Welcome to Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions
Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions, located at 543 Fisgard St in Victoria, BC, is a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite tasting menus and exceptional service. Diners rave about the visually stunning and flavor-packed dishes, each thoughtfully curated to create a memorable experience. The intimate setting allows for a personal touch, as seen in tailored celebrations—like surprise birthday cakes for guests. With impeccable wine pairings and a calm atmosphere, Ugly Duckling stands out as a destination for food lovers, promising a delightful evening that lingers long after the last bite. It's a place where culinary artistry and heartfelt hospitality converge.
Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions: Reviews & Ratings
I'll travel the 1500 km as often as possible to eat here! It was divine. The Tasting Menu and the wine pairings were thoughtfully put together by a Chef with the gift of great taste. Every course was as delightful to look at as it was to taste. Service was exceptional. Thank you so much for making our anniversary unforgettable.
Hands down this was the best tasting menu we've had in the PNW (across Seattle, Vancouver and now Victoria). Every dish was unique within the menu with each one complimenting the menu. All the food was well executed and we left full but not heavy. Superb service and really great atmosphere. It was a truly enjoyable evening that I would be telling friends about. I'd argue coming out to Victoria was made doubly worth it now 10/10 would visit again.
Wow! We decided to splurge on dinner at Ugly Duckling for a special occasion. It was a fabulous experience! I was greeted by a birthday card hand-signed by the staff. Nice touch! Then the waiter started bringing out the food. (I had thrown the kitchen the dietary challenge of "No fish." They excelled!) Each course was exquisitely presented and tasted phenomenal! It was hard to pick a favourite. Towards the end of our tasting experience, I glanced over at a woman who appeared to be celebrating her birthday. With a great flourish she was presented with a small candlelit cake on a wooden platter. I wondered if her partner had prearranged this special treat? Luckily when our dessert time approached, I too was treated to the same cake ceremony, including a giant knife to cut the cake. Wonderful! Everyone needs a little cake on their birthday! Delicious! I highly recommend the Ugly Duckling if you can indulge yourself.
I cannot stress how amazing this restaurant is. We had the most divine tasting menu presented to us and it was beyond anything I have ever experienced. The food, amazing, service; top notch and the setting is intimate and private. I cannot say enough about the Ugly Duckling!!!
What a lovely experience at Ugly Duckling. The food was delicious, the wine pairing was perfect, the cocktails were crisp and well balanced, and the atmosphere was mostly lovely. The only downside we experienced was that we were told that our table needed to turn over for a 730pm reservation (no problem, our reservation was at 5pm)....at 710pm, the next guests, a very elderly group of 4, arrived early just as we were settling our bill. Instead of acting like adults, the future guests started shouting at the staff, demanding that they get seated right away, and stating that they'll go eat elsewhere if they don't get a table right away- then they went outside and started mocking us through the windows trying to get us to leave early. Thankfully, the staff handled it so professionally, but I couldn't help but feel bad for them for having to deal with such entitlement. This restaurant deserves better clientele, so I would highly recommend going down and supporting these fantastic people who clearly have such passion and work so hard. Every aspect of the service was phenomenal, the food was delicious, and I will happily return! Thank you all so much!
What an exceptional experience. We were a party of 2, one of us vegetarian and one pescatarian. We made reservations in advance noting our dietary restrictions. The Chef adapted the menu and everything was incredible. Thank you Faye for the kind service. We won't hesitate to go back. This restaurant should be on every locals list of must try.
If you haven’t been here yet and can afford it, it is 100% worth it and it’s actually a pretty good value all things considered. It should be considered the best restaurant in Victoria, it’s definitely our new favourite, and it holds its own against well known restaurants we’ve visited in New York, London and San Francisco. The food is phenomenal, the service is excellent and we are picky. We won’t be surprised if it gets a Michelin star sooner than later as every dish was unique and delicious. The sea buckthorn sorbet was such a unique tasting experience and the halibut was the star of the meal, but everything was so good.
Last night we visited The Ugly Duckling for the second time, and I’m so happy to see it thriving in Chinatown. It carries the soul of a great restaurant—thoughtful, creative, and rooted in place. Big respect to chef and owner Corbin Mathany. The food is intentional, beautifully executed, and deeply connected to our region. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend you go asap.
Location
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543 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R3, Canada Hotline: +1 250-978-0915
If you find yourself wandering through Victoria, BC, make sure to carve out some time to immerse yourself in the culinary gem known as Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions. Nestled at 543 Fisgard St, this dining establishment has quickly established itself as a hallmark of exquisite taste and thoughtful hospitality in the Pacific Northwest. Patrons rave about the unparalleled tasting menu, expertly curated to provide a delightful journey through flavors and textures that define modern dining.
Guests like Coralie Boven attest to the magical experience, noting that the menu is not just a meal but a celebration of art and taste. Each course is as visually stunning as it is delectable, reflecting a chef's innate ability to blend flavors. The added touch of meticulously selected wine pairings enhances the dining experience, transforming meals into symphonies of gastronomy.
Unique to Ugly Duckling is the restaurant's commitment to accommodating dietary preferences. Franke James shared a memorable experience where the kitchen embraced a fish-free challenge, successfully crafting dishes that were nothing short of phenomenal. This level of dedication exemplifies the restaurant's aim to ensure that every guest feels valued and delighted.
The ambiance at Ugly Duckling is another highlight. It is described as intimate and private, offering a perfect backdrop for special occasions or an indulgent evening out. Reviewers like Kim H emphasize the top-notch service that makes you feel right at home, alongside an atmosphere that nurtures connection over a shared love for good food.
While one guest experienced an unfortunate interruption from other diners, it only showcased the professionalism and capability of the Ugly Duckling staff. As noted by Mark Bell, this restaurant deserves all the support for the passion it pours into every aspect, from the service to the culinary creations that leave nothing on the plate but praise.
In short, Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions is not merely a place to eat; it’s a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you’re indulging here for a special occasion or simply exploring Victoria’s vibrant food scene, prepare for a dining experience that is bound to resonate long after the final course. It’s the kind of culinary celebration that truly honors the artistry of cooking and the joy of dining. With each visit, you'll find a reason to return—time and time again.