The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom

2250 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria - V8R 1E2
51 reviews
Canadian American British
(250) 590-3155

First time being here in years. First impressions weren't great as the restaurant floor is being used as a storage room and there were staff doing paperwork at a table right at the front door. The table we sat at was dirty with lint and even after a wipe still wasn't completely clean. We opted for the tea menu and I was served lipton tea. I was quite shocked that a tea house would be serving a low quality tea. The scones were large and tasted good. The lemon tart unfortunately tasted a bit like soil. Whipped cream was runny and marmalade had orange pieces that were too big. The furnishings such as some chairs are in poor repair and some areas looked dirty. I think the establishment needs to focus on either being a tea house or a pub. It's charm from the past seems to have been lost.

Their scone was amazing and high tea price was reasonable.

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.

My Daughter took me to The Oaks for a late breakfast.What a lovely place. Covid rules in place.Staff were very efficient.The menu is varied, I was pleasantly surprised. Our breakfast selection was taken, then served by Brandy. Such a wonderful lady.The 1/2 size Traditional was so generous, I couldn't eat it all. It was very, very tasty.

A lovely & charming restaurant with delicious brunch selections. First time, I had the Veggie Benedict, and another time, the massive Veggie Omelette. Both items were delicious. Servers were efficient and friendly. The only minor "complaint" would be the Red Rose tea. The choice for their black tea was a bit disappointing for a Tea Room. However, their rich and decadent chocolate brownie made up for it. ;)

First things first...the staff are AMAZING! They were worked off their feet the day we were there. The place was full and there was a lineup. Unfortunately we were seated right at the entrance to the door. It was freezing cold and people waiting to get in were breathing down our necks. Not great during these times. The food came really fast in spite of the large crowd, and the food was decent. Problem was, almost everything was stone cold. We did not complain, because our poor server was run off her feet, so we were understanding of the situation. Will try again when they are less crowded, in hopes of a better experience.

Such a great experience and dinner at this restaurant. The kids loved their burgers and my salmon was delicious. Can't wait to come again and try something else.The staff was so friendly and the service was excellent.Love the live entertainment too ❤

I didn't realize The Oaks Restaurant was the former Blethering Place. However, while we were just going to pop in for a coffee on a cold day, we stayed for breakfast. First, excellent Covid vaccination check at the door as well as ID. The tea was served in a warm china cup, the breakfast plate also warmed. The hash browns served with breakfast were beautifully cooked, no grease there. I ordered the vegetarian Benny, first class with the option of grilled tomatoes rather than hash browns, no extra charge. My husband favoured the English breakfast and once again, first class. Add to this home made marmalade for the toast and a delightful server; working on a cold, miserable day after the third snow storm in two weeks. The music playing kept us there for another pot of tea ... . All in all the place we'll frequent when in Oak Bay.

Excellent restaurant. Very clean and lots of COVID protocols so we felt safe. Friendly and efficient server. Food came out in a nice pace, not to fast not too slow.Saturday had a roast beef dinner for $18 that is amazing! Best deal in Victoria and so yummy. The brownie is excellent as well. Drink prices and food prices very reasonable compared with similar places in the area.We will definitely come again.

I have been to The Oaks many times and I plan to be there many more. They have such friendly staff and a very comfortable environment. I would highly recommend going to The Oaks for a tea and chat with friends or family.