Saxe Point Public House — Restaurant in Esquimalt

So went to this place for Dine around Victoria last week- apparently it's been new, for about 6 months now. It was packed and busy for a Thursday, which was lovely to see.

Thankfully the hubs made a reservation, as a just-in-case basis.

We got there in time for our reservation, seated at a spacious table, given the menus, and it didn't take long for the server to ask if we wanted anything to drink aside from water. Hubs and I resisted the urge to order out of the menu and stick to our Dine around Victoria plan. I got the chicken schnitzel as the main, the scallops with potato veloute, and sticky toffee fritters as the dessert item. Hubs ordered the same dessert and appy, but had the hazelnut crusted Ling cod for the main.

I thoroughly enjoyed the potato veloute- the scallops were supposed to be the highlight, but I found mine to be a bit overdone. The potato veloute was the star. The schnitzel (a lunch menu item) was good, the mustard was a nice touch, and the chicken was moist. The unknown brown sauce was good as well- I ended up mixing everything together with each bite. Although the main was good, the appy still made a better impression. For dessert, the toffee made a lovely conclusion to the meal. The fritters were warm and gooey, and the ice cream just really complimented that. I mean, you can't go wrong with sweet and sweet together, can you?

Overall, the atmosphere was great- it had the feels of a neighborhood pub, but a bit more modern. The server had mentioned they'd already had some regulars that visited. The place got busier after we left, and the server that had time to chat with us earlier had to limit their interactions with us.

But the table turn-around was great, from what I observed. The tables around us got their food not too long after being seated, just like ours. The only complaint is that the tables are a little closer together, so that if someone was standing in the path to a table, detour is limited, and a person may have to wait for someone to move before they can pass.

Highlights: Interesting menu variety Cozy, classy, but relaxed atmosphere Accessible washrooms Friendly service

Lows: Parking - didn't seem like they had a lot, but we didn't frequent the neighborhood, and it was dark and rainy Can feel quite cramped

Please give this place a try, you may...

Went for lunch on a Monday at 1pm. The daily special was fish and chips which my dining companion chose to order. I ordered the saxe point burger. My burger was only acceptable it showed great potential on the menu but upon tasting it was only mediocre at best. The burger featured pickled peppers as one of the toppings. Poorly executed is the best I can say about my burger. The peppers were cut in half and were overwhelming in space and taste as there seemed to be alot of juice from the peppers overwhelming any taste the burger had. I like pepper however it was truly the predominate taste to the detriment of the burger. My fries were cold and tasted like fish. A nice touch was the well provisioned salad the meal came with. Great assortment of items and pleasantly dressed. Unfortunately the other meal ordered being the fish was a far sight poorer. While waiting for our meals, which arrived quite quickly we both commented on the bad smell in the air of a very fishy odour. Both hoping it was not from our order. We quickly discovered it was. The fish was very greasy dripping from it and the grease was foul. The portion of fish was 1 piece and of a small size. This was all right as we were not able to consume even the 1 piece. It was a 18.99 menu price which seemed poor for a daily special item considering the poor quality and the size. Other patrons seated Behind us got the same special and were commenting to each other of the smell and greasy taste. I do not know if the fry oil needed changing or what but it was a poor quality selection. The service provided by the pleasant young server was very good and she was very busy seeming to be the only server on the half of the pub we were on. There was another staff member but I believe he was an assistant bussing meals out to the tables. I really wanted to like this restaurant as the social media presence I have seen spoke of a great place to eat but our visit was not one I enjoyed. Staff and the restaurant decor was enjoyable but the food needs to be just as good as the other components to make me...

A welcome and lovely addition to Esquimalt. Food, absolutely wonderful in both flavours and presentation. The menu is very well balanced with small dishes and large plates. It hits on all notes for the foodie wanting to try something new or an old favorite that they recognize. You can't go wrong with the porcini mushroom Arancini , delightful perfectly cooked rice spectacular burst of flavour in each bite. The sauce is well balanced with the right amount of black truffle oil. It's a pretty dish that will leave you wanting more. Next we have the smashed potato salad, where to start? This is also my husband's top pick so far. The potatoes were extremely well seasoned, each topping complimented the other. Both fine dishes for a hot lunch hour on the patio. Drinks you will find something you like. Great selection of craft beer and big brewery. Cocktails and mocktailas line the menu with fabulous choices and unique blends. Don't forget the wine section with many choices to try. The patio has a fantastic atmosphere as umbrellas cover the tables providing ample shade. Lined with beautiful flowers and a view of the park. Inside has the perfect layout the bar front and centre with the patio wall fully open you catch a breeze while watching your favorite sporting event and enjoying a beverage with friends or alone. The pub is well appointed and comfortably inviting. The staff makes this pub an even better place to enjoy a meal or simply drinks. From the front end, bar and kitchen the staff is top notch. Excellent prices for the caliber of food and drinks served. We will return. Lunch hour get there early as the pub fills up fast. I almost forgot to mention the patio is dog friendly. Please remember they are a new pub and have not been open very long. It gets extremely busy at top hours....