Cafe Brio

Good afternoon

Reservations under James 6pm Saturday.

Sat table of four near kitchen entrance alongside banquet.

Server was great initially in recommending cheese and house made meats etc.

While we were enjoying our first course a young lady brought two large salads which we hadn’t ordered so she took them away and went back to the kitchen. In all likelihood she would’ve tried to find out where these two salads belonged and sort this out.

When we were given our bill… these two salads valued at 20$ were on our bill which didn’t belong to us.

I asked the server if she had read the bill before she brought to us.

She replied “obviously I didn’t read the bill” in an extremely rude way.

I didn’t appreciate nor expect a response in this manner. However what I expected was sorry it was my mistake and I’ll get that adjusted right away. From that moment on no apologize and disrespectful mannerisms.

I did leave the server a tip of 25%….

However I will never go back to this restaurant knowing that this level of professionalism exists.

Host a real pro.

This was a disappointing experience. Having read the positive reviews on here, I was feeling pretty optimistic about the possibility of having a nice birthday dinner out. My husband called to make a reservation and confirmed with the person taking the reservation that they could accomodate celiac. The person on the phone said that it wasn't an issue and to just let the server know when we were ordering. Unfortunately, when we got to the restaurant, we were told a different story. The server, a very nice woman who said she is also celiac, told us that she actually wouldn't feel comfortable eating at the restaurant given that flour is "floating all over the place" in the kitchen when they are making pasta. She said that up until about a year and a half ago there was a different chef at the restaurant who apparently also had health issues that made him very aware of the need to control for cross-contamination issues. At that time, she said the kitchen had excellent procedures in place. She said the new chef is less sensitive to these issues, and is often prepping things while also working with flour, etc, which obviously increases the likelihood of cross-contamination. Given that it was a busy Friday night, and the likelihood of easily getting in somewhere else was pretty slim, we elected to stay and have dinner. The server said the safest option would be to have a piece of fish fried in olive oil with a side of vegetables, which is what I went with. It was fine, but pretty plain, and was an astoundingly small portion for $44. I didn't get sick, but I would definitely not go back, and would not recommend.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Oh my gosh! This is the absolute best Italian restaurant I’ve eaten at overseas!

The food is outstanding, the service is amazing, and the waitstaff (I had a waitress that was Celiac) is fantastic!

I ate the beet salad, Brie cheese and seasonal fish. I can honestly say this was the most flavorful salad I’ve ever eaten.

If you’re in Victoria, this restaurant is a must!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for peanut-free
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Low-FODMAP friendly
• Offers outdoor seating
• Paleo friendly
• Reservations recommended

Our server (did not catch her name) was also celiac and was extremely helpful and understanding. She says she eats here and trusts the chefs knowledge of CC and allergies very well. She recommended the halibut with asparagus and salad and even brought my Glutino crackers while everyone else was having the bread. No reaction. Excellent service and excellent food!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Lots of gf options. Only reason this doesn't get 5 stars was the server was very dismissive of my celiac questions and did not take them seriously. The food was totally gf though, but service not so great.

I had the Coho salmon. Despite my request for well done, it was still moist and tasty. They know how to prepare for special diets in delicious ways.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Café Brio is a quaint Italian bistro with a lovely garden patio for al fresco dining in nice weather. Many of the dishes are gluten-free as prepared or can be suited to your needs upon request.