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Cafe Ceylon
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
4 reviews for Cafe Ceylon
4 reviews in English
-
Review from Dustin D.
Victoria, BC
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've always had excellent meals at Cafe Ceylon. I'm somewhat embarrassed that it took me this long to review them as they are so very deserving of any praise they get.
Everything that's been written before my review is true, so I'll try not to repeat the comments of others. The chef/owner is such a wonderful lady, truly a joy to even be around. The layers of flavours she puts together in her perfected dishes are just wonderful, every bite starts great and then develops to amazing. The closest thing in town I could compare it to is an up-scale Ayo Eat (another must try location if you haven't been), although Cafe Ceylon has been around much longer.
I won't gush too much about any one dish as all of them elicit the same kind of response in the diner... OMG Yummm! From the beet/onion/goat cheese stack appetizer, to the vegan dishes to seafood hotpot to the traditional sri lankan dinner (one of my faves), it's all wonderful, well thought out food. I even loved the Honey moon sweet dessert which is way way out of my usual dessert universe in style and flavours.
Give Cafe Ceylon a try (they're open for lunch too), you won't be disappointed. -
Review from A E.
Victoria, BC
8/5/2011
Wow! I went there on Yelp's recommendation today, and it was wonderful. Had a seafood soup, medium spicy, and everything was perfectly cooked. Not over, not under. The coffee was not very good, however, but the balance of flavours in the soup - spicy, tangy, sweet - was wonderful.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. The restaurant has a piano in the corner, and various Sri Lankan souvenirs and art litter the walls and floor. The owners appear to be there making food, and the staff is friendly, showing an affection for the place.
It is part of a larger building just off Fort street, and is easy to miss because of that.
I recommend it! They have a website too: http://cafeceylon.ca -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
5/15/2009
Cafe Ceylon's chef, Sri Lanka-native Tamara Bailey, engages in the principles of Ayurveda with her cooking. While this sounds as if it has the potential to be healthy and flavorless, much like the spa cuisine that seemed to be the rage in suburban hotels in the 1980s.
This couldn't be further from the truth - Cafe Ceylon is spicy (well, as spicy as you want), flavorful, and just plain delicious.
The restaurant has a fairly small menu which does not change very frequently, but they prepare everything perfectly. I'm impressed with how their can be so much taste and flavor without any heaviness.
My wife and I always make sure to start with the subtle deliciousness of the herb-stuffed roti with the tamarind dhal dipping sauce.
And as a vegetarian, I cannot say that I've found a better dish than the Wadiyan Vindaloo - hot and sour soy meat balls, which comes with perfectly cooked and spiced turmeric basmati rice.
I would recommend that most western palates stay away from the Honeymoon Sweet dessert, but I'll admit that I enjoyed its various flavors and soupy texture. -
Review from stacey d.
6/6/2011
AMAZING!!!!! OUTSTANDING! One of a kind!
I am so happy I found Cafe Ceylon on Yelp before I was in Victoria this weekend. What a delicious meal.
The restaurant has such great energy. From the second we got in the door it was a great experience. We were warmly greeted and and seated immediately (reservation helped!). Everyone at this restaurant is super friendly and very attentive. I was on a restricted diet (gluten free) and it was no problem at all. We started with a 1/2 carafe of savignon blanc, which was crisp and paired nicely with the food we ordered. We were able to taste a few wines, and were educated on our options by the nicest man that worked there! We started with the beet and goat cheese appetizer which was so yummy! Layers of fresh beets, tomato, goat cheese, red onion, and a delicious sauce drizzled around it with fresh slices of cucumber. The layers of flavor in this dish were refreshing, complex and sexy! After this, I had the Coho salmon entree, which was generous in size and deliciously seasoned and cooked to perfection. My friend had the beef dish which was incredible as well. While I cannot remember all of the descriptions and ingredients, the thing to know is how GOOD this food is - the layers of flavor are so dynamic and complimentary and unique. The food is very fresh - organic, locally sourced, including grass fed meats and high quality seafood.
We did not finish until after the restaurant was closed, but even though they had closed they did not rush us out. In fact, the team (including the chef) all sat together after closing to have dinner with each other. It was really cool actually, to see the team all got along and took the time to enjoy dinner themselves before cleaning and closing up. You could tell they were all friends and this really contributes to the great energy there! It was also great to personally thank the chef that made our magical meal!
I will definitely be back and absolutely recommend this spot to anyone that wants a unique meal that is delicious and served in a warm and inviting atmosphere by a super friendly and attentive staff!
