Wind Cries Mary in Victoria

Super disappointing! I was excited to check this place out as there are lots of veggie friendly options and I had heard good things. But wow Im actually shocked this place is still going. The ricotta appetizer was overly sweet and was just an overly aggressive layer of sweet cheese on store board thick slice white bread. We didnt get past a half of a slice. The Endive salad was even worse. Its like they dunked it in a bucket of mayo before serving it and my $20 cocktail was clearly a pre batch that tasted like watered down tequila. The ONLY slight advantage this place has is the service. But even with that our server didnt check on us once we got her food....which I understand Id be too embarrassed to check on me too. Vegetarian options: Dont bother. Go anywhere else.

Absolutely phenomenal food and staff. I wish we took pictures but we were so happy being in the present moment we forgot. The cocktails and wine selection is chef s kiss. Highly highly recommend if you are a local or a tourist. You will appreciate it either way.

Our server Claire, ? was super great, awesome happy hour and great fresh food ! Also great that they are open till 1pm!!!

What an amazing experience I had tonight. I got stood up for a bumble date and my server gave me the best food and wine experience I could have asked for with my slightly embarrassing moment. Come with a date, but if she / he bails they will still make you feel special. Good job.

Always a great experience here. The food is amazing and the service is attentive, friendly and accommodating.

Bodega was closed so we looked for the closest place with an open kitchen. Wind Cries Mary came up on maps and it was highly rated on Yelp so we stopped in. The location is super cute, great vibe. Warm and cozy. Service staff were fast and very nice and conversational. Food was absolutely delicious, reminded me of my fave spots in Calgary. We had the beet salad, gnudi and tartare and it was all so complex and delcious. Highly recommend especially late night when everything is closed.

The service is great, so fast! But a bit rushed. Absolutely love the cozy cabin basement feel of the place, definitely going to sit on the patio next time! The food, is good but it was just nothing amazing.

Speak easy basement bar

The food here is absolutely amazing!! Service was great!

I did the tasting menu and it was fantastic- one of the best meals Ive had in ages. Great variety and quality ingredients, well prepared. Service was also great, which is not guaranteed for a solo diner!

My fiancé and I celebrated our engagement at Wind Cries Mary and I m so glad we did. From the moment we walked in we were congratulated by the host, taken to our table where we met our lovely server, Meg who made our evening so so special. We were given a complimentary glass of bubbly each while we reviewed the menu. The food was incredible, the burrata was the best I ve ever tasted and I ve had many in Italy! The cocktails were unique and delicious. We loved everything about this place and can see why it was repeatedly recommended to us as the place to go. We can t wait to go back and when we do I hope we have the pleasure of being served by Meg again.

Their advertised King Salmon is farmed I doubt it was even Spring/Chinook. Price did not match quality at this place

The restaurant intrigued us during the walk. Inside a very nice atmosphere and cozy. We were there on a Saturday evening, the restaurant was very busy, but despite this we received excellent service at the bar. Marline, Dave and Sharon - you are great, all five stars. The food is fantastic and we will definitely be back more than once.

Love this place. Great food. Smaller portions and pricey but top quality. Hit or miss with the servers.

It is overpriced when considering the quality of the food and the poor service. The mac and cheese was overly salty. We ordered a glass of wine to accompany this, hoping it might balance out the saltiness. The server brought the glass, but no wine. Very peculiar. Made the experience unenjoyable. Cannot recommend.

The chefs special was incredibly delicious and well worth every penny. This is a great spot and anyone visiting Victoria should visit the Wind Cries Mary..... unfortunately no Hendrix was playing...but still a 10/10

I was there last night server was extremely rude. I would not recommend

Great happy hour

What a lovely, warm special place is Wind Cries Mary. We opted for the patio (Canadians get it). It was cool and wam all at the same time. Our cacophony of shared plates was eccentric but somehow worked, tater tots, endive salad, cacio de pepe, fried chicken and roasted carrots surrounded by ridiculous cocktails and a couple of great bottles of wine made for a cosy wonderful meal. But truly the best part of the evening was our irreverent server Faye, and the endless knowledge of wine aficionado Jasmin. Funny, smart and incredibly engaging they made our evening. If you know food and truly get what is good and wonderful with the next generation eat here. If you want a giant plate of tasteless nonsense go somewhere else .please..

Our appetizer was so boring and bland we left. We got the green beans, the old fashioned, and a salal berry cocktail. The old fashioned and the beans were so boring that we were unwilling to stay and spend more time and money.

The food there is awful. They advertise it as fusion, but the flavors just don t work. Plus, its overpriced. There are plenty of better restaurants nearby. A lot of reviews say it s good, but I m pretty sure those are all paid for. The only thing I d recommend is the atmosphere the décor is actually quite nice.

Super delicious food, nice staff and a beautiful place to sit. Nice concept of shared dining!

Beautiful room, thoughtful menu with friendly & knowledgeable service, we had a great experience from start to finish. I will be day dreaming about the Vietnamese ice coffee - ice cream for a very long time.

We came into town for the Victoria wine festival and booked a late dinner here. The service was excellent with our drinks and food coming out a lot quicker than we had expected. The vibe and ambiance were exactly what we were looking for and it was fun seeing their mixologists craft their cocktails behind the bar. Our server was very accommodating and ensured our cocktails were to our liking. The food and cocktails were stellar! The entire team had a great time and we will definitely be back next time we come to town!

The birdman menu from 11 to 1am is bomb ! The chicken burgers / waffle fries are by far the best in the city and maybe anywhere that I ve tried. Dont forget to get the fresh baked cookies with a bowl of ice cream. Personally don t care much for the standard dinner menu here.

Very busy on a mid-week night. But quite justified as the food that we had was superb. The fried chicken is the best Ive ever tasted, and everything was fresh and hot from the kitchen. The wine list is adequate, but maybe a little short of options overall.

Good food that you can share with friends

This place really blew us out of the water. Every dish we shared was a 10/10 and the cocktails were so unique and delicious. I highly recommend!

Everything about this restaurant feels like poetry to me. Every server has been a delight (especially Josh I think his name is?) every dish wev had has been excellent, the atmosphere is beautiful and the drinks are mind blowing. I especially love how there s an option to have some of the cocktails nonalcoholic. It s quickly become our favourite and we drive down island just to come here

We went for dinner during the happy hour. We had the salmon cakes, broccoli and cod. Everything was very delicious and the service was impeccable. Highly recommend!

don t go near this place the wine and food menu sucks, it gets worse. After 11/2 hour we finally got our 2 little pieces of not good Duck. Run do not walk away from this place

Its one of my favourite spots for dinner in Victoria!! Delicious food and yummy cocktails. You cannot go wrong with Wind Cries Mary for any occasion. It Food

Great spot!

Great service and food, great place all around.

Amazing! Our first visit - heard lots and wanted to experience. We looooved the chicken appetizer, and were blown away with the bolognese! We ll be back for sure!

Well I should have listened to the previous reviews. The food was average. The staff at first tried to put us in the middle of 2 tables and told us the tables were reserved ( but there is no way to reserve particular tables. After waiting standing in a mostly empty restaurant for over 5 minutes a staff member gave us a table near the wall. )The server was helpful but when we were asked about the dessert ( a chocolate torte with cheesecake) I said I didnt like it. We didnt eat it. So she gave us a box to take it home instead of taking it away and not charging us. I live in Victoria and really appreciate great food . Il Terrazo and Cafe Brio deliver this and from now on I will avoid the hype and go to these restaurants especially when paying over 200 for dinner. Not the end of the world but we wont be back.

If you want to spend an evening with a fabulous atmosphere I recommend this place. The waiters are super friendly and helpful. The food is excellent, I in particular had the king salmon. It was a little too tasty but de gustibus... My boyfriend had the belli pork and I must say that the dishes he chooses are always better than mine... What else can I say?!? Even though Victoria has a perpetually rainy climate, everything is made up for with the kindness of the people and the goodness of the food!

I didnt make a reservation, but luckily I was able to get in! I was seated at the counter, but I was so happy to have a wonderful meal on Victorias night! ! Everyone at the shop was friendly and had a great smile, so I was able to relax and enjoy myself Unfortunately, the oysters were a bit small It cant be helped that it varies depending on the day. The chicken is the best - the sweet and spicy sauce is delicious

Quite disappointed after finally trying Wind Cries Mary. I have heard fantastic things about this place and I am a huge foodie so I was excited to finally stop in, but left feeling underwhelmed. My wife and I ordered 4 dishes; green beans, potato nuggets, fried chicken and the spaghetti cacio e pepe. The green beans were flavourless, served on a bed of greasy panko crumbs and toasted almonds that were suspiciously raw. The potato nuggets came boiled, halved and mixed with picked onions and fennel, the flavours weren t bad but the choice of boiled soggy potatoes for this dish seemed unusual and out of place, a little char would have gone a long way. The fried chicken was sweet, salty and crunchy, quite frankly fantastic. I would say this was the highlight of the meal by a mile. The spaghetti cacio e pepe was the worst I ve ever had, the pasta was VERY over cooked and flavourless, not even the pepper was prevelant, however the cheese was plentiful and added a much needed punch to the dish. I am a big fan of spaghetti cacio e pepe and it s a simple dish so I was very let down to have been served what I was. All in all, the food was edible but that was about it. It was reasonably priced and the service was fantastic, which were the redeeming qualities - however I don t think I will be back having struggled through 3 of the 4 dishes.

Quiet cozy spot for inventive tasty foods. Our waitress, Sarah, was so knowledgeable about foods and wines it made the meal even more enjoyable. Salmon was great. Salads different and wonderful. Would definitely go here again.

How many aura points did I lose when I asked for ketchup?

Jaydra (Jay) was fantastic. The food is off the hook. The tater tots are off the charts good as well as the fried chicken and the spaghetti bolognaise. The ricota spread was excellent too. Great drinks especially the Cadillac margaritas. Would definitely return and reservations are a must. Food

Dined here last weekend for my birthday weekend in Victoria. Food was very good- we have dined here twice prior in last year. However, our waiter appeared to be stoned, was short and curt in interactions with us, and exhibited unprofessional behavior when it came to us asking for the restaurant somm. I have reached out to the restaurant management, here to now, no response. Perhaps things are slipping at the restaurant? Will be cautious in any possible return visit. Experience with actual somm was great!! The waiter was the problem :(

Only had a couple drinks. Pricey, but worth it if thats in your budget. Great wine selection and cocktails. Staff incredibly helpful for our general questions.

Went for a birthday dinner! Super delicious loved how knowledgeable the staff is! We got the tater tots and it was delicious!! I also loved the beef tartare:) Our server was super sweet and delightful!

If you re in Victoria for a few nights, this is the place to be. The food was 10/10 all the way through. Whipped ricotta, all of the pasta and the tater tots were our favourite. The service was impeccable. The music?? I would have never thought a restaurant in Victoria would play Larry June! Thank you for an unforgettable experience. I ll be back here each and every time I visit Victoria. highly recommend!!

We took our staff out for dinner at Wind Cries Mary. The food was outstanding. The service was good. I think what was the most disappointing was the table. We were literally right outside the kitchen entrance even though I made the reservation 3 weeks prior. I get it that someone needs to take that table, but because I d booked somewhat far in advance, I d hoped for a better seating. Other than that, it was a good dining experience and would recommend it. It is family style dining and the food was fantastic.

Great place for happy hour

An absolute must go to in Victoria if you re visiting. Shayla, our server was absolutely fabulous. We were greeted with such an air of poise and sass with the perfect combination of fun, entertainment, and approachability. The food was absolutely amazing. We recommend ordering at least four or five different dishes Splitting amongst your friends and family. It s the best oneBolognese we ve ever had on the island. Wind cries Mary takes the cake!

We got recommended by a friend to check out this venue and it did not disappoint. Excellent wine list and food was delicious and unique mixing asian and continental flavours. The absolute stand out was our server Shayla. Very knowledgeable and helpful with us. Had a thorough understanding of the menu. And gave us great advice about pairing with food. She touched in with us the perfect amount and also gave some recommendations for our trip in Victoria. An absolute credit to the team at Wind Cries Mary. We are already looking forward to our next reservation.

Wow cocktails (try the Mangoes into the bar) and out of this world fried chicken. Try the sourdough with marscapone and honey. Ljng cod was also nice. A bit loud but it s a busy place.

Great service, friendly people. Delicious foods, one of the best salmon dish I had in Victoria. Crispy skin and perfectly cooked. Great place for cocktails and snacks.

Stopped by last night on a recommendation to check out their chefs menu. Found a spot at the bar and despite being pretty busy on a Saturday night, the whole crew took great care of me - very attentive, very caring - never felt like I waited even a minute for anything. The food was delicious, portions generous, and staff top-notch. Will be coming back the next time Im in town.

Had a great dinner here. Came with family, we sat outside where it was warmed with patio heaters and a blanket if needed. Ordered several dishes including the green beans, tater tots, salmon, ling cod, fried chicken, and the seared tuna. Each one was different and complimented. All of which is order again with the exception of the king cod. Not that it wasn t good, just underwhelming to the others. Would certainly recommend. On top of it all we had the kindest, most lovely server who was a delight. Didn t catcher her name but she was knowledgeable, timely and really amazing to deal with.

Salty

The food was fantastic. Ordered tater tots on a whim, like, TATER TOTS, really? The server gave me a wink on them. Like everything else, they were a delicious, decadent treat. The server s knowledge of every aspect of the offerings was extraordinary. I am glad to have found this place. Enjoy!

Great spot for a celebration dinner or to indulge in delectable, creative meals. The ambiance is very cozy, perfect for date night. Get the tater tots, you won t regret it. The ribeye was also fantastic, and every fish dish I ve ordered has been yummy. Great service, they are really attentive yet not annoying, which isn t always an easy feat.

Best Restaurant in Victoria. The food, the vibe, the venue, the atmosphere and the FOOD! Order a bunch and share is the best way to come here. Never ever disappointed. I frequent this place every time I am in Victoria. For Dinner and drinks or just cocktails, the vibe in WCM suits both. Staff are amazing! Highly recommend!

Gorgeous sultry atmosphere, seated in back patio area which was eye candy with brick walls and flame lanterns. Food, however, was lacklustre in flavour and presentation. We had the brussel and potato appetizer, which seemed microwaved and tossed onto plate the endive walnut salad was one dimensional.

Amazing

I always visit this place after 11 pm for their amazing Burgers! Its one of the best burgers in town, in my opinion, and the restricted time supply makes it even better!

Great service. Good food. Not sure we would return because of the noise. We were seated at the very back of the main room, in the corner. It was so noisy. We couldn t hear each other talking which is really exhausting and disappointing. Beautiful space, nice atmosphere but we felt paralyzed by the noise unfortunately.

Quite a let down and I went twice to give them a chance . Quality ingredients combined poorly with pedestrian flavours. For the money there are far better choices in Victoria. Service was great. Room acoustics and atmosphere are mediocre at best.

I am very happy to give this place 5 stars. The food was incredible, perfectly seasoned and complex. Highly recommend the ragout lentil and king salmon dishes. Would absolutely come again!

A great find in Victoria, with really high quality food (and portions!) at a reasonable price. The patio is absolutely lovely in the evening, and the service is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend the cacio e pepe and fried chicken

Excellent service! Unfortunately the young girl taking reservations made a mistake with our scheduled time, and when we arrived there was another elderly couple that were denied their seating as probably the same girl made the same mistake in losing their reservation as well. As for the food. Tater tots, Endive salad and Duck. Salad needed more sweetness to break up the acidity of the Cheese and dressing. Taters are over powerful with the Lump Roe dip ( extremely salty). Duck breast was very tender but I had to flick off the amount of SALT that was added. Dishes would have been OK if there wasnt so much salt! Coming from a guy who loves salt and has been to some of the best restaurants in North America. Unfortunately with every bite I had to drink some water. Great atmosphere! Great Service. I would go to have some drinks and oysters at the bar. I would not take the chance on the menu at these prices again unless changes were made.

The place is much bigger on the inside, and has a nice intimate atmosphere once you get seated. The staff was amazing. We enjoyed all their food, the King Salmon was particularly delicious.

Really disappointed with the food and service,

Wind Cries Mary has solid sharing-style food with a friendly staff. A great spot in Victoria for an easygoing meal with friends. Dont miss the tater tots!

Super good and very friendly

I had a reservation and called ahead to say I might be about 10 min late and the employee on the phone was very rude and short. He mentioned a rebooking for a different time and when I asked for clarification, he did not explain himself very well. Very confusing and unprofessional. Not a great start. We were 5 min late and were told we can put in a happy hour order which was over in 10 min but later told we couldn t. Unfortunate because we actually did want something from the happy hour menu that we were given but then told we couldn t order them. Not a huge deal, just think it would be good for staff to be clear on when to give out happy hour menus. Our server was very friendly and gave great recommendations. Started off with a couple cocktails, would recommend colada no 5 if you like sweet drinks. Got green beans to start and this was very underwhelming. Felt very undercooked and a bit heavy for an appetizer what with the overwhelming amount of butter on it. The duck was also a bit disappointing, got 2 small slabs of meat and the meat was fattier than I would ve liked. The ribeye was the best out of everything. The sauce was very rich, potatoes were a perfect soft consistency, and steak, medium rare, was a good balance of salty and rich. Some ups, some downs, not sure if you d be missing out on a whole lot if you didn t eat here.

Excellent experience. Delicious dishes and special combinations. Impeccable service, very friendly. Price more than adequate. Absolutely worth trying

Excellent food, great music and atmosphere. Very well priced relative to quality and level of upscaleness. Felt like a chill, laid-back fine dining experience. Tater tots are a signature dish for a reason. Also had fried chicken and a green bean dish, all of which were great! Cocktails were creative and tasty.

We had a nice anniversary dinner at Wind Cries Mary. Next time we would try the chefs tasting, which is family style but we considered to be over-priced (family style restaurants should discount prices given the huge labour savings it implies). We most enjoyed the kale salad and salmon. Cant recommend the steak tartare unfortunately. The biggest disappointment is the wine list. We understand wanting to support local vineyards and producers, but the quality to price ratio is abysmal.

Sometimes you just have to tell everyone about the great paddock to plate fare at this tucked away place!

If you are willing to pay exorbitant prices for overly salted, tiny portions of food in a dark basement, then this is the restaurant for you. However, if you prefer to pay a fair price for the best value, avoid this at all costs. This restaurant has mastered the Veblen Effect, a marketing theory introduced by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist of Norwegian descent, in 1899. Veblen argued that there are enough conspicuously pretentious people with money who willingly pay premiums for substandard products under the false notion of exclusivity. This restaurant is a living testament to the accuracy of his theory. It is located in a dark basement with small, cramped tables and serves overly salted, tiny portions of food. Here s the twist: we were informed that their food is meant for sharing, so they serve each dish as soon as it s ready, meaning we may not receive our orders altogether. This is unusual because high-end restaurants typically ensure all orders are served together so that everyone can enjoy their meals at the same time. Anyone familiar with upscale dining knows that achieving this synchronization is challenging, which is why such establishments charge premium prices. Most budget-friendly, family-run restaurants cant manage this, but they also dont charge high prices. Interestingly, this fundamental aspect of a premium restaurant is being discarded and spun as a marketing gimmick. The owners of this restaurant certainly deserve 5 stars for selling tiny portions of overly salted food at premium prices. The fact that this restaurant is always busy confirms Veblens theory - there are many conspicuously pretentious people willing to pay premiums for substandard quality at high prices. The genius of the owners lies in effectively identifying and targeting these individuals - undoubtedly showcasing excellent marketing skills. The wait staff deserves kudos for providing great service, no doubt. If they can satisfy the egos of pretentious clients with substandard products, imagine what they can achieve with quality products. I hope the owners are sharing a small portion of their wealth with their employees by providing decent wages. They are the true heroes of this restaurant. Finally, some may question why I have given 2 stars instead of just one after all, its certainly a harsh critique. Well, that is because of two reasons. First, the owners are good marketers they have very cleverly given a positive spin to all their negatives. And secondly, their service is very good. In the end there are essentially four things we look for in a restaurant: food, atmosphere, portions, and service. Food quality is mediocre at best. The atmosphere is decent, but the tables are small and tightly placed together. There is not enough space to eat comfortably or have a proper conversation. The portions are ridiculously small. Each person should order at least two dishes to avoid going home hungry. However, the service is pretty good. Their waitstaff is doing a fabulous job considering the circumstances. They claim all their ingredients are locally sourced. I think its more about their marketing gimmick than a valid reason. There are plenty of restaurants in Victoria that also source local produce at more affordable price points. So why would anyone pay a premium price for this restaurant? Well, my answer is the Veblen Effect :)

Incredible food. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share with the table and everything was delicious. Fun drink menu and friendly service.

5 star fun place!

Everything about this restaurant was fantastic except that they did not disclose that they were going to make us tip a mandatory 22%. Its not a gratuity if its mandatory. Nothing on the meni

Visited Wind Cries Mary and loved the atmosphere perfect blend of modern and cool vibes. The oysters, pasta, and fried chicken were amazing, and their unique take on tater tots was a delightful surprise. The cocktails were also very good. Highly recommend!

Very non-traditional, lousy beef tartare (some sort of Asian fusion thing, no egg yolk), and borderline fraud adding items to my bill. Plus, unusable WiFi. Will not return.

The food was really amazing. Dinner was delicious. The cod was very well cooked and the pork belly was amazing. Dessert didnt disappoint. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

My partner & I recently visited Wind Cries Mary for the first time & we were blown away! Both local to Victoria, we had been wanting to try this place for a while. Our lovely hostess seated us & our fantastic waitress went above & beyond, even giving us two glasses of sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion. The food was beautifully presented & tasted incredible. We shared the smoked lingcod on bread, spicy whipped feta & pita bread, & the ricotta gnudi all of which we would definitely order again. The atmosphere is so romantic & expansive excited to come back!

Had an amazing meal at Wind Cries Mary. The plates are served family style and the hostess suggestion of 1.5 plates per person was the perfect amount of food. It was great to see deviances from the standard fine dining fare; a member of our party stated the duck is the best hes ever tasted. A warm front of house experience, very welcoming and friendly. Thanks for everything and I hope to be back soon.

Nice place in a great neighbourhood. My coolest Victoria contacts all recommend this place. I keep trying to love it but I only like it.

Tasting menu was out of site. Also the late night chicken sandwich menu starts at 11pm. A must

Amazing food, locally sourced and perfectly cooked. An interesting feature is the way the dishes are served family style, meaning that all plates are intended as share plates. The gorgeous bar beckons visitors to try a cocktail or wine. Would visit again!

After Wind Cries Mary becoming one of our favourite spots to eat in the city, we decided to plan our wedding reception there (their courtyard is absolutely dreamy). In fairness, we havent had our wedding there yet but the team there continues to impress! The assistant GM and events planner, Kevin, has been a pleasure to deal with through email. And after meeting him yesterday, hes even more lovely in person. Its nice knowing ahead a big event like of our wedding theres a capable and kind, all-star team at Wind Cries Mary to ace the food.

Absolutely love this place. The encouragement to share is accepted every time. The toast and chicken my 2 favourite items

the food was really amazing! me and my partner are both vegetarian and we both had a really nice time. the menu only lists the ingredients, so it was quite fun guessing what the dish was going to be. they also have an amazing cocktail menu. the whole experience was very inspired, but it was very expensive. would definitely recommend on a fancy night out!

Nice spot. Cozy. Food was good

Very cool spot. Loved the share plate experience, knowledgeable service, and excellent drink menu. Highly recommend for a night out with friends.

I dine here often, a fantastic place, generally great dishes, quality can suffer some on busy nights but staff is generally willing to help in any way they can, my biggest complaint is the price, they are quite expensive even amongst similar caliber restaurants. Kid-friendliness: No different menu for children but thats common in fine dining, and the staff are willing to manipulate dishes to make them more kid friendly.

So nice to actually have a fine meal with quality ingredients served by thoughtful servers. This is not salty pub food doused in fat to make up for substandard cooking, but quality artisan fare.

We sat at the end of the bar where they were bussing glass ware. The dishwasher was also running at the same time. It ruined a celebratory evening

Spicy feta + Burrata + Ricotta Gnudi + Chocolate Torte Real good :)

We made a reservation a few weeks in advance and decided to do the tasting menu. Beautiful restaurant and great food!

Ill start off by saying the ribeye was delicious. I enjoyed the food. Our group did a tasting menu and all the dishes came out on one plate. Reaching over to share and split up food was somewhat awkward, but a cute idea in theory to serve in a creative way. They did take our plates away early with food still on them. A bit hard to tell when everyone is done with just one big plate in the middle. I would NOT recommend ordering wine here. The servers looked like they struggled to properly use wine openers, and did not offer a taste to confirm the wine was in good condition for any of the 5 bottles our group bought. The servers did not keep track of which wine people were drinking and were directed not to pour and mix 2 separate bottles together. I guess they couldnt hear us and missed our hand signals because they mixed rose and white wine together in one glass. Ive never seen this done before and was shocked. We brought it up and they took away the full glass of wine, brought a new clean glass, and then re-poured a new glass from our already purchased bottle. This was brought up with the staff and they looked very upset with us. They did end up at the end of our meal bringing out a new comped glass of wine and blamed my friend for the incident. At the end of the day, I wouldnt come back here based on the service and defensive staff comments.

One of my favourites, cacio e Pepe and fried chicken are the best

We came on a Thursday for reservations at 7:15pm to celebrate a graduation. We waited 5 minutes for our table. We ordered the velocepide and pineapple espresso. The pineapple espresso had no pineapple flavour and was kind of disappointing. The velocepide was also kind of disappointing. It was missing the yuzu flavour. We started with the endive salad, tater tots and albacore tuna quinoa. The endive salad with apple, goat cheese and walnuts is such a classic combination that you really cant go wrong with this dish. It was well balanced and delicious. Would recommend this dish The tater tots was so crunchy and addictive. The jalapeño ranch lumpfish caviar was missing that jalapeño kick to it. But overall a great dish. Would recommend this dish The albacore tuna with quinoa was surprisingly delicious. Loved the freshness of the quinoa and kale. The almond gave it a little crunch. The tuna was really good as well. Would recommend this dish The cacio e pipe was a huge disappointment. The grand padano flavour was there but it was missing the cheese savouriness. The pasta also was overcooked. I would avoid this dish The fried chicken was really crispy but the pieces were way too big. The breading wasnt too thick. It was sweet because of the honey butter but not too sweet because the pickles helped balance it off. Would recommend this dish The Ling cod dish did not go well with the tomato. It almost reminded me of some kind of tagine dish because of the fennel and tomato. This dish did not go well together. I would not recommend it Flourless chocolate cake with cheesecake and Vietnamese coffee ice cream dessert was disappointing. The chocolate cake consistency could have been a bit heavier. The cheesecake didnt have enough cheese flavour and were too light. The Vietnamese coffee ice cream was a bit too icey could have been creamier. Overall service was pretty fast. Not overly friendly. The first couple dishes were pretty good and then it went downwards from there. I would recommend the fried chicken, tater tots, endive and albacore tuna. Would recommend this restaurant for dinner but not for drinks.

June 15 2024. The service was unbelievably rude. We were seated at the bar by the lady at the front. When we reached the bar, an incredibly rude and arrogant server in a blue shirt told us to leave because the lady shouldnt have sent us here. Instead of speaking to the lady first, he just assumed we walked in and told us off. For someone working in service, there was zero respect or courtesy given to the customer. The lack of understanding on how to talk to people is absolutely mind blowing - we were all just shocked and quite happily left because we were not going to stay (if they sorted themselves out) after being treated like we were the problem. Would not recommend.

Had a very positive experience. Food was excellent. Tried the endive salad and the cacio e pepe pasta and it was delicious. The dining room is a bit dark and noisy, but service was excellent.

Delicious food and attentive service. Thanks for a wonderful experience.

The service is great. No problem there. The food is not even edible. The dishes lack creativity and appeal as well. Service : 5/5

The Endive salad was as good as others described, although personally I think a few more slices of apple would be more balanced. Very disappointed with the pork belly - few slices of pork, 2 scallops, outrageously pricey. Service was slow - felt like our order was forgotten.

The late night food at WCM is elite. Any chicken sandwich from their Bird Man menu is absolutely delicious and dialled.. take in or take out. I enjoy my after hour meals from this place with open arms. The service at bar from Madeline, Josh, and a few others has been unmatched lately. The hospitality is different at this restaurant.. they actually care about you. I can t thank them enough for what they do. Thank you Chef.

My wife and I ate in the cozy and intimate ambience of the courtyard. Thanks to the umbrellas and the propane heaters we were very comfortable. We agreed that the staff members who waited on us were all outgoing, sociable and efficient. The food porttions were generous... so generous we ended up taking a lot of it to go. Thats a compliment, not a complaint. We found the quality of the food to be merely adequate. The menu isnt extensive so maybe they keep things as vanilla as possible to attract a wider crowd? Whatever the reason, we tend to like our dishes to have a bit of spice, or the exotic, to them and thats not this place. My wife thought that the wine -- served by the glass -- was expensive compared to most other places weve been. I dont drink wine so I cant confirm or deny. (Sidebar: The desserts were awesome.) Its the sort of place that we wouldnt avoid in the future if we were with a group that wanted to go, but it wouldnt be our personal first choice based on the food.

New favourite spot when visiting Victoria! My husband and I sat at the bar this past Saturday night and had some wine and cocktails. They were fantastic, along with the burrata that we shared! The ambiance is so cozy and intimate. We plan to visit again when we return to Victoria!

Food was quite good. The cocktails were not good though. My friends version of sangria was really good. The server suggested that there was a non-alcohol version so I tried it. It had a strong overpowering bitter flavour. I like Campari so it isnt that I dont enjoy a bitter taste, but this was far too strong (no sense of any fruit flavour like you would expect in a sangria). I also had a cocktail with several fruit flavours and anise, and the anise flavour was so intense you wouldnt have known there was any other flavour intended. So disappointing. The Cacio de Pepe pasta was lovely.

Greeter was lovely, a young Scottish Lass, very friendly and down to earth, sat us down in the back courtyard as she was instructed that everything inside was reserved ! Even though the place was empty and we had reserved. I was placed a few feet away from the rat trap which was off putting but no big problem. Our server was professional and courteous and did well considering she seemed to be running lots of tables. The courtyard felt like a back alley in an old prison court yard but it could be made quaint with a bit of love and the red brick does add a touch of aged authenticity, I felt it was cold dark and needed some flora and better lighting would brighten it up maybe hide the rat trap during dining hours.. The place was highly recommended for its food by a bigger food snob than myself and I was excited to take my girlfriend for some good food, It was mediocre at best. Over powering vinegar and salt tones through the dishes containing mushrooms and chicken, the fried chicken was salty and oily. Decent sized portions. Lump fish Caviar was over powered by jalapeños and not enough of it to accompany rather bland fried Tater tots. Beer was good and well priced throughout happy hour. Home made pickles were nice and paired well with smoked rock fish ( please add more ). I think we would have enjoyed the ambience more had we been able to sit inside in the warm.

One of the best restaurants in Victoria. Absolutely excellent.

Amazing everything! If you havent tried this place Id highly recommend!

We felt rushed by our server even though the restaurant had just opened and we had the table until 6:15. It felt very cool and unfriendly but the server did try eventually but it looked and felt fake. However, the happy hour cocktails were delicious. The fish cakes and hummus appetizers were good although the bread served with the hummus called pita was not pita bread. It was thick. No pocket. Could not call it flat bread either. The flavor was good though. We ordered the crispy chicken. It is drizzled with a honey sauce so loses some of its crispness but again the flavor was good. It was served on brown paper so all the deliciousness ends up on the paper. Needs to be served on a bed of something, like polenta that could absorb the sauce and juices. Would look prettier. Had the cookies for dessert. The home style chocolate chip cookies served hot and stuck together on a plate are not restaurant worthy. Love the idea off cookies but do something a little more sophisticated at that price please. I am longing for a restaurant that serves Italian cookies served with a dessert wine to dunk them in. It would go with your rustic style we think, but it s a bit more elevated. We will be back. Teach your staff to smile!

The food is overly priced...... it was great for me just to go there once. I would say its a great first experience. I would not go again and again its heavy on the pocket.

A Culinary Gem with Vibrant Atmosphere: Nestled in the heart of downtown Victoria, BC, Wind Cries Mary is more than just a restaurant; its a culinary sanctuary where flavours dance on your palate, the ambiance wraps you in comfort, and the patio becomes a stage for people-watching delights. Lets start with the star of the show: the food. Each dish at Wind Cries Mary is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. The menu boasts a delightful fusion of local ingredients and international influences, ensuring something to please every palate. Dont miss out on their signature dishes, like the hand-rolled Ricotta Gnudi, kabocha squash, almond, panko or the Tofino king salmon; theyre divine. But its not just the food that makes Wind Cries Mary shine; its the inviting atmosphere that elevates the dining experience to new heights. The restaurants warm and welcoming decor makes you feel at home when you enter the door. Whether dining indoors surrounded by cozy elegance or soaking up the sunshine on the lively patio, every corner exudes charm and hospitality. The attentive staff adds to the ambiance, providing impeccable service without feeling intrusive. And speaking of the patio, its undoubtedly the place for some prime people-watching. Settle into a comfortable seat, sip on a refreshing cocktail, and watch as the world goes by. From locals out for a stroll to tourists soaking in the citys charm, the parade of characters is endlessly entertaining. Its the perfect backdrop for a lively evening with friends. In conclusion, Wind Cries Mary is a culinary gem in Victoria, BC, where delicious food, inviting ambiance, and fun people-watching combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether youre a local looking for your new favourite spot or a visitor eager to sample the best of the citys culinary scene, this restaurant is not to be missed. Go ahead, indulge your senses, and let Wind Cries Mary whisk you away on a gastronomic journey you will never forget.

This restaurant is an absolute gem. The food is incredible in each dish so full of flavor with unexpected combinations. The staff are knowledgeable and about the food and the unique cocktails and full of personality.

We spent way to much and got the chefs choice well worth every penny and enjoyed foods we would never have tried. But hey you only celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary once. They loose only one star based on the loud people in restaurant making it difficult to enjoy eachother Parking: Most of Victoria is pedestrian be prepared to walk

Sharing plates made for a memorable anniversary meal! Though the plates are smaller, its all the better because you can try more dishes. Im pretty sure everything here is delicious. We started with the Abbotsford salad, enjoyed some scallops and tuna as main and finished with a chocolate torte/cheesecake. Good service too!

Very disappointing food. >$100 money down the drain

We came in for a late dinner, all of the food was absolutely fabulous, we had the roast beets, and burrata to share and all chose our own mains from the regular and late night food menu. Jaydre (I think that s how her name is spelled) was an incredible, we had a flawless service.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The cocktail menu was inventive and tasty. Half of our table thought the Lois Lake steelhead was delicious, the other half found it too fishy. The Hokkaido scallops were a disappointment I am a huge fan of scallops. When done right I think there is nothing better, however, even though these scallops sat in a bed of sauce they were over cooked and dry. It was our first time trying the place don t know if we d go back.

Great service. Great food. Great menu. Zero complaints.

Location is perfect, ambiance is fantastic. Food was absolute fire. I had the Louis Steelhead and holy cow - had to be easily the best salmon dish Ive ever had. Portions were perfect. Servers appeared slightly unkempt - felt like they couldve dressed nicer - but who am I to judge. Will go again.

Incredible cocktails and fun atmosphere. Staff (shoutout Shayla) very gracious and accommodating with food allergies.

Oh, Mary! Excellent dining experience. Amazing food. Great non alcoholic drink options. I would go back over and over and over.

Our main server was friendly and warm, room was lovely and contemporary, drinks were good, food was solid. Thank you!

Im surprised this restaurant has so many great reviews. The food was good, not great, and definitely overpriced. Even with a reservation booked well in advance we were packed into a small table a few inches away from the couple beside us. I definitely cant complain about the service since our waiter was quick, helpful and attentive, but I wouldnt recommend the restaurant to others.

Great food. Nice atmosphere. GF choices.

Quite possibly the best service I ve ever experienced, so knowledgeable and friendly, and not at all pretentious, which is something I ve heard people say about this place. The cocktails were amazing and the food was pretty good as well, but the service was the highlight, our server clearly knew what she was doing. Never had to fill our own waters, our plates were cleared only when both of us finished eating and she even brought my girlfriend a glass of soda water when she got a stain on her shirt, without us even mentioning it. Absolute class from everyone working there.

This dining experience was unbelievable! A group of 12 of us went to Wind Cries Mary last weekend and I am still getting daily text messages from my friends about how much they enjoyed the food, the ambiance and especially the service. The food was incredible - a varied menu with simple dishes that dazzled! Their signature Tater Tots coupled with a caviar jalapeno aioli was truly astounding as was the Fried Chicken - light and crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside. Who knew whipped Ricotta with Milk Bread with honey and olive oil could taste so decadent? The seared Hokkai scallops demanded a second order as did the albacore tuna. The vegetarian among us raved about all the choices on the menu and all at the table enjoyed the vegetable and non-meat pasta dishes! Adding to the experience is that all dishes are served family style and I was particularly impressed that each place setting had a small set of tongs to aid in ease of self serving. The food was only to be outdone by the excellent service. One person in our group has had extensive experience in fine dining all over the world and he commented that the staff at Wind Cries Mary is rivaled by none. The servers and table attendants alike were knowledgeable about the menu, attententive to guest differences, keen to serve, excellent at suggesting wine pairings and exceptionally diligent in clearing plates when the dishes were emptied. Deserving of every dollar of the larger than typical tip they received from our group. Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options

The ambiance made this a great date night spot. The staff were very welcoming and accommodating. And our server was fantastic. Their cocktail menu had lots of interesting choices categorized by taste profile which made it easy to choose the right one. My partner and I shared a few dishes. We particularly liked the fried chicken and the hot sauces it came with. We sat inside but they also have a really nice looking patio!

Wonderful service and delicious food paired with perfectly mixed cocktails. Fabulous!

Beautiful angel food, couldnt be more delicious The spice cake was so good it overwhelmed me and I was forced to take a moment and ponder its magnificent beauty Food : 5/5

Great food great service great ambience

This is the food that they feed angel babies. It is so so so so good, every bite we took of a new dish that came out was glorious. Me and my partner usually have to take home quite a bit of food because we have small tummies but we persevered for the otherworldly taste of these dishes. We even ordered dessert (cinnamon caramel cake thing) and it was so incredible we shared a look of awe after taking a bite. The atmosphere is dark and candlelit, very cool and fancy. LOVE!!!

The Wind Cries Mary is an experience. Unexpected food, quaint, unassuming environment, and intelligent service. Worth it. My husband and I each ordered the tasting menu, one of us had the cocktail pairing, the other wine. I cannot recommend this enough. Each dish tasted different with each drink and the night flowed into an experience, not just dinner. We shared, we tried foods we wouldnt normally eat, and we enjoyed our time together without interruption, but with entertainment in the form of explanations of what we are about to eat/experience. Not pretentious, but comfortable in a suit or shorts. This would be a great first date or even a proposal as the setting is so intimate.

We came here for our anniversary dinner and it was AMAZING. Everything was perfect and our server was so lovely and helpful. We had the kale and beet salad served atop roasted garlic hummus with crispy chickpeas, ricotta and squash gnudi with caramelized leaks and toasted panko, and the most succulent duck breast with beet puree. I of course had to have 6 oysters to myself as well. The drinks are perfectly balanced and fun as well. Ill be dreaming of this meal / experience forever. Thank you for making our special day so special we love you!!!!

For context, my partner and I are visitors from Washington state and had been staying in Victoria for a few days. On our way to this restaurant, we knew we had very limited time until we had to board our ferry back to Vancouver BC. To be specific, we had less than an hour while arriving there. Visiting Wind Cries Mary was my idea, as I wanted to take my partner to a nice dinner but I hadn t accounted for the limited time we had. Arriving to the restaurant was great, we found very accessible parking nearby and were also quickly seated and I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. Our waitress, Tanya, was very kind from the start. We informed her we didn t have a lot of time to dine-in from the start and we wanted to see if it would possible for us to fit in dinner. She quickly reached out to the kitchen and they were able to bring out three dishes. The meals were very delicious, despite the limited time to prepare everything, the presentation was fantastic and taste was very good. My girlfriend is vegan, so we were both able to share and enjoy the food together. Tanya continues to be respectful of our time and made everything work for us by letting us pay for the bill early as well. Next time we re in Victoria, I ll be happy to visit again with definitely a little more time!

Great place had the ricotta cheese bread and tater tots with some cocktails and a lucky... It was delicious, sat out side and the heaters made it perfect, noticed a dog arrived and was allowed to be at the patio, that was even better and we happened to sit be side Jagmeet Singh, I didnt even realize till after, but fantastic would recommend.

Just a really awesome experience. Food was all amazing. Solid cocktails. Don t miss this spot .

My husband said the fried chicken was the best of his life. The tater tots were pretty good. I wasn t impressed by the ricotta gnudi. The prices are pretty outrageous, so I don t think I would eat here again. Very good service and atmosphere though.

Really don t love putting negative reviews on local restaurants but cannot recommend this restaurant. Took a Friday seating after failing to get into another popular Victoria restaurant after seeing positive reviews. Bison tartare and oysters were the star of the shows (4.5/5). Great flavor profile and fresh ingredients made it hard to mess up. Where the dinner fell short was everything else. Hokkaido scallop dish was overlying acidic. Potato and Brussels sprout dish lacked any color and looks like it was boiled. Used to seeing amazing char or color at similarly priced restaurants serving a similar dish. Overly vinegary as well. Fried chicken (which everyone seems to rave about), was really nothing to write home about. Overall, really disappointing for a $60-$100 per head dinner (we ordered various dishes). Redeeming quality was that staff seemed pleasant, but not enough to salvage the dinner.

This place used to be amazing and our go-to, sadly, it s nothing like it used to be. A bit of a menu change - and for us, its not our jam anymore. They updated their tuna salad to a quinoa/seared tuna salad and in all honesty, its not nice to eat. The quinoa was a bit crunchy (under cooked), it had no depth and it was SERIOUSLY lacking flavour and we didnt even eat half of it, very very dismal. Asked for a lemon wedge to try to add flavour to quinoa, but it did nothing. The wait staff has changed, again, and we felt like we were a bother to them and treated quite poorly as if we were interrupting their day. It wasnt the good food we are used to, and the service was the most disappointing part of the entire 1/2 hour we were there. We ended up walking to Maiiz for tacos in Chinatown, we should have gone there instead of WCM. I dont think we will be back for a while, time to take a 6-12 month sabbatical from WCM. Also, they seated us in front of the bar where they make drinks and the servers come get them... It was an empty restaurant when we arrived and left, no idea why we had to be seated at the busiest part of a bar...

Very highly decent whiskey sour, nice froth, bitter, sweet, and sour good job by the bartenders at 11pm on a Friday night, respect to them. p dece service servers were good too, they were attentive to the table without being in your face. Love that for them

Super hard working, kind staff. Not a fan of the close to your neighbor ambiance. The dine around menu was really pricey at $130 as two people must buy it . Happy hour cocktail was tiny too, felt like shrinkflation a bit. Disappointed with the food but might have been an odd day.

Celebrated my husbands birthday at Wind Cries Mary in Bastion Square quite an intriguing name for a restaurant. We were fortunate to be seated further inside, creating a more private and quieter ambiance. The food, meant for sharing, delighted our taste buds with each plate of flavorful entrees. With 7 entrees and a dessert for our group of 5, the culinary experience was truly satisfying. The cocktail choices were impressive, enhancing our enjoyment and tempting us to indulge more. The dark vibe ambiance added to our pleasure, and the excellent customer service further elevated our experience. Highly recommend trying everything on the menu; its a bit upscale but undoubtedly worth it. Make sure to reserve a table before coming!

Gorgeous atmosphere, dark and romantic! Love the shareable eating style, food was delicious will definitely return.

One of our favorite places for a night out. Excellent atmosphere and service. The food is always outstanding.

I usually enjoy wind cries Mary, although I was very disappointed with the service today. The computer system went down and we had to wait over 30 minutes for them to hand write a bill so we could pay and leave. During this time, nothing was offered to us in compensation, despite the long time we were waiting. Very disappointing and left a bad impression

Delicious food! Great service!! Highly recommended. We ate outside and had a great view of the sunset while a local musician played down the road. Server recommended the perfect drink and was very helpful. I am very excited to go back and try something new!

Beautiful restaurant with a unique menu and family style serving. Wonderful staff as well. 10/10!

Best spot we visited in Victoria for drinks and food. The prices match the quality and atmosphere

The food used to be great. The whole vibe is now a bummer. Perhaps its the misfit band of confrontational serving staff with avoidant personalities. The manager Kevin is an absolute wiener.

I had the salmon when we dined at Wind Cries Mary, and they cook it so deliciously that you truly enjoy eating it. Their salad is also excellent.They are really understanding.

Fantastic place! We had one of the best vegan pasta and beet based salad. We had two specific needs one was vegan menu and a pet friendly restaurant. Service was superb. It was our first visit to Victoria Island and on our first day outside with family and our dog on a winter evening. It was hard to find a pet friendly restaurant. These guys are very welcoming and we had a great time dining outdoor with our dog.

This chef is about as good as it gets in BC! Really enjoyed our 6 course chefs menu experience tonight. thanks so much

Really super delicious food. Definitley dark dark dark in here but such tasty and simple food! Split about 4-5 dishes with friends and it s a great dinner.

Spectacular! We didn t have a reservation, but we were able to sit at the bar with amazing service. We had the bison tartare; best tartare I ve had in years. The endive salad was almost too beautiful to eat. It tasted as good as it looked. Fresh, crisp, and dressed perfectly. For our mains, we had the bolognese and cacio e pepe. Both were delicious! We will definitely be back.

One of my favourite restaurants in Victoria. Food is delicious, atmosphere is romantic, and service is excellent.

The manager Kevin is an absolute winner and the misfit band of servers own my heart. Love eating here. Food, atmosphere, and service have always been and will always be top notch!! Best spot in town!

Initially, I wasnt sure why my friend had suggested this place, but after we sampled the cuisine, I understood: the food is excellent, and the setting is stunning. additionally, their personnel is quite gracious.

Wind Cries Mary is a culinary gem that stands as a testament to exquisite gastronomy, inviting ambiance, and unparalleled hospitality. Tucked away in the heart of Victoria, this restaurant is a true delight for anyone seeking a dining experience that transcends mere satisfaction to create lasting culinary memories. The moment you step inside Wind Cries Mary, youre greeted by an ambiance that effortlessly blends sophistication with a welcoming charm. The elegant yet cozy decor, accented by ambient lighting and tasteful furnishings, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. But its the menu that truly steals the show. A masterpiece crafted by culinary maestros, the offerings are a symphony of flavors and innovation. From locally sourced ingredients to globally inspired dishes, each plate is a work of art, meticulously prepared to tantalize the senses. Whether youre a gastronomic connoisseur or an adventurous diner, the menu caters to every palate, ensuring each bite is a delightful journey. The culinary expertise showcased in every dish is awe-inspiring. Whether savoring their signature seafood creations, indulging in delectable vegetarian options, or relishing perfectly cooked meats, the attention to detail and the harmonious blend of flavors never cease to amaze. What sets Wind Cries Mary apart is not just its exceptional cuisine, but also its unwavering commitment to impeccable service. The staffs attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine passion for hospitality elevate the dining experience to new heights. Their warmth and dedication ensure that each guest feels not just attended to, but truly cherished. Moreover, the restaurants dedication to sustainability and supporting local producers resonates deeply with conscientious diners. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices and sourcing ingredients from nearby suppliers underscores a profound respect for both the environment and the community. In essence, Wind Cries Mary isnt just a restaurant its a culinary sanctuary. Its where exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and a commitment to sustainability converge to create an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last bite. For those seeking an extraordinary dining affair that transcends expectations, Wind Cries Mary is an absolute must-visit.

Lovely spot for some tapas style dinner and some amazing cocktails. The vibe is cozy with dimmed lights. Definitely a spot we will be returning to.

Great natural wine selection and delicious share plates!

Great local spot. Recommend getting a bunch of Plates and sharing with everyone at your table. Amazing service and good cocktails

Went for the first time with my partners family for our holiday dinner. Environment was so cozy! Felt perfectly welcoming, the dishes came at a comfortable pace and were perfect for our table for sharing ! We loved our cocktails and the servers attention for my personal allergies. 11/10 will be going again!

Good wine and drinks section. The food was well put together and full of flavors. We sat outside on patio with heaters o was nice temperatures

I tried the chef selection at $85 per person. I really enjoyed the salmon. Most of the dishes had too much sauce for my liking (e.g. hokaido scallops were so good, but too much sauce). The butter lettuce salad lacked flavour and Im not sure if there was a dressing on there? The pork belly was flavourful and moist, but I would have liked the skin to be crispy. The cubed potatoes on that pork belly dish were actually one of the best things of the dinner. Service was great! Overall a 3.5 stars for my visit. Would like to come back and try other things on the menu.

A really nice restaurant with a cool vibe.

We really enjoyed our dinner at Wind Cries Mary. Food was great. Fried Chicken was delicious. Salmon was perfect. Really good experience. I would recommend getting a reservation, but they worked us in without one.

The service was excellent, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I live in Victoria and I would absolutely recommend this restaurant for dinner. Well done to the staff. Parking: parking nearby

We each ordered the $80 ribeye steak dinner. Being steak lovers, we anticipated having an amazing meal at that price. What a let down. The steak was about 1/2 fat...not marbling...full on fat and gristle. Everything was so over salted that my throat was burning (and I put 2 or 3 packets on salt on my movie popcorn so I like salty) but salt and grease was all you could taste. The manager was nice enough to only charge us for one meal and the wait staff was absolutely lovely, friendly, and attentive. Sad that the meal was so disappointing. I feel like we were served a pile of kitchen scraps.

The food was great and fresh, with an atypical presentation, a kind of tapas idea ,shareable plates, etc. Trendy vibe, good staff, not real cheap, but worth visiting. Not weird atmosphere, not typical, though.

Outstanding food, service, and vibes! Still drooling thinking about the fried chicken & bolognese. HIGHLY recommend!

One of our favourite restaurants for a date or dinner/drinks with friends. Wonderful share plates, cocktails and a very helpful sommelier with great pairing recs. Love it!

The best fried chicken in town. Probably the best I ve ever had. Wow. And, outstanding service.

Out for a late-night stroll looking for a casual bite. Stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall gem with no knowledge of what to expect, although we anticipated typical midnight fare making up in late hours what they lack in, well, everything else. Little did we know the experience we were about to receive. Fine-dining quality food with reasonable prices and generous portions. Casual-chique atmosphere and service. Refined, unpretentious cocktails. Everything to love. The only honest comparison of quality appropriate for Wind Cries Marys bison tartare is to such pillars as Quails Gates foi gras under Roger Sleiman, or The Points duck confit under Warren Barr; such prestigious establishments seem lesser when an unassuming downtown gathering place is batting home-runs in the big leagues. Wind Cries Mary has left an impression that has us singing their praise as one of our favourite dining experiences in two decades. A must for anyone visiting Victoria, and a reason for no one with a reason to visit Victoria.