Wind Cries Mary — Restaurant in Victoria

If you are willing to pay exorbitant prices for overly salted, tiny portions of food in a dark basement, then this is the restaurant for you. However, if you prefer to pay a fair price for the best value, avoid this at all costs.

This restaurant has mastered the 'Veblen Effect,' a marketing theory introduced by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist of Norwegian descent, in 1899. Veblen argued that there are enough conspicuously pretentious people with money who willingly pay premiums for substandard products under the false notion of exclusivity. This restaurant is a living testament to the accuracy of his theory. It is located in a dark basement with small, cramped tables and serves overly salted, tiny portions of food.

Here’s the twist: we were informed that their food is meant for sharing, so they serve each dish as soon as it’s ready, meaning we may not receive our orders altogether. This is unusual because high-end restaurants typically ensure all orders are served together so that everyone can enjoy their meals at the same time. Anyone familiar with upscale dining knows that achieving this synchronization is challenging, which is why such establishments charge premium prices. Most budget-friendly, family-run restaurants can't manage this, but they also don't charge high prices. Interestingly, this fundamental aspect of a premium restaurant is being discarded and spun as a marketing gimmick.

The owners of this restaurant certainly deserve 5 stars for selling tiny portions of overly salted food at premium prices. The fact that this restaurant is always busy confirms Veblen's theory - there are many 'conspicuously pretentious' people willing to pay premiums for substandard quality at high prices. The genius of the owners lies in effectively identifying and targeting these individuals - undoubtedly showcasing excellent marketing skills.

The wait staff deserves kudos for providing great service, no doubt. If they can satisfy the egos of pretentious clients with substandard products, imagine what they can achieve with quality products. I hope the owners are sharing a small portion of their wealth with their employees by providing decent wages. They are the true heroes of this restaurant.

Finally, some may question why I have given 2 stars instead of just one – after all, it's certainly a harsh critique. Well, that is because of two reasons. First, the owners are good marketers – they have very cleverly given a positive spin to all their negatives. And secondly, their service is very good. In the end – there are essentially four things we look for in a restaurant: food, atmosphere, portions, and service.

Food quality is mediocre at best. The atmosphere is decent, but the tables are small and tightly placed together. There is not enough space to eat comfortably or have a proper conversation. The portions are ridiculously small. Each person should order at least two dishes to avoid going home hungry. However, the service is pretty good. Their waitstaff is doing a fabulous job considering the circumstances.

They claim all their ingredients are locally sourced. I think it's more about their marketing gimmick than a valid reason. There are plenty of restaurants in Victoria that also source local produce at more affordable price points. So why would anyone pay a premium price for this restaurant? Well, my answer is the...

Wind Cries Mary is a culinary gem that stands as a testament to exquisite gastronomy, inviting ambiance, and unparalleled hospitality. Tucked away in the heart of Victoria, this restaurant is a true delight for anyone seeking a dining experience that transcends mere satisfaction to create lasting culinary memories.

The moment you step inside Wind Cries Mary, you're greeted by an ambiance that effortlessly blends sophistication with a welcoming charm. The elegant yet cozy decor, accented by ambient lighting and tasteful furnishings, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

But it's the menu that truly steals the show. A masterpiece crafted by culinary maestros, the offerings are a symphony of flavors and innovation. From locally sourced ingredients to globally inspired dishes, each plate is a work of art, meticulously prepared to tantalize the senses. Whether you're a gastronomic connoisseur or an adventurous diner, the menu caters to every palate, ensuring each bite is a delightful journey.

The culinary expertise showcased in every dish is awe-inspiring. Whether savoring their signature seafood creations, indulging in delectable vegetarian options, or relishing perfectly cooked meats, the attention to detail and the harmonious blend of flavors never cease to amaze.

What sets Wind Cries Mary apart is not just its exceptional cuisine, but also its unwavering commitment to impeccable service. The staff's attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine passion for hospitality elevate the dining experience to new heights. Their warmth and dedication ensure that each guest feels not just attended to, but truly cherished.

Moreover, the restaurant's dedication to sustainability and supporting local producers resonates deeply with conscientious diners. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices and sourcing ingredients from nearby suppliers underscores a profound respect for both the environment and the community.

In essence, Wind Cries Mary isn't just a restaurant—it's a culinary sanctuary. It's where exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and a commitment to sustainability converge to create an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last bite. For those seeking an extraordinary dining affair that transcends expectations, Wind Cries Mary is an...

We came on a Thursday for reservations at 7:15pm to celebrate a graduation. We waited 5 minutes for our table. We ordered the velocepide and pineapple espresso. The pineapple espresso had no pineapple flavour and was kind of disappointing. The velocepide was also kind of disappointing. It was missing the yuzu flavour.

We started with the endive salad, tater tots and albacore tuna quinoa. The endive salad with apple, goat cheese and walnuts is such a classic combination that you really can't go wrong with this dish. It was well balanced and delicious. Would recommend this dish

The tater tots was so crunchy and addictive. The jalapeño ranch lumpfish caviar was missing that jalapeño kick to it. But overall a great dish. Would recommend this dish

The albacore tuna with quinoa was surprisingly delicious. Loved the freshness of the quinoa and kale. The almond gave it a little crunch. The tuna was really good as well. Would recommend this dish

The cacio e pipe was a huge disappointment. The grand padano flavour was there but it was missing the cheese savouriness. The pasta also was overcooked. I would avoid this dish

The fried chicken was really crispy but the pieces were way too big. The breading wasn't too thick. It was sweet because of the honey butter but not too sweet because the pickles helped balance it off. Would recommend this dish

The Ling cod dish did not go well with the tomato. It almost reminded me of some kind of tagine dish because of the fennel and tomato. This dish did not go well together. I would not recommend it

Flourless chocolate cake with cheesecake and Vietnamese coffee ice cream dessert was disappointing. The chocolate cake consistency could have been a bit heavier. The cheesecake didn't have enough cheese flavour and were too light. The Vietnamese coffee ice cream was a bit too icey could have been creamier.

Overall service was pretty fast. Not overly friendly. The first couple dishes were pretty good and then it went downwards from there. I would recommend the fried chicken, tater tots, endive and albacore tuna. Would recommend this restaurant for dinner but...