We stayed at Villa Eyrie last night, which was very nice! The rooms have an amazing view and we had a lovely tub. We decided to have dinner in the Hotel restaurant Alpina, this turned out to be awful. First of all the dinner menu has dishes with small icons which show you which dishes you are able to order without gluten, dairy, nuts etc. (allergies). Quite neat, but then our waiter told us that these are not always very accurate (?). I can't eat dairy, so I ordered the Arctic cod. This showed a dairy free icon, so it was possible to have it without dairy. (There was a lemon saffron reduction on there, I did not taste ANY saffron, so this probably was left out). I would assume that if you leave something out a dish (quite expensive: $34) you would get something in return OR get a discount on the dish. The waiter was constantly talking about the chefs and that they only care about the experience they want you to have. They would do everything to make it an amazing experience. Well I can tell you, nothing about our dishes was amazing.
I got the dish and first of all it was not a lot, like 6 pieces of gnocchi, 4 very small shrimps, 2 clams, 2 mussels and a small piece of cod. I live in The Netherlands, a country where we eat a lot of cod and mussels. So I know what it can taste like. The cod was dry, and the TWO mussels on the dish both tasted awful... I know how to separate a good mussel from a bad one, and these both were disgusting! I told our waiter about the mussels and he immediately said that it could be that the mussels were marinated in a way that was unfamiliar for me. He did not even consider taking my judgement as the truth. Now the dish of my girlfriend. The chef came up with a dish that would be some gnocci with a creamy cheesy sauce with truffle and mushrooms. It was basically just soft doughy gnocci with mushrooms and a distant pesto taste like it came out of the microwave.
So all together, I would recommend to spend your...
Read moreLooking for the perfect spot to impress your brunch date? Look no further than Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort. Nestled atop the Malahat, this hidden gem offers a dining experience that combines stunning views with exceptional cuisine, making it an unforgettable destination for any special occasion.
From the moment you step inside, the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Saanich Inlet set the tone for a truly memorable meal. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for a romantic brunch or a peaceful escape. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to soak in the natural beauty while you dine, creating a serene and intimate environment.
As for the food, Alpina Restaurant's menu is a masterful fusion of classic European flavours with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted, from their deliciously fluffy eggs benedict to their signature Alpine-inspired dishes that bring a unique twist to brunch favourites. Every bite’s quality and attention to detail is exceptional, and the presentation is equally impressive.
The service at Alpina Restaurant is also top-notch. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure you have an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're there for a special occasion or to enjoy a relaxing meal, you’ll feel genuinely cared for from start to finish.
For those looking to elevate their brunch experience, Alpina Restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, perfect for toasting to a particular moment or simply indulging in a little luxury.
In summary, Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort is the ultimate brunch destination for anyone looking to impress their date or enjoy an extraordinary meal in a picturesque setting. With its breathtaking views, impeccable food, and outstanding service, it’s a dining experience that will leave you and your date with...
Read moreView 5/5 Food 4/5 Service 4/5 Ambiance 3/5
You are paying for the view, and the view is gorgeous, many tables are positioned in a way so most will get a window table looking out.
The food was good. But nothing very exciting. I was expecting it to be something extraordinary, something to cherish.. but it wasn’t. It was good, but the many different types of foods don’t really go together. Japanese, Italian, German, American.. so if you plan on sharing with your partner or getting a starter I would stick to trying from one of the styles of cuisine. When reserving they ask about food allergies, but they never really checked again about it. So I asked after ordering because I realized we didn’t talk about it. In fact one of the dishes did contain that and they offered different options for me. I could’ve checked sooner, but we did inform in advance, so I thought that would’ve been communicated to the staff, it wasn’t.
The food and drinks took a very long time to arrive.. 15 min for the cocktail then another 20 for the appetiser then another hour for the food..
The music was very low so you could hear everyone’s conversations even when they spoke quietly. So it’s not a very intimate setting in a lot of ways.
Couldn’t help to feel like we were constantly being up charged. Like the waiter asked if we wanted bread in a way that made it sound like it was complimentary, it was not. Thankfully I looked at the menu before some of the questions.
The wine was alright…. One glass we actually wanted to see if it had gone off, it tasted so acidic. Apparently it wasn’t according to them. I love wine and hate to be a bother but the Malbec we ended up enjoying was much over priced for an okay wine.
The experience was alright. Nothing terrible, nothing bad, the food was alright, the view was beautiful, I wouldn’t go back though. And it’s...
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