The Blue Poppy Restaurant — Restaurant in Central Saanich

After our good experience at the Blue Poppy in Butchart Gardens (Aug 2017), we just had to write a review to counter the many negative reviews here. We are not easily satisfied diners, so a favorable review does not come easy. We choose it as the alternative to the more expensive main Dining Room. This is not really a cafeteria. Yes, you stand in line to order and pick up some of the food like desserts. But the entrees are prepared fresh in the kitchen. We ordered and split a spinach salad and an Asian noodle dish, each full meals, and were very pleased. They were neither bland nor uninteresting, as some reviewers commented about the food in general. We sat next to a couple who ordered great-looking steaks, who were very happy with them. The service at the table was just right, and the man who took our order came by to ask how we...

After a busy morning at the Gardens, my husband and I and our friend stopped here for lunch.

This place is kind of like a cafeteria. Some things you carry back to your table on a tray but other things, like the entrees, are brought to your table.

My husband and I each had the Seafood Chowder with fresh bread and a salad. We had been eating so much this trip we decided to go healthy. But we threw our good intensions into the wind by sharing the Wildberry Trifle.

Our friend had the pasta.

Everything was well prepared, well presented and excellent.

This is a sheltered restaurant that protects you from the sun, but it's open too, so there's a gentle breeze. Lots of plants everywhere of course. Great surroundings for your meal.

The service and staff...

We tried the Blue Poppy for the first time a couple days ago while visiting the holiday lights at the gardens. I was impressed. I had the salmon on a bed of spiced lentils, with cubes of squash, and topped with sour cream and fresh dill. The salmon was slightly overcooked for my taste, but otherwise the meal was delicious! We asked if there was anything available for my vegan husband. The staff went to check and then said the chef would be happy to make a vegan version for him. Very pleasant and helpful staff. The atmosphere is a bit like a nicely decorated cafeteria. We both enjoyed it and...