I love so many dishes. Wish I had several more days to visit this place

This is a small restaurant with amazing dishes and even more amazing desserts. Get there at 5:15pm and you will likely get a table immediately. They start taking food orders at 5:30pm.
Every meal that we ordered was equally delicious. I got the Mr Roberts lasagna and my friend got the Sophia. Both were outstanding. The wait staff is friendly... more

Character and Charm

This small restaurant is not for the quiet encounter first date. It is a restaurant with much character and close table sitting arrangements.
The food was spectacular and the variety on the menu was good enough to not overwhelm you but give you enough options to enjoy. The starter bread was a nice touch especially when we were very hungry... more

Tight quarters

This small restaurant is just a block from the downtown mall. It was recommended by two employees of a mall store. It was so good we ended up going for a late lunch and back the next night for dinner. You'll be sitting very close to those dining around you but is well worth it.

Amazing food and atmosphere

We waited about 40 minutes for a table but it was totally worth the wait- lovely, bustly atmosphere; with a live band playing in the corner. Service was friendly, efficient and the food was wonderful. Portion sizes were large, perfect for 6 hungry adults!
The walls are filled with film memorabilia and every dish is named after a film title-... more

Very good food, great atmosphere

My family eat here at least once a week. If you like good Italian food and small non-franchise restaurants with atmosphere, this is the place to go. The menu is varied and does include burgers and sandwiches, but, it's the Pasta that Pagliaccis does especially well. This is the place in Victoria, that Victorians go to eat.

Best Italian Ever

They had great portions. If you aren't a big eater do the half sizes. We found they were more than enough for both of us. We are seniors and ended up taken half our meal back to heat up and eat the next day. My husband raved about the Spaghetti and I had the Scallops with prosciutto. Great Flavors and... more

Consistently wonderful

As a group of 11, we made a reservation, which meant we were at the restaurant by 5 pm. We had excellent Italian food and service in this quaint little (and popular) restaurant in the heart of downtown Victoria. Portions were generous and we found wine we all enjoyed. The cheesecake is highly recommended! Looking forward to our next visit!

Can I have some more bread please

Pagliacci's has such amazing food! The best part of the meal hands down is their delicious warm fresh bread which is complimentary. There are so many different pasta's to try, my favourites so far are the Sophia and the Hemingway Short Story. I suggest planning an early dinner and getting to the restaurant right at opening. Lunch is just as... more

Great Italian Food

The food & atmosphere is excellent.
Very difficult to get in...we went at 5:30pm when the restaurant opened for dinner & we still had to wait.

OMG Delicious

We visited Pagliacci's while porting in Victoria. It was recommended by a cab driver, and then again by a native in downtown Victoria. The host was friendly and provided us with great service immediately upon entering. We went when there was a limited menu between 3-5p.m., which was a little disappointing considering all the great things on the dinner menu.... more

Always a treat when downtown

Always a wait to get in but definitely worth it. Seating is close but adds to the outing. We were treated to an extremely talented trio while enjoying dinner. Always worth a visit when downtown

Tight Quarters, Good Food

We decided to try Pagliacci's since it was a block from our hotel. We were seated immediatly, not bad for a Sunday at 1830. The restaurant is small, we had a booth so it wasn't too bad, but I could see how the folks in the middle were packed in. Food was solid Italian fare, can't say outstanding, but good,... more

Good family Italian restaurant

It's crowed, it's noisy but the atmosphere is exciting and enjoyable. Very good Italian food with large servings or half servings on pasta dishes. Fast, friendly service. We were pleased with our meals.
They make their own desserts but we were too full to have dessert at the restaurant so we took one piece of carrot cake home for later.... more

NOTHING SPECIAL! Pretty Ordinary Restaurant, would not return

Overpriced for a Pre-Cooked dish(probably put in fridge), then put in microwave & served to me Partially COLD!
Sent it back to re-Heat.
Will do the same @ Home for LESS $ Next Time! 1 Spicy sausage, 3 Jumbo Prawns, very ordinary pasta sauce & pasta.
Expensive Waste of Time eating @ this OVER-RATED Restaurant.

Soup and more soup

Very crowded restaurant but crowded means good - they have a special for unlimited bread and soup and you can try both soup options.
My fav was the curry chickpea.
Don't fill up on the bread. Will be back / it's a Fav!

Get there early

Friends and I went for lunch on a dreary day--the bottomless bowl of soup and the delicious bread really hit the spot!

Italian with a taste of Canada

On a rainy night we went to this place. Even on monday we had to wait to be seated, but it was worthwile. Good service. Excellent food! Big portions! If you have a starter and an entree, take half portions! Or ask for a doggybag as many guests do! We enjoyed good live music (jazz).

Dinner with college-age daughter and friends

This place is entirely over-rated. Lives off of its reputation, and I have no idea how they got it in the first place.
Huge lines to wait in to even get a place- no reservations. We got there at an off-hour for dinner, and still had to wait in line about a half an hour. The place was noisy and... more

This is a great must visit Restaurant

This place is truly a funky restaurant. You have to go there at least once. The menu is fun and varied with fantastic food. It is crowded but fun.

Good food in a sardine can

The line was indeed long when we got to this restaurant around 7pm. We were not deterred by the biting wind, so we waited with the rest of the crowd outside. Someone came out to get our name and party size; it was gruff and the attitude was ‘I don’t care you’re here; if you leave there are plenty of... more

Quality Italian food and a great experience

Be prepared to wait for a table if you come at peak times but it's worth the wait. The menu is extensive with lots of choice and you get the option of a full or half portion (the half is often enough). The bread and soup are bottomless and the bread is the main reason I go, if you're on... more

Second time around - still excellent

Second visit to Pagliacci's and they didn't disappoint. This time round we enjoyed their main course salads which were excellent. That left room for dessert - flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake - both of which were divine. Good selection of wine as well. Always a great atmosphere there and we got in a little earlier in the evening so didn't... more

Excellent

Really good food, excellent value for money and fantastic service, despite us rocking up ten minutes before the kitchen closed. They also have a decent selection of vegetarian dishes and a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Curried pasta

A must if you are visiting Victoria. Make reservations as they ate busy. This is a quaint small restaurant with great Italian food and equally great service. We had the Prawn Broker, a curried prawn pasta dish. Excellent. The prices are fair too.

Too Much Hype

Pasta tasted like bland, heavy starch. Told staff and they didn't seem to care. My wife's dish wasn't anything too special either. Not sure what the lineups are all about. I'll pass...... more

So good, every time

It's been a while since I was last at Pagliacci's and was delighted to see the food and service are still awesome. I have been enjoying their focaccia for at least 20 years and it's always amazingly good. Three of us had lunch May 28. I had the Pag's salad with their Parmesan dressing which is just delicious and of... more

Tasty With Zest

A Vibrant place to eat.
Not quiet, but bustling with energy and life.
Even if you have to wait in line to get in, its part of the ambiance.

Pagliacci's

Great funky restaurant with a great assortment of meals. Quick efficient friendly service, fab meals, good wines. You can't go wrong with Pagliacci's restaurant. Desserts to die for too. Great atmosphere. You just have to eat here to understand how wonderful it is!

A local favourite

I'm a local and we've been going to Pag's for over 20 years. There's a good reason why we love this place. Make sure to go early if you want to avoid a long line up. They don't take reservations, so it's first come, first served, however if you can get there before 6:00, you usually don't have to wait... more

Dinner at Pagliacci's

Excellent service. Very friendly and helpful staff. Food is always fresh. Sauces are delicious. Desserts are decadent. We especially like to go later in the evening when there is live music most nights. Check the calendar on the web.
I recommend it highly.
JMB

Claustrophobic

This restaurant in unfortunately so popular with the younger crowd that it feels overwhelming. The atmosphere was noisy, tables crushed together and my friends and I left to eat at a much quieter restaurant, The Sticky Wicket dining room. (Not the bar.) We never got to taste the food at Pagliacci's as service was slow. Would not recommend this restaurant.

quaint place, good food

This is a little pasta spot with good food and a bit of an off beat atmosphere. The tables are tightly arranged, so if that is not your style you might not be that comfortable. However, it has never bothered me as the food and value for your money is great. If you are wanting to discuss private business details... more

Very good food, a bit smug

We arrived late on a busy Saturday night, party of four. I usually don't mind waiting for good food, but I do like to be greeted and feel like the hostess has things under control. On the night I visited, I waited for 20 minutes before even getting on the list, and this only after another customer tracked her down.... more

always a good time

Spent a weekend in Victoria and as always enjoyed a great meal at Pagliacci's. We sat next to a couple visiting from Florida and they just loved it too...the setting is perfect if you like getting to know your fellow diners. Generous portions, reasonable prices...how can you go wrong?

You must try this place

Off the beaten path down town Victoria. Italian food. Any restaurant that you have to wait has to be good. Try the Feta appetizer. very unique and very tasty. portions are large. service is excellent.

A Victoria institution for years

Owned by the Seigel family, Pag's has been in business for 30 years, and has never disappointed....that's quite a track record! I've been going here since I was a teenager, and the place hasn't ch aged, which is comforting. The food remains delicious, with their focaccia the best I've ever had (dig to the bottom of the basket for the... more

Nice place, good food

Went with family and friends for dinner. Decor is pleasant, food is good and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. Good ambience.

Having second thoughts

This has been our favourite restaurant in Victoria since 1986, even though for many of those years it had been a long distance relationship since we only got there on visits from New Brunswick for many of them. We now live here for almost half the year, and I am sad to report I am wondering if our loyalty is... more

The only reason I didn't select "Excellent

If you know the movie Bottle Shock you'll remember when character Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) is attempting to sample fine wines in a chic restaurant only to have the experience ruined because he is seated next to the kitchen. Every time he attempts a taste a waiter bursts from the kitchen and bangs the door against his table! My experience... more

Favorite restaurant of all time

I have been coming to this place for over 20 years, living on nearby San Juan Island, and traveling to Victoria several times a year....never in that time do I remember being disappointed. and tonight was no exception.....LOVE the ambiance, with tables close together - it always feels like a party- you usually end up talking with the folks nearby...... more

Now I know what I've been missing

I have lived in Victoria all my life and had never set foot in Pagliacci's. I had only heard good things, so for our 30th anniversary we decided to give it a try. Sunday night and surprisingly got seated right away at the last table. First thought "what a tiny place" then, wow these tables are very close together. If... more

ho-hum in an average sort of way

I'm baffled as to what people were thinking writing these superlative reviews. Because the noodles are "yummy"??? And the bread also????
We found Pagliacci's to be excessively crowded and noisy. The risotto was done in a nice sauce but undercooked--each bite of rice revealed a hard starchy middle. The house white was as bland as watered-down powdered milk. The so-called... more

Great Italian Restaurant

This restaurant is in a quaint old building In Victoria BC. It is very comfortable and homey. The food is great. I had the daily noodles and they were yummy. We heard of this restaurant on one of the chef programs on TV. It was worth our while to look them up and the prices were reasonable. Go early as... more

The very best bread

We were a party of two so did not have to wait to get seated. It is not a very large place and the tables are very close together, so it is a bit noisy. That being said, the food was excellent and you were given a basket of the very best bread I had ever eaten. The portions are... more

Worth the line

Yup, we go here despite the hipster fools in Victoria that call it "played out" and a tourist trap. Ha, them hipsters are always too cool for school.
The line is usually pretty long. But they ply you with a bit of wine if you're standing around making friends with people from local and beyond. Who cares, you know what... more

Great food, need to bear with the line up

Great food, need to bear with the line up to get in, but once you're seated you will be served with great food. The restaurant is tight and noisy... but great for a birthday celebration as we did last night. I loved the meat balls !

Delicious

While visiting Victoria, a local artist recommended we check out Pagliacci's. In Seattle, this is a chain pizza restaurant, so it was a great surprise to find a cool, Italian restaurant. The seating cramped - you're really squeezed in there, and the service is a tad slow (kind of tough to get drink refills), however the food is great. Especially... more

Favourite for lunch

This is my favourite place for the bottomless bowl of soup and bread at lunchtime. It is extremely busy, and quite cramped and noisy, but well worth it. Get there early, as there is always a line-up.

The Best

Thinking this to be an Italian restaurant we were surprised to find a wide ranging selection available on the menu. Undaunted we ordered the antipasti, salad and lasagna. Simple words for tastes that I can't find words for. Simply the best. Go there. Superlatives abound.

Don't even bother

I've worked in hospitality for years, In Australia and Canada - from cafes to fine-dining - and I don't think I've come across a worse restaurant than Pagliacci's. I felt compelled to make this account just to express my disappointment of this restaurant.
Imagine my disappointment, taking my ITALIAN grandmother visiting all the way from Australia to a supposed "Victorian-classic",... more

Disappointment!!

I can't understand why this place is full on a Monday night. The pasta is so brutally over-cooked no mastication is required, and the sauced are either boil-in-the-bag or add-water-and-stir. You couldn't pay me to eat here again. Wake up and taste the many other fresh flavours available in Victoria.

"""Huge portions, always busy, but why? This seems to be a step up from a franchise, but I don't taste the care in the cuisine."""

"""A Victoria institution, a perfect location for meeting for a lunch with friends or a romantic dinner. Generous salads, tasty pasta dishes and standout desserts like checkerboard cheesecake make this a must on your list."""

The place is small and cramped but you will end up with a bread hangover the next day. So good!

"""Brunch - best benny in Victoria. With quick and polite service, the brunch here is fantastic. Perfectly fresh and toasted english muffins nestled unter perfectly dressed benny. Nothing soggy, and not too much hollandaise. Excellent!"""

Not a flash in the pan. Food and service consistent for the last few years.

Food has always been so so. A good place for poor students.

"""A crowded, playful, sceney place that can be a good place to take a date to for a lively Italian meal. The cheese cake has long been a favourite of mine."""

"""Good food, good value. Make sure you know if they have a band that evening so you know what to expect in terms of noise."""

Very busy, had to wait outside for an hour for a table so expected food and service to be more than so-so. Service was appalling and food was cold which considering it was burnt says a lot.

Great Food. Come if you are hungry & want a fun atmosphere

Place can be a little crowded but thats what makes it so quaint. The food is amazing

Great value, amazing food, fun atmosphere. Lineups if not here early for dinner.

good all around

Overrated. Terrible food without exception. Lots and decent value.Funky atmosphere and too casual service. Dirty kitchen

Always packed with local public servants at lunch - dinner is a different story with live music and a boisterous loud crowd. Gotta love pasta and be prepared to take some home if you indulge in the non-stop bread and salad before the main course.

Great ambiance!

Always good and quick in a quirkly and fun, as the lines attest.

They have the best bread.

This restaurant is always busy. Always. But with good reason. Great food, big portions, and a warm yet hip ambience. Try not to fill up with bread before your meal gets there (it's hard not to- their house bread is incredible and always comes warm to the

A once fantastic joint is now disappointing and mainly filled with tourists & local who've forgotten that Pag's has really been a consistent let down over the past five years. Unimaginative pasta dishes are heavy handed and overpriced and the waitstaff ha

a victoria institution

Wonderful!There is usually a line to get into this place,but they ease the way,by plying you with glasses of wine and fab foccacia bread while you are waiting.

Pag's is truly a consistent venue. Good Food, good music good service. Last time I went I was a surprisingly disappointed with the deserts - a bit heavy handed and seemingly mass produced.

Great spot for lunch, a little bit of NYC in Victoria

A Victoria classic, known by the locals simply as "Pag's". Lots of pasta and bread to fill you up, but the atmosphere is why you go. Always full of energy with tables squeezed so close you can kiss your neighbour. Owner Howie Siegel is a local legend and

Food was acceptable at best. Server was a little overwhelmed, but this establishment is usually very busy. I think a bit overhyped.

NOT itallian

Food can be variable. Very very crowded and noisy. Trendy.

Amazing desserts! Expect to spend a while in the line-up as they don't take reservations. Go in even numbered groups - you'll see why! Great food and service! Owner is soooo nice

Great value, great food.

I guess they think they have it 100% here, since they haven't changed their menu in YEARS. However, it's a tourist destination and I guess tourists don't like to be surprised.

NY Cheesecake is worth every calorie here. It's over 2" high and is a must try.

Pag's is a tradition. You don't go because the food is exceptional or because it's easy to walk in and get a table. You go for the live music (Sun through Wed), addictive focaccia bread, the Prawn Broker (sweet curry pasta with prawns and cashews) and the

Always a fun atmosphere.

Unbeatable for value, good taste, fun atmosphere. We go often and out of town friends always love it. The bread is famous. The bottomless soup for lunch is one of the best deals going (usually about $6), pastas are very tasty. Live music nights are loud

Worth the wait in line - tasty and unique pastas and much more for a very good price.

Even if you get here at opening time, the line of people waiting to eat here is already formed. Well worth the wait. Besides, while you are waiting in line everyone seems to be discussing their favorite dishes here so you may want to try everything here.

Basic food but great atmosphere. Enjoy taking tourists to this joint; not what you'd expect in sleepy Victoria

Starting to go downhill sadly.

This place hasn't changed in 20+ ? years. Lots of food. A Victoria landmark.

Awesome food not so awesome prices

I was introduced to Pagliaccis a few years ago by some friends who ironically were out of town but go there every time they visit. High praise.There is usually a line at dinnertime but its never particularly long. The short wait is impressive when you consider the small space inside.The food is excellent it doesnt matter what you get you will be happy with it. The atmosphere is lively but... more

great food always

the food is always great here I have had hit and miss experiences with kids theres a host there man who isnt too friendly to kids but i have always found the servers to be great with my kids. and the food so good italian lots of variety lots of food and great salads and the cheesecake mmmoh and the cappezio its a drink tastes kind of like a creamsicle its sooooo good

You'll never go wrong with Pag's. A local favourite.

Pags Riches

Be prepared for large portions and rich sauces. Its not the place for a calorie conscious eater so enjoy The desserts are super rich but not as diverse in choices as the mains. Sunday nights are fun with live music but go early because line-ups are typical. The tables are a bit squishey too close together so I wouldnt recommend it for families with restless children.

Highly recommend lunch here. Have the all you can eat soup and the all you can eat focaccia. Best lunch value in downtown Victoria.

Pagliacci's has been a fixture for ages. It's charming, and the food is good. If you're looking for (American style) Italian in the Downtown area, it's a good choice.

An excellent value, wonderful quality meal. Glutin free pasta appreciated. Sauces and fresh ingredients a bonus. Dinner for 2 with appys and wine for under $100 with tip. Wow.

food is good,but place is always crowded and noisy

Pagliacci's

Pags is a hip institution (is that possible??) in Victoria. They have had lines out the door since at least 1987, when I first moved to Victoria. Go early, be patient -- it’s worth the wait!!

Atmosphere is loud and fun, crowded. Bread is extraordinary, salads tasty, and the pasta is unforgettable. I have friends who swear by the cheesecake and other desserts, but I have never had room...
... more

Pagliacci's

Pagliacci's is located in downtown Victoria on a street beside the Eatons Center. It is known for their soups and pastas, which are fresh and delicious. They are open for lunch and start serving dinner at 5:30pm. Go early, it's popular and fills up fast. They squish you in there and if you don't mind that, you will have a great meal. I love the Veronica Lake salad or any of the pasta dishes.... more