Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar

Went here on a recommendation from a friend. The room was beautiful and gave off the speakeasy vibe. Menu was small and focused. Food was amazing, mushroom pate, croquettes, the burger and scallops as well as the coffee cake. Our server Jae was great, had good recommendations and banter. Sad to hear this place is closing in 3 weeks. Very grateful to been able to experience it in its final days :(

A little pricey but you get what you pay for. Cozy spot for a fab cocktail and very good food. Clayton at the bar will take care of you. You won’t regret the tomato confit burrata dish - the only issue is they don’t serve it with enough bread!

The food is amazing, the wine list is well curated, the Empress 75 is delicious, and the beef cheeks fall apart perfectly. Our server was very sweet with our four year old and the aesthetic is lovely! Great location in town too!

The food at little jumbo was incredible! The burrata was one of the best I’ve ever had and the polenta fries were unlike anything I have tasted before. We also got mocktails which really tasted like regular cocktails. Highly recommend!

My wife and I had a wonderful experience. We have been to similar restaurants in Victoria but this place is at the top of the list. Our server was really great. The food was amazing. Also the bartender is on point he is a master behind the bar. We already have reservations with some of our friends. Can't wait

A Meal for the Memories – Execution Near Perfection Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately struck by its inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a speakeasy, infused with a subtle warmth. The attention to detail here is commendable, from the warm lighting and tinned ceiling to the exposed brick walls adorned with the restaurant’s name. This ambiance sets the stage for the exceptional fare that follows. The Food: Appetizers: Seared Scallops: This dish exemplifies exceptional execution. The scallops were perfectly seared, offering a delicate balance of texture and flavor. The accompanying accoutrements were thoughtfully sized to complement each bite, while the sauce was a flawless blend of richness and taste. Only a small complaint that the sauce was split nonetheless amazing flavour pairing. Bone Marrow: This dish showcased impressive technique. The marrow was creamy and silky, with a rich depth of flavor. It could have benefited from just a touch more salt, but this was a minor detail in an otherwise expertly prepared dish. Beef Cheek: A harmonious balance of flavours, the beef cheek was butchered to perfection and served with a delightful duo of sauces: a rich peppercorn and a vibrant poblano demi-glace accompanied by a poblano puree. Each element complemented the other beautifully. Mille Feuille: Absolutely delicious! While the cream could have had a bit more richness, it did not detract from the overall experience. The dish was light and airy, layered beautifully, providing a perfect finish after the hearty beef cheek. Cocktails: We sampled a variety of cocktails from the menu, each unique and expertly crafted—arguably some of the best in Victoria. Balancing Act: True to its name, this cocktail is a well-balanced blend where no single flavor overpowers another. It strikes a delightful sweet-and-sour note without the overwhelming presence of vermouth or grenadine often found in other drinks. Apricots and Old Lace: So nice we ordered it twice! This cocktail features a forward note of apricot, balanced beautifully by bitters and lemon. The addition of egg white lends a silky texture, making each sip a smooth delight. Short and Stalky: This drink offers a flavor profile unlike any I’ve encountered before. Its unique taste—neither herbal nor earthy—is challenging to describe, but its refreshing quality and refinement make it a standout. Spurs & Saddles: I approached this cocktail with caution due to its smoky nature, which can easily overpower. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite my usual aversion to smoky drinks, this one was expertly balanced, with just a hint of effervescence, making it enjoyable. Disco Jalisco: As someone with a sweet tooth, this was arguably my favorite drink of the night. It offers a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, reminiscent of a margarita yet distinctively unique—pure bliss. The combination of vibrant atmosphere, exquisite food, and outstanding cocktails makes this restaurant a true gem in Victoria. Dining here is an experience not to be missed. The artistry and creativity displayed in every aspect reflect a commitment to excellence that sets Little Jumbo apart.

On our last night in Victoria, we decided to “get fancy” and try this gem of a restaurant. We made a reservation over the phone rather than Google (Google wanted a credit card for cancellation). The restaurant is tucked back from the street through a hallway but has ample signage to find It! We were seated immediately and started with a round of cocktails. The entire menu sounded absolutely delicious so we decided to start with a few appetizers and share an entree. We ordered the Polenta Fries, Beef Carpaccio, Burrata and the Haida Gwaii Halibut Croquettes. The Croquettes were served in chili oil and quite the kick. Everything else was delicious! Our server, Matt, even took the burrata out of the fridge to allow for room temperature as my partner requested. We shared the Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast which was cooked to perfection. To finish the meal, we ordered the Mille Feuille for dessert and felt It was the perfect complement and finish to the flavors of the meal. Matt was phenomenal and was ready with cocktail suggestions, explanations of Canadian norms and even joined our banter on learning any new language and living in a different time period! It was a wonderful evening in the cozy Little Jumbo restaurant and we will definitely be recommending It to friends visiting and will be back ourselves one day!

Excellent bar with sophisticated cocktails. Perfect fancy date night bar. As a tourist, I went out of my way to find a non-tourist cocktail bar and they delivered. They have an eclectic and extensive assortment of spirits. Knowing it was dedicated to historic bar masters I had high hopes, but it truly exceeded my expectations. Anytime I'm back in Victoria I'll be visiting again.