Nowhere *A Restaurant in Victoria

Overrated is an understatement. I was baffled after reading all the glowing reviews. The food? Bland. The ambiance? Forgettable. The service? Uninspired. Honestly, I don t understand the hype there s nothing rave-worthy about this place.

With their changing menu, I couldnt order the lingcod ceviche which I really enjoyed last time. They emphasis fresh milled Vancouver Island grain pasta , and ingredient locally sourced from the best the island has to offer with extensive hyper local wine list and cocktails . They won the 2022 winner of of YAM s Best Restaurant of the year for their simple, rustic, and creative nose-to-tail food lover options. Casual dining but prepare for slow and lacking service

Came here for husband s bd. Specifically called out in our reservation but looks like there was no notice of that. Service was too slow and honestly we had higher expectations of the food. Overall okay

The worst dining experience I ve ever had. They had none of the cocktail options and blamed it on a previous table drinking the cocktails it was Friday at 7pm. We ordered the tasting menu and It took about 3 hours to get cut up tomatoes and then another plate of cut up melon. It was also obvious that they were ripping us off on the servings size as well. We got ignored multiple times when attempting to order drinks. Eventually we had to call it and go to a different restaurant as we were so hungry.

Went to try it out last night with my husband for the first time, and in celebration of our wedding anniversary. And I must say, were both impressed with both the food and service, particularly the food, as we ordered the set of 6 courses, Todays Best Things. I just want to emphasize that I have never been impressed by all the courses set out at ANY restaurants before, and Nowhere definitely did that. It was a very scrumptious experience; and a standing ovation to the lamb chop on how it was seared to just perfection. Ive only had a good lamb chop in a home-cooked setting, and never at a restaurant until now. Im definitely going back there. As for the service, Keith, our waiter, is also fabulous with his knowledge in the food and attentive to customers needs, and not just towards us last night. The restaurant is a little small, and my husband believes the kitchen is a shared space between their other restaurant, but if you want to enjoy quality, fine dining for an exceptional price, do try out Nowhere and experience the goodness.

This is an overlooked gem in Victoria. Really original plates (eg chocolate pasta with duck? Yum!) and such an inviting atmosphere. Meat dishes are always mouth watering (pork is always delish) and pizza is good too. Good prices. Natural wines from established wineries. We had a bday party here and the staff were more (!) than accommodating and it really made our night extra special! Vegetarian options: Pizzas and pasta and appies Dietary restrictions: Let them know, they are accommodating

Everything was top notch

Fantastic food, delectable drinks and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Nowhere definitely takes your taste buds Somewhere theyve never been before.

Disappointing meal. The food lacked any real flavor. My lamb pasta tasted like the bottom of a pot noodle and the starter we ordered was extremely bland. Atmosphere and decor was nice, but fairly basic. A pleasant enough experience overall, but definitely not worth the money they are charging.

One of the best dinner experiences we ever had. The six course tasting menu was great. Each course was a hit and the service was excellent. A must of you visit Victoria.

Just wonderful. Don t mind others complaints about the menu as it changes frequently. The care, quality and intentionality of the whole experience here is uniquely stellar. This is the kind of place where the whole staff really put their values and tastes into the food and wine pairings, so be prepared for something new. It s not like their peanuts from Superstore, but from a tiny experimental farmer in Shawnigan. This is the place Bourdain was thinking of when he said eat at a local restaurant tonight. get the cream sauce . Live a little. Eat here.

I got served a raw radish for my first meal. The fried tomatoes werent bad but frankly poorly executed as if the dish was quickly thrown together. The sablefish was well cooked. The crab raviolis tasted undercooked and the meat inside fibrous. The pork with asparagus and pommes dauphines tasted good and worked well together. The meringue and lavender desert tasted stale and buttery. It was the first time I didnt finish a dish. Our server was nice and the atmosphere was cozy but for the price of this menu we were very disappointed. You cant charge $80 for a menu and serve a raw radish. We wont be able to recommend this restaurant.

Seriously this was the place that had the best food in Victoria. It was so good we asked if we could have second helpings of certain dishes. Since we were visiting from the states, we knew we had to eat as much as we could since we can t come to this restaurant easily.

Fantastic food and wine. Ordered a few different things and a couple glasses of different red wine and all was excellent.. some of the best porchetta I have ever had.

One of, if not the very best meals we have received.

Been going every few months since it opened. Between the tiny room, genuine staff and the gutsy, dynamic and creative menu, the pop-up-like experience of Nowhere is off the charts. This is big city foodie dining in little ol Victoria. Artisan cuisine at its best.

Pros: - Fresh and Local Ingredients - Great Service from waiter that explained backstory of the dish - Good portion, me and my girlfriend were both stuffed by the end of it - Small, Intimate Atmosphere - Allowed Wine Pairing to be split into two cups (we are not big wine drinkers but wanted to try it) Not so Good: - Since the kitchen is right around the corner, the girlfriend did not like the smell and got a headache (I forgot about the smell after a few mins) Review: In general, the food ingredients were fresh and I liked hearing the backstory to each dish. The server was great at explaining each dish and also the wine pairing which really enhances the dining experience. Be prepared to spend the full 2 hours in there for all the courses, this is not a quick dining experience. Menu will change every two weeks ish time (slowly replacing item after item). Great for a one time experience, but not keen on returning

Nowhere A Restaurant is nothing short of a culinary oasis that captivates the senses and elevates the dining experience to unparalleled heights. From the moment you step inside, youre enveloped in an ambiance that seamlessly fuses modern elegance with warmth. The menu is a masterpiece, curated with an exquisite blend of locally sourced ingredients and globally inspired flavors. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted by masterful chefs who pour their passion onto every plate. Whether youre a dedicated foodie or an adventurous diner, the menu caters to all palates, offering a symphony of tastes that delight and surprise. The creativity and innovation showcased in their dishes are truly remarkable. From their signature seafood delicacies, tantalizing vegan options, to perfectly cooked meats, every bite is a revelation. The attention to detail in presentation is impeccable, reflecting a commitment to culinary excellence. What truly sets Nowhere apart is its exceptional service. The staffs knowledge, attentiveness, and genuine passion for hospitality create an inviting atmosphere where guests feel not just welcomed, but truly cherished. The teams dedication to ensuring a flawless dining experience is commendable and contributes significantly to the restaurants allure. Moreover, the restaurants ambiance is a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort. The contemporary yet cozy decor, coupled with ambient lighting, sets the stage for memorable moments be it a romantic dinner, a celebratory occasion, or a gathering of friends. Adding to its charm, Nowhere A Restaurant takes sustainability seriously. Their commitment to supporting local suppliers and embracing eco-friendly practices reflects a conscientious effort to reduce their ecological footprint a trait that resonates profoundly with conscious diners. In essence, Nowhere A Restaurant is a gem nestled in Victoria, where culinary artistry, exceptional service, and a commitment to sustainability converge. Its a dining haven that leaves a lasting impression, beckoning you to return to explore more of its culinary wonders. For an unforgettable gastronomic journey, Nowhere A Restaurant stands unparalleled.

Food was overall pretty disappointing. The potato pizza was very oily and the dough was damp and undercooked on top while burnt black on the bottom. The steak was presented as a piece de resistance, and we were told it was special because the cow being so old meant it was extra chewy. I dont think anyone believes being chewy is a selling point for fine steak. It had no seasoning whatsoever, not even salt, and tasted like plain ground beef. Meanwhile the amatriciana gnocchi was so salty, it stang our tongues. The other pasta dish got dropped off with no explanation but it had shrimp and was fine. The fried chicken was also just fine, nothing special. Dessert was a somewhat soggy donut. Service was fine if a bit disorganized, with extremely long waits between dishes. It felt like large portions were meant to cover for how uninspired and poorly executed everything was. I wouldnt bother going back.

The first course was a scallop tartare. Maybe the best food I ve ever tasted. 5/5 all around!

Such a beautiful menu. Its unassuming, small and delicious! The price is worth it. My favorite? The plates. Little elegant porcelain plates. It felt unique and very cozy. Dietary restrictions: They accommodate asbest as they can. Very lovely service.

Scallop tartare w/ apple in some chive oil to start. I found it needed tang like a hint of lime maybe? It was too sweet. But the scallops were great. Shrimp in coconut water and passionfruit w/ granola on top. The flavours really worked, I was pleasantly surprised... but the granola added an unwelcomed texture. Serrano pepper on green mole with fingerling potatoes. Best dish. Paired with the Riesling very balanced. Wagyu meatballs with pate inside on straight up tomato sauce and cheese. Also very good. Squash ravioli on pureed pumpkin w/ almond crumble. Not a fan. Pumpkin was salty as hell. And this girl likes the salt. Spring salmon on cauliflower puree and roasted brussel sprouts. It was simple and delicious..the husband really enjoyed it. My salmon was a tad overdone but still very good. Also, portion was generous; especially for a 7 course tasting menu. Lastly, an almond flour layered cake with frosting (we got one vanilla and one chocolate) that had cashews (which Im allergic to but had some anyway - it was our fault we failed to mention it ahead of time. Im sure if we said something when we made the reservation they wouldve worked something else out) and it was interesting. It was like stale meringue but delicious? Hahahaha. Also they made accomodations for the husbands gluten sensitivity. He skipped the Wagyu meatballs and had seared Wagyu slices with mushrooms and a white sauce. He also skipped the squash ravioli and had a vegetable risotto with [we believe to be] pork slices? The husband said the risotto was like a bunch of leftovers put together in the back. Overall a great adventure.

One of the best meals Ive had. Food was amazing and unique, and so were the wine pairings. Staff was so nice and knowledgeable. Definitely a highlight of the Victoria food scene.

Always a wonderful and entertaining dining experience.

The good: nicely presented dishes and friendly staff, and a few very nice wines as part of the pairing option for the tasting menu. Generous desert portion and fun conversation with the servers, who also seem to be the cooks. Many nice touches fried garlic and ginger and chili flakes on the fried chicken, for instance. Lots of variety in flavors throughout the meal middle eastern, Caribbean, French, Asian, etc. all contributed. The bad: the food itself was just ok. The service was good, but the food was slow we were waiting long enough between courses that we were starting to doze off at the table. There were distracting and/or weird aspects of most of the dishes. We really liked the flavor of the mushroom dish fried king oyster slices on a bed of puréed cauliflower with coffee and chocolate with a very nice veggie demiglace but the actual mushrooms themselves were stringy and tough. The smoked fish with veggies marinated in shrimp paste was interesting, but overly heavy and salty bright pickled cucumbers helped but weren t enough to overcome the heaviness and muddled flavors. The beef tenderloin had great flavor, but also had a big chunk of sinew down the side which made for a very chewy experience. The wines, overall, were mostly fun and nicely varied. But, they leaned a little heavily toward the funky/weird side, which got a little tiring later in the meal. Overall, I wouldn t say it was a bad meal, but for the price (and based on the other reviews) I was disappointed. Most high end tasting menu experiences I ve had at this price point have been better.

The worst value in the city.

Food was decent but we were seated at the table close to or facing the kitchen and I am not sure if its pepper, chili or something else thats being cooked but our eyes were watery and stinging through the meal. I feel like I paid to get pepper sprayed.

Even the chocolate was salty. Over rated. The chef doesn t taste the food he cooks

A truly world class restaurant. I can t say enough about how good this place is.

I had an absolutely amazing experience at Nowhere, a hidden gem of a restaurant that truly exceeded all of my expectations. Despite the fact that you dont get to choose your dishes in the 5 course tasting menu, the restaurant happily accommodated our dietary restrictions without any issues. What really stood out to me was the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Every dish was expertly prepared and beautifully presented, with a real emphasis on creative flavor combinations and unexpected twists. I was particularly thrilled to see that the chefs added their own unique Filipino accents to several dishes - a truly special touch. The restaurant itself has a simple and understated decor, with no loud decorations or gimmicks - the focus is very much on the food. Each table was thoughtfully set up for maximum comfort and coziness. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, with our servers Jona and Keith going above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the experience was absolutely perfect. Thank you. I celebrated my birthday at Nowhere, and it was honestly one of the most memorable meals of my life. I couldnt recommend this restaurant more highly - if youre looking for inventive, delicious cuisine prepared with care and attention to detail, Nowhere is absolutely the place to go.

The service was amazing, our host/server was super knowledgeable about all of the food and wine. I loved hearing about where all the ingredients came from and the back story of the dishes. All of the food was amazing, beautifully plated and delicious. The space was small and intimate which made the dining experience special. The only little pieces of feedback I have would be the booths were a bit uncomfortable. Overall really loved the experience and glad we went! Will be back again.

Went for the tasting menu with the wine pairing last night and it was a fabulous experience! Great food, great service very much worth the money!

Highly recommend. We had a wonderful time dining here. Every dish was exquisite and all local ingredients, creatively paired.

Amazing - the food, service and wine pairings were all spectacular

So yummy.

Great restaurant in Victoria that offers a unique experience for the city. The food was great and we had one of the best corn dishes Ive ever had there! Definitely recommend!

Small and unassuming location, but the tasting menu packed a PUNCH. What a creative menu full of surprises, and spotlighting so many local businesses too! Wonderful service, great cocktails, this would be an amazing spot for a date. My partner and I will definitely be back again, and will have to add Hanks to our list as well!

Casual restaurant, but delicious gourmet food! It s always an adventure eating here!

Very good dishes, well executed but the service too fast, we had not yet finished our dish when the waiter arrived with the next dish. We felt rushed which made the experience rather unpleasant.

Food is delicious and the portion is extremely generous. 2 of the 5 items on the tasting menu were full on entrees and my wife and I were stuffed leaving the restaurant.

We celebrated my birthday there last night and the food and service was out of this world. In addition to the tasting menu, they brought us additional snacks which were dishes they were testing out in the kitchen - and included chicken wings, roasted cauliflower, and a smoked salmon dumpling dish. The wine pairings were fantastic and the cocktail with dessert was a beautiful light, lemon gin cocktail with egg whites. The small cozy space means you will be very well attended to with very knowledgeable servers. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and it was fun to learn about each dish. I highly recommend visiting Nowhere.

Our experience at Nowhere was good, not great. Normally I dont write reviews unless the business deserves a 5, or it is horrible and I want to warn others. This one warrants a critique because of the high costs of time and money. The atmosphere feels casual and intimate at first glance. However, the benches are made of plywood with thin cushions. Sitting gets uncomfortable, and you will be sitting a long time. Indy rock music was played on the loud side, which seemed like a weird choice. The servers are very friendly. However, there are multiple servers checking in a lot more than necessary which felt a bit awkward. The tasting menu was a mixed bag. Some items were amazing (salmon and bison). The other items were strange and pretentious, like something off a menu in American Psycho (sablefish pierogis, sourdough and leak lasagna). It costs about 100 per person getting a tasting menu and drink. There are significant gaps between some of the courses, so be prepared to sit for a minimum of two hours. Overall, our evening at Nowhere was fun and interesting. We were glad we went but wouldnt go again.

This little spot is incredible. The staff are clearly passionate about food and culinary excellence. They always surprise my partner and I with a wide range of incredible and delicious combinations. I strongly recommend the tasting menu, and come hungry because you will be stuffed afterward. Reservations are easy to make online, too!

This place is 10 out of 10! The service was incredible, the courses were all delicious, the wine pairing was perfect. Highly recommended!

Delightful, delicious, warm and personal.

Best food in victoria

This is the best restaurant that I have experienced in Victoria so far. The flavors are beautifully crafted and delicate with excellent wine suggestions and attentive comments from the owner. All round fantastic experience.

This was an amazing 8 course meal. We arrived and ordered drinks. Each course was a surprise and delivered to us with an explanation of what we were having and where it came from. Everything was delicious and unique. There is a new tasting menu every month and we can not wait to go again. Highly recommend.

That was a truly exceptional meal.

I enjoy Victoria s food scene and the wonderful collection of restaurants we have here, but this was one of the best culinary experiences in Victoria I ve had. Their attention to detail in both their food and their customer service was exceptional. Make sure to get the wine pairing with your menu, it was worth every penny. I ll see you again for another one of your menus. Thank you.

Good food, amazing experience!

Delicious food and wonderful service. We had 2 tasting menus and shared the wine pairing. Every dish was great and we had a wonderful introduction to each dish and the restaurant from the owners wife who was serving tables that day. Everyone was so warm, we ll definitely be coming back!

Great tasting menu and creative dishes. Simple but flavourful..Great date spot

Interesting tasting menu, great flavourful dishes. Cute date spot

This was the worst Tasting Menu meal I have ever eaten (and I make a point of selecting Tasting Menus in upscale restaurants). Bitter would be the best adjective to describe the dishes. The portion sizes were ridiculously small; one course consisted of a single mussel. The beef was extremely overdone. My dinner partner and I literally had to force ourselves to eat a number of the dishes.....and I could not force myself to finish my dessert.....which had no flavour other than sweet. I was SO DISAPPOINTED because according to the reviews the food was tremendous. It was tremendous......tremendously awful....and overpriced.

We had a fantastic experience here with an amazing 6-courses meal and wine pairing. Each course uses fresh local ingredients to the maximum extent and is presented in an extremely creative way. The wine pairing also matches the meal very well, maximizing the deliciousness of the ingredients. The owners explained the ingredients, origin and taste of each dish in detail for us. The owners also detail the origin and distillery for each drink, as well as describe its taste and why each wine matches the meal. Every course is very delicious, the dining experience is extremely great, highly recommended!

Hell yeah, went here to celebrate, was told we don t play by the rules and it was true: local foods cooked with Filipino and Mexican influences, extremely kind and quirky staff

We were lucky enough to get a last minute Saturday night reservation and am I glad we did. This was one of the best dinners Ive had ever. I was a bit worried as I am a bit of a picky eater, but everything served was amazing. From the veggies and tuna cucumber checker board to the salmon and ravioli and the duck breast it was a pleasure, but right in the middle we were served a tostada. Its been a week, but Im still dreaming of that tostada. I honestly didnt think i would like it when it was put in front of me and they described the ingredients, but from the first bite...so good! Service was also awesome, attentive, informative and fun. Its on the pricier side, but you absolutely get what you pay for.

Very friendly staff, and absolutely outstanding food. Id like to try the wine pairing too

Exquisite! Wonderful 6 course tasting menu with the wine pairing. Great food presented beautifully but even better people - you are missing out if you don t make the time dine here.

Amazing 6 course meal and you must do the wine pairing with it. They take your taste buds around the world!

Service- 5/5 super polite and accommodating to dietary restrictions. ( gift: could improve on knowing what is in the ingredient for each dish) Tasting menu Price 3/5 - $99 ,compare to other tasting menu we had in vancouver, I think it worths around the price range of $75 given the size of the portions and ingredients. Food Presentation- 1/5 : was not aesthetically pleasing Taste and texture 2/5: saucing was paste like, the ingredients were not complimenting each other well ( both dairy and non dairy versions), some items were too oily. Overall weird combine of flavours were not cohesive at all. Portion- 2/5: the steak was good but then everything else was a bit too small. Time - 1/5 : it was almost 3 hrs for our date, which took up our entire evening lol. Drinks- 4/5 good wine selection.

Heard about this tasting menu from someone who had been before and Im so glad I made reservations. We were treated to 7 courses of deliciousness. Go with an open mind as some of the dishes sound strange but they all worked! We also did the wine pairing but next time I would skip that and just order a glass of something I like. Very small, not at all fancy atmosphere but in my opinion its a hidden gem.

Read the reviews and had reservations of what my food will be like. However, was surprised that it was actually very decent! Food was really good. Flavours were adventuress and wild! Not your everyday steak and seafood restaurant. Only negative is that its definitely not the cheapest thing, however, I can see that there was a lot of thought put into every dish.

My dinner here was one of the best Ive had in my life. The tasting menu was bold and unique, melding flavour profiles I would have never considered. Each dish was an experience unto itself, with a variety of flavours, textures, and smells. The wine pairings were also true compliments to the dishes, adding to it without being overpowering. It is definitely an expensive price point, about as expensive as youll find in Victoria. That said, it was worth every cent. I recommend Nowhere* to everyone I can who enjoy food and are looking for a memorable experience. I cannot wait to go again.

Words cannot do this place justice. It was all incredible. Dank af. You dont need to read a review you need to go and eat here immediately.

Just didn t love it. The server was super awkward - part of sitting down to a tasting menu is being charmed by the server and learning about your food, and I just didn t feel that here. Some of the plates were memorable but more were not. We all left feeling a bit underwhelmed.

After many months of waiting, it is finally our turn! This place is worth the wait! Nowhere A Restaurant offers impeccable service! This YAM 2022 award restaurant gives a simple, rustic, and imaginative atmosphere and chef Clark Deutscher is such a talented and optimistic person! The experience is an unpredictable multi-course mystery menu is quite exciting and full of anticipation! After this unusual dining experience, we are now comfortable enough to recommend Nowhere A Restaurant to anyone who is seeking savory culinary art that is not too upscale but rather a local food experience from a team that is highly devoted its work for diners that appreciate their dedication. Besides the distinctive tasting menu, you can make your evening even more refined by adding a $79 wine pairing. The wine list is very hyper-local and enhances your vinous world with an extraordinary expedition to unfamiliar BC territory vineyards. Chefs Laura Cousins and Clark Deutscher bring delightful agriculture into their kitchen but also are farm-to-table ingredient-driven to you and this is what makes Nowhere A restaurant so unique!

Disappointing 6 course tasting menu. $250 for two and one drink. I m still reeling from getting ripped off. The old fashioned felt like it was made for a college party. Ice had air bubbles, no orange peel and tasted too much of alcohol. There was no amuse bouche, bread, or palate cleansers. Dessert was an afterthought. Dishes were unique but ultimately were experimental. Some are too salty. Too much brown on the dishes. Honestly I felt like it was cooked by an overworked intern with 5 hours to plan the menu. I see others had better experiences with 9 courses. If so, then this restaurant had gone downhill fast and should be no where on anyone s list.

Absolutely amazing, Finally tried this place and it exceeded all expectations. Food was delicious will be dreaming about coming here again (but waiting for a special occasion )

Probably the best restaurant in the region. Dietary restrictions: Super helpful with accommodations.

A ritual for me. I come here to fade away from this city and reality. I know its kind of corny to call an experience transcendental but Nowhere is exactly that. You walk in to an unassuming space and dont really know what to expect. I love the subtle nods to the white stripes that are tastefully placed around the premises. The atmosphere is warm. I recommend getting the drink pairings with the tasting menu, it elevates the whole experience to a 10. I am never really prepared for the full range of senses that are utilized in this restaurant experience. The food here has actually made me tear up, tap my feet with joy, and experience conflict all in one sitting. Its hard to word exactly what nowhere brings to the table but for me its always a journey that I am very fond of. I hope that nowhere stays in this city for a very long time. Thank you.

Awesome food and great service! Really enjoyed the 7+ courses and wine pairing.

Excellent food, very creative and interesting. We loved the wine pairing. Really knowledge service and intimate setting. Highly recommended.

Fun experience. Creative and always changing. High quality techniques and produce. Plating could be more interesting and maybe some more vegetables. Definitely worth checking out if you like surprises.

Delicious! We tried the vegetarian takeout menu. Everything was tasty, portion of good size and the staff was very nice. The so spinach pasta, the leak and potatoes tarte tatin, and the lemon pie were out of this world! We cant wait to go again, hopefully to eat inside the restaurant when covid will be over. A must if you like classics with a twist.

Simply love their diverse menu

This was the best meal I have ever had! Every course was creative, new, and delicious. The staff was courteous, attentive, and helpful, and so so accommodating to my dietary restrictions! We emailed them in advance to ask for a vegetarian tasting menu, and they delivered an absolutely amazing meal with such kindness and excellent service! The food was clearly made by a passionate and talented chef, and the 6 course menu was actually 8 courses with a fresh-milled flour pizza slice to start and finished with the most wonderful fresh rhubarb and strawberry dessert. Seriously the best dining experience and absolutely recommend everyone try this restaurant out! 11 out of 10!

We had the tasting menu with wine pairings. It was fantastic. Every dish was fresh, with complex flavours and unexpected combinations that worked well. Well be back - probably regularly.

Just go

Gotta be the best restaurant in town! Freshly and locally sourced high quality ingredients, careful and healthy preparation, original and creative cooking!! It kicks every box that good food is about. The element of surprise of course always enhances the whole experience with expectance and excitement. They are very passionate about what they do and are extremely knowledgeable about everything. Down to earth people as well. Very Nice!!

Perhaps unexpectedly, all eight courses were flawless - from the amuse-bouche to the bite-sized dessert. Tender, perfect meat and fish.

The best food Ive ever had and they accommodated a lot of allergies!

Very happy we were able get a last minute reservation. We were presented with 9 wonderful courses which included crab, scallops, lingcod, duck, pork loin and wagyu! We wanted to go back during our vacation but they were booked up. Will most definitely be back and will make reservations even before we travel to Victoria.

I have come here few times and tried several of their multi-course menus. Food is general great, sometimes ridiculously pretentious, and few of their dishes are just meh. Their cocktails are great. Service is very friendly and welcoming. A couple of times we had to be waiting outside for them to get our table ready

Absolutely perfect from the moment we entered the door! Friendly staff, amazing food, terrific service ! The best meal I have had in a very long time, maybe ever! The chef has really found her calling ! Thank you for a world class meal !

BEST DINNER EVER. This is hands down the best restaurant in Victoria. We did the tasting menu which was 10 courses plus the wine pairing. Every dish was mind blowing and the pairings were super creative. Love the paired down relaxed space with the high walls. Super private. Cant wait to go back.

Excellent 7 course tasting menu. Wish they open another location in Vancouver. Thank you for giving us memorable dinner.

We had such a wonderful first visit to Nowhere last night - the staff were lovely and attentive, and the food was totally amazing! Great selection of wine too. The food dishes were perfect portion sizes for a tasting menu, and they flowed really well from one to the next. A few dishes, like their take on a grilled cheese and the rice grits breakfast plate were really outstanding. Definitely worth the price to check out this very special restaurant, we look forward to another date night visit!

Mixed experience. Staff was really great, service was excellent, nice ambience. Food was just okay - creative dishes, but not super memorable or flavorful. Got one that was quite bland and another that was really salty. Have had other tasting menus at the same price point that were significantly better so I was a bit disappointed overall.

We had an amazing fine dining experience. The cocktails we ordered also tasted so good!

Great food, great service

Fantastic food and fantastic service. Qn experience you dont want to miss.

No trip to Victoria is complete without trying good food along the way. Multi course meal ($79) plus extras along the way at this hidden little joint. They happened to make a hot dog so we got to sample that, then started the five course (but more) with a chanterelle and corn salad, with chanterelle puree, with more fresh ones on top, poblano peppers and a grilled scallop. Second - pasta dish of homemade ravioli made of sourdough starter stuffed with almond puree, floating in a sweet and slightly tangy melon broth, with shaved almonds on top. Third - their rendition of a Vietnamese breakfast with pork, rice grits, carrots, and topped with egg yolk. The flavors could have been stronger for this one as we didnt really taste the fish sauce, but the next dishes made up for it. Fourth - Italian crepe with a fancy cheese that we forgot the name of, Sugarloaf bitter greens (which arent sugary, FYI) drizzled with Mandarin olive oil, shaved pickled pumpkin and a pumpkin seed risotto. By now we thought the next course was a dessert as we were getting full, but no - BAM - fifth dish was a Canadian Wagyu beef from @brant_lake_wagyu with gin soaked currant, bollognaise sauce with venison puree, farro risotto in venison broth, mole sauce, and radicchio. Dessert was a poached caramel apple with biscuit, creme fraiche and vanilla ice cream. Looks like I ate that too fast for a picture. Then last but not least we leave the feast with a shot of fine liquid dark hot chocolate. Wow! That was a lot. Then we rolled ourselves back to the hotel because we were just so full. Hope you all enjoy it as much as we did.

Having read the reviews, I was expecting a quality cooked meal. In my opinion, this was not a quality cooked meal. From the moment we entered the restaurant we were greeted with the overwhelming smell of oil taken past its smoke point. Unfortunately each dish was also presented with the taste of oil taken well beyond its smoke point. The beef was more a presentation of charred fat, than of actual cooked meat. It must be difficult for people who have never had a well prepared meal to judge food....its the only reason I can think that reviewers think this was a meal worth $100 per person.

Food was okay, some was good, some was terrible (sweet potato and prosciutto crepe was bitter and terrible). The food otherwise was good, but nothing special, and definitely not worth the price tag. The wine pairings were not well thought out, and I generally didn t like the wines. I would not go back, and would not recommend to a friend. My wife had food poisoning later that night, so potentially a bad mushroom or food contamination or something.

Stop reading reviews and book your reso! This was one of the most interesting dinners weve had in a long time. Ordered the tasting menu and was served 6 + dishes, all were just fantastic and creative. Service was top notch and well be going back again soon. Highly recommended.

A truly excellent and intimate dining experience, the food and wine pairings were fantastic.

Everything was so good and the service was perfect. Really nice and cozy place !

One of the best restaurant s i have been to in victoria lately. I had the garlic butter shrimp burger and it was up there with one of the best burgers ive ever had. Looking forward to trying hanks next. Highly recommend! Dave

Very interesting place with some phenomenal food. Worth booking two months in advance for

Fantastic food, non-pretentious presentation, and friendly, fast service. We tried the duck leg and the chip on fish. My gin and tonic was the best Ive ever had

Wonderful food & staff!

Amazingly delicious and interesting food

Excellent service, creative food, local ingredients and attention to detail without being pretentious. You cant really get better than this!

I cant say enough good things about this place. Try everything and sit at the bar if you can for the full experience. The food and the service are both exceptional. We had such a wonderful time and cant wait for our next visit.

Amazing service, amazing chef, amazing food. One of my most memorable dining experiences. You have to try the scallops. Also, sit at the bar if you want the full experience.

Some of the best dishes I ever did have.

Amazing food. Great experience.

Tasty! Will eat there again when in town next

Great experience. Wonderful ingredients. Steak was so so. Goose Barnacles were unbelievable.

I have planned my trip to include nowhere, with the 10 course meal and 10 course tasting for paired drinks, this is the best restaurant in Canada, of course Hanks is tied with them, i hope it reopens soon.

Phenomenal food and experience. So glad they were able to get through these tough times in the service industry in Victoria.

Such a creative menu and drink pairings to go with it. Highly impressed. We will be back!

Absolutely incredible meal! Best dining experience in Victoria. Very creative and thoughtfully our together dishes; and most importantly, all exceptionally delicious!!

Wonderful experience. Friendly, knowledgable staff and interesting dishes you are sure not have experienced before. Only five tables with gratuitous shielding between each section. Very COVID-safe. Definitely indulge with the drink pairings!

This place a must-go-to-restaurant, especially if you are visiting from out of town like us. From the very first course to the very last, every tasting was filled with flavours you cant imagine. Each plate seemed to have a fusion style feel which made you feel like you have a little taste of that certain culture or country. Through the 10 course tasting, I felt like I was visiting countries such as Spain, Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Japan, etc. I do not know if that was the intention, but for myself, it was such a experience. I highly recommend this place; very professional and courteous staff with food to die for!

I love this restaurant. Very friendly. Great service. Looking back Ive been here a handful of times and always had an interesting experience. I love their willingness and boldness to experiment with their menu. There have been a couple of times where Ive come here after working a long day at work and I just want to get my mind off things. Its been a success each time. This time we did their tasting menu and each course was amazing at the mastery of cooking they put in. I love how they can pair taste up so well. Each course was a treat to have. The Scotch and apple combo drink I had was a great combo of smokey and sweet. Ill for sure do the tasting menu again. Maybe for my birthday next year!

Hands down the best dining experience Ive ever had in Victoria. Do yourself a favor, and take your loved one here on a special occasion.

Even with the newly erected plywood dividers for the booths, this place retains a charming dining atmosphere. I was here for the 10-course Prix-fixe dinner. It was so neat to try all their offerings. Standouts include a seemingly confitd squid; wagyu beef; and an amazing chocolate soufflé.

Hands down best food in the city hands down by a long shot. Unpretentious and hard to find this place over delivers on food. Made with the best local ingredients beautiful plates and amazing flavours are sure to impress even the most fierce food critics. Great local wines and the cocktails are good too.

Dynamite time at Nowhere! We had the tasting menu paired with wine and everything was great. A bit unorthodox in the first few courses but the chefs ramped it up towards the end. Wonderful desert. Great wine pairings. AWESOME wait staff.

when you pay $80 a person for 7 courses you don t want to be told we made beef jerky and googled what to do with it . The beer was warm, there were only two dishes with a protein, most of the dishes were oddly sweet and poorly explained. Out of the three servers that appeared only one seemed to know to ask us if we wanted drinks or how the meal was.

Fantastic food. Tasting menu only, so dont go expecting to order individual dishes. 4 tables (booth style bench seats) only, so reservation required. Only thing keeping me from rating 5 stars, was the lack of a cushion on the bench seat.

Really good food and some of the dishes just burst with flavour. Im giving this a 4 star review because my issue is the 8 course tasting menu the restaurant only serves right now is very pricey ($80 per person) and theres no menu to order just entrees or appetizers. My favourite out of all the dishes they served in their tasting menu is the ravioli and there are a few others that are really tasty as well. Service is really good there and no complaints at all there. The drinks were good too. Ill try this restaurant again when they have a menu to order from. I just cant justify going there right now for a second time because of the high price of their tasting menu. We were all satisfied with how everything tasted, just left feeling a bit hungry still. Ill update my review when I go try it out for a second time.

Amazing food, drinks and service. I really value their creativity and ability to make such delicious food.

the plave is buzzing

Nice addition to options in Victoria. Great innovative pasta!

This is the best food in Victoria and I hope that none of you will discover this lovely spot, tourists! Just kidding. They have weird opening hours anyway, but that s ok. I went here twice, tried virtually everything that was on the menu. It s small, high quality, and absolutely wonderful creations. Good service and they have a handful of drinks that taste absolutely fantastic.

food is very good pricey

The food here is always delicious. I like to try their multiple course tasting menu and Im never disappointed.

Great staff, great food, and great atmosphere

Everything we had was delicious! Such an amazing experience getting to try out their tasting menu. Definitely worth the price and the stop in.

Weird, in a really good way. Went with high expectations based on Hanks restaurant; Glad to say those expectations were surpassed! Had the 7 dish menu and everything impressed.

Absolutely floored at how good this place was! We did the todays best things seafood meal and were blown away! 6 amazing courses all interesting in their own way. My favourite was the dungeonous crab ravioli, my wife s favourite was the sablefish with mushroom and purple grits. Halibut ceviche was awesome and loved the home made corn tortilla on the lingcod taco! Don t skip desert either! Cheesy apple pie was unreal! Enjoyed the meal with a delicious kutatas rose to round out the local meal. Thanks so much! Will definitely be back next time we are in Vic!

I had been to Hanks A* last summer so when we got a gift certificate for Nowhere A* we were pretty excited. That excitement didnt last. Our waiter had a tough time explaining a few things which left us even more confused about the menu and ingredients. We were told the dishes might come out at separately like tapas but they didnt. The portions were pretty small for the price. The crab ravioli was $19 and had maybe 7-9 small raviolis. The mushroom pasta I had was good but not great and not worth its $29. A shame that our experience here didnt meet the Hanks A* experience.

Had a great time chatting with our host and friend-once-removed Devon. If you tell him a really good dad joke he might give you a free drink.

We had a table of 7 last night. We were hard to miss. This was the second time we attended a dinner service at Nowhere, and its the second time that it was no less than the best dining experience weve ever had in the city, period. Keith was the best. But having one of the owners come over with a freshly shaken apertif to cleanse our pallets was a pleasant surprise. The table of 7 that we had was a hodge-podge table of people that really didnt know each other very well, or at all. But we all left as friends. I contribute that to the family-style meal that Nowhere offers. This is our second experience at Nowhere. Come as acquaintences, leave as friends. Really, really well done. Thank you.

Incredible Wagyu steak

Amazing chef!

Food is not bad but portions are tiny - prices are high. Service is poor. They only have 5 beers and they are mostly undrinkable.

Nothing short of spectacular food

Attached is a photo of the best dish that I ve eaten for quite some time: the halibut cheeks. Technically none of the flavours should go together well and I ve eaten at many fine dining restaurants. The dish is even grey. That violates everything I know about food presentation. Except that it works. The halibut cheeks, the cream sauce, the blueberries and spicy sausage combine in a way that elevates the dish to a new level. They make their own bread and the server sheepishly said, today I made the butter. The wines accompanied the dishes well. There is no pretence in this restaurant, only fantastic flavour and a knowledge of local cuisine that is unparalleled. We will be back. Often.

My boyfriend and I visited Nowhere for the first time last week, and we were both absolutely devastated that it had taken us so long to eat there! This restaurant is a hidden gem and has rocketed to the top of my favorites list. Every single thing we tried was delicious and we had a hard time picking a favorite dish between the mushroom risotto, the steak with pickled corn and the pasta carbonara. And the staff were fantastic! Each person we encountered was warm and welcoming, a little quirky, and very passionate about what they were doing and the experience they were creating for each of their guests. I love that the menu is updated so frequently (so every visit can feel like the first time), and I really appreciated the atmosphere in the restaurant itself. Its cool but still comfy, and with none of the pretentious vibes that can sometimes materialize in restaurants at the top of their game. We both left very satisfied and with dessert to go. Cannot wait to go again and see what delicious new things they have created!

Cream Corn with dry aged meat, very flavourful

Had a great time at Nowhere. The food was awesome and the drinks were quite novel. Loved it!

Could not have received a worse service for a meal that was so talked up. If you want bad service and food that is just fine, stay at home folks.

I d say this is the best restaurant in Victoria, really. And that s why I ll give it 5 stars because the food is absolutely delicious. Now this is being super picky, but sometimes the presentation could use a little work. Another thing is that the restaurant is tiny and offers limited seating right next to an open kitchen. You will smell like a better version of McDonald s when you leave this place. Basically like frites, but it s absolutely worth it.

Second best restaurant behind Hanks

The second of their restaurants, the first being Hanks, a fantastic places for an excellent dinner.

Amazing food!! Quirky service and great flavor combinations!!

I was very excited to dine at Nowhere after the success of Hank s and it s nomination as one of Canada s best new restaurants (it recently placed fifth on that list). We dined in October, and sat at the bar across from Chef Laura. She was the highlight of the meal, and it is clear she is a passionate, personable and talented chef. The food was good and the ingredients were fresh and local, but the dishes were simple and I felt like I could have made them at home myself - it was not something worth paying $180 for. The overall dining experience left many things to be desired. The decor, while obviously attempting to be minimalist, felt subpar and tacky for a restaurant of this price point and quality. Also worth mentioning is the odd and very limited drinks menu. My partner and I both did not enjoy our craft cocktails. The biggest letdown however, was the service. You would expect a restaurant with roughly 20 seats to provide impeccable service to each guest. Although Laura spoke with us while she cooked, the other two staff members - one of which was part-owner Devon - barely acknowledged us and seemed extremely awkward. It is not the chefs responsibility to take on the burden of the service. I would give the food 4 stars, while the service and ambiance were 2 stars. I simply did not feel I received adequate value from my dining experience. Maybe I can give this restaurant another chance in the future if they make some improvements.

Full plate cost for tapa size. Im not saying its bad food, the food was alright, but its overpriced. Ordered back ribs at $29... Was given 3 ribs... Little bit of some sort of sauce on top and thats it... Absolutely insane. They were decent but Ive made better at home. Im not bitter, just disappointed that someone somewhere thought that was ok when in reality, the only place that thinks this is ok, is nowhere....

Fantastic meal - super creative and the service was excellent. Its so great that you get to chat with the whole team, and the chef has some incredible ideas for dishes.

IMHO the best restaurant in Victoria. What a range of innovative dishes! Ingredients are top quality and the chefs are clearly having fun with the menu. Do yourself a favour and eat here; any gourmet will agree. This is the top.

Very cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The service was incredible, each member of the team were attentive, knowledgeable, and very friendly. I can t say enough about how wonderful the food was. It was an all around incredible experience and I look forward to going back!

Wow... Just wow... If you havent been yet youre missing out on something special. We had the risotto, ham and peas, and popcorn fish. It was all amazing, had so much flavour. Cant wait to go back again!!

My sister and I treated our parents to a birthday meal here recently, and it was so much more than just a dinner! We all opted for the tasting menu. I have an avocado allergy and the staff made sure to alter the selection of dishes to avoid any issues. The restaurant is simple and unpretentious, the staff are personable and passionate, and the food speaks for itself. In their descriptions, the plates seem to focus on one or two ingredients. But when they reach your table you can see right away that they are far more complex. The flavours are strong, surprising, interesting, and they will leave you asking for bread to soak up all the leftover sauces and juices so those beautiful tastes dont go to waste! (The bread they graciously provided was pretty phenomenal on its own.) While a dinner like this doesnt normally fit in my budget (at $60 per plate for the tasting menu, it is really quite reasonable in comparison to other restaurants), it was worth every penny and I would definitely recommend trying it out.

Dont pass this one by. The location is something youd walk right by but the food is very good. Locally sourced, creative and tasty. Food out of the kitchen was a bit uneven during our tasting menu. The staff were attentive and helpful.

Delicious food in a super laid back atmosphere. If youre a tourist looking for where the locals go. This is one of those places.

Delicious food tasty drinks yum!!

Nowhere is off to an excellent start. If you are looking for a creative take on seafood, some of the best homemade pasta and not your average meat dish then this is your place. Youll be in good hands with the team from Hanks flexing their creative muscles.

It was a our first time dining at Nowhere restaurant last night and we had an amazing time! The food and drinks we had were very delicious. Our table opted for the Todays Best Things which is a sampling of dishes from their menu served family style. The seafood we had was so fresh and yummy. Will definitely go here again to try the different menu items they have to offer!

My husband, neighbor and I went for date night. We already frequent Hanks, so we knew the food would not disappoint. We were right! The only problem is choosing between the two! Ugh!

Easily one of my favourite restaurants in Victoria. Its similar to their sister restaurant, Hanks, but more refined, less Rock N Roll you might say. It is focussed on seafood, but does have numerous meat dishes as well. Too many great dishes to single anything out in particular, as so many have been highlights. Highly recommended if youre into supporting locals that do things right and enjoy a great food experience. One thing, your clothes will smell of food when youve left, a small price to pay for what youve enjoyed though.

Excellent spot! I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a more intimate and casual boutique restaurant. Ive been to Hanks once before and they directed me to Nowhere as there were no spots available at Hanks the last time I tried going. I was very impressed. Service is top notch. Food is excellent. Beer was local craft. Very boutique. All the employees are engaging and seemingly very involved and interested in the quality of food and level of service. Lots of local ingredients such as cheeses, vegetables, meats, etc. Once dish even came with in-house made hickory sticks!

Fantastic food and experience. Would return in a heartbeat. Thank you for the wonderful evening!

My beau and I ordered the todays best things option and were blown away. We received small plate after small plate and each offered a new delight. The foie gras ravioli with 18 year old balsamic might be the best thing I have ever tasted. I could rattle off a list of the dishes I enjoyed, but everything we ate was sumptuous.

Great food absolutely loved it !

A very unassuming, hidden gem. Impeccable service, bold creative dishes, and exciting tasty cocktails. Make this your next destination for a meal if youre a lover of great food and drink.

Go for the food and leave with an experience you will need every week.

Like Hanks but you can make a reservation (read: excellent)! Tasting menu is the way to go and they will have great wine to accompany it.