Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions

We visited the restaurant almost a year to the day from our last visit. (We live in AB or we would go more often) We had the tasting menu and the selections were thoughtful and awesome. The restaurant and staff were busy. We had a dish that we loved last year that involved corn and when the owner found out that we were in the restaurant he made a special course just for us which was DELICIOUS! We are used to tasting menus and the length between courses but our service was just a bit off with large pauses in between certain courses. The staff being busy weren't able to check in as often as we would have liked but it is still one of our favourites and we will definitely return again next September if not before.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

The tasting menu is the way to go. Yes, it's expensive but you get what you pay for - a unique dining experience, a wide array of wonderful food, great service, and intimate seating perfect for a small celebration dinner or date night. We loved every bite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a restaurant for Victoria!
This was a truly special experience. Tasting menu was exceptional. The small offerings are made with so much detail and care. Of course you want more but then another equally interesting dish arrives. We certainly did not leave hungry.
Such a thoughtful team effort in all aspects of the service. The pace between courses allows each dish to settle in. This is how eating out should be. Not just eating, but time between for conversation and no feelings of being rushed. I can’t even imagine how every dish on every table is timed so perfectly.
No photos from me but wonderful memories for sure.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hard to choose a favourite from this fall tasting delight!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great food. I thought there would be more a fusion aspect to the menu, but it was delicious and well prepared in any event.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Chef and owner, Mathany, loves food and excellent service. He doesn't need to say it. It's in every delicious bite and every word as he describes each dish that he brings to the table himself.

My partner and I had the tasting menu for my birthday. 2.5hrs felt like the perfect pace for the many courses.

We had the nonalcoholic vanilla cream soda. Drinking the layers as they slowly mixed together was refreshing and sweet.

Every morsel is thoughtful and well balanced. I noticed careful attention was paid to balancing flavours and textures. Tangy intentional hits of miso aioli on creamy savoury rice pudding. The salt of the dandan with the sweet of the onions. The softness of the dumpling with the crunch of the nuts. A lovely contrast between sous vide beef and stewed oxtail. I would describe the daikon as nothing short of inspiring. And P.S. He harvested the chantrelles himself!

The cutlery and dishes frame each dish like a work of art. Like, they are so nice I literally picked up a dish to see what company it is. Our pallet cleanser, passion fruit sorbet, was served in an adorable ceramic DUCK FOOT. The butter poached halibut is served in a gorgeous giant half eggshell. The cutlery, which is refreshed at every course, sits in a little leaf-shaped holder. Plates being warmed or cooled to match the dish express orientation to detail.

Dessert courseS, yes plural, were also one delight after another. Everything was the freshest of the fresh. The right amount of sweet, delicately spiced with a tantilizing mouthfeel to each dish.

I have a habit of checking out the washroom at restaurants. And this one did not disappoint with touches like individual fabric towels and lightly scented lemon hand soap (I just hate it when restaurants have a musky smelling hand soap).

I'll add that we had THREE occasions where he went above and beyond. I won't say them here so they don't become an expectation. I'll just say it was a very special experience and I felt so welcomed and well served. A really great birthday.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

You have to experience the menu to believe it. I just cannot explain the marriage of flavours you get with each course. They are sublime and a treat on the palate. Hubby is a beer drinker, and I chose the wine pairing. He regretted not having the wine pairing and drank half of each wine per course. The wine pairings really elevated the meal flavours. We really enjoyed the ambiance and look forward to our next visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a wonderful meal at Ugly Duckling. It was the highlight dinner of our three week holiday on Vancouver Island! The owner, Gorban (I believe), went above and beyond to make our meal memorable. We challenged him to find the perfect pairing for a Syrah wine and he delivered!

Dietary restrictions: They were aware of Celiac disease and instilled confidence with their knowledge of cross contamination.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible and a unique experience! Definitely recommend trying this amazing restaurant ☺️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ugly Duckling is a hidden gem! The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make for a welcoming dining experience. The menu offers a creative twist on classic dishes, with each plate beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Portions are just right, and everything feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared. It's the perfect spot for a night out or a special meal. Highly recommend!

What a unique location, excellent service with outstanding food! We were celebrating a birthday and they had "Happy Birthday" printed on the menu and finished with a chocolate cake and candle. It was a special Experince!!!

An exciting culinary experience. A friend from Chicago and I dined at U.D. last weekend and the meal was unlike any I've had in Victoria.
We had the Tasting menu and were beyond happy.
Every detail was amazing (loved the cutlery rests and duck-footed bowls), and each course consisted of the most flavorful and interesting ingredients.
Kudos to all the staff, especially the chef who presented the Wagyu beef course himself, and of course to the lovely Bella who helped to make our evening that much more memorable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Disappointing and definitely not worth the price. The portions are ridiculously small and we had to find another restaurant after our meal there. Neither of us are big eaters so we opted for the 3 course option. Honestly I have had bigger portions at tapas restaurants. The courses were beautifully presented but not all that impressive. We had the custard for our appetizer and it was quite delicious. I had the pork medallions for my main and my partner had the halibut neither tasted as good as they looked. I had the matcha cheesecake for dessert and it was mediocre at best. The market on Yates makes much better cheesecake. The service was good but no better than other hi-end restaurants. I found the atmosphere cold, almost cafeteria like. Not at all suitable for a romantic dinner or conducive to intimate conversation. Definitely will never return.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Ate here with me and my wife and I honestly thought I was eating at a Michelin star restaurant. Incredible service, delectable food. Nothing but praise for Ugly Duckling

More hype than value. Very little selection which is not announced in advance so we had someone in our party who couldn’t eat either choice of the main course. Portions are too small and the food not worth the price. There is no sound barrier so it gets quite loud when the small restaurant gets full. Service was good. This is not a place you visit twice.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4