Benjamin's Cafe & Restaurant Ltd. — Restaurant in Esquimalt

I am a big foodie and I love flavorful foods so when this restaurant opened I was really stoked because finally, there's a Filipino restaurant in Victoria.

I first came here to try their halo-halo and I was impressed and told a few of my friends. We went back the second time and the third. The fourth time I was with my Canadian friend hoping to impress him but he said the banana was hard. Their was also some ingredients missing that they had to top it off with more gelos (not nata de coco) which is not really an ingredient in a halo-halo. I did not enjoy it and regretted that I bought two. I also tried the Lomi on another occasion with my dad and I enjoyed it at first. The second time was with a friend and I did not enjoy it as the taste has changed and it wasn't as good as the first.

I tried their buffet to support them celebrate their one year anniversary. It was eat all you can for $25. I went their mainly because I want my Vietnamese friends to try Filipino foods and what better way to do that than the eat all you can idea. My Filipino friends were not really stoked to go because they said the foods here are not really good, but they went because of me. The pancit was basically just noodles with soy sauce and cabbage, there was no meat. It was the same for chopsuey. The veggies were not properly cooked and are cut into big sizes plus there was no meat in it. If you know the real taste of chopsuey to how Benjamin Cafe cook it, the taste doesn't even come close. I said this because I have tried their chopsuey on multiple occasions where my friends ordered catering from them. The lumpia was ok and dry. I tried the lechon kawali and that was ok. I also tried the beef menudo or was it afritada, not quiet sure but the memory of it already faded meaning it was not good either. The lechon kawali was ok. I had to make my money worth so I went back a few times for the buko pandan.

That concluded my visit and I will say that this will be that last time I will me dining here. I was not really impressed with what was served and all in all it was an ok experience to try the other menus they have. To be honest, the foods here are a hit and miss not to mention very pricy.

According to a friend of mine, "the number one reason why Filipino people eat out to a Filipino restaurant is to eat delicious foods and to treat themselves or their family. If the foods we eat out is not as good as the one we cook at home, then it is better to just stay home and cook". He has a very good point there.

I hope this will serve as a constructive criticism. I did try to support this restaurant and went back...

I ordered "Chicken adobo" and "Lumpia" via Uber Eats yesterday, 10 December 2024. Later, I got a notification via Uber that Lumpia needed a change as the store was out of it. Also, I got a vocie mail from Benjamin's saying they are sorry and they could substitute the Lumpia with someother dish (Empanada). To make it clear, I phoned the store with the contact from google. A lady took the phone, and they recognized me (Uber Order). She said she could change Lumpia to Bbq pork and assured me that there's nothing to worry about. I was so happy how they treated me even when i am not dining in. But, after 5 minutes, I found that they had cancelled my order and that I had not been charged for the order. I tried to reach Benjamin's at least 4 times. And nobody responded to me. As a customer, I feel very sad about this. Even if Benjamin's cancelled my order without giving me an option, I would have been fine. But, this made a very bad impression on me. I really wanted to try Adobo for the first time in my life. I recommended your restaurant to a lot of my friends before. This is my honest experience, and i deserve an explanation. I can attach the screenshot of my calls, too.

Later, on Dec 13th, 2024 I visited Benjamin's as I really wanted to try their Chicken Adobo. I was surprised as they were so sorry for what happened the previous day with Uber Eats. Chicken adobo with garlic rice was so good. I really loved the flavour. They wanted me to have the Adobo complementary. But, I refused as I completely understood it was not their fault what happened the previous day. Go ahead, Benjamin's. I will visit again to try...

From the moment you step into Benjamin’s, a Filipino restaurant nestled in Esquaimalt, you are enveloped in a sense of warmth and hospitality that feels like a homecoming. Great Filipino restaurants have a unique way of making you feel welcome, and Benjamin’s is no exception. The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience fully.

The food at Benjamin’s is nothing short of spectacular. Every dish is a flavorful journey, from the savory richness of their sisig to the delightful sweetness of their rice cakes and coconut desserts. Each bite is a testament to the culinary traditions of the Philippines, executed with care and authenticity. Whether you are familiar with Filipino cuisine or trying it for the first time, the menu offers something for everyone, with a variety of options that are both comforting and exciting.

The service at Benjamin’s is equally impressive. The staff is attentive and friendly, always ready with a smile and eager to make your dining experience memorable. They go out of their way to ensure that every guest feels at home, providing recommendations and sharing the stories behind the dishes.

As Benjamin’s celebrates its one-year anniversary, we are reminded of the joy they have brought to the community. It’s a place where friends and family can gather, share a meal, and create lasting memories. We hope to see them again on our next visit and wish them many more years of success.

Happy one-year anniversary, Benjamin’s! Thank you for your exceptional service, delicious food, and for making us...