Deep Cove Chalet — Restaurant in North Saanich

My third review:

We have now eaten here about ten times. One negative review makes the observation that this is what fine dining was 30 years ago. I say YES! The slavish pursuit the newest new thing is interesting, but for those of us who had the good fortune to eat in Michelin starred restaurants in France in the 70's, 80's, and 90's can tell you - great classic French food never gets old.

I remember when my neighbour recommended the Chalet we had just moved here. She has known Pierre since the 80's, and I went and looked up the menu. I thought you can't make that menu outside of a really big French kitchen. Well, he does, and he does it extremely well. We have now eaten everything on the menu, and my only regret is that he doesn't do kidneys, but I understand that if I ask for them when I reserve it is possible. I think I'll try.

He is very much his own man and for those who expect a servile attitude you will find the experience a little different. Front and back of house are very well run.

My second review:

Just had our second experience here. More impressive than the first. Had two friends with whom we share a deep interest in food. 5 appetizers, four mains, three desserts, all executed with a superb attention to detail. our first reaction was that the chef probably couldn't really cook a menu this size and do it with distinction. He can.

Ignore the monarchist wingers who haven't eaten here complaining that he wouldn't subject his loyal clients to the security requirements of the royals. We need Pierre and his exceptional restaurant, we don't need them.

Our first review:

We just ate here for the first time. All I can say is that all the good reviews reflected our experience. The bad reviews sound like either people who have never been to a real French restaurant (yes the kitchen is closed between lunch and dinner - all day breakfast is served at Denny's) or were at a different establishment.

Warm duck salad, warm stilton timbal, elk loin in green pepper sauce, and sweetbreads, all wonderful. Service was competent and friendly, atmosphere encouraged conversation between tables. Sunset was spectacular. I give it 4 stars only because I've eaten in restaurants with multiple Michelin Stars back when they meant something. For North Saanich this place is exceptional. In France it would be very good.

Oh yes, not cheap, but if you want cheap what are...

I have never ever been treated so poorly from the customer service by any restaurant in my life. I was on a wait list for reservations fingers crossed it would be in my favour for my family and myself. As a restaurant owner myself and multiple business adventures I personally have, this is not how I would ever treat a local person. Sorry to make this public but not sorry at all really I hope this makes people think twice into making a reservation with you, FYI to the business owners, if someone cancels they unfortunately canceled. That should have been firmly responded towards them. Not tell someone yes come in and then all of a sudden hey no sorry can’t have you here. The reason why you didn’t allow me and my family into your establishment is because I have children. If you had a table of 4 adults this means you make more $ selling the liquor you offer. Because there is only 2 adults and 2 children you declined my requests.

UPDATE 9 months later. My family and I have never stepped foot into this restaurant because of the ignorant owners and their greedy ways. However the area which I do now reside is absolutely phenomenal and the local people are fantastic. It’s too bad that they pulled the switch on us as we are big spenders in the community! But I see it as their loss not ours. I will continue spreading the word on my experience with this restaurant. UPDATE ON MY REVIEW. I always like to come back to places I give my experience to. Unfortunately for this restaurant they will not be seeing my family or any of my hard earned income for a night out experience. When I first made this review over a year ago, I vowed to not go into this establishment even tho I live just down the street. I continue this ritual “it seems” for the experience I endured with just some phone calls back and forth with this restaurant. My update is this. Stay away from any business that thinks they have higher standards than the rest of the community. They are not the only fine dining restaurant on this island we have so many.

Update 2 years later still have never taken my family to this place. What a joke this place...

THE CHALET – EXCEPTIONAL, CREATIVE AND VERY,VERY FRENCH. An evening spent at the Deep Cove Chalet is a one-of-a-kind experience and it would be foolish to describe this celebrated restaurant on the shores of the Saanich Inlet with a few pithy words about a meal there. Yes, the food is exceptional, creative and very, very French but the setting, the history of the old B.C. Electric “tearoom” built in 1913, the exquisite gardens of roses overlooking the water, the lily ponds and vineyard make dining at The Chalet a “must” on every visitor’s list. It is Victoria’s, not-so-very secret place having hosted famous, celebrated and wealthy patrons from Bill Gates and David Foster, to Barbara Streisand, and others who prefer to be anonymous. I was invited to a large and lavish birthday celebration with almost two hundred guests on the first of September this year. Chef Pierre Koffel, born in Strasbourg in Alsace, cooked and co- owner Beverly Koffel welcomed and presented guests with “bubbly” and enormous platters of tiny “amuse bouche” each one a work of art. My two favourites were a sinfully rich foie gras mousseline in a tiny doll-house sized pot and a spoonful of steak tartare. Seated we enjoyed a menu of unforgettable lobster mousse in butter sauce , a salad of golden beets, Chanterelles and a sprig of green from his kitchen garden and rosy Filet of Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles. The service was impeccable. Every white linen clad table had a different centerpiece with roses from Bev’s garden and enormous vases of late summer flowers perched in every corner and nook. With the lobster there was an Italian Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2014 well chilled and refreshing without overwhelming the seafood and with the Wellington a French Château Labadie Médoc 2010 followed by champagne and birthday cake. From teahouse to five star dining experience is due to the combined efforts of this talented couple. Highly recommended. Reservations should be made well in advance unless you are lucky enough to be invited to a Birthday...