My husband and I recently spent 4 nights at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and while walking around Oak Bay Village discovered Oaks Restaurant and Grill. We stopped and reviewed the menu, deciding to return later that evening for dinner.
The historic building is the...oldest in Oak Bay, having been built in 1912 and was originally the Oak Bay Grocery & Post Office. Over the years it's changed hands but still shows it's rustic age. It was really nice to read about the history, which is included with the extensive menu- there are options for everyone, including breakfast all day.
Our server on the Friday night we were there was Brandie and she was excellent. My husband had the Original Burger with fries and I really enjoyed my half open faced tuna melt sandwich with a bowl of Butternut Squash soup.
The restaurant was pretty full so we were seated at a table at the edge of the stairs going down to where the bar was/band plays but shortly after we sat down a table at the window opened up. Brandie said no problem for us to move and sitting by the window was perfect.
The band playing was wonderful - we really enjoyed their "east coast" music and the patrons were tapping their feet and clapping. They were so good we decided after our meals to order a glass of wine (only $7.50 each) and stay for the rest of their set (which ended around 7:15pm). No cover charge either!
We noticed Oaks serves afternoon tea - something we have always wanted to try. When we returned the next day at 11:30 am, we received the same wonderful table by the window (so nice to see everyone out walking). Sharon explained how the afternoon tea worked and we decided to order one full afternoon tea ($24.75) and one tea and scone ($7.75). For the scones we had one cheese and one raisin. The tray included scone, homemade jam, whipped cream, 3 finger sandwiches, mini quiche, mini sausage roll, mini lemon tart, assorted cakes, fruit and an English trifle. Several options for tea, we chose English Breakfast.
Everything was delicious and we had more than enough to eat (this was our lunch). It was relaxing, just taking our time choosing different items to eat (the nanaimo bar was amazing!). Sharon offered us more hot water, and we were there an 1.5 hours. During that time, the restaurant was lined up, it's a very busy and popular place.
Great service, wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. We will definitely return if we have the opportunity to visit the area again.More