restaurant is one that I will be going back too!

The place is amazing! Genuine French cuisine, gorgeous appetizers, and heart-melting main meals! There was three of us having dinner, everyone had one of the best culinary experiences ever! Highly recommend

The food was delicious, the service excellent, the atmosphere superb! We enjoyed this restaurant immensely!

Absolument fantastique! The most authentic French bistro dining I have experienced in ages. My family is French, I ve lived in France, this place is as an instant classic. Best French restaurant in Victoria, no contest. George (owner) is a charming gem, and you will feel like you re dining in France with family. For the 10/10 experience, go in, put the menu aside, and let George take care of everything and chose for you. So happy to have discovered this restaurant.

This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is pleasant and food was so delicious. We will definitely go there again

Excellent service, excellent food and wine paring and excellent atmosphere. This is one of Victorias best dining experiences and a real hidden gem. Go and get the chef to choose your dinner - worth it!!

Wonderful hidden gem of a restaurant. Relaxed dining of delicious, creative French cuisine. Fabulous friendly service. Great wine selection. Menu all sounded incredibly delicious difficult to choose a dish! Scrumptious meal. Highly recommend.

Basque/French cuisine at its finest!! Thank You Laurent for hosting one of our finest dining experiences ever!!

With the promise of Italian aroma and French density, the best espresso which takes you back to the small Portugal town where you still dream of the fragrance of that cup you had 10 years ago. Definitely the best coffee in town, with a wide selection of different focus combinations of the beans, roasting and the ratio in mixed beans. Let Laurent know what you like and you will not be disappointed. Like a hand tailored suit, but coffee made to fit your taste and mood. Ask for fruity or chocolatey notes, whatever you thirsting for. Cheers!

Amazing food, exceptional service. The wines are to die for.

We read the wonderful reviews for Joie Grillades and decided to celebrate our 19th year wedding anniversary there. We were not disappointed and in fact, all the years we went out for our anniversaries, this was our favorite one! The food was spectacular and we had a fun evening chatting with George (the owner). He opened the restaurant on his day off just for us. This was such a special treat for us and we will never forget this beautiful evening. Thank you, George!

Legit french food. Very tasty. SUPER friendly service. Will be back.

Food and service here were beyond magnificent. Not only the food was delicious, but I felt that each ingredient used to make the said meal was of supreme quality. I highly recommend this place.

Absolutely fantastic service, food, atmosphere. Authentic french cuisine, mouth watering food. Highly recommend.

A great spot! Getting served by the owner who is hospitable and caring is awesome. My wife and I had our four-year anniversary so wanted to try something different than Il Terazzo and Il Covo. He made it really special for us!

Dining here is an experience of warmth, friendship, good food. You can relax and enjoy your meal in comfort knowing that whatever you are served will be great. You feel welcomed. Ive been here many times and have tried everything on the menu and have enjoyed it all. Now I have the chefs choice knowing that I will enjoy it. I look forward to when the covid restrictions are relaxed so that I can bring all my friends and family here to experience it themselves.

Amazing food, super friendly service. Its a hidden gem.

I can t say enough about our experience at JOIE. Warm, attentive service, and a nice atmosphere for dining. The food was amazing! Incredible sauces with rich flavor and subtle accents, house made bread, creative dishes, and superb desserts. I m looking forward to my next visit already.

Food was absolutely amazing! Had the chef tasting menu. Portion sizes were big and very tasty. Tasted better than $200-300 set menus in other fancy French restaurants. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

What an amazing restaurant! My family and I dined here tonight on vacation, the owner was charming and welcoming. It was honestly one of the best dining experiences we have had. Food was superb, great wine and service. The owner made some recommendations and brought us items as tapas. This is easily among the best of french cuisine in British Columbia, so don t pass this up when you visit victoria. The steak, duck confit, two types of terrine all fantastic. Will definitely return here again!

Cannot recommend this enough if you want a true European or a French restaurant experience! We called and booked a table (just half an hour ahead) it was close to full capacity when my partner and I arrived so I was so so glad I called in ahead of time. Our server was very happy to see that my partner speaks French haha! He offered the best and most pupular dishes and perfect wine parings with it. First we had kir (with champagne). We had the bread basket (pain français), and prawns with garlic sauce (Gambas) as starters (paired with white wine). We forgot to get a photo of it. It was well worth the money though! If youre not very hungry, even that could fill you up. We had the beef tenderloin steak(choulette) and chicken breast with lobster as our mains (paired with red wine) and OH MY GOODNESS we were both blown away from the very first bite! So so good! I could not finish the Chicken as I was already so full. We had the chocolate lava cake with raspberry sauce as dessert. Perfection! And we both finished with an espresso shot. We were offered a complimentary chocolate balls too in the end. This experience was very well worth the money (all of this cost us around 200 including taxes). Go visit and decide for yourself! Merci beaucoup!

THANK YOU to the team at Joie Grillades!! My husband and I were here for the first time last week and had an amazing experience and the food was superb. Like many of the other reviewers we opted for the chefs tasting menu with wine pairing and we felt completely spoiled. The owner, Georges, was so welcoming and provided great service. It was a wonderful evening. We look forward to returning often to this French restaurant.

Exceptional French cuisine, great service, friendly staff, the owner is highly knowledgeable and takes care in the enjoyment of each customer. I highly recommend the Chefs table with wine pairing top shelf experience.

Stumbled upon this place when I left my prescription to be filled at the nearby pharmacy. Absolutely blew me away!! Had the vegetable stew with a soft bun. Have returned several times for that stew! Love it!! Referred a friend of mine to take 7 guests there for dinner. She raved about how her guests raved about it. Her manager was very impressed too. There is no restaurant in Victoria that has the flavours that this restaurant offers. Unfortunately it is going to get very popular. Laurent,the owner, comes from Basque Country and worked with his Grandmother in Paris where she owned pubs and Brasseries. Laurent has extensive cooking experience from France Japan US and Canada. Today I was treated to his apple Gallette!! Phenomenal!! The owner also has another restaurant down the street which makes fabulous crepes!! I have had several. The seafood is my favorite. They offer buckwheat crepes too.

One of our best meals in Victoria, and one of the few restaurants in the Northwest that knows how to make, truly great, traditional, fine French cuisine. The chicken and lobster was particularly outstanding, and the service cannot be beat. Honestly, this place should have a crazy line and 50% higher prices.

Excellent atmosphere, amazing food, friendly staff! Highly recommended!

Amazing food and staff. They always have masks on and keep everything extremely clean. If you want to seat and enjoy your meal there is no rush to leave. I always feel welcomed and leave feeling great.

Definitely the best food we had in Victoria! Each bite was worth it, the service is excellent and we enjoyed just taking our time dining out. Next time we will let the chef choose pairings and menu for us!

George (rather not butcher his last name) is a fantastic host! He is extremely friendly, charismatic and offers a very personalized experience. Food is fantastic. My wife and I are usually indecisive but knowing such he gave some fantastic recommendations for appetizer, main, wine pairing and ultimately dessert with espresso to follow. They all paired together so well!! He made sure it was enough but not overly filling. Great atmosphere and environment! What a hidden gem. Highly recommended.

An evening at Joie Grillades is an evening of decadence and pleasure. From the exceptional artisanal & authentic food, expert & exciting wine pairings, and warm & relaxed atmosphere - all deftly crafted by the passionate chef/owner Laurent - there is no other establishment like Joie Grillades in this city. Come for the experience and bring your appetite. Be prepared to to spend the evening and let Laurent take care of you. Youll be in the best hands.

The kitchen is absolutely wonderful. The service style by the friendly ( but rushed) owner is in the very traditional bistro style while the food matches anything in Victoria and by far surpasses most. In particular the scallops are done just perfectly with a sauce both new to me but perfect. It was a birthday dinner and we shall return for all our special events.

Stumbled upon this place as it seems to be among the highest rated in Victoria. We started with the bread as an appetizer. Expected far more from this as it was just 3 small (unexpectedly) sweet buns and a demi baguette, both of which were comparable to something youd find in a grocery stores bakery bins. Our mains, however, were delicious. Highly recommend the chicken and lobster, and the lamb sirloin was well prepared as well. Unfortunately, the big spoiler was getting hit with a $7 charge for flat water - yes, $7. Watch out for this trick - unfortunately we didnt realize an actual bottle of water was being served to us until it had already been cracked open. Its a bit of a shame that a restaurant this regarded feels its necessary to stoop to the type of tactics Id expect from some tourist trap in the heart of Paris. Oh, and the staff dont wear masks either.

Our daughters surprised us with a 5 course dinner at Joies for our 40th anniversary and it was fabulous! Excellent service, warm atmosphere, perfect wine pairing and superb traditional Basque cuisine. We highly recommend!

We went to Joie Grillades for the first time last night and we were not disappointed. The food was exceptional, each course was extremely tasty and portions were very good. The food was cooked to perfection, they definitely have a wonderful chef. Service was great and we were not rushed and the atmosphere was very relaxed. We will definitely be back, and we highly recommend this restaurant for its truly exceptional food.

Had dinner for two on a Thursday night. Chef du salade with cold smoked salmon was an excellent appetizer. Lamb with grainy mustard was very, very good. Robust and very filling. Some might find the mustard a bit overpowering but I liked it. Be forewarned, it comes rare (presque bleu). Nice ambiance. Good service.

Words cant descried how good lunch was today. George was a fantastic host and the food was merveilleux!

Nestled along 1175 Cook Street one discovers a classy sign that simply reads JOIE Grillades . Upon entering this quaint eatery, one is pleasantly greeted by owner proprietor George with his wonderful French accent The restaurant is romantic, classy, and sophisticated. All the items on the menu are meticulously curated with passion and artistically presented so well. George wears many hats and he is not only the owner he is the sommelier in the restaurant. He really researches and updates his wine portfolio to find the absolute best wines to pair the food with. The wine list is impressive but his ability to make amazing cocktails can be problematic in the best way possible! One simply will not be able to stop at only one of his espresso martinis because they are that good (don t drive that night!) His menu does have some options to accomondate ones dietary needs and allergies to ensure all who eat at JOIE s can have a wonderful dining experience. Whether you are on that romantic date or celebratory meal JOIE s will not disappoint! Bon Appetite! Tres Bien!!!!!!!!!!

Joie Grillade, not to be confused with the excellent Joie Café down the street, is exceptional and unique in Victoria. From the moment you enter the door to be greeted by the vivacious and charming owner, Georges, until your last sip of fine coffee, this is a night to remember. The space used to be a casual lunchtime diner but now with the walls painted a midnight black matched by black linens with a glittering chandelier and sophisticated sparkle from the bar, this is a seriously glamorous place. The food is delicious, mostly local and obviously made with love. The wine is a selection of carefully chosen mostly Canadian bottles with the odd French choice thrown in. There is a menu, of course, but if you want a truly memorable evening, put yourself in Georges hands and let him bring you plate after plate of what is freshest and best that day. Memories will be made!

Joie was great. Food was wonderful. Had a work trip to Canada and wanted some French food. Everything was spectacular and if I am ever in the area again ill hit this up. Thank you!

We had an amazing dinner here. The owner created such a comfortable and welcoming environment. You can tell how much he cares about the quality of his food and the enjoyment of his guests. We havent been out in years, and it was nice to enjoy his great conversation and inviting personality. We ordered the chefs 5 course meal. The sauces were all amazing--they were rich and complex while still being light. They make an in house goat cheese that almost brought tears to my eyes it was so good. It was paired with beets that were caramelized and slightly chewy around the edges while being silky smooth on the inside. Ive never had beets done that way before and Ill never forget that flavour and texture. The lamb was cooked beautifully. I dont order lamb often but its one of my husbands favourites and he said it was the second best hes ever had, after a dish he had in Turkey. The only real disappointment were the desserts, which were very very well made and tasty, but after the step above all their other dishes were I was hoping for something equally impressive. Dessert is my favourite part of a meal though, and were I not already used to European style cheesecake as a normal thing we eat, it may have had a different impact on me. The raspberry coulis was perfectly sweet and tart though, highlighting again the excellent palate of the chef. The chocolate cake was creamy like a truffle and had just the right richness. Every bite was great, just not as memorable as some of the dinner offerings. The owner embraces authentic, classic Basque food and the chef is producing wonderful dishes that will not disappoint. I highly recommend checking them out!

Stunning!

Had the pleasure of eating here for dinner with 3 other friends a couple of weeks ago. Ended up doing a 5 course meal and was blown away. The attentiveness of the chef/owner Laurent made it a very special evening. And the food...took me back to my time in Paris. Check it out I highly recommend it!

A great little French place. We were greeted warmly like family. Had the house salad with baguette and an olive apperizer. It was great and if Im ever in the neighbourhood again Ill stop in again.

This is a very special place. The food is exceptional, and the owner is engaging and helpful. Great selection of wine. I took my wife and daughter to Joie Grillades for a surprise birthday celebration. We had a wonderful meal with three different wines paired to each course, and finished off with a yummy Raspberry Tiramisu. This was our third visit to what has become one of our favorite our favourite restaurants in Victoria. Highly recommended!

First of: Im french, and I had a gastronomic epiphany eating there. Price is really reasonable for this level of food. Because let me tell you that this restaurant is as close as the real French food you can get in Victoria. The Chef, Laurent, is delivering a feast of flavor and the service is exceptionally human and respectful and it is a family business!! Your are welcomed like anywhere in this city that it felt like home. So, if you like a restaurant where you will not be rushed or disturbed every 5mn (the usual passive aggressive pushing) while enjoying amazing food, then this is your place to go!!! Did I mention the wine? Nice and reasonable priced selection available.

Absolutely Amazing! Ill be back tomorrow!! My new favorite, from the first bite until the last sip. Honestly cannot rave enough! Thank you!

Very beautiful :)

Fantastic service and food! Laurent is personable and has a great habit to greet each guest at the door and help pick out menu items fit for each customer. 100% would recommend.

Reasonable price for such high end amazing quality food! Laurent is very kind and welcoming every time we go. I would recommend everyone for sure!

Victoria desperately needs a restaurant of this calibre. Fine dining. The owner, Laurent, is from Brittany and told us how he started to cook aged 9 under the loving guidance of his grandmother. A soupçon too much salt and she would gently rap him on the knuckles with a wooden spoon. He has never forgotten her wisdom and we are reaping the benefits in 2020.

Quelle joie! It is a true joy to discover great tasting, authentic European tapas in Victoria! Having lived in Victoria for 8 years my impression of most tapas or European restaurants here was that they are highly overrated and disappointing. Im so happy to change this impression after trying Joie Grillades! Finally a perfect taste of both Spain and France just steps away from downtown Victoria. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary there and had a wonderful night. We will definitely be back and hope that this restaurant gets the appreciation it deserves from Victorians!

Sensational food. Fabulous host. What a brilliant restaurant.

In a word:Fabulous! In another word: DELICIOUS!! Great Host, excellent service and quality:)

One of my familys go to restaurants . The food is always fantastic the service is done by the owners and its done by and with love as soon as you go there you will know what I mean . You are greeted as if you are a long lost friend or a relative you do not feel like youre out of restaurant you or feel like you are at their home . So gracious so kind . Great value for the money a must go to .

Quel repas! We ordered take out due to the current state of affairs, the meal was well beyond what we had expected. Louis XIV would have been impressed. Merci monsieur!

Amazing food and incredible service! This man is very passionate about his restaurant.

There is no other restaurant like this in Victoria...it is so special. I go here on every special occasion and it always more delicious than I remember. My boyfriend and I came in tonight for a late birthday dinner and it was delicious as always. Laurent is one of the most passionate restaurant owners I have ever met! Please try his food, you will NOT be disappointed.

Laurent our waiter and owner gave exceptional service! The food, wine, and dessert was amazing. Would recommend to anyone looking for delicious mouth watering, French cuisine.

We had the chefs recommendations. Beyond amazing food. The wine pairing was on point. Highly recommend going and treating yourself to an amazing dinner they will not disappoint.

The food here is excellent and the service is very personalized and attentive. We had a delicious dinner and will absolutely return.

Delightful. The food is exquisite.

Lovely intimate dining. Reasonably priced and great service.

Deep, authentic menu, sincere hospitality.

Laurent spectacular food, wine and service! Thank you! See you again soon!

Regrettably, my experience here was not good. From the beginning it was disappointing as the menu options were both more limited and more expensive than the menu posted online. The waiter pressured us to order things we did not want, like bread for $8.00 ($4.00 on the web posted menu) which he asked us about three or four times despite our telling him clearly from the beginning that we did not want it. He offered us sparkling water only, not as an alternative to water. This turned out to be a small bottle of Perrier which we learned cost $7.00 upon receiving the check. I noticed today while shopping that a pack of six whole same size bottles of Perrier are available at London Drugs for $5.29. The food was average, especially for the price (four prawns with uninspired garlic sauce were $21.00, despite being $18.00 on the online menu) and the wine by the glass was below average in both quality and quantity. I was shocked by the stingy pours and lack of sophistication in flavor. Covid protocols were not followed. No name/number was taken, the waiter did not wear a mask, and he consistently came within in inches of our faces while bending down to put things on the table or speak to us. Without a revamp, this place will not likely last long.

Wonderful food and service. Ive tried almost everything on their menu and have enjoyed them all. Love the starters - pates, scallops, prawns. Tried the entrees - portobello mushroom with lobster, chicken with lobster, mustard beef, steak, lamb loin, lamb steak. Dessert - chocolate pot de creme, raspberry mousse. Excellent coffee - beans are ground fresh. Ive done take out and dine-in; the food is still great whether you dine-in or take-out. I recommend doing dine-in if you want to experience the full effect. Chef Lauren is very personable and will chat with you at your table and try to make your dining experience memorable.

Excellent evening at Joie with an exceptional host, George Laurent. We had the chef s tasting menu and every course was a delight. Practically rolled ourselves out at the end of the evening. Do not miss this hidden gem. Highly recommend. I had the tattoo before I went for the meal...

Excellent food, incredible service and soft music create a peaceful, unhurried ambiance for a memorable experience. Outstanding restaurant and restaurateur.

This is hands down one of the finest restaurant experiences weve had in Victoria. A unique Basque restaurant belnding Spanish and French flavours into an unforgettable treat. George was the kindest and most attentive host showing us the very best of the menu and everything from the wine pairings to dessert was spectacular. Try all of the lamb, the terrine, the mushrooms, and the phyllo, and certainly take Georges recommendations! We will be frequenting for sure.

This spot is a hidden gem in Victoria, with so many restaurants here it was such an amazing experience that stood above the rest, what a find! George took care of us all night, we chose the chefs menu and we were not disappointed. The wine pairings were also perfect. Can t wait to go back again. If you re looking for a little taste of Europe right here in Victoria don t miss Joie Grillades.

Delicious!

Great food, great service, great personality, cant wait to go back!

Its a wonderful place with great food and service. Lovely owner. Will be back!

Food was great and service was on point. You cannot go wrong eating here

The tapas selections are a wide variety and everything we had was delectable. The lamb with dijon sauce was superb, the bruschetta outstanding and the desserts to die for!

Amazing dishes and service. Will be back again and again.

Excellent service and staff!

Ive been a big fan ofJoie the café for sometime now so was excited to hear about this new adventure! Ive been twice now to Joie Grillades and look forward to another visit. The food is wondrous and the service attentive. How sweet that the owner Laurent remembered me on my second visit. Thats the kind of customer service that keeps you coming back. That and the delicious food of course!!

Basque tapas: unique and delicious. Although the restaurant is in a medical building, the space has been transformed so that you would never know once youre inside. I cant wait to go here again.

Went to try out for lunch Had a very special lunch from all the tapa choices - and VIP service

I was really unsure about this place because it doesnt look like your typical fancy restaurant... But dont let looks fool you! Everything was amazing. Service was so good, food was incredible, and the prices were super reasonable. Will be back for sure!

Yikes! This food is scary good. Generous portions of mind-blowing dishes. Best to burn off some calories before coming, I guarantee you will want to try as many dishes as possible.

This restaurant has been open for about 4 months. It was wonderful, from the service to the amazing Basque tapas to the reasonably priced French wine and dont forget about the home made desserts. Dont let the location fool you. Go!, you wont be disappointed.

exquisitely crafted cuisine. You can almost taste the intensity of the chefs elegant handiwork.

What an enchanting experience. The owner gave us a warm welcome with a flair that only the French can achieve! ( yes, he held my hand as he welcomed me, in a sweet, enchante type of way!) The food was the best I have tasted in a very long time! Our preferences were accommodated ( ie no red meat for one of us), the presentation was right out of a storybook, (I wish I d taken pictures), and everything was soooo fresh! I want to tell everyone I can to try it out! We were not rushed in any way...I felt like I was on holiday in France...well almost!

Excellent tapas & service. Enjoy your food!

I interviewed a number of chefs before making the decision to celebrate with friends at JOIE Grillades. Laurent was fabulous! Food started rolling at 5:30 pm and for four hours we enjoyed exquisite and delicious farm-to-table style tapas, entrees, and wine with fun and pampering service! It was such a joy to leave all these details to Laurent and his professional team! The food was beautiful and the ambiance superb. A perfect evening for us all! Thank you Laurent!

Magnificent food. Try everything, you will dream about it! Owner is so welcoming, and is passionate about his craft.

Unbelievable food!!! And Laurent, the owner, was a fabulous host. We will DEFINITELY be going back. One of Victorias best restaurants for me!

Joie Grillades is a Basque-influenced French restaurant that, as its prices and menu offerings attest, aims to compete in the high-end restaurant niche in Victoria. The restaurants roots are in the nearby Joie Café, which has a good reputation as a reasonably priced and unpretentious place for breakfast, lunch and coffee. That is really Joies natural market and clientele, so it is puzzling to see the new restaurant aiming for the upscale market, and even more so in the awkward space at Cook & View, where a number of other good restaurants have tried and failed to make it. The food offerings Joie Grillades is serving, unfortunately, simply dont work. The very tender lamb we had tasted far too strongly of mustard; the shrimp gambas and scallops were unsubtle and uninspired; and the brioches tasted (because they certainly were) recently defrosted, their balsamic dip overly sweet. The arugula was fresh and appealing, but dressings were flat or overdone and, after all, how many sides of arugula does one really need? Artichoke hearts were obviously from a bottle. Artful plating for any of these dishes, moreover, was apparently not the kitchens concern. In short, the meal was disappointing. The chef-owner, who is warm and welcoming, can hopefully further develop his technique over time. His serving staff are attentive, if not especially knowledgeable.

Ate here tonight for the 1st time. WOW! Between my husband & myself we had 3 different dishes plus a serving of bread in a superb dipping oil and something sauce. We started with each of us having the seafood chowder. WOW! Lots of good sized pieces of different seafood in the delicious soup. Then, we had the Portobello Mushrooms with a seafood sauce on top. Weve never tasted anything like it. Fantastic! We then shared the lamb steak. WOW!! Again, never tasted anything like it, but it was superb. Can you guess if well be back? Service was great, especially Laurent who greeted everyone with a smile & handshake and said farewell to every customer with an appreciative handshake. The only minor things I would say that could be improved upon would be complimentary bread to soak up for e.g. the seafood chowder sauce and/or the portobello mushroom sauce. Also, the decor & furnishings could be cozier, more French, but then again, as my brother-in-law would say, Do you want a nice pilot or a good pilot? Not cheap, but well worth it and for the quality of food, WOW!

This is a five star review from my experience. Not only was my family and I greeted in fashion but the food was top notch. I will definitely be back for some tapas and wine. I recommend to any of my friends and family.