Boom + Batten Restaurant & Cafe

We made a reservation for Valentine’s Day while visiting from the mainland, looking forward to enjoying a special evening at your restaurant. At no point during the booking process were we informed that the restaurant would be offering a set menu only. Had we known in advance, we likely would have chosen a different place.

Upon arrival, we asked if a window seat was available. We were told that special requests had already been made and none were available. However, throughout the entire evening, multiple window tables remained empty, which was confusing and disappointing.

When reviewing the set menu, neither my spouse nor I could eat either of the starter options. When we raised this concern, our server’s entire demeanor noticeably changed. After that interaction, we felt we were treated quite poorly. Her attitude became dismissive, and we received visible irritation rather than assistance.

The manager did come over after we mentioned the issue, but unfortunately no real alternatives were offered. I asked if we could simply have focaccia bread for the table instead. He agreed, but what arrived was croutons sitting in a tomato salad, which was not what we had requested.

We pushed our starters aside and did not touch them. When our server cleared the plates, which were clearly untouched, she did not ask how the food was or whether there was anything else she could get us. From that point forward, she largely ignored our table. Once our mains arrived, no one checked in to ask how the food was. We needed salt and pepper but were unable to get anyone’s attention.

After what we spent for a Valentine’s Day dinner, we left feeling disappointed, unsatisfied, and honestly taken advantage of. We did not leave feeling full or cared for, and the evening did not feel special in any way.

We will not be returning or recommending this restaurant to friends or family.

UPDATE: The restaurant initially responded to our review stating they would send a gift card to make up for the experience. However, we later received an email from management saying they would not provide any compensation and suggested we “find another establishment” for future dining. This only reinforces our disappointment with how our concerns were handled.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Blown away by the overall quality. Beautiful interior, excellent service, large menu, great food and very reasonable prices. Good energetic vibe without being loud. Large mocktail list and even a handful of non-alcoholic wines.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Boom + Batten is a consistently great spot in Victoria, especially for the waterfront views. The food is fresh and well-executed, with a menu that offers something for everyone. The cocktails are creative and well-balanced, and the wine list has some great options.

The atmosphere is lively yet polished, making it a great choice for date nights, client meetings, or dinners with friends. Service has always been friendly and professional. Overall, a very solid dining experience I’d happily return to.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An exceptional dining experience. The sablefish was beautifully cooked—silky, delicate, and full of flavor. The Forno Roasted Muhammara appetizer was truly outstanding. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was warm and elegant. Would definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came here last night really looking forward to the experience, as we had heard great things and the menu looked absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, our visit didn’t quite live up to expectations.

The chowder I was served was only lukewarm. While it wasn’t ideal, I let it slide in hopes that the main course would be better. However, when the wild boar bolognese arrived, it was also nearly cold, which was disappointing.

I didn’t mention it at the time since I was with a large group and didn’t want to create any awkwardness, but it has stayed on my mind since. Given the pricing and the reputation, I had hoped for a higher standard in terms of food temperature and overall execution.

I’m not sure if this was just an off night, as I truly wanted to enjoy the experience. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as I believe the restaurant has the potential to deliver something much better.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

This was a terrible experience compared to the last time I dined here a few years ago.

The risotto was so gross and such a rip off unfortunately. For $34 I would hope to get more than 3 tiny overcooked and unseasoned scallops that would amount to no more than 1/8 cup. The risotto itself tasted terrible and the onion ring coated in raw cornmeal on top was disturbingly gross and very out of place.

I am not someone who will send back food especially if I’m dining with a friend like I was tonight because then the timing of each of us eating would be off which I don’t want, however if I was the type of person to send back food, this would be the food item I would send back.

I’m a foodie and I love quality food but the risotto was not worth it in any universe.

On the bright side the beef carpaccio was great!

Attached to this review is the risotto mentioned.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

t’s easy to become a regular here — the service team creates a memorable experience every single visit. Usually there are a few standout staff members at most places, but here every person we’ve interacted with brings that same knowledge, love and care which is so rare! Also love that they offer Lambrusco by the glass and on happy hour!!

We had dinner here during the weekday.

ordered the Caesar salad, lamb shank, tuna poke bowl, Thai curry mussels. All dishes were tasty.

Service: server was friendly and efficient. I don’t understand the hostess told us why we had a 2 hour dining limit when it wasn’t hopping busy.

nice vibe

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

I went here for lunch with some coworkers. The service is great and it's a nice place but I was just underwhelmed by my dish.

Everyone ordered something different and I ordered the poke bowl. Just from presentation, the poke bowl looked unappetizing and looking around the table, I instantly regretted the decision. The portion size is way smaller than their other dishes and not anything to remember. It's weird when the person next to you gets avocado on toast, and the plate is about double the size of food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Nikka is the best, awesome job, great friendly personality, why isn’t this girl a manager or better a GM.
Coming from a regular the past 1.5 years.

Boom & Batten has a great ambiance. The view of the harbour is available from every table. The food presentation, variety of the menu & food is always excellent.

What a wonderful team, from the ini!tial query about wheelchair accessiblity and through the end of our reservation! The service was impeccable and the steak sandwich and seafood chowder divine. OOops dont tell everyone lets keep it a best kept secret for locals:)

Steak was overcooked and veggies were served instead of Ceasars salad ran out of string green beans. Dinner late in coming almost missed ferry.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Boom + Batten is widely regarded as one of Victoria's popular waterfront restaurants with great views of the Inner Harbour and a lively, modern vibe. It scores around 4.6 stars from thousands of verified diners, with strong marks for food, service, and ambience

I’m leaving this review entirely because of our server, Andrew. He was absolutely incredible. Attentive, friendly, and genuinely made our whole experience better. Service like his is rare, and it deserves recognition. Thank you, Andrew!