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Pagliacci's
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Pagliacci's
Review Highlights
"...they offer free bagels with cream cheese and jam with your..."
(in 3 reviews)
"The checkerboard cake was absolutely delicious."
(in 3 reviews)
"Oh yea, IT COMES ON FOCACCIA BREAD."
(in 2 reviews)
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Katie O.
10/23/2011
When the concierge at our hotel advised us to try Pagliacci's for brunch, I was confused. Isn't Pagliacci's a pizza joint? Not this one!
While we walked a little too far at first, we eventually found it, and popped inside to find that it was packed! Evidently the secret is out on this one. We were seated in the corner, and given menus full of appetizing yumminess. I ordered the Breakfast at Tiffany's, not fully aware of what it meant for eggs to be "poached". When it came out, it was so appetizing that I dug in...and found that my eggs were runny. My friend advised me that they were supposed to be this way, so I kept going. It was delicious, and I was soon satisfied.
Be sure to come hungry, since they offer free bagels with cream cheese and jam with your brunch entree. -
Review from Beth C.
Victoria, BC
8/18/2011
Pag's used to be much, much better, and on my last two visits, it disappointed somewhat. I'd give 2.5 stars if I could, but I'm a rounder-upper today, so three it is.
The good:
-bread is delicious, salty, oily, herby focaccia. Yum.
-decent selection of wine, available in various sizes/denominations
-the soup is consistently very good.
-the parmesan salad dressing is great,
-the service, given how busy it always is, is usually actually pretty good.
-the desserts are giant (seriously - share.) and tasty.
The bad:
-the pasta, which used to be their specialty and is still a dominant portion of their menu, is just nowhere near as good as it used to be. It tastes dried-out, reheated, bland, unexciting. I could make this at home, better, and not for $15.00.
-same with the veal. Veal should not be dried out and rubbery.
The ugly:
-the prices, and the line out the door are still indicative of the restaurant this used to be, and not the one it is anymore. You're going to pay a whole lot, and wait a long time, to get food that just isn't really that good these days.
I hope they pick it back up again and start paying attention to and caring about the quality of the food they're sending out, because I used to love this place so much. -
Review from Jean-marc L.
Victoria, BC
1/7/2012
Maybe it's better when you eat in??? I had there food as a pick up order when I stayed at a hotel 2mins of walking away and I have to say it's good but nothing really to brag about. Prices are average for an Italian restaurant.. I have to say though, it was packed full witha pretty big lineup and people seem very happy and enjoying their food. Service seemed very friendly too. I'll definately try it again but this time I'll eat at the restaurant.
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Review from Carol C.
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
A little tight and noisy, but a good experience overall. Food was good -- loved the bread. The service was good, especially for such a crowded venue.
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Review from psylocke r.
Langley, BC
7/17/2011
Another good option in Victoria is Pagliacci's. They offer a gluten free noodle to go with any of their pasta dishes. As always, check to make sure the sauce you choose is gluten free. Its nice to dine in an Italian restaurant, sitting elbow to elbow with everyone else, and have something to eat other than salad. I chose the dish curiously named the Bicycle Thief II?? The sauce includes mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, Italian sausage, green onion and fontina cheese. I enjoyed the sauce, but I didn't feel that the noodles matched what I was eating. They serve thai rice noodles, which are better suited in pad thai. So, all in all, good effort Pagliacci's for accomodating your gluten free diners, but try changing your noodles to one of the new great options available.
Downtown Victoria, on Broad Street. -
Review from alison t.
Mission, BC
10/12/2011
To die for cheesecake. It totally looks like a dive, but I really enjoyed the food. I would eat here every meal if I could (and lived local). It was a ton of fun to go here.
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Review from Allison F.
2/14/2011
I cam here on Saturday with a party of six for my sister's birthday. We arrived to a lineup out the door, despite it being 1:30, but thankfully the line moved fairly quickly and they were able to accommodate the size of our party. Space in the restaurant is very tight and so it was definitely a juggling act to get in to our seats, as 3 backed directly in to other diner's chairs and there was no room to move. Awkward!
A few of the items on the features sheet were crossed off as being sold out and so we mainly ordered off of the regular menu. I had a half order of The Cabinet of Dr Capelletti and a green salad with yogurt-dill dressing to start. Thankfully we were warned by my sister that even half portions were huge, and so we were able to order appropriately.
My salad was super fresh and included a portion of chick peas. Delicious! The dressing was nice and light and is thankfully served on the side for every order. Our entrees arrived shortly after our starters of soup and salad and were piping hot. My tortellini was baked with cheese on top and was okay. Nothing special. The sauce had a hint of red wine to it, though there wasn't a presence of many veggies in the dish. The portion was large for tortellini and I wasn't able to finish it all.
Hands down, the best part about the meal is the complimentary foccacia bread. Heaven. Large salt crystals on the top and it's super crispy, thanks to the extreme presence of olive oil. My mom figured it had been deep fried but I think the pan and top were just well oiled. Don't look at the coffee filter that lines the basket once you're through all of the pieces, as it's an unpleasant reminder of how much oil you just consumed.
Service was a little slow but considering the place was packed and it's difficult to move around, they did well and were very friendly. I would return for the bread and homemade soup, but pasta here didn't really wow me. -
Review from Keith J.
1/10/2011
Yeah, I would say that if you are a true Italian food fan, you will definitely be disappointed. While the old neighborhood kitsch is sort of Bayonne New Jersey-ish enough, it does not carry the rest of the problems. Interior is cluttered, claustrophobic, simply too small; we are not big people at all, but sitting at one of the 2-tops along the wall made me feel like I was stuffed in a tunnel or something with 50 strangers, and I was bumped and brushed by waitstaff and neighbors at the other tables all night.
Menu is a selection of almost too-cute movie and personality-named dishes...yawn. Trying to be the Carnegie deli? No eggplant parm, which seemed a bit odd, but plenty of steak and basic pasta combinations. I had the nightly special pasta, with red onions, sausage, and marinara over penne. Pasta was cooked fine, but the sauce made me feel like I was ingesting teaspoons of salt with each bite, and the sausage was dry and pretty flavorless. Could only force down 1/2 of a half order. A "specialty" dinner salad with walnuts and craisins and greens was like something out of a grocery store plastic bag. Our first basket of bread was cold and strange, second was hot but still a little strange. This is definitely a place that takes the uneaten slices and dumps them into the next party's basket, I would guess...
Wine selection was really weak and overpriced for the plonk that was being offered. Service was OK, our waitress was very nice and friendly, but it was not a challenging task with this food.
My wife said that for a dinner like this, you might as well go to the Old Spaghetti Factory, and initially I disagreed, but looking back - she was right, and it would have been $15 cheaper, and come with spumoni, and not had me craving gallons of cold water for 12 hours.
Go if you feel that you need to because it's such an old area favorite, but not for a great dining experience. -
Review from Karen P.
Burlington, ON
8/7/2011
My favorite restaurant in the entire world...I dream about the Minnesota Fats!
Food is great, portions are huge. But it's the atmosphere I love most. It is a bustling, people place. If you have to wait in line, you're served red wine in a coffee mug, and you chat with others in line. Tables are close together, so there are other opportunities to meet people if you are so inclined. I've arrived by myself and ended up sharing a table with new friends.
The decor is fun and the service is good. Desserts are sinful and huge - you have to share -
Review from Jason L.
Pagliacci's is one of those places with an old school vibe and hearty menu options.
PROS:
+ Focaccia, focaccia, focaccia: unlimited, fresh, warm, did I mention unlimited?? Absolutely delicious when paired with..
+ Soups: the soup of the day has not failed me yet, and has always been a more than willing accomplice to the focaccia bread here. My favorite has been the been and bacon soup. Delicious.
+ Mama's Meatball Sandwich: you will not regret this. These giant meatballs come covered in melted cheese and a spiced tomato sauce. Oh yea, IT COMES ON FOCACCIA BREAD!
CONS:
- Pastas: can be all over the place in quality and taste. I was especially disappointed with "The Cabinet of Dr. Capelletti" -- this cheesy baked tortellini dish was way too cheesy, and the tortellini was a soggy mess. The Asian-influenced pasta dishes were also way to sweet or over-sauced. I will go back and try a simpler pasta like the "My Secret Garden" next time
- Restaurant: it is freezing inside the restaurant. The last thing you want stepping out of a chilly November day is into a just as cold restaurant.
Come here for lunch, and I think you know what you need to get plenty of ;] -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
8/17/2010
Just like the italian opera that is its name-sake, I adored this place.
It had been recommended to me for dinner because of their live Jazz, but I could only make it to have brunch there on my last day in Victoria.
I checked the menu briefly online and saw that it would be a good breakfast spot immediately. The place is covered in old photographs and has a bit of an italian mama's deli feel - you fully expect to accidentally take the wrong turn when heading to the bathroom and end up in the middle of a mafia poker game, complete with spats. I think of that as a positive - the place had character: so much in fact that it oozed it along with a 'cool cat' vibe.
Onto the food. Any restaurant that as a policy brings bagels with cream cheese and jam to the table to 'start' has a place in my heart. Great servers who are attentive and quirky, and the menu was written by someone with a sense of humour I can relate to. The little quips and jokes made me chuckle as I debated what to order.
Because I completely devoured the aforementioned bagels, there was little room for much else - so I ordered the fruit plate with apple cinnamon yogurt, thinking that would be a little light 'snack' rather than a heavy breakfast.
The fruit plate was HUGE! Slices of cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, nectarine, papaya, oranges and kiwi, with grapes thrown in for good measure. I couldn't finish it all, and I made a valiant effort. The piece-de-resistance was absolutely and without a doubt the apple cinnamon yogurt. I didn't think I'd like it, so I was hesitant to try it, but it was like eating apple pie.
My other half ordered the HARPO scramble and said it was delicious - but he also couldn't finish. The portions are hefty and tasty, so if you don't have a huge appetite, I'd ask for a half order so that you don't waste food.
I intend to go back the next time I'm on the island to try the ricotta lemon pancakes - but this time I'll be prepared and will stay away from the bagels.
We went in at around 11:15, and on our way out there was a line extending outside, so it's no best-kept-secret, but it's certainly on my 'must' list for Victoria.Listed in: Brunch Love
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Review from Kevin D.
6/30/2010
Only spent two nights in Victoria and was recommended by a friend to get to this place. What a great suggestion. Didn't make it out till about 9:30pm on a Saturday night maybe a month ago. I was really worried about finding a good place at such a late hour.
Paligacci's had maybe 8 people crammed into the waiting area when I arrived. There I was standing with a few groups of younger locals when the aromas of the packed dinning room hit me. No matter the wait I was going to eat there.
Well worth the wait. Everyone including the customers made me feel less like a weekend foreign traveler and more like a local. The staff was very helpful in recommending a meal. Ended up having "The Cabinet of Dr. Capelletti" and tried to eat every last bit. -
Review from Jay D.
12/27/2010
My wife was raised in Victoria and so introduced me to this local hot spot for eating. I'll not be introducing Pagliacci's to friend or foe.
While perusing menu for an extended period of time I kept my eyes keenly focussed on all of the meals passing within my line of sight. The plating really was shite and made the pasta dishes, scrambles and other offerings look unappealing to this diner.
So I ordered Pagliacci's eponymous salad and was completely underwhelmed by it's presentation and taste. Pagliacci's salad featured shredded carrot, a hard-boiled egg, tomato, garbanzo beans and some strain of shredded feta cheese atop a bed of romaine lettuce. If I were to attach my name to a plate, I would try a bit harder.
The carrot cake I shared with my lovely wife earned Pagliacci's the second star although I would warn other would-be diners to share this cake as the portion is as big as your head.
Mia moglie è stata sollevata in Victoria e così mi ha introdotto a questo punto locale caldo per mangiare. Io non sarò l'introduzione di Pagliacci di amico o nemico.
Mentre sfogliando menu per un lungo periodo di tempo ho tenuto gli occhi profondamente concentrato su tutti i pasti che passa all'interno della mia linea di vista. Il fasciame era veramente shite e fatto i primi piatti, si arrampica e altre offerte aspetto poco attraente per questa cena.
Così ho ordinato un'insalata eponimo Pagliacci ed è stato completamente deluso dalla sua presentazione e del gusto. Insalata di Pagliacci consigliati carota grattugiata, un uovo sodo, pomodoro, ceci e qualche tensione di formaggio feta triturato in cima a un letto di lattuga romana. Se dovessi associare il mio nome su una targhetta, vorrei provare un po 'più difficile.
La torta di carote che ho condiviso con mia moglie bella guadagnato Pagliacci è la seconda stella, anche se vorrei mettere in guardia gli altri aspiranti commensali per condividere questa torta come la parte è così grande come la tua testa. -
Review from Tony S.
5/1/2010
We went to Paligacci's with high hopes, earlier this week; as I write this yelp (summation of our experiences), I should have delved deeper into the others' opinions a bit deeper.....then I would have known not to have picked Pag's for an evening in town.
The menu posted within the Pag's website, albeit provoking, gives a good indication that this dining institution provides variety and prices for full entres or 1/2 entres at reasonable prices gives you further consolation. (Dining prices in Victoria are, in my opinion, much higher (with, frankly, lesser quality) than I have experienced in other bigger cities.....remember, my opinion).
Prior to stepping out for the night, I called Pag's in advance. The girl on the other-end-of-the-cord answered promptly.....I asked if reservations were possible....she replied, only for groups of 6 or more....hmmm, ok, thank you very much. I asked if, upon arrival, should there be a wait, whether a cocktail at the bar was possible while waiting for a table to open.....no, she said, we will offer you a glass of wine and you need to wait (possibly with others) just outside our entrance. I said thank you. We proceeded to walk to Pag's at/about 8:30 pm, that evening.
Despite a brief rain shower enroute, we arrived. We were not recessarily surpised at the entrance way - but there were no fewer than 10 persons awaiting as we attempted to (politely) push our way towards a reception/hostess stand sans host/hostess. Eventually "Kate" came to the rescue from her position at the bar.....I asked if a table for two was possible....yes sir, after the first-two-top, and two four-tops ahead of you. Nothing further was said, no glass of wine was offered. We waited. We waited. We waited.
As other yelpers have written, the place was quite packed that night. The DB level was quite elevated. The 'limited' wait staff was scurrying from table to table - to the kitchen - then again from table to table. When couples had finished (I noticed), paid their bill(s) and departed, it seemed, also, that such tables sat for a comparative time before being cleared and re-set for other patrons. Understaffed (?), yes indeed.
Kate returned to the hostess stand. It was now 9:15 pm. My colleague and I were offered a table closer to the kitchen.....but the table had yet to be cleared from prior guests.....hmmm....another 10 minutes passed, a server came to clear same....we were offered menus, then eventually water and a basket of bread and utensils.....no butter, no oil and vinegar for dipping, no cocktails. Is this any way to run an airline??
Our waiter finally (15 minutes) arrived to ask if cocktails or wine were desired. Yes, please. Service then became more attentive. I selected the John Doe (a simple presentation of spaghetti and meat balls) - a half portion. I asked for the soup of the day: sorry, sir, we do NOT offer soup during evening dining (only during the day).........now that's a first for me.....am I alone on this one? I asked for butter and/or oil and vinegar for bread-dipping.....it arrived 10 minutes later.
Finally, our entres arrived....(well into already a 1/2 hour experience of curious consternations.) To wash down our frustrations, we asked for a 1/2 litre of red wine. At least the wine arrived promptly and the price was not provoking.
What is further curious about Pag's was the volume of people being fed on that night (or likely any other night) and how accepting and/or tolerant they were of either/all of the above: wait staff that is not exactly cheery or offering of a warm-greeting-upon-arrival, tables not cleared from others' prior dining, no-soup-for-you (evening menus), slim-picking servers/per capita, a DB level that was over-saturating.
Summation: should not have picked Pag's; should have opted for another pasta joint eleswhere in the downtown area.
Another yelper mentioned that Pag's can/IS cramped-quarters-style dining. Indeed (double !!). No disrespect to other diners around us....but have some consideration bro to those around you and keep your personal s*#% to yourselves - enough such that others don't need to know your sleeping habits and/or who with. Gimme a break! Take your garbage outside.
I could have written a "1" for Pag's but thats def not my style. I came, I saw, I was fed. If you elect to go to Pag's - let us all know your give and take. Thanks. -
Review from Danika L.
Vancouver, BC
3/4/2011
I've been here many times over the years, the last visit being last weekend. And I'll definitely be back, if only for the bread. mmmmmm that bread! I came here for dessert once, and couldn't help but request the bread still (and the waitress thankfully obliged!). On that note, the checkerboard cake is amazing. Don't expect to finish it by yourself. I think I ended up packing at least half of it home with me. As for the pasta dishes, I've tried The Big Easy, The Bicycle Thief II, Dempsey's Lasagna, and The Sophia [holy cow, I didn't realize I've been here that many times!]. The Sophia wins hands down. The last time I ordered it, I ate 1/3 at the restaurant, ate 1/3 for lunch the next day, and the last 1/3 for dinner. It's just that rich, but oh so yummy and artery clogging!
My latest visit was for brunch. Arrived at around 1130 on a Sunday morning and our party of 4 was seated within 5 minutes. Craziness. I ordered the Groucho omelette. It wasn't excellent, but wasn't bad either. I liked the potatoes it came with, but wish they gave me more. I don't think it was worth the $11 price tag. But, as usual, the bread stole the show. At brunch they have well-buttered bagels with cream cheese and fruit preserves. SO GOOD! -
Review from Douglas Y.
1/8/2009
My family's been going to Victoria, B.C. for 10 years straight, and while the trip has been getting a little stale (only because I've seen everything ten times), it always ends with a night at Pagliacii's, and that, by no means, will ever get stale.
Pagliacci's is one of the few "fancy" places I've been to that doesn't encourage fanciness. Meaning you don't have to wear a suit, you can bring the kids, and somehow, even though they're always packed, the service will always treat you with patience.
All ten times we've gone, there were no complaints. Each dish tasted incredible, and no constructive criticism could be given. I can't be astonished enough with this kind of a place, with these kinds of foods, especially when they charge less than a not-so-fancy chain restaurant (looking at YOU Macaroni Grill!).
By all means go here, ten times if you have to. Arrive early to avoid the crowd, or arrive late for the complimentary coffee/cocoa provided to those waiting in line. -
Review from Zain K.
5/5/2010
Known to locals as "Pag's", this place is a Victoria institution, and is one of a couple places in town where you can expect a fairly long line anticipating it's evening opening at 5:30p.
The free bread (foccacia-like, but cakier) is as good as it is filling, and so is the food. Dinner entrees are fairly pricey at around $25 each, but most people come for the pasta, with each dish priced around $15 for a regular order and $10 for a half size. The latter is usually plenty (since you'll have partly filled up on bread by the time you get it), unless you want leftovers for the following day.
A nice customer service touch here is the fact that they hand out small cups of red wine to those waiting in line to be seated. -
Review from christine c.
Victoria, BC
11/12/2009
I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the majority of the 5 star glowing reviews are from out-of-towners. Not that they don't hold valid opinions, but it leads into my next point. Pagliacci's is somewhat of a tourist trap.
The food can be decent and is very reasonably priced. The fact of the matter is there are places (nearby) that serve exceptional food for comparable prices. I'm all for paying $10 ish for lunch and I do! Ferris', Pink Bicycle, Baan Thai, Delicado's.... they all fit the bill and will not disappoint.
Living in Victoria I have been to Pag's way too many times to count. On my last visit my mama enjoyed her soup, which is seemingly consistent. My little brother couldn't eat his sandwich and neither could any of us. How does one make a sandwich taste bad? Now that's skill. My pasta was about as good as the pasta I make at home. I do like my pasta, but when I'm eating somewhere that supposedly specializes in the stuff I expect a little more.
I'm down with Pag's atmosphere. Perhaps that is the best part. But atmosphere alone does not make a foodie happy. -
Review from C C.
Nanaimo, BC
7/7/2011
I had great expectations for this restaurant as there is always a line-up outside from 5 o'clock on....First off, the bread was undercooked and doughy when it arrived. When my green salad arrived, I was disappointed as it was just some leaf lettuce, chick peas, and grated carrots put together with a side of dressing. I honestly could have made a better salad at home for way less money...The pasta now, which I was looking forward to was overcooked and the sauce bland. The italian sausage was mediocre at best and nothing special.....Huge letdown for supposedly a great Italian restaurant....I would definitely skip this restaurant and go for Il Terazzo if you want decent Italian food. Beck, I still can't believe how bland and tasteless the food was!!!!
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Review from Ben C.
7/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place was awesome. The bread I think is the best bread that I've had at any restaurant .....EVER. It's so salty and seasoned, and free and never ending.
We ordered the Casa Blanca which was chicken stuffed with ham and cheese. Awesome. Caesar salad awesome. Price is reasonable considering that you will not leave hungry (see what I wrote about the bread).
I am adding this to my "Victoria's must Experience" places -
Review from Antonia W.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2010
I was looking forward to coming here because of some recs by word of mouth and I had tried to go here a few times, but never wanted to wait for the super long lines. So when my parents came for a visit from Ontario, we made sure to get there for a Saturday lunch early and managed to get in with just a very short wait.
The place was BUSY.... soooo busy that I think it really does affect their service because it took quite a while to get attention and order and then for food to come. Water wasn't refilled and honestly, I felt like I was in a crowded high school lunchroom.
Atmosphere aside, the food was ok, the bottomless soup offer could be good if you catch them on a good soup day. I had the barley soup and it was alright.... a little too salty for me. The pasta looked pretty good.
Overall, I don't get the long lineups, except I think their prices for the quantity of food are perhaps better than other places. I think they need to either get more servers or try and serve less people. -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
5/30/2009
Despite the Italian name and abundance of pasta on the menu, you can't think of this as an Italian restaurant. If you want something authentic, go to Zambri's. But you can find a fantastically authentic Italian restaurant in most large North American cities. You'll only find Pagliacci's in Victoria.
Pag's features an immense list of delicious Martinis to suit any palate. My wife thinks the Hardy Gras is the best she's ever had. They also make a fine Manhattan.
I always look forward to starting each meal with their olive oil-soaked foccacia, which sometimes contains a bit too much salt, but I don't care. I also enjoy checking out the Vegetable of the day. Make sure to get the Grilled asparagus and cherry tomatoes in a coconut curry broth if you have a chance - Super Delicious.
I also enjoy the pastas - I'd recommend sharing a full pasta or eating half and taking the rest home.. I haven't tried any of the curries, but can recommend any of the pesto-based dishes. I also like My Secret Garden quite a bit. All sauces are made with care in house, but I'm not sure about the actual pasta. All of the thicker pastas taste fresh.
And save room for dessert if you like cheesecake. -
Review from Sheridan S.
8/5/2010
From the ambiance to the food, this place delivered.
It's just got such a wonderful vibe. With all the old pictures and things to look at. This is eating as it should be - close by another person/ another table. When we went it was extremely packed and we sallied up to a table next to another couple.
The wine / bread only drove the anticipation until we received our excellent and hearty Italian meals. I had Lasagna which was too big for one person and the Ms. had eggplant parmigiana which had an excellent crispyness, again more than we could eat. We should have split a plate (note for the next time)
And there will be a next time!!! This place is one of my favorites in Victoria.
Forget the negative reviews - they don't know what they are talking about (sorry they don't) -
Review from Adelina W.
Richmond, BC
2/24/2010
I've been the Pagliacci's a number of times for dinner and it is usually my go to place when I have visitors. The line for dinner is ridiculously long and usually out the door. I try to get there early, but there is always a wait.
This last time I went, I decided to go at lunch time for their bottomless soup and bread. However, they did not a veggie option for their soup so instead I ordered their daily noodle which was mushroom ravioli in a garlic mushroom cream sauce. My companion ordered the "Dish With No Name" which is shrimp, mushrooms, green onion, bell peppers in an Indonesian sweet sauce over linguine. Both were delicious.
The primary reason I go back over and over again is their amazing bread that they provide. So flavourful and delicious =) They offer a daily menu that changes which is nice for those that have gone there a couple of times. I was disappointed that they don't offer a veggie option everyday for their soup, but the pasta I had was yum. Service was friendly and unhurried. Eating at lunch is a very different experience compared to eating at dinner. There are less diners and you feel less hurried and cramped in the space. Plus, the lunch pastas are the same price and come with a salad. I think if I come back here again, it'll definitely be for lunch. -
Review from Derrell P.
4/15/2010
A feeling of doom descended upon us as were handed menus with whimsically titled dishes like, 'The String Cheese Incident', or some such nonsense. The last entry on the menu even informed us that, 'if you can't understand the rest of this menu, order this, it's spaghetti and meatballs.' I could probably end the review here; that's about all you need to know.
Realizing we were in trouble, one of us opted for their pasta special (penne) with kalamata and sun-dried tomatoes and some strange feta-like cheese substance which completely overwhelmed the dish. I opted for the lasagna, which while looking reasonable at a nearby table, in reality turned out to be a strange cheese blend with sweet red sauce accompanied by noodles and mushrooms.
Reasons to eat here: long waits, volume of food, affinity for slow service.
Reasons not to eat here: too many to list. -
Review from Kier M.
Victoria, BC
9/25/2011
not sure why so low a score- Pagliacci's is what it is- the line up and the crowded seating is an accepted part of the deal for those who have been in Victoria for a long time. The food doesn't seem to have changed to me over 20 years- yeah some of the sauces can be 'mild' relatively, but not worth a 2 star rating. Bread is awesome every time i've been and the experience is nice and different from other restaurants.
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Review from Matthew R.
1/26/2010
I've been to Pagliacci's twice, and it's a very interesting place to have dinner. It is a long wait for a table, and usually it's outside. Once you get a table, it's a very crowded and loud place.
With that said, the food is good. I've had two different dishes, and one was great, and other was so-so. I've not had the chance to have dessert here yet though.
Service can be slow, and you can see them hurrying from one place to another. So, they really are working hard!
I would recommend coming here if you have time and patience, especially if you don't mind standing outside in the cold for a seat. -
Review from David D.
2/16/2009
Was up in Victoria for business so prior to going I scoped out some Yelp reviews to visit. Top of the list was Pagliacci's.
Pagliacci's is in downtown Victoria. For this time of year, winter, Victoria was kind of a lonely place with not much happening in the many downtown restaurants's. When I entered Pagliacci's there was a crowd. The place was packed, but bear in mind there was possibly only about 15 tables. The ambiance is nice when dining with a partner.
Service was great. I was always checked on and the food came quickly. The bread is awesome as described. It's a garlic loaf bread sliced in small pieces on the diagonal. A little basket for the table. They seemed to be sprinkled with a little salt that gave a nice taste when eaten.
I ordered the Chicken Pamesean otherwise known as the Ralph Kramden. Great flavor to the chicken and the sauce was nice. Came with fettucine which was just ordinary. Also came with a small salad before the meal with a nice vinegrette.
I did not try dessert but heard the people next to me ask what they had just so they were certain they weren't out before they finished their dinner. So they must be good.
Overall nice quain restaurant. I would recommend to others traveliing to Victoria. -
Review from Radhika M.
Victoria, BC
4/13/2010
Finally after hearing about the great pasta here for months I got to try it for myself this past Saturday. My friend and I ventured to Pagliacci's to satisfy our past craving around 1pm. We were in a bit of a hurry because her parking ran out in a hour's time but we did not need to worry as we were seated in less than 5 minutes and served our food about 10 minutes later!
The bread was delicious, so much so that it did not require butter and the Marinade in Manhattan was delicious and not overpowering like most marinades. It even has a bit of a spicy after taste.
My friend had the Roman Holiday which despite it's description she though was delicious. I wasn't too sure about the egg and pasta combination but they pulled it off beautifully. -
Review from Robert H.
6/29/2009
Pagliacci was a true pleasure and was one of the best intimate dining experiences my wife and I have had in some time. But this pleasant experience came after a 35 minute wait. From what you will hear in Yelp (and from the locals as well) is that a wait at prime dinner hours is unavoidable. However, even the wait is tolerable as a sense of comaraderie formed chatting with our fellow diners in line. Once inside it became clear why a wait is inevitable. Not only is the restaurant very small, but the staff does nothing to hurry anybody along. People sat nursing a final glass of wine or lingered over dessert.
The food was well prepared and flavorful. The offerings are not classic Italian by any means. You are just as likely to find cajun flavor at Pagliacci as you will Tuscan or Mediterrean. We spilt a very nice feta spinach salad and each had a pasta dish. The pasta was cooked al dente, and both enjoyed our selection. The veggie of the day was asparagus dressed in olive oil a balsamic vinegar. That proved to be a great choice to complement the pasta dishes. A liter of an Italian Merlot-Sangoivese blend was inexpensive and adequate. Don't look for an exhaustive wine list, but you will find something acceptable.
Pagliacci has live music on occasion, the night (Sunday) we were there they had rousingly good 7 piece band that crammed their way into the small space to play Jewish Folk music. They were the perfect addition to eclecticism of the evening. You should call to find out about the live music schedule.
All in all, Pagliacci was fun, gustful, eccentric, relaxed, intimate, and above all, a place to return. -
Review from Catherine K.
Nanaimo, BC
6/6/2010
I've been going to Pags since 1989, so that in itself says a lot. If you're looking for a cheap, filling lunch, this is the place to go. All lunch entrees come with a salad, and of course, there's the bread, which is second to none. Pasta dishes are tasty and filling (warning: the full orders are HUGE! Even my husband, who is a big eater, orders a half-order), but my personal favorite is the Mama's Meatball Sandwich. The sauce is rich, the meatballs spicy, and it comes served on more of that delicious bread. Sunday brunches come with awesome bagels, served NY style with cream cheese and jam.
A couple notes - this place can be packed, so there's often a long wait (usually outside), and it can also be VERY noisy. It's a small place too, so not a great spot if you're looking for a private dinner. Service can be really variable as well - sometimes, it's stellar and other times, it's, um, not.
But, this is an institution in Victoria and there's a reason why I've been a patron for over two decades - that meatball sandwich! -
Review from Paul C.
7/21/2009 9 photos
Try the Hermann's dark lager, it's great to wash down a decent plate of lasagna.
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Review from Craig R.
Victoria, BC
5/24/2010
Nice atmosphere. 30 min wait was made enjoyable by free wine. Good live jazz band the night we went. Good desert but not the best desert I have ever had.
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Review from s t.
8/17/2010
The food is incredible - delicious, fattening, huge portions - though the service is uneven. It's a tiny crowded hole-in-the-wall, reminding me of some NYC restaurants. They don't take reservations, and the line is out the door on Saturday night - complicated by their laissez-faire approach to seating order ("Just go outside and we'll find you." "Don't you want our name or how many people?" "Nah.") As such, there is a bit of a scramble to remind them who came first (particularly when three tables opened at once - with one being a prized banquet in the corner and the others being tiny tables in high-traffic area. Incidentally, we won.)
I recommend it strongly, but maybe Type-A Americans should have a drink first. -
Review from Ami D.
7/7/2009
I was quite disappointed after visiting here for lunch - the service was slow(tho we counted 9 wait staff!) and the food was average at best. The stand out was the tomato with veggie soup but the pizza & tortellini were just ok. I strongly recommend spending the extra $15 and going to Il Terrazzo or Ferris'.
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Review from Ryan N.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2010
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Victoria, bar none. Great food, including the best free starter bread I've had hands down, anywhere in the world.
Long waits on busy nights, pretty crowded sometimes, but I like the atmosphere and the service has always been excellent. -
Review from Stacey E.
11/28/2008
Pags! I almost forgot to review Pags. Dear god. This is a really fun place to eat, a Victoria institution if you will. Live music, great vibe, mugs of wine while you wait in line and bread to die for. Food is pretty good though to be honest we come here for the music and company.
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Review from Tisha R.
Victoria, BC
5/24/2010
We had a great night, relaxing drinking wine and listening to the jazz band. Food was amazingly delicious, I plan on going back! Also don't be fooled by the coffee mugs they give out while you're waiting in line - it's actually red wine!
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Review from A M.
4/24/2011
Great place with delicious pasta. Kids meals and drinks are complimentary which is a nice touch.
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Review from Monica G.
1/19/2010
I went to Pagliacci's for lunch on a recommendation based on all you can eat soup. Unfortunately, that is not available on Sundays as I was told upon arrival. Both of us had omelettes, mine was crab and the taste was good at first but then I grew tired of the hollandaise souce. The staff was attentive and I like the fact that they serve you bagels with cream cheese and jam upon arrival. I also really enjoyed the hot cider. And yes, I am a tourist to Canada....
