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Brasserie L'ecole
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Brasserie L'ecole
Review Highlights
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"We had a lemon pudding to share." In 3 reviews -
"...as I requested with a lovely roquefort butter sauce on top." In 2 reviews -
"We shared the endive salad with hazelnuts and bacon and..." In 3 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Alan A.
Vancouver, BC
4/9/2012
The food was excellent and the atmosphere perfect. But what was really special was the level of service. We truly felt we were cared for and cared about, and it made for a wonderful dining experience.
Thank you! -
Review from Jen P.
4/3/2012
This meal was the highlight of our weekend trip to Victoria.
It was 5 stars across the board and well worth the hour wait.
Everything from the oysters with house mignonette, to the bread, to the wine (, to the entrees (10 oz Certified Angus New York Striploin Steak Frites, red wine & shallot sauce, Roquefort butter & Salmon, crab fritters, braised greens, sauce remoulade), to the service, to the dessert was outstanding.
I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a 5 star meal in Victoria. -
Review from Bill K.
3/7/2012
Nice little bistro with a cozy ambience. Excellent steak cooked perfectly. (is it me, or is Canadian beef so much tastier than what we get here in the US?) Loved the pomme frites.
They don't take reservations, but on the Friday night we went (off-season though), we had no problem getting in - just showed up a little early (already a few people ahead of us) and waited on line till they opened.
While we took out kids - who are accustomed to eating out and are very well behaved in restaurants. I wouldn't say this place is kid friendly - it is really more of a couples restaurant. That being said, we just ordered the sole and split it between our children and everything was fine with the world. -
Review from Dave D.
Victoria, BC
4/1/2012
The 5-stars is defined by Yelp as "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" so I'll just leave it at that. :)
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Review from Spicy M.
8/7/2011 4 photos
While visiting Victoria, my Aunt & Uncle treated us to dinner @ Brasserie L'ecole. WOW! Besides being a Beautiful, Cozy, Small, Dark & Intimate little French Bistro...the food is Divine!
I started with the French Onion Soup...Best EVER! HOT,HOT,HOT!
Then, I ordered the Steak Frites w/ compound butter...I'll NEVER Forget It ! The steak was prepared to perfection....the Steak Frites w / herbs, Parmesan & truffle oil.....mmmm! Be sure & Get The Truffle Oil ! ! !
Oddly enough, we didn't wait more than 10 minutes. I love this beautiful little bistro and look forward to our next visit to Victoria and dining @ Brasserie L'ecole! Great customer Service!Listed in: Making Memories.....
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Review from May C.
Vancouver, BC
8/25/2011
I came to Victoria for work, and my fiance came along to experience the many restaurants recommended by our friends and colleagues. There was something about a place that didn't accept reservations and had long line ups that intrigued us, so we picked this place to dine at for dinner on our first night.
We called ahead to ask how long the line up would be for a table of two. They said approximately 30 mins, which was a relief compared to being told there can be up to 90 min wait times! When I got there, the wait became roughly 45 mins, so I put my name and number down.
With this restaurant being in the Chinatown area, we walked around for 30 mins to work up an appetite. When we headed back, the host said just a few more minutes. They were pretty accurate with the wait time. The interior is quite intimate, with dim lighting and tables fit for 2 or 4 people. The place kind of reminded me of Les Faux Bourgeois in Vancouver, where the staff were knowledgeable and friendly.
Their dinner menu changes daily, but its available on their website if you're curious enough to check. I ordered the skate with green bean & fennel salad, corn & truffle sauce, and little tomatoes. My fiance ordered the steak frites.
Both dishes were done really well, which brings me to say that it was worth the wait. The skate was really tender, and the flavour was really brought out by the corn & truffle sauce and little tomatoes. The green bean and fennel salad was dressed lightly, which didn't overpower the skate or the sauce at all. Usually fennel is quite strong in taste, but it was sliced thinly enough that everything about this dish just worked.
The steak and frites were very tasty. We asked for medium rare, and it came out perfectly. We opted for the "fancy" fries, which were tossed in grated Parmesan, garlic bits, minced parsley and truffle oil. The frites definitely held up to the name of this dish in a French restaurant.
They had a pretty good dessert menu, but we were both stuffed. The indicator was the pile of frites still sitting on the plate. All in all, its a good place. I am thankful that we have a place in Vancouver like Les Faux Bourgeois that can take reservations. -
Review from Lindsey H.
1/9/2012
Possibly the best service I've ever had at a restaurant and delicious food to boot. The bartender even made my boyfriend a hot toddy to soothe his sore throat. We'll definitely be back next time we're in Victoria.
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Review from Michaela S.
7/15/2011
Steak frites!
There was still a wait when we showed up around 8 PM, but it's still light out in Victoria till like 9:30, so maybe it wasn't that late. We ended up at a somewhat uncomfortable bar-height table, but we were starving so that was fine.
I had the steak frites (duh). Frites very good, steak very good. Steak was not *quite* "I just cannot stop eating this steak" level to put them over to 5 stars, so I'm going with 4 overall.
We had the creme brulee and steamed lemon pudding for dessert; the lemon pudding was fantastic, the creme brulee very good if a bit past brulee'd in parts (some folks like their sugar a little more caramelized than others).
Would certainly eat here again if we found ourselves in Victoria once more. -
Review from CJ C.
4/29/2011
Traveling alone can either be a "room service" mediocre, boring meal, or it can be an opportunity for adventure. I personally hate room service, so I decided to venture off to Brasserie L'ecole after all the fabulous reviews from fellow yelpers. I got to the restaurant at 5:15 p.m. and there was already a line. Luckily I snagged the last seat at the bar and had the good fortune of chatting with a lovely Victoria couple who were true foodies. (Note to self: Always sit at the bar if you're dining alone and you will meet the nicest people and have the best bar service!) Victoria, with its friendly people seemed ideal. But oh, we came to talk about the food.
On the recommendation of my new Victoria friends, I had the braised short ribs and a glass of lovely red (Cote de Vatican?). But before the main dish, I had a wonderfully crusty, tasty baguette with sweet butter. I am supposed to resist and eat low carb, but the bread was TOO GOOD.
Now...on to the main event. The short ribs. The short ribs were cooked to perfection--the chef took the time to sear the meat to carmelize the outside and then slow braise it in a lovely sauce with marvelous chunks of bacon deliciousness. (Isn't EVERYTHING better with bacon?) The veggies accompanying the beef were broccolini and pearl onions with a tomato background. The sauce was rich, complex and flavorful.
Sometimes shortribs are cooked to mush and/or stringy. Not this piece of meat. It was sheer perfection. Truly one of the best braised short rib dishes I have had ever.
The atmosphere was intimate and cozy. The bartender was attentive and friendly. The service was not stuffy at all. Truly felt like I was in a French Bistro.
My new Victorian friends declared this was the best restaurant in Victoria. I can believe it! -
Review from Pam S.
12/18/2010 2 Check-ins Here
There are days I've considered killing my boyfriend.
Here's why:
1) He's male, and therefore was born to drive me crazy.
2) He's an engineer, which means "feelings" means he's gay.
3) He has a sarcastic sense of humor (so do I, but I try to keep it in check...really)
The problem is that if I kill him, I probably won't be able to use my very raw passport anymore.
Then there are times he's perfectly wonderful and I adore him (those times are few and far between), such as dinner here.
During my last visit, we came here for dinner on what was American Thanksgiving...and enjoyed a number of dishes with DELICIOUS BACON.
Our appetizer and main dishes had bacon. Or at least his did. I had a filet, I think....it's a little fuzzy due to the wine we consumed....chosen from their great wine list.
Service was excellent (we laughed about that Movember nonsense), and we had a very romantic time.
For a not gay engineer, anyway.Listed in: Oh Canada...
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Review from Sheryl D.
1/6/2011
Brasserie was one of the few places in Victoria that made me feel like I have something to live for (when I was living there). Brilliant execution of everything and they can easily live up to the best French bistros in other metros. The ingredients are fresh, pure, simple and raised to brilliant heights. I hate to repeat what everybody has been saying but the steak frites sings like a beautiful melody in your mouth, and accompanied by those truffle fries, it's simply divine (or alternatively, any of their superb wines). It will be redundant to describe every single thing in the menu but everything they have is quite glorious.
The Yelpers here talk plenty about the crowds at this place and the no reservation policy...so why are you still reading? Go!Listed in: Must Do in Victoria To Keep…
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Review from Eric B.
Victoria, BC
Updated - 3/20/2011
Back again. Still totally awesome.
Had the steak frites which were fabulous - nice char on the outside, perfectly medium rare as I requested with a lovely roquefort butter sauce on top. Girlfriend had the veal which was delicious as well.
What I've sort of noticed is that while the main part of the dish is very, very good it's really the other parts of the dish that make this restaurant so good. It's the frites with herbs and parmesan on it that sing. It's the potato gnocchi that is just amazing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2011
Through great physical effort (getting off my couch) and extraordinary consumption of fossil fuels… Read more »
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Review from Jeff M.
6/1/2011
For my second annual visit to the wonderful city of Victoria, of course I referred to Yelp! to find a place to eat. Looking for a French restaurant, I came across Brasserie L'ecole. Right around the corner from my motel, and on my first night in town, made my way over for dinner.
Brasserie L'ecole does not take reservations, but the extremely gracious host greets you warmly and takes your name and gives you a time to return. The restaurant is not large, seating less than 30 (my estimation) not including the 6-8 seats at the bar, the host does a good job managing seating, particularly since there are few waiting seats.
We were greeted by a waiter promptly, both he and the host made a point of making us feel warmly welcomed and grateful for our having had to wait. The menu was a one page affair, the choices were fewer than I expected. We ordered a bottle of wine (the list was shorter than I expected and mostly French wines were represented (I get that). Ours was a rather pricey bottle (though at the low end of the offerings) and was fair. Not great, but what do you say? I drink a fair amount of red wine and know what I like and this wasn't it. I have now developed the nerve to order an expensive bottle, but not yet the nerve to send it back.
Bread was served with a bit of butter. Then our starters arrived. I ordered the French Onion soup. It was hot, no foolin, pipin' hot! The cheese was freshly melted and I nearly could not eat the soup. I burned the heck out of my mouth, in spite of trying not to do so. So, be careful with that soup. It's dangerous!
We then ordered our entrees. I chose the Lamb Shoulder with Asparagus on a potato puree. The food arrived hot and looked very tasty. I tried the potato, it was very tasty. The asparagus was grilled and still firm. Then I took a bite of the lamb shoulder. It had a soft consistency...too soft. More than half my first bite was fat. So I tried another...and another. Luckily the waiter came by and convinced me that a lamb shoulder is a typically fatty cut, and the dish was supposed to be that way.
So I ordered a steak with frites, what some friends who we bumped into, recommended. After another wait (my companion had long finished his entree) my steak and frites arrived. The steak was perfectly cooked and presented in a savory red wine sauce that looked a bit too much like fresh blood, for my tastes. But it was really very good. The savory sauce was tasty and the perfect complement to the steak. The frites were also very good. With garlic, onion, and truffle oil, they had a lot of flavor and were perfectly prepared.
After the excellent steak and frites, I was stuffed. We had no room for dessert.
The ambiance is nice, fairly dark and no more than it needed to be. Seating is fairly tight, hope for a quiet corner if you want to share a romantic evening. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Brasserie L'ecole has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Victoria, but not one that I often get the chance to enjoy. With friends coming in for the weekend I jumped on the opportunity to show off this lovely Victoria must see.
We checked Yelp before hand, as I knew that they didn't take reservations. Most people suggested arrive for 5:30 and put your name down, which is what we did. We then took a short stroll and had cocktails before returning for dinner just after 7. There are a number of little places around Brasserie, and I highly recommend if you are going on a Friday or Saturday to do what we did, show up a bit early and then wander.
I started with the Endives salad, which was a bit bigger than I had hoped, but was amazing nevertheless. With apples, bacon, hazelnuts and a mustard wine dressing it was a fabulous mix of flavour and a great start to the meal.
For the main, I had the special, lamb chops with black beans and potatoes gratin and it was divine. My first time ever having lamb before, I figured this would be the best place to try it and it was, the meat was perfect, tender and juicy and the potatoes a perfect compliment.
I was really impressed with the meal, as I knew I would be, but I was also impressed by the price point for both the meal and our wine. I really appreciate the quality of the sourcing and the preparation of the food, the staff enthusiasm and knowledge and the overall experience. It is a Victoria best, that's for sure. -
Review from christine c.
Victoria, BC
7/27/2010
The previous guy's crappy one star review prompted me to finally get off my lazy ass and show my love for one of Victoria's most exquisite restaurants.
There are reasons why such a nondescript restaurant, hidden next to a little Asian grocery store has been successful for so long.
The food.
Sometimes I wish everyone on Yelp cared about food the way I care about food. Not about whether the server's tone was to their liking or they had to wait longer than they wanted. It would be a much better community if everyone had a good and proper palate.
But I digress.
The food.
The food is divine. The mussels are divine. The steak is divine.
Go for the food. The ambiance is pretty killer too.Listed in: Best Evaaaaaaa!!!! In VicCity
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Review from Luisa D.
3/15/2011
Wow! This place rocks. I felt like I was in a cafe in Paris and mentioned I almost expected to see a cat curled up on the bar.
We got there just before 5:30 and stood in the line-up that had already formed. As soon as the doors opened the line moved promptly. We were pretty relieved that by the time we got through all the tables were full and there would be something around 7:15. Owner Marc was happy to take our # and call us if something came up sooner, which he did.
I ordered the French Onion soup, which I can rarely refuse, and the Duck Confit. The soup was so hot and it was really hard to resist the aromas of that wonderful cheese so that I didn't scald my mouth. Well, I kind of scalded my mouth. Oh well. The duck confit was much bigger than I expected with one duck leg surrounded by a lentil stew. I could not finish the stew and probably should have gone for something lighter in hindsight.
All of this was washed down with a bottle of Cuvee du Vatican Cotes-du-Rhone that paired beautifully with everyone's dishes. The handsome waiter showed up with the dessert board and even though we were all full we couldn't say no to his charm. We had a lemon pudding to share. Beautiful presentation and subtle flavours. One espresso each and we were ready to roll out of there. It really wasn't expensive considering the quality of food and service. $60 each before tip. I definitely want to go back and get more adventurous with their French menu. -
Review from Cammer D.
Victoria, BC
5/31/2011
Great Cuisine. No reservations - Have a bevi down the street at Ferris and wait for your call and then head to Brasserie to enjoy. Steak and Fritz is the call even share if you had a few oysters down the street.
I will be back and venture beyond S&F. -
Review from Tina H.
7/23/2010 6 photos
Comme c'est magnifique! No reservations! Had to wait a good 45 to 60 minutes for a table but being one of the top 2 restaurants in Victoria (according to Yelp) I figured it was worth the wait. And it was.
The scallop appetizer was delicious. The sauce that came with it made a great dip for the everlasting supply of bread coming to our table.
8 oz. steak with frites which can be made fancy with garlic, parmesan, herbs and truffle oil for an extra $2. Great value. Do it! So delicious! The steak was a bit overcooked for medium rare around the edges but the centre was done right. The flavour was amazing and the steak was very enjoyable. The flavour made up for the steak not being cooked to a perfect medium rare.
Overall, the food was amazing and done right. It was very rich and could easily stop a weak heart, so be warned! Comfort food with gourmet flavour. The atmosphere was nice, service was friendly and fast. If you'll be going out for dinner while in Victoria, I definitely recommend it! -
Review from Garbiel A.
Victoria, BC
6/9/2009
Really, really good food, really, really good service.
I loved it here. Our servers were friendly and really genuinely seemed to be happy to be there.
The decor was lovely. I was happy to see the photos that they chose to put up-- they didn't seem as haphazardly picked as at other places.
The food was fantastic. I had this crazy tuna dish with chickpea fries and green beans and some other stuff. it was so, so good. My girl had a steak and it was the greatest thing ever. I was envious. Also, we killed this massive serving of fries which ALSO kicked ass.
Finally, the desert was amazing. Almondy, chocolatey goodness.
Overall I had a great, great evening thanks to this lovely restaurant. -
Review from Michael F.
4/4/2009
Fine, fine... whatever. I've done too much yelping today... but this place just came to mind, and I either write about it on yelp, or I get in my car and start driving to victoria BC (I'm guessing it's probably about an 80 hour drive, and that damn ferry).
It's taking a while to collect my thoughts about this restaurant. Went there a few months ago... ate just about everything on the menu, drank several (no seriously, I mean several... several) belgian beers, absinthe and who knows what else. Maybe it was the absinthe... maybe. Or maybe it was just the most amazing meal ever. The lucky thing was we had two women with us who didn't eat a ton, which just left more for me... and I did work my way all around the table.. actually I almost made it to the table next to us.
The place is tiny.. I mean really small. I don't think there were more than 10 tables in the whole place... but it wasn't claustrophobic. They have the most amazing belgian beer selection I've come across in a restaurant. The food was beyond belief... everything was fresh, local.
Okay, I just had second thoughts about the drive, but I remembered my car doesn't have much gas in it... no victoria trip tonight.
Back to the review... the waiter was extremely nice, quick witted, and he tried to pick up on all 4 girls at the table sitting next to us... I put him up there with spongebob or buddha.
I just can't say anymore... I'm starting to get a little emotional, and I just want someone to hold me. If you are ever in victoria... PLEASE go to l'ecole. If you don't love it... you need help, I can get you a number of someone. -
Review from Andrew W.
Victoria, BC
5/2/2009
Easily the best restaurant in Victoria. I've eaten at some incredible French restaurants in New York, London and Paris, and Brasserie holds its own. To this day, I have never had a better steak and frites.
It's also vegetarian friendly. Don't be put off by the carnivorous menu - they prepare really great vegetarian dishes, you just have to ask. -
Review from C. T.
9/23/2011
Dinner at Brassiere L'ecole was delicious and the wait staff was excellent. Unfortunately, the manager/owner - Marc' attitude was rather off putting and unfriendly. What a shame. I've dined at amazing establishments around the world, I would have ranked Brassiere L'ecole much higher on quality of food, wine selection, service and ambience, but the manager was such a disappointment, and that really sours the experience when the person who puts himself in charge is unfriendly and arrogant.
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Review from Beth C.
Victoria, BC
Updated - 6/8/2009
After my second visit to Brasserie L'Ecole, I'm updating my review to five stars. It's just that good.
My boyfriend and I went on Friday night, as I had been given a gift certificate.
We stuck with water, because it had been a really hot day and neither of us felt like drinking, though my memory of how good the wine was almost changed my mind. Again, our server was Sterling, who just like last time was friendly, helpful and overall awesome.
We shared the endive salad with hazelnuts and bacon and apple. This time there was a slight overdousing of dressing for both my taste and his, but it wasn't drowned or anything - I just found the salad flavours so unique and strong on their own I wanted a milder dressing, or less of it. Still, it was absolutely delicious and we ate every bit. Also, we opted to share, and rather than bringing us one plate and two forks, they split the salad for us in kitchen, which was a thoughtful touch.
Oh - also, in my last review I mentioned decent bread and butter "nothing to write home about" - either they've switched, or I wasn't paying attention, because the baguette we had was excellent. Dense, thinly sliced, chewy, a bit sour, and perfect. Yum.
For dinner, I had the 8 oz. sirloin with frites again (last time it was SO GOOD) with the roquefort cheese pat and reduction. My boyfriend had the albracore tuna with french beans, chickpea fries and aioli. Both were amazing, and we traded bites a lot. I want to learn how to make chickpea fries.
The truffled-garlic frites were, as last time, crazy delicious, and I'm not usually someone who cares much about fries.
For dessert we shared a piece of almond-chocolate torte, which was so well done, nutty, with the nuts ground enough to be mealy and hold together but not enough to lose their definition. It wasn't as good as the creme brulee, but it was still better than most desserts you'll find anywhere else.
And it's not a bank breaker, at all. Our bill was $70.00, which for a really lovely dinner out, with skillful, excellent, fresh food, isn't too bad at all.
One word of warning to the wise - it's a very small, very popular place. I (naively) called on Wednesday for a Friday reservation, and got the very last one - for 10 p.m.! Fortunately, the late dinner suited us fine - we just went to our movie first.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2009
I'm amazed how many people seem to not know about this place, myself included, until recently. It's… Read more »
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Review from O C.
9/6/2011
The owner/maitre d', Marc, was extremely nice, and set the mood for a lovely dining experience.
We had the steak & frites and the hangar steak (no apps or dessert because we had to catch a show at the Fringe Festival). Delicious wine, scrumptious bread, complimented a very delicious, very well cooked meal. The ambiance inside, with the deep red and black walls, added to the lush feel.
The wait was about an hour and a quarter, but worth it.
And yes, we stumbled in in jeans, where most other people were dresses up more, but we were made to feel completely welcome. -
Review from Jen W.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011
Tried this restaurant one March night in Victoria. It was a Thursday and it was pleasantly busy, but not so crowded such that I could just arrive and be seated right away. I sat at the bar and I had a lovely meal and a lovely time.
The waiter/bartender was super friendly and helpful. I asked for a suggestion for wine and he didn't disappoint. Later, I thought I'd give another wine a try, so I tried a different one - the first glass was definitely better (but the second was still good of course...).
I contemplated the steak frites, but settled on the pork tenderloin and the French onion soup. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach! The French onion soup was really filling, and I couldn't do the main dish justice. But it was all fantastic.
The atmosphere is great. The staff are friendly, the food is good, as is the wine. Whenever I'm back in Victoria, I'll definitely come back here again. -
Review from Eric K.
5/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
This was part one of three nights of four course French dinners while I was in Victoria. My buddy and I had read on Yelp and heard from talking to people in the city that it could be hard to get into. But we stopped by on a Friday night and only had to wait about 45 minutes.
Once seated service was a bit slow. Our server seemed quite busy and probably had one or two tables too many. It was also kind of annoying that the cheese and dessert menus were on boards that they had to bring to you. It was a cute touch initially but when it takes them a while to bring it over you get tired of the novelty and wish they just had it on the menu.
I started the meal with a stuffed medjool date with an almond and Roquefort. Now I can't say I'm normally a big blue cheese fan, but biting into the date it was quite sweet and the Roquefort perfectly tempered that.
After the date I had two whale town bay oysters on a half shell. The sauce used on the oysters made them a bit spicy when you first put them in your mouth but once you bit into the oyster the spiciness faded away and revealed a great tasting oyster that wasn't too salty.
For the main course our server recommended the braised veal shank they had on special that night. It came with bacon, morels, red wine sauce, cream orzo, cobble hill asparagus, and basil. Our server said that everyone that had tried it couldn't even describe how good it was. Not being a huge veal or shank person I figured if I liked it they had done something right. And boy was it right; it had just the right amount of fat. And I found that the meat held up well on each bite without being chewy. That was great for me since I can't stand something I have to chew for 20 minutes before swallowing.
Even though I thought the veal was good my buddy's sole a la meuinere, capers, lemon, and parsley was incredible. I just got a small bite but it was a perfect combination of sweet and sour. It was a bit oily but it wasn't off putting. As much as I appreciated enjoying something I don't normally love that sole tasted great and I probably would have been a bit happier ordering it.
I finished off my meal with a three cheese course. To be honest none of them really blew me away. The pecorino bigio (Italian/sheep) had a very mild taste. I had the same issue with the pierre robert (French/cow), despite it being extremely creamy is was very mild with a slight bitter taste. Finally the mucia al vino (Spanish/goat) was advertised as being tangy but it was again mild. I felt the cheeses we had were good but didn't really push boundaries or surprise me in any way.
Overall I probably liked Brasserie L'ecole the least of the three places we tried, but the other two were amazing so that doesn't take away from Brasserie much. If you like French restaurants that are more accessible than I would definitely suggest a trip to Brasserie. I'll probably be back but Brio and Matisse are my favorites.Listed in: Victoria May 2010
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Review from Hilary G.
5/28/2011 3 photos
4.5 Stars. This is the best restaurant we ate at in Victoria so yes, you can trust all of these great reviews. The restaurant is in Chinatown which is a bit strange, but as soon as you walk in, you can tell this is an authentic French bistro. The server was personable and efficient. I started with the "Opium Factory" drink- a mix of champagne and Hypnotique which was worth trying. The Ling Cod was very fresh but the tomato sauce was not anything outstanding. My husband raved about his duck. The desserts were both scrumptious-the lemon pudding had a tangy sauce and the chocolate cake had a toffee crunch that was tasty. I would eat here more than once if you can!
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Review from Melissa M.
Victoria, BC
8/23/2010
My husband and I continue to try other restaurants in Victoria. There are many great ones, but we just keep going back to Brasserie. The food is incredible and the atmosphere great.
Where else can you try any wine on the list by ordering a minimum two glasses from the bottle? It's a very unique opportunity for those who love to try new wines. Often I will just ask the server or Marc if they have anything interesting open already that pairs well with my food choices and I have yet to be disappointed.
I only wish they still took reservations:( At least for a few tables. It can be a challenge to juggle kids and babysitters for special nights out when you don't know what time you'll be eating...Well worth the effort though! -
Review from Stacey E.
12/12/2008
I was very impressed by the food quality and service. Since coming in here I've heard every foodie I know in the area regale about their favorite meal here.
I remember it being a very meat heavy menu with very limited vegetable sides. I'm totally in support of small and set menus to keep food quality at its very best but If you don't eat red meats you might want to call ahead just to make sure there are some options you're into. -
Review from James F.
7/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is consistently amazing. I'm been to Brasserie half dozen times now and every single time I have been the food has been great and the staff friendly and helpful.
The only downside is that to get a table you have to physically show up and put your name on a list and it can sometimes take a while to get a table. They will give you a call though so we usually just head over someplace close for a few drinks while we wait.
If you like food you will like Brasserie L'ecole. -
Review from Justin L.
Victoria, BC
11/24/2008
Phenomenal - ambiance, taste, service. The most enjoyable restaurant experience in Victoria in over a year. Surprised how long it took us to find it, but it's at the top of the list now.
Went late after the theatre and they were very accommodating.
Downsides: went during the month of Movember, and the plethora of mo's (including yours truly) was distracting. -
Review from K K.
5/2/2011
Have been wanting to hit this place since last year while we were in town to watch our son row at the Brentwood Regatta. Well, we HIT it this year and I have to say "OMG". From the kind gentlemen who greeted us at the door, to the wait staff, and finally, to the food, this place is the bomb. We couldn't get a table right away and the host seemed truly pained that he couldn't get us in until 9:30. We didn't care at all as he kindly recommended Canoes down the street for a cocktail while we waited.
We started with the charcuterie plate and the various meats literally melted in our mouths, as well as the oysters which were the best I've ever slurped in my life. We then split the steak frites with the truffle fries--out of this world. Also munched on a side of the kale tips sauteed in butter, lemon and pepper flakes--tasted like they were just plucked from the earth. Finished with the creme brule and a cup of amazing coffee--night night! Can't wait to return--truly a fantastic night of food!! -
Review from adam b.
3/17/2011
Had the NY steak... delicious and I am VERY picky and most steaks are mediocre. Packed with flavor and perfect consistency. Desserts were very good. Fries were great. Had the scallop appetizer as well which was sooo tasty. A great dining experience!
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Review from Paul H.
Victoria, BC
1/21/2010
My all time #1 restaurant. Marc and his staff treat everyone like they are gold. The food here is always, and I do mean always perfect. I try to change it up from the last time I went, ordering the steak frites only every other time I am there.
The wine list is great, and the cocktails are awesome. I highly suggest the French 75.
We took my father in law here a couple of years ago and now we have to go to "the Brasserie" every time (fine by me). He spent time in both Brussels and Paris and says that he feels totally at home here.
They no longer take reservations, a policy that I have yet to put to a test. However, they do say that if you come on by that they will call you on your cell when your table is ready. -
Review from Jean K.
7/27/2010
This is NOT for the food. I put one star only because it's required to post a rating.
L'ecole NO LONGER TAKES reservations. First come, first served; and there are only 13 tables in the bistro. If you don't drink - no one in my party does - you're stuck with nothing to do for an hour. -
Review from Jennifer H.
Victoria, BC
8/28/2010
Steak Frittes....is there really a better meal out there. Well there is, and it is in Brasserie L'ecole. Not only is the name french, but inside you'll find a gorgeous wine list and l'ardoise menus that will transport you to another country. And back to that steak, it was simply divine. Rather than slathered in some fancy marinade or BBQ sauce it rests, perfectly cooked, in a large plate with a slice of Roquefort butter. On the side are the Frittes and I certainly recommend the version with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. It really doesn't get any better than this!
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Review from Dustin D.
Victoria, BC
Updated - 8/14/2010
Just got back from anniversary dinner at Brasserie... I must add this update... omg gnudi! amazing.
Listed in: Cant Miss Victoria Restaurants, Authentic International…
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2/6/2010
I'm not a well traveled foodie with a 3 star Michelin fed palate, but I can appreciate an amazing… Read more »
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Review from A. B.
8/30/2009
really really good food, yes. Endive salad was so so but everything else we ordered was great - the sirloin steak...frites with truffle oil...roasted lamb special was soooo good, the beet side was one of the best beet sides i've had & the chocolate truffles for dessert were absolutely sinful! Amazing wines by the glass & great selection of Belgian beers as well...
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Review from Bill E.
5/11/2010
It's easy to agree with the five star rating, everything... EVERYTHING was amazing. The service was genuine, the staff was attentive and witty. The food, all of it, was wonderful. And I dig how it's in a kind of unassuming location on the edge of Chinatown.
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Review from jacko l.
5/22/2010
Nice decor, not cheesy, feels french. Front of the house was nice, smiling and inviting. Waitress wasn't as warm. She showed us the dessert menu at the end of dinner, brought out a chalk board and held it in front of us without saying a word. Little awkward for the entire 2 minutes.
Loved the bread and butter. Fresh and perfectly chewy.
Appetizer - veal tongue with beets, watercrest, gruyer cheese on top of toasted slice of baguette. Fantastic. Highlight of the meal. Perfectly cooked tongue, great texture contrast, adequate acid from vinagrette. LOVED IT!.
Dinner - 8oz steak, perfect portion especially, because we shared an app, cooked perfectly, love the char. Its not that tender. Sauce was good. Would have liked the steak and sauce to be hotter when served. I think it sat a few min. too long. Not the best steak, but good. If it was more tender and hotter I'd say it would've been a great steak. Asked for medium rare and it came out that way. Good marks for that. You'd be surprised how hard that is to get that at any restaurant.
Mussels in garlic and parsely - could use more acid, good portion, sauce a little bitter, fresh mussels, went well with the fries. It was okay overall.
Fries in truffle oil, garlic and parmesean - addicting and hard to pull away. Very good overall and went well with my steak. Mayo dip was perfect for dipping.
