Pablo's Dining Lounge

Pablo’s Dining Lounge is the most misunderstood restaurant in Victoria. For many locals, it is the milieu of old money and special occasions, but if longevity is a mark of success, than let it be so. In a city that boasts a litany of failed restaurants; the good, the bad and the ugly, after a quarter of a century of fine dining, Pablo’s is still open for business seven days a week.

 

The restaurant is housed in a stately old heritage building, nestled on a leafy corner, an easy ten-minute walk from the inner harbour. Small and intimate, with a big open fireplace in the middle of the main dining room, it is cozy and inviting.

 

Pablo is a good-looking Spaniard with much European charm. He is the front of houseman and has a mind for names and an eye for details. His equally charming wife hasn’t been seen since she picked up a spatula and assumed kitchen duties twenty-five years ago.

 

The menu at Pablo’s is extensive and decidedly French. Many of the old classics are offered and if rich sauces and high calories are not a concern, Pablo’s is definitely worth a visit. This year, the $25 Dine Around menu offers the diner a choice of three appetizers, entrees and desserts. They are taken from the regular menu and give you a good idea of what this fine restaurant is all about.

 

Appetizers included; Pate’ Maison, Ceasar Salad for Two, prepared at the table and French Onion Au Gratin. We ordered the Caesar Salad and we’re glad we did. Our waiter composed his culinary opus, before our gaping faces, with much flair and élan. As for the salad, it was all that one could ask of a simple head of Romaine and a handful of garlicky croutons.

 

Entrees featured such venerable classics as Chicken Cordon Bleu, Coquilles St. Jacques and Entrecote au Poivre. Being a meat guy, the choice was clear. Make mine rare, please! My steak was a lovely piece of prime-quality beef, well marbled, tender and admirably attired in a rich peppercorn sauce. Simply delicious! The supporting cast included Pommes Duchesse (potatoes pureed with butter and egg yolks), broccoli prepared slightly al dente with a dab of creamy Béarnaise sauce and a serving of pickled red cabbage as an interesting counterpoint to the many rich flavours found on the plate

 

Dessert was a choice of Crème Caramel, Strawberries and Ice Cream or Cheesecake. All were appealing but I opted for the custard, which was creamy and richly flavoured.

 

The evening was a great success and the meal was delicious. Service was informative, efficient and relaxed. The only obvious shortcoming at Pablo’s is the wine list. Considering the breadth and scope of the menu, the wine list could use a little work to cover a few more bases. Special occasions aside, Pablo’s is worth a visit any night of the week.

 

—The Secret Diner

 

225 Quebec St., 250-388-4255