Enjoyed a delicious dinner where Executive Chef Kristian Eligh leads the kitchen with his incredible menu of dishes and this fairly new restaurant that opened in June in downtown Victoria. Both Lawrence and I loved the dishes, ambience and the vibe of this new hot spot. The restaurant boasts an expansive wine cellar and an extensive wine and cocktails list. The dessert menu was created by Pastry Chef Dominique Laurencelle.

We started off with a glass of non-alchoholic sparkling wine, and then enjoyed some mocktails the Seguro and the Bicycle thief.

The complimentary House rolls with butter topped with kelp salt and olive oil is divine and a great segway into the meal.

We had a selection of Nigiri with the Chutoro, Unagi, Beni Sake and Hotate.

The Aburi sablefish oishi was a stunner and we wished we had ordered another, delicate and flavourful.

Tuscan Kale is large salad with quinoa, fennel, almonds, crispy bread crumbs, pecorino

The Crispy Marilena tacos with Steelhead trout were delicious and they also offer an option to get lobster.

The Chestnut Agnolotti was a new fall menu addition and it was absolutely delicious.

Crispy skin striped bass was outstanding with yu choy, maitake mushroom, cured pork XO and one of my favourites of the night.

Grilled Yellowfin Tuna ‘Steak frites’ is your classic French dish with a twist, shoestring potato, green peppercorn sauce.

Walla walla onion rings on the side was outstanding, crisp and perfectly seasoned.

We enjoyed a selection of the house-made ice cream for dessert having the Vanilla bean, black sesame and gianduia chocolate.

Westholme mint tea (did you know they grow there own tea in Canada)

Box of Mijnardes to finish

One of the most elegant restaurants to open in Victoria this year, make an advance reservation to dine there if you are heading to Victoria or if you happen to live in the area.

Marilena Café & Raw Bar is located at 1525 Douglas Street in downtown Victoria.

You can follow them on Instagram @marilenacafe

By: Richard Wolak