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Vista 18
Categories: Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Restaurants Wine Bars, Restaurants [Edit]
740 Burdett AveVictoria, BC V8W 1B2
(250) 382-9258
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 11 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Validated
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Vista 18
Review Highlights
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"A great view of the inner harbor and the Olympics." In 4 reviews -
"...18 is located at the top of the Chateau Victoria, downtown." In 4 reviews -
"...an elegant but friendly lounge, equally appropriate for a..." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Shelly C.
Victoria, BC
4/7/2012
The best view and martinis in town.
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Review from Daisy P.
4/17/2012
This is a very disappointing experience for us 4.
The butter nut squash soup was not flavored and we had to salt it.
Then the two fisherman stew (hot pot) dishes came overcooked.
The two salmon dishes came burnt till it tasted bitter. We had to cut out the burnt part in order to eat the fish. The side order of mushroom was also bitter with the wine they used to cook it! Altogether a bad representation of a fine dinning. To make it worse, we had a table next to us, with 3 people talking at the top of their voices, making us unwilling listeners to their entire conversation.:-((
The waitress seems more attentive to the 2 tables besides us. We don't get refills for our water, but they get so much service for their wine reorders.:-(( -
Review from Tom T.
9/3/2011
Only went here for some drinks, and were told we would then have to sit in the lounge. It was OK, since most every table had a great view of the whole City.
This sopt is on the 18th floor of a locally owned and operated hotel. Kinda cool. We had some drinks, good LOCAL BC wines...a plus! An organic gin Juniper martini with blue cheese olives...yesssss!
Felt so classy, but not sure if i would go back FOR dinner. Seems like more of a destination than a reataurant...but maybe the food is great? -
Review from Antonia W.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2011
I've never been here for a proper meal, but it's a cool place to go for late night drinks with friends with a nice view of Vic. It's fun when there's live music, but then I like to sit somewhere away from where they're playing because it's waaay too loud to have a conversation. Service has ranged from ok to excellent... server dependent I guess.
Another reason for going late night is to catch their buy one, get one small bites menu specials, which makes their prices more bearable. Better give them a call to check, but I think it starts after 10pm! -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
10/31/2009
Why hasn't anyone told me about Vista 18 yet? Thank you, Yelp, for this one.
I've been visiting Victoria for 8 years for both business and leisure. The perfect sexy wine bar with tapas and a live jazz band was something always eluding me in this city, but I think I've found my Nirvana.
Vista 18 is located at the top of the Chateau Victoria, downtown. It was a dark evening and I could enjoy the view of the sparkling Parliament buildings from my table.
The band was wonderful; that and the flattering lighting created a nice ambiance. Small plates are featured here: we ordered several to share, our favorite being the Prawn Shooters. Very cool presentation!
Great place for a date. We'll definitely come back!Listed in: Romantic Restaurants
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Review from Jason S.
6/9/2009 1 photo
When it comes to martinis and "being a man" I am pretty sure we are supposed to order our drinks shaken not stirred. Well I have changed my mind. One because I am not a special agent as much as I sometimes wish I was and two because dessert should come in drink form.
I have been to Victoria many many times always in search of the elusive awesome drink. I would have even settled for a good drink but it seemed I couldn't even find a good Rum and coke. Yeah two ingredients I know. I hopped from bar to bar from restaurant to restaurant and from club to club always looking for something better. I am happy to announce that my search is finally over.
They have an extensive menu of tasty beverages and an even tastier view. They are, after all, on the 18th floor of Chateau Victoria hotel. A great view of the inner harbor and the Olympics.
The main bartender, whose name eludes me (I'll blame him for that), is actually allergic to alcohol. So here is a guy who cannot even drink the amazing ideas he is coming up with. I guess that means more for me but it's really a complement to his skill.
I went here every night on my trip trying everything from a dirty martini to a tiramisu martini which came with a lady finger for a stir stick. One of my favorite drinks was the Sazerac which consisted of Courvoisier & bourbon with a dash of bitters, sweetened with simple syrup, stirred & strained into a chilled martini glass burnt with absinthe. Very good and no this absinthe that will not make you see Smurf's riding purple bunnies. If you do that's all you buddy.
My girlfriend and I actually asked him to make something not on the list so he pulled out a crumpled up piece of paper that he had scribbled ideas on and made us some really good drinks. One was called the jelly fish. It was a blue drink, again I am not sure what was in it for it was not on the menu, with some crushed ice and a floating piece of lychee which, you guessed it looked very much like a jellyfish.
We went here mainly for the drinks but also had some tasty appetizers as well. Cortez Island Mussels w/ garlic, fresh chilies and parsley which lasted about three seconds in front of us. A BBQ duck spring roll which was a great twist on your typical BBQ pork and also a Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza with chorizo, garlic & parsley.
So I am happy to report that I can now return to Victoria knowing exactly where to head for an amazing drink, a great view, friendly service, and one highly skilled, highly allergic bartender. -
Review from Abby S.
6/17/2010
My husband and I went there with high hopes of a tasty meal and lovely view. We were underwhelmed by both, though the view was definitely the better of the two. Our server was fine, not exactly friendly but not offensive. Our starter of roasted beets and goat cheese with greens and a pastry turned out to be more greens soaked in dressing than anything else but overall it was the highlight of the meal. My husband ordered the risotto dish, which turned out to be overcooked rice (not arborio rice; it might have been jasmine or just plain white rice) in a flavorless broth. It was actually amusing that a restaurant would consider that risotto. My chili pasta was decent. We didn't stay for dessert.
Pro: pleasant drink selection, very tasty bread.
Con: essentially no vegetarian food, overpriced for the quality, lackluster music/ambiance on the weeknight we went. -
Review from christine c.
Victoria, BC
11/12/2009
If the Vista 18 was on the ground floor I would imagine they may not have the appeal that seems to lure people in (and up). There is nothing necessarily wrong with them, but the only 'wow' factor would have to be the views. They may deserve 2 point something stars, but I'll never round down.
I've been here for dinner and drinks and most recently brunch. Looking back none of these occasions were my idea.
Dinner is served with the 'small portion so it must be good mentality.' In reality it is only a step above places like Earls. Cocktails are alright, but again nothing spectacular and comparable to Cactus Club. The brunch I had there was either waffles or pancakes, but I couldn't really tell you seeing as it wasn't memorable. And this was just a couple months ago. Trust me when I say I remember good food.
If there is a special occasion and a friend insists then I may end up here again. Otherwise I'd like them to step up their game, because they are brimming with potential. -
Review from Matt B.
Victoria, BC
3/1/2010
We ate at Vista 18 after the opera. We had a wonderful time at both. We were seated next to the window at the restaurant with a beautiful view of the city at night.
I had spectacular sausage & calamari for an appetizer and rib eye for my entree. Dessert was a bit experimental. I was served whiskey soaked bananas and mini pancakes. Everything tasted delicious.
Very good service too.
We'll be back soon. -
Review from Stephan W.
Langley, BC
6/26/2011
Been a few years but worth a trip for the view. Scallops are bang on- big, bold and perfectly cooked with seasonal veg on the side= goooood times
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Review from Josie K.
Surrey, BC
1/9/2012
Dined here on dec 27th, my friends wedding anniversary, while visiting them in Victoria. Fabulous views, food good and enjoyed a nice, long leisurely evening, with no feelings of being rushed out. Waitress knowledgeable, recommended a great wine. Before main course hot breads were very good. Will definitely return here for a meal.
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Review from Dani B.
9/29/2009
Good service, good drinks, great view.
Located on the 18th floor of the Chateau Vancouver, this place is great for an ultra fancy dinner or an intimate date.
I only came for the drinks but was quite impressed with the helpful staff and their knowledge of the drink list, which is very extensive.
I wouldn't go here for a causual cocktail, but when you want nothing but top notch quality, this place should not be overlooked. -
Review from Sofs H.
12/2/2011
Great service, delicious food, good view. Portions are smallish but that's fairly standard for a higher-end restaurant such as this. Would definitley like to go back on my next visit to victoria.
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Review from Alex W.
Maple Ridge, BC
1/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Service was alright, but the atmosphere and food made it worth the time. The view is amazing, and if you have no time limit I recommend this place.
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Review from Russel L.
Victoria, BC
7/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriend has been doing some work for me for my movie Twitter account and blog and since I'm not a complete jerk, I thought the least I could do was take her out to dinner. Her idea: Vista 18. I'd never been and I'm a sucker for eating while getting height vertigo. Maybe it's just me.
THE ORDER:
Situated on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel, we were greeted by the hostess who directed us to a table just outside of the lounge. A little out of the way for privacy but not so679848 tate modern Vista 18: Up, Up and Where is my Server? far that it wasn't noticeable. We ordered almost every appetizer to share (they are small) and filled ourselves with a variety of different tastes. She enjoyed a Grasshopper martini while I partook in a little Jack Daniels and Coke. We were there for about an hour and a half before paying the $49 bill and making our way back downstairs.
THE SERVICE:
Um, were we bothering you? As your table, I didn't mean to interrupt your night as a server but I just want a little attention now and then.
We waited at our table initially for about 10 minutes. No hi. No "be with you in a minute." Nada. It's not like the server was busy (there were only a few tables in the place) and it's not like no one knew we were there (the hostess did point us where to go). But we waited.
Before I go on, I should mention the hostess. Now if you work in a restaurant or any service industry, you should have a pretty good awareness of your surroundings. Even if you're looking away, there has to be a moment where you look around so customers aren't standing waiting for periods of time. This hostess does not possess such talent. I'm not asking for Spider-senses...just the ability to do more than one thing at a time. It wasn't as bad when we came in but when I went to pay the bill and stood by the debit machine...nothing. And I was 3 feet away from her. Whatever she was doing was waaaay more important than a paying guest I suppose. (I'm just getting snarky).
As for the service, it was A to B. What do you want? Here it is. Repeat.
Besides waiting for a little server love, I felt I had to go to him when my coke carbonation was flat (heck, we'd waited for a hello. How long was the quality check going to be) and make the trip to pay my bill.
It wasn't a bad experience per se but I did feel like we were left to our own devices with not much in the way of effort. What am I tipping on? -
Review from kevin c.
Victoria, BC
1/3/2009
Great place for dining, drinking, and listening to music.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights music from 8 till 11. Good beer and wine selections, ever changing tapas menu full of tasty interesting small bites. The staff is friendly and lots of fun too.
Of course the fabulous view of Victoria and the Olympic mountains in the distance is a plus. -
Review from Ashley W.
Victoria, BC
2/12/2011
Pork roulade was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. With grainy mustard and dill pickle filling, it was thoroughly unpretentious, making the meal even better. A bit pricey and some of the views are now obscured by condos; I would still recommend this restaurant.
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Review from Leila M.
Winnipeg, MB
8/5/2009
I wish Winnipeg had a place like Vista 18: an elegant but friendly lounge, equally appropriate for a night out with friends or a good date.
I'd seen Vista's website and drooled over its menu, but unfortunately visited around 10 at night after a filling dinner elsewhere. So we didn't try the food, but the drinks were perfect: a bracing old-fashioned for my companion and a martini concoction for me. I cannot remember the name, but it had "French" in the title, Chambord among the ingredients, and was a real surprise; this was not a sickly sweet "martini," but a tart, refreshing mix.
The live music was pleasant and unobtrusive; we were sitting at a table right next to the two guitar players, but could still converse while appreciating the entertainment. We should have visited the lounge in late afternoon or early evening, to better appreciate the view while it was daylight and more visible. Still, it was a wonderful time here, and I was sorry we didn't have the time to linger longer over a few more drinks and small bites. -
Review from Eve F.
9/8/2010
We visited this restaurant for dinner on our trip to Victoria. I ordered the Halibut and it was a bit undercooked and unseasoned. The potatoes that came with the entree were dry. I ordered a Mojito and it was great. The atmosphere was pleasant and the view was enjoyable. This place is great for drinks with a view. In a word, the food was pretentious. The menu and pricing suggested a gourmet meal, but the food did not deliver. Service was excellent, we were served by Michelle.
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Review from Stacey E.
9/21/2008
Great view and a decent wine list. I've only had a cheese plate here so I can't vouch for food but I can say the service was excellent when we were there and they dealt with our loud group like pros.
Listed in: Dining out in Victoria, BC
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Review from Sara W.
Victoria, BC
12/12/2009
Vista 18 would never be a first (or even second) choice destination for me. Why? Well, there's nothing outstandingly wrong with it, but there's also nothing about it that makes me want to go back again. I guess I'd label the place with "average" overall: My drink (an espresso martini) was pretty good and the service was friendly and efficient, but the food (a buffalo mozzarella mini-pizza and some spicy chicken) was pretty mediocre (the pizza seemed to be about 75% crust, 15% gigantic whole garlic cloves, and only 10% actual toppings). The view was quite cool even when it was completely dark outside, but the atmosphere in the restaurant itself was completely dated in a stuffy, trying-too-hard kind of way (I'm pretty sure their iridescent diamond-patterned wallpaper should have been replaced back in the 1980s).
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Review from Bob B.
7/27/2009
This one's a puzzle. We had excellent food - I had the halibut on a bed of cucumber (wonderful). The side of house "chips" was terrific. And the ambience is very inviting and striking, with great views of Victoria. But the service..... Our waiter, a nice enough kid, would have been better suited for a hamburger and beer pub. He knew nothing of the wines, and not much more about the entrees. He was cute enough, and nice, but way out of his league. Certainly not on a par with the food.
