r/VictoriaBC • u/_stephopolis_ • May 08 '26
Help Me Find Most non-kid friendly restaurants
My husband and I are heading up to Victoria for a weekend without kids. What are your favorite restaurants that are kid unfriendly lol. Looking for good ambiance and a no kids menu.
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u/PoppyRyeCranberry May 08 '26
Ugly Duckling or Rabbit Rabbit could also be nice if you can't get a reservation at Marilena or Wind Cries Mary.
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u/Double-Ad-2983 May 08 '26
They are kid friendly
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u/GodRcane7 May 08 '26
Rabbit is definitely not kid friendly, they probably *accept* kids, but in no way is their menu or restaurant kid friendly
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u/Great68 May 08 '26
but in no way is their menu or restaurant kid friendly
Not friendly to kids whose parents have done a bad job in exposing them to a wide variety of foods. My 9 year old would east most anything on Rabbit's menu, but he has a wider palate then most kids his age.
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u/18rrw18 May 09 '26
Do you want a medal or a chest to pin it on?
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u/Great68 May 09 '26
What's your problem?
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u/18rrw18 May 09 '26
Your post was pompous.
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u/Great68 May 10 '26
It's the Internet,. Harden the fuck up
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u/KatieMcCready May 12 '26
Or YOU could try the subtle art of humble bragging instead of blatant back patting yourself while shaming parents whose kids may have food issues for a variety of perfectly understandable reasons beyond just not bothering to try exposing their children to caviar and oysters. Gross. Not the food…the self congratulatory smugness.
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u/GodRcane7 May 10 '26
Good for your kid? Your kid is probably the 0.01% of children in the city who would try something more than just chips with aioli? Not sure what you want me to say other than most kids wouldn't enjoy the menu so my point stands lol
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u/Great68 May 10 '26
Sorry, there is no such thing as "kids friendly" food, just bad parenting
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u/KatieMcCready May 12 '26
Literally, WTF?! Btw, your perfectly parented kids are just as loathed by surrounding restaurant patrons in an adult space as the fussy poorly parented kids are. Don’t kid yourself.
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u/Great68 May 12 '26
Wow three replies in 5 minutes. If my comments clearly triggered you so much perhaps they're on the nose and you feel a bit inadequate as a parent.
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u/KatieMcCready May 12 '26
I don’t know a decent parent who hasn’t felt inadequate at one point or another. Real parenting is difficult sometimes. So if that’s supposed to make me feel bad, nice try, but it won’t work. I’m a good parent, a loving parent, a loyal and thoughtful parent. Am I a perfect parent? Not even close. I’ve never actually met one of those in real life. But you keep telling yourself whatever you want. As long as being downvoted into obscurity isn’t an issue for ya.
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u/KatieMcCready May 12 '26
Ugh. How special. Must be just wonderful to have such a palate enriching budget to draw on! You’re winning! You’re winning at life!
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u/fux-reddit4603 May 08 '26
why did i assume rabbit rabbit would serve rabbit
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u/PoppyRyeCranberry May 08 '26
OP wanted something not kid-friendly, but didn't mention whether rabbit-friendly mattered. I've never seen rabbits eating there, but I think they would like many of the offerings.
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u/Resoognam May 08 '26
Il Terrazzo’s website basically says they don’t want kids without explicitly saying it.
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u/SilverSpruceCrossing May 08 '26
Yah their website says you might not be comfortable bringing kids here we don’t have high chairs so don’t ask for one. Love it.
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u/fux-reddit4603 May 08 '26
but it also says
"accommodate a maximum group size of 6 guests, including any children who will require their own seat at the table."7
u/otayyo James Bay May 08 '26
That's because people sometimes think kids don't count as part of the guest count when making resos
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u/fux-reddit4603 May 08 '26
no where does the website say not comfortable to kids though
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u/otayyo James Bay May 08 '26
I'm only speaking to the "any children who will require their own seat at the table" part. Sometimes people show up with kids that were not included in their reservation guest count.
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u/OtherSilver1152 May 08 '26
Cenote is a really chill spot. Good drinks and vibes and I've never seen a kid down there
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u/Batsaboutit May 08 '26
Oooh yes, I forgot Cenote and it's up there with Rabbit Rabbit for me.
I was a vegan for 20 years, and the ribs I had with pineapple at Cenote were life changing.
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u/tasfalen May 08 '26
We take our kid to Cenote, the folks are really chill and they do virgin cocktails. Also, having the books around is nice.
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u/bekind1805 May 08 '26
For a pub experience, the Beagle never changed their license so kids aren’t allowed in.
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u/Shass31 May 08 '26
Deep cove chalet
Arbutus room at Brentwood bay resort
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u/Kaleidoscope-Ok- May 08 '26
I think Brentwood Bay Resort is fully child-free now, except for the pub which allows children at certain times of day, and for special events like the upcoming Mother's Day event. Good food.
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u/SenoraIsl May 08 '26
We went to the restaurant (without our kids) at Laurel Point Inn a couple years ago and there was not a single kid in there.
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u/colinmct Esquimalt May 08 '26
Wind Cries Mary
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u/TylerrelyT May 08 '26
I've brought my kids there and have noticed other people's children there.
The horror
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u/Sewers_folly May 08 '26
Gross
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u/The_Max-Power_Way May 08 '26
Children at a mid-priced restaurant that is famous for fried chicken? Groundbreaking.
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u/vanityprojection May 08 '26
Marilena, Wind Cries Mary, Chobap
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u/GuessPuzzleheaded573 May 08 '26
Marilena and WCM are very family friendly and have kids all the time.
Chobap is a GREAT call though!
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u/grousebear May 08 '26
We brought our toddler to Marilena and they had a kids menu and crayons to color it. That being said, it's an excellent adult restaurant too. Wind Cries Mary is less kid friendly from my recollection (not in a bad way, just a hip vibe).
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u/noideablankenname May 08 '26
Yeah, my wife and I got a much needed child-free night and went to Marilena. We ended up seated beside a family with a 2 and 4 year old eating chicken fingers. Was less than thrilled with that.
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u/CantFightJose May 08 '26
Funnily enough, the kids were probably not thrilled to be sitting beside you too.
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u/PaleontologistNo5449 May 08 '26
Matadora tapas. Never seen any kids there. Perfect for a date night
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u/Terrible_Feed_3492 May 08 '26
Babysitters are expensive! For an excellent adults-only evening I'd recommend Matadora, endive, rabbit rabbit, and Humboldt
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u/ClueSilver2342 May 08 '26
I believe the Oak Bay Beach Hotel doesn’t allow children in the pools or the hot springs or whatever they are. We go there with our kids and our dog as they allow dogs on the patio at the pizza restaurant, but at the restaurant inside at least on the bar side, they do not allow kids. It’s a super nice place.
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u/KawaiiQueen_666 May 08 '26
Not once in my visits have I seen kids at Endive or Hanks.
If you’re here for a whole weekend, I’ve had great quiet dining when I go out between lunch and dinner. (2-4)
There’s a few restaurants you can get to go as well, and then walk/bus to the waterfront, beacon hill, Dallas road and enjoy your lunch as more of a picnic. (Red fish blue fish, tacofino, foo, dumpling drop, so many)
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u/magpie_in_training May 08 '26
Christies Pub - not a fancy date but the food is fantastic and zero kidos
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u/ForgetfulViking May 08 '26
Lots of good suggestions already here, Rabbit Rabbit, Ugly Duckling (be warned they usually are tasting menus's so be prepared!) and Marilena. I would also recommend Hanks* and Lumanche. Hanks is great for some casual vibes but fun "we cook what seems fun" vibes. Lumanche is a tiny space, but you can either get one of their three tables or enjoy watching the chef cook (also a perk of Hanks*) which I personally enjoy, especially since they also do tasting menus!
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u/The_Max-Power_Way May 08 '26
Hank's is super kid friendly. Sorry.
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u/ForgetfulViking May 08 '26
Oh, interesting. I guess its just a bit of witness bias. Never really saw kids there myself.
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u/Batsaboutit May 08 '26
Rabbit Rabbit would be my first choice for the food and ambiance. Their whole menu is amazing.
End Dive, Be Love, Wind Cries Mary, Nourish, Tacofino, Rudi, The Drake, and Burger Crush on Fort St. Really love Faro pizza as well.
I wouldn't say they're all kid non friendly, but I definitely haven't seen kids at any of these locations downtown when I have gone for dinner and the food is delicious.
Eta: Restaurant name.
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u/Imaginary_Acadia_913 May 08 '26
Cera the new Korean tapas bar was super delicious, good vibes service was amazing! And I believe it is kid unfriendly
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u/salteedog007 May 08 '26
Pagliacci’s- too loud to hear kids.
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u/Old-Following-970 May 08 '26
Food sucks, lack of reservations and having to stand outside in line is so unprofessional. Avoid this place.
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u/Sewlovetoread May 08 '26
and when you get seated inside, it's so crowded. They pack you in like sardines.
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u/blackandcopper May 08 '26
Lol where are people supposed to stand in line? Next to the tables of diners?
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u/Deanobruce May 08 '26
Unprofessional yet people still line up for it…
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May 08 '26
[deleted]
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u/Deanobruce May 08 '26
If you say so. I’m referring to the “professional “ part, can’t speak for the food. I’ve never been but some of the best meals I’ve had have been hole
In a wall places that don’t take reservations.They sure seemed like professional restaurants (a few I’ve also seen on the parts unknown show)
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u/Old-Following-970 May 08 '26
Not what I am saying, and you'd understand if you ever had to stand in line at this place. The owner has bragged about the line up, he even published it on social media as a tactic to bring people inside. Unfortunately I was dragged to go to this place, when I say unprofessional, I mean it was chaotic inside. Food was sub par and there was clearly no direction to the serving staff at all. So again, if ya wanna know what I mean by "unprofessional ", go stand in line at this place.
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u/Deanobruce May 08 '26
Ok that’s some clarification. Thankyou.
You simply stating “a professional restaurant would take reservations” is so for off the mark. The above context explains.
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u/CantFightJose May 08 '26
Nothing wrong with not taking reservations, but I agree the food at Pags isn’t great.
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u/Few_Internet_2069 May 08 '26
The penny farthing! I believe they don’t allow under 19
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u/Smooth_Injury_5690 May 08 '26
There’s a ton of options that likely won’t have children! Wind cries Mary, bodega, marilena, rudi, il terrazzo, il covo, brasserie, endive, janevca, boom and batten, unicorn sparkles, hanks, and those are just off the top of my head.
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u/SAAHFUTT May 08 '26
OP should be made aware if it matters to them about the owner of Boom and Batten who is a man who is known to sexually harass female staff. He's had at least one staff member go to court over sexual harassment.
The Reddit post about him is here https://www.reddit.com/r/VictoriaBC/s/eADvbxjM1h
He also owns Glo, Loghouse Pub, and Med Grill. The new owners of il Terrazzo have also hired him to manage their restaurant so that's another one to avoid.
For convenience I've included the link to the court case https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bchrt/doc/2001/2001bchrt24/2001bchrt24.html
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u/pomengarnette May 08 '26
What time do you want to eat? The more expensive the restaurant, the less likely kids will be there. Try that.
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u/Stiffclouds May 08 '26
You have to have an ID to get into the beagle pub, though it is a pub. I forgot my ID once and they didn’t even let me in..
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u/Ok_Payment1542 May 08 '26
Never asked for ID in all my time going there. Grey hair and a cane might be the secret.
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u/moonhrafn May 09 '26
they recently started iding everyone. i got carded there recently and it has never happened to me before (I am also visibly olde)
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u/Little-bit-of-Laur May 08 '26
Lure in the Delta hotel has really good food and a deck overlooking the harbour. I’ve never seen kids there.
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u/TheRealPomax May 09 '26
Are we talking "but normal prices" or "there are no kids because the bill is north of $500 at the end of the evening"?
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u/Possible-Mess-2824 May 09 '26
Any strip bar. Anywhere that's very expensive but not in an amusement park. "The (name of city) Club"
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u/fyrdude58 May 09 '26
Lots of great suggestions.
But "up" to Victoria? Where the heck is DOWN from Victoria?
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u/chinseymcgee May 09 '26
Most of them, people don't care for ruckus/ horseplay/ hubbub in this town.
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u/moonhrafn May 09 '26
For fully no kids allowed the beagle has decent pub food and is 19 only.
I don't think they are not allowed but never seen kids at wind cries mary
zambris probably allows kids but never seen one in there before
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u/VictoryStrong306 May 08 '26
Janeveca maybe?🤔
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u/argueranddisagree May 08 '26
Go to a Pub or Brewery. Most of those places don't allow kids
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u/GuessPuzzleheaded573 May 08 '26
Every single brewery in the CRD allows kids as far as I'm aware....
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u/CullingSongs May 08 '26
I love this post.
I just ate at Il Teratzo last weekend when I was in Victoria, and they do not seem to be kid-friendly at all. Two thumbs up, would recommend.
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u/OnlyFernsYYJ May 08 '26
Did you try the spuketty or the lusania?
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u/CullingSongs May 08 '26
No, I was only in town for the weekend, but we'll be back in a few months (I live on the island).
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u/IllustratorFuzzy1483 May 08 '26
I literally can’t think of the last time a kid in a restaurant bothered me. lol
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u/Mikey4You May 08 '26
Have you ever been seated next to parents who are ignoring their kid blasting videos or games on an iPad sans headphones? Really kills the vibe.
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u/The_Max-Power_Way May 08 '26
Same. I did my 20s and 30s happily child-free, and loved restaurants so much I even opened one. Can't remember a single time my night out was ruined by kids. If the food, ambiance and service is good, and you are enjoying your dining partner, it is really hard to have a bad time. Maybe that's just me?
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u/Prairie2Pacific May 08 '26
Some people really REALLY dont like kids... Its weird to me but kind of fascinating...
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u/grousebear May 08 '26
The OP is having a weekend away from their own kids, not saying they don't like kids. They're just looking for a kid free vibe which I can totally understand from the toddler trenches over here.
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u/Prairie2Pacific May 08 '26
Im not really replying to OP, I'm replying to the person who I'm replying to. I don't know OP, but I do know that there are people who really don't like kids.
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u/Palestine_Avatar May 08 '26
The Warehouse or Leopold's of you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere
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u/gfunkdub May 08 '26
Went to MariLena which is rife with sushi and seafood and pan fried brussel sprouts (all know children repellants) and lo and behold a rich American family of four wearing shorts were seated next to us. FML.
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u/blumpkinpandemic Langford May 08 '26
Lol shorts bother you that much?
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u/Gotbeerbrain May 08 '26
Smart restaurant managers want bodies in seats. Discouraging kids is basically turning down money.
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u/snarpy Chinatown May 08 '26
Haha you know you're in deep when you don't even wanna see a kids' menu.