Lobster Barn — Restaurant in Victoria

After hearing good things about Lobster Barn, I was excited to make the drive and try it. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. The only good part of the experience is when I called to make a reservation. The staff member on the phone was very nice and accommodating. But things took a turn when we arrived. We were thankfully seated quickly but waited a while to get our drink order taken let alone our food order. The drinks were just okay. Our server was not very friendly and never once came to check on us or ask how we were enjoying our food or if we needed another drink, etc. The only time we saw the server was to take our order, give us drinks and to give us the bill while other servers dropped off the food. We didn’t have the opportunity to voice any of our concerns as the waitress didn’t pay attention to our table at all. We ordered the coconut curry mussels as an appetizer. The sauce was flavourful but the mussels were not washed and covered in sand. Could not take one bite without a mouthful of sand! It was disgusting and ruined the experience. For entrees we ordered the original lobster roll with potato salad and the scallop basket with wharf fries. The lobster was so overcooked it was rubbery and was mixed with a mayo that tasted like pure sugar that made your stomach turn. The Scallops were also overcooked. Due to lack of service and the lack of quality of food we won’t be back. $100+ bill is not worth it for the service and food you get. Don’t...

We went on a Sunday at around 3pm. It was full, we were told it would be a 20 minute wait (no problem at all). When the waitress went to seat us 20 minutes later, she told us we would have 1 hour to have our meal as our table had a reservation. From that moment on, everything was extremely rushed, and the waitress wasn't the most pleasant. When the lobster poutine came out, it was cold, and absolutely zero seasoning....bland as could be.....we had to sprinkle quite a bit of salt on it. Not to mention, the small plates that the waitress had brought out for our appetizer were DIRTY and had bits of food on them (peices of onion in particular). Then when our mains came out, my husband's lobster roll was the only dish that was decent. I had ordered the pan seared scallops and fries.... the presentation was absolutely appalling and my 3 year old could have plated it better (I should have taken a picture). My fries were nice and hot, but the scallops were tiny and unpleasantly cold. When we had almost finished our meals, the waitress comes over to tell us that the group that had reserved the table were starting to arrive and that we basically had to leave. Well, we sure felt like valued customers (not!!) From start to finish, not a pleasant experience, the food definitely was nothing to write home about (I've had way better food at the restaurant next door and at many other places on PEI). Not sure I would go back here.....definitely...

Amending our 5 star review from last year when we visited to sadly a 2 star review for these reasons:

The lobster roll was overpriced and not at all as fresh as others we have had. You can go across the way to Richards for a better one and it is cheaper.

They got rid of their famous lattice fries and replaced them with overly salty and seasoned spiral fries which also cost an extra 6 dollars as an upgrade for your side. Not worth it. Don't do it!

The Paloma (alcoholic beverage) was sour and lacked the authenticity of a true Paloma.

The lobster mango salad was like eating a bowl of leaves. I don't eat seafood and was hoping to order it without lobster and the manager wouldn't accommodate with a price change. Ordered it anyway and gave the lobster to my hubby but the lettuce was more bitters vs. typical mixed greens. They have changed their lettuce source as well. I needed extra dressing and was charged 2 bucks for a tiny bit more as well and was not informed it would cost me or else I would not have gotten it.

The lobster grilled cheese used to be a whole sandwich with 4 ounces of lobster but this has changed to half a sandwich and it's only a few dollars less.

Our server was nice when she was around but not overly attentive.

Seeing as we only visit once a year we will likely skip this spot moving forward as we believe it isn't as great as...