The Dutch Bakery & Diner represents something of a rarity these days. It’s not too often you can come across a place that, 1) Has been open since 1956; and, 2) Has a retro throwback vibe, but doesn’t do so as a gimmick or because...it’s “out of touch.” Instead, the Dutch Bakery uses its warm and welcoming atmosphere to demonstrate the value of culinary tradition and the importance of consistency. The end result is a bakery that has, rightly so, become a Victoria landmark.
Indeed, Victoria has a fluid and ever-changing foodie landscape. As such, it’s not too often you can come across an establishment that’s been serving Victorians for the better part of 64 years; in fact, that’s practically unheard of these days. I recall driving through “Old Town” in the summer of 2017 and seeing a restaurant sandwich board proudly advertising that they’d been “Serving Victoria since 2015.” Ol’ PookyCake couldn’t help but think, “Since 2015? Is that really something to be bragging about?” I guess it is these days. Obviously, then, the Dutch Bakery has been doing something right.
I suspect a large part of the Dutch Bakery’s ongoing success has to do with consistency and quality of product. This establishment has been run by the Schaddelee family for three generations and while there have been modest updates to the dining space over the years, the recipes and attention to customer service have remained as they did in the 1950s. You can see this in the nice selection of pastries, cakes, cookies, meat pies and sausage rolls on offer at their bakery counter – many of which are based on recipes handed down by founder Kees Schaddelee. In short, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I wish more restaurants followed this simple rule.
In any event, I was able to see and taste the Dutch Bakery’s commitment to quality in the nice selection of snack treats we’d procured. The chocolate raspberry tart was a perennial highlight for me. Its shell was firm, but not tough; the chocolate was of good quality and not overly sweet; and the raspberry mousse was light and fluffy. The cherry tart and hazelnut tart were also sinfully delicious.
I should note, by way of conclusion, that I did not have an opportunity to sample the comfort food classics in the diner area; however, I did take note of its cozy décor and nod to history: The walls feature black and white photos of the Schaddelee family over time – I love this because it entrenches the family and Bakery firmly within Victoria’s culinary history.
FOOD: 4/5
SERVICE: 4/5
VALUE: 4/5
RECOMMENDATION: The Dutch Bakery & Diner is pretty fabulous. It’s fabulous because it acknowledges its history; it places emphasis on the customer experience; and it doesn’t change for the sake of being trendy. Instead, they focus on good food at a fair price and that’s what people want. Thumbs up!
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