Fireside Grill — Restaurant in Saanich

We have dined at the Fireside Grill 40 or 50 times in the past ten years. Dinner was so bad last night we've agreed we will never go back.

Do they have a new head chef or a new manager? Something is off, that's certain. First of all, they rented the main floor for a private function and we were crammed in upstairs. And it was packed full! And so unbelievably noisy it made us laugh. It was crazy! Our waiter came around and we used sign language and pantomime to convey our incredulity. Everyone was forced to shout to hear each other. It was mayhem. People who hadn't ordered were getting up and leaving. We saw at least three tables seated, go into shock, and walk out. The hostess and buspersons had grim looks on their faces as they reseated people and listened to shouted complaints. Half way through dinner (8:00) they started up a dance with a DJ and disco lights on the main floor. The upstairs floor shook. No relaxing dinner conversation for us!

The three course dinner went from $23 to $25 to $28 in ten years. Last night? $40.

Our food was barely passable, presented like it was dog food, and everything was oversalted to the point I discovered my tongue was chemically burned from it later. I can't imagine what they're thinking.

The poor servers deserve a huge thanks. Even though dinner was awful and took forever to arrive, we still tipped well for the effort they made.

It saddens us to see one of our all time favourites churning out such slop. We are also of the opinion they would have been better off sticking with patio seating instead of trying to maximize sales by crowding another dozen tables in upstairs. We would have completely understood, had they explained when we reserved; indoor seating would not be available due to a private function.

We shall dearly miss the old Fireside Grill, with its exemplary 3 course menu, excellent service, and attention to detail. ...

Fireside Grill is a culinary treasure that combines delectable food, impeccable service, and a charming outdoor seating area to create a dining experience that's nothing short of exceptional.

Let's start with the star of the show: the food. Fireside Grill consistently delivers outstanding dishes that are bursting with flavor. From the first bite to the last, you'll be treated to a symphony of tastes that showcase the chef's expertise. Whether you're a fan of seafood, steak, or vegetarian options, this restaurant has something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss their signature dishes; they're truly unforgettable.

The service at Fireside Grill is equally impressive. The attentive and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. They're knowledgeable about the menu, ready to offer recommendations, and always quick to accommodate any special requests. You'll feel genuinely cared for throughout your meal.

One of the highlights of dining at Fireside Grill is the option to enjoy your meal outdoors. The outdoor seating area is a cozy oasis where you can relish your food in the fresh air while basking in a relaxed and inviting ambiance. It's an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

To complement the fantastic food and service, Fireside Grill offers a diverse selection of drinks. Whether you're in the mood for a craft cocktail, a fine wine, or a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, you'll find just the right drink to enhance your dining experience.

In summary, Fireside Grill is a culinary gem that stands out for its exceptional food, top-notch service, inviting outdoor seating, and a wide range of drink options. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Fireside Grill is the perfect place to savor a...

I just had dinner here for the first time and it was phenomenal! Went with my parents and we all traded bites of food.

Started with complementary foccacia with olive oil and balsamic for dipping. The bread was nice, warm, and the balsamic was lovely and good quality. Our calamari appetizer was amazing, light crispy batter and perfectly cooked squid, not chewy in the least.

My dad had the ribs (BBQ sauce on the side). The dry rub was flavourful without overpowering. I stole more than a few bites of his garlic mashed potatoes. Light and fluffy, creamy and buttery, delicious :)

My mum had the beef and crab burger. Wonderful! Lots of flavour, although I did think that the delicate flavour of the crab was a tad overwhelmed by the charbroiled burger, but it was amazing. The fries were wonderfully crisp, and the garlic truffle aioli was the perfect dip.

I had the scallops and pork belly and my gods it was better than I ever would have imagined. The sauce tasted almost like a hint of Chinese 5 spice? But it worked perfectly! I was worried when I got my plate that I would still be hungry after, but there was nothing to worry about because I ate every bite and was stuffed.

Had the lemon tart for dessert and it was great. The crust was fine, but it was the lemon filling that shone bright. Nice and tart.

I have only been here once, but I would happily recommend it to friends and other family, and I hope I'll have a chance to come back here again (it's a bit out of my typical price range, but worth it!)

Oh! And our server! Fun, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive despite how busy he was with other tables.

One thing I will say? The menu at the restaurant was rather different than the one online. There was a couple things I was wanting to order (like polenta fries) but when we got to the restaurant, no...