Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed
Learn More
Restaurant Reviews
Find Restaurants in Your Area
Select a Location
Reserve now:

Bon Rouge Bistro Reviews List

This restaurant is no longer available. Continue your search at OpenTable.

Bon Rouge Bistro

Just steps away from Victoria's spectacular Inner Harbour, Bon Rouge French Bistro is located in a renovated 1920's building. Bon Rouge can best be described as French inspired with a West Coast spin. With a definite appeal to passionate eaters and commitment to local, seasonal fresh produce, seafood, game, cheese and wine, Bon Rouge promises to shine as one of Victoria's brightest dining establishments. Indulge the senses, relish the food and soak up the ambience.
66 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(66 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 66 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • romantic(37)
  • fit for foodies(34)
  • special occasion(33)
  • great for lunch(24)
  • neighborhood gem(20)
  • great for outdoor dining(17)
Bon Rouge Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Celebration for Six

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our group of 6 had a fantasic experience at Bon Rouge. We made reservations but still needed to wait approx. 20 minutes. The restaurant addressed the incovenience by offering the first round of drinks on the house. After that, we indulged in amazing food and recieved top-notch service."
Dined on 29/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My wife and I celebrated our

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I celebrated our 59th wedding anniversary at Bon Rouge Bistro with our daughter last Wednesday, and we were thoroughly delighted with every aspect of that experience, from the food to the service to the ambience. Thank you for making everything so special!"
Dined on 27/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent and friendly service.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent and friendly service. Flavourful food and well presented. Prix fixe is an excellent value"
Dined on 20/03/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had eaten here once before

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Had eaten here once before and was impressed so we had company to meet downtown so my husband and I recommended meeting at Bon Rouge. Was not disappointed.
Good service and the food and drink were divine.
"
Dined on 17/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The best service I have ever

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The best service I have ever had!"
Dined on 16/03/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

This was my third visit to

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was my third visit to Bon Rouge. Arrived for my reservation on time. It was a Saturday. I had requested a booth for me and my daughters, who had never been to Bon Rouge. The booth was the last one closest to the grill. Smokey and noisey. Only four other tables occuppied and service was mediocre. Drinks ordered finally arrived with meals. King crab salad is now more shrimp than crab. Chicken Goat cheese Lasagne was old and cold. Sent it back for another piece and got a 5% discount on bill. Based on this visit, I am not going back."
Dined on 09/03/2013
 2011
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Terrific as usual. Food,ambiance

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Terrific as usual. Food,ambiance superb. Our waiter was a little lively."
Dined on 07/03/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent menu and delicious

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Excellent menu and delicious consistently fabulous meals. I have enjoyed both lunches and dinners and keep coming back. Seafood so fresh and enjoyable. Rave reviews for the scallops with pork belly; moules frites and kale appy were delicious too! Well done!!"
Dined on 09/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sadly we were seated beside

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sadly we were seated beside a very loud table and right in the middle of the room. The servers kept bumping into the back of our chairs as there was not enough space for a table where they had us. The food was excellent. Service was average. I thought our server was very abrupt and sort of rushed through orders etc. At one point two of our parties dishes were delivered to the wrong table and then when she realized that she took them to the wrong place she picked them up and put them on our table with apologies.
I would still go again. This isn't our normal experience when we dine here.
"
Dined on 01/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The experience was nothing

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The experience was nothing special and it is too large a space for the feeling of cosiness that I associate with a true bistro restaurant. It wasn't bad - a friendly atmosphere, decent enough food & very good service . It just wasn't special in any way, at least for my husband & me."
Dined on 02/03/2013
 2009
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I love Bon Rouge and would

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I love Bon Rouge and would recommend it to anyone. So cute."
Dined on 27/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My wife and I were in Victoria

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I were in Victoria to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. We chose the Bon Rouge for it's French flair and menu. The meal and the ambiance were wonderful and our waiter, Scotty, was exceptional. We'll definitely go back when we're in Victoria again."
Dined on 24/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We were a group of 6 and all

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were a group of 6 and all enjoyed their meal. Service was good and the wine suggested was very good"
Dined on 20/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very Good Food & a Romantic Setting

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Service was good, and the food was very good (Steak frites and creme brulee) to excellent (trout). There is a limited number of dishes on the menu, which allows restaurant to focus on preparing them all well. We really enjoyed the romantic atmosphere with French decor touches - the dining room is located in a heritage building and features large windows and dark wood walls. Dinner was by candlelight, and though the dining room was crowded, noise was moderate, allowing conversation at normal volume."
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

very good food; limited menu,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"very good food; limited menu, which is a good thing, with specials being excellent.
busy waiters, but good knowledge on menu items.
somewhat chaotic reservation schedule, relying on customers finishing on time. we had to forego our booth and settle for an open room table, with a considerable amount of noise in the main room. this was a distraction, but didn't really have a negative impact on the dining experience.
we were well pleased with the meal, service, wine list and overall impression.
"
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Was looking for something

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Was looking for something different and decided to try it. Very noisy and crowded. Servers were run off their feet. They could have used more staff. Food was good but not memorable. Prices were not bad, but could have been slightly lower. Extensive wine list, but it is a French restaurant so it is to be expected. Overall, a good but not a great experience. Perhaps Saturday night is not the best time to go because of the crowds. If we go next time we will try mid week to compare."
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely superb! Lovely

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Absolutely superb! Lovely location, impeccable design and low lighting, delectable menu, delish cocktails, friendly and knowledgabe server...all for a very reasonable price. I really enjoyed my dinner out here with close friends- we were never rushed and the food/service will have us coming back again! Just wish you had a similar spot in Vancouver. ;)"
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Bon Rouge Bistro is excellent!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent food, service and ambiance, can't wait to go back again!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This place was wonderful for

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This place was wonderful for Valentine's Day - dark and romantic, but playful because they put red balloons everywhere! The escargot was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten, but I was a bit disappointed with the duck; the meat was delicious, but the bean in sauce side that came with it left something to be desired. Overall, I would love to return to try more of their dishes. The service was quick and friendly (especially on a special occasion), and it was a very enjoyable experience."
Dined on 14/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 21 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a very special Valentines

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a very special Valentines dinner at Bon Rouge. The staff really made an effort to set the ambiance and it showed. The service was amazing and the food was honestly some of the best I've ever had. Very impressed with our experience."
Dined on 14/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 22 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Bon Rouge gets better every time

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've been to Bon Rouge Bistro a few times, and each time my experience improves. I made a reservation (obviously) through Open Table, and sometimes restaurants don't look at the included notes -- this time I requested to be seated somewhere warm (last time we were near a door that kept opening and I get quite chilly). Unlike many restaurants, they actually read the notes and seated us right next to the fire. Our server was friendly and prompt and the food was perfect. The only thing I'd change? Butter for the bread would be room temperature in stead of cold. :-)"
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 23 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Not our first time to Bon

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Not our first time to Bon Rouge, it always impresses! This was Valentine's Day, and they did a great job. Service was a little bit slow, but it was packed with reservations and they were very attentive when they did get to us.
A Victoria classic, you definitely need to check it out!andr"
Dined on 14/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 24 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Our first visit was lunch

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our first visit was lunch at 1:00, not overly busy however two of the specials we were originally told about were not available when it was time to order a few minutes later . Odd. The menu did not inspire, and I would have to say disappointing after all the good comments I had heard from friends. Hesitant to try dinner."
Dined on 09/02/2013
 2009
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 25 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great experience, exceptional

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"great experience, exceptional knowledgeable service waiting tables, above expectations food quality and taste"
Dined on 08/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 26 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Bon Rouge is Amazing.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Bon Rouge is a wonderful place. Our food was wonderful and our server was just excellent. He was great to talk to and helped make our 5 Year Anniversary dinner special by making suggestions about the menu and truly going out of his way for us.
As far as the food, this is the closest to real French dining I've had since I was in Paris. And as our server was from Paris, he understood when I mentioned "This creme brulee is the best I've had since Chez Clemont."
The lighting was romantic, though just a *touch* too dim.
Overall a great restaurant. If you're looking up places to go and juggling between a few, definitely select this one, you will not be disappointed."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 27 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

the salad special I had was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"the salad special I had was overpriced and not that good. The main course was average. I wasn't impressed."
Dined on 01/02/2013
 2013
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 28 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

well rounded and wonderful

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Loved our recent business lunch at Bon Rouge. Fabulous soups, salads, moules frites and crepes. Very French but not cloying, chic but also romantic -- good for business or pleasure. I will definitely go again when visiting Victoria."
Dined on 31/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 29 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was our 3rd visit in

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was our 3rd visit in the last 12 months and it is consistently very good each time. The 1st was Dine Around in 2012, the 2nd Mother 's Day 2012 when many restaurants disappoint and the last for my Mother's birthday. Like e local food focus and attentive service by staff and quality of food."
Dined on 31/01/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 30 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love the emphasis on local

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Love the emphasis on local ingredients."
Dined on 31/01/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 31 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I always take out of town

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I always take out of town visitors to Bon Rouge."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 32 for Bon Rouge Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Nice decor, great food and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice decor, great food and great service"
Dined on 30/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Bon Rouge Bistro
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate