Santiago's Cafe — Restaurant in Victoria

I never rate things this low and I always want to give something the benefit of the doubt... But this is hands down bad food. I was so excited to go to this place the past 2 times I visited Victoria, but I was there on days they were closed. The decor looked so cool and I thought it must be something different and eclectic from the usual Victoria tourist fare. Finally times aligned and I was very let down by their high prices, barley mexican cafeteria style food. The menu is really strange and does not reflect anything authentic. I was sure they would have a beautiful, fresh margarita... But the server told me it is made from a generic sweet & sour mix. The bean and rice bowl was one item we ordered; this was not even close to a glorified side dish for $15 (no meat). It was not even fresh or trying to be a entree to live up to it's price. I had an similarly disappointing quesadilla for a way too high price that I feel was more on par with a fast food Mexican restaurant. They did not put down chips and salsa on the table to soften the blow of the expensive and low quality food as is customary at many Mexican dine-in restaurants. Very sorry to leave a review like this because I truly wish my experience had been better, but I hope it saves other people from getting their hopes up and wasting their money. BESIDES THE FOOD THE SERVICE WAS VERY GOOD! AND DESPITE THE ONE STAR FOOD RATING WE ALWAYS TIP OUR SERVERS %20 FOR THEIR GOOD SERVICE * p.s. holy cow! The next day we ate at Nourish Cafe and it...

As a resident of Washington State just across the water I was pretty amazed (in a bad way) at the difference in Mexican food I came across in Victoria, and especially at this establishment, compared to what is abundantly available back home, a few miles away, and usually for a bargain (large hispanic population there). At Santiago's my wife and I ordered a burrito and chimichanga, $15 each. They were each roughly 2/3 the size of any burrito from a food truck I've ever seen, and had only beans, meat and plenty of corn inside them- no lettuce, avacado, tomatoes, onion, etc. The worst part was that we got them served with a pile of corn tortillas with no salsa or anything to eat them with. There was a tablespoon or two of salsa on the burrito (and guacamole and sour cream) which was needed to eat that, so nothing was left for the chips, which we ate dryly on their own. The menu is very small. We didn't try the seafood, which is perhaps where Santiago's shines based on reviews. The food came out very quickly. The margaritas weren't bad, and the price on them was fair. The owner was in the restaurant and went around talking to patrons. I prefered to go on enjoying our evening rather than bring up my criticisms to him, so I didn't mention these things, though part of me wanted to. The place is decorated nicely. However, I honestly can't say I've ever had worse mexican food at a restaurant, and I may not have ever paid this much for mexican food anywhere. That's a bad...

I love that an excellent Mexican restaurant is just off the beaten path by the inner harbour. It was a beautiful fall day and so I sat on the outside patio. I ordered a Margarita and was given the option of “on the rocks” or slushy. I ordered the slushy and it was one of the best Margaritas that I’ve enjoyed since my last trip to Mexico. One of my favourite dishes is a taco salad. I love that their take on this dish includes a flour tortilla for the shell instead of the usual deep fried corn tortilla. I ordered the version with black beans instead of any meat as I’m trying to cut down on my meat intake. The taco salad arrived with generous portions of delicious black beans, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The lettuce bed was fresh and crisp. They provide a house hot sauce that, in judicious amounts, provided just the right amount of heat.

The service was excellent: friendly and efficient. I judge a restaurant by whether they check up on their customers after the order is delivered to see if the order is correct or if the customer wants something in addition. My server was prompt to check if my order was up to my expectations.

I’m glad to recommend this lovely restaurant to anyone who craves some authentic Mexican food and a relaxed atmosphere. Shortly after my arrival around noon, the patio quickly filled up, so it seems to be a popular place. I just know that I’m coming back on my next trip...