Liv Café & Bistro opens in Oak Bay

From a chance notice on social media to my first visit to Liv Café & Bistro I started my journey of exploration of this unique cafe bistro nestled away on a quiet street in Oak Bay.

It was on my second visit that I was wowed by what Liv Café & Bistro has accomplished in such a short time. They have definitely won the hearts of not only Oak Bay residents but from all over the Victoria and Saanich area people are fast discovering Liv Café & Bistro.

I am going to let the dishes speak for themselves but must add that, without a doubt, my most recent brunch at Liv Café & Bistro was the best brunch I have ever had. Perfection on the plate the dish was innovative and absolutely delicious. Eggs are cooked to your choice of soft, medium or hard and my medium egg was exactly on with a firm white and a delightfully runny, golden yoke. So good.

Orange mimosa for my guest and a Lychee & Rose mimosa pour moi

Eggs as you wish 
Two eggs, choice of sausage/bacon/chorizo,
butter confit potatoes, baby greens

Eggs Benedict
Grilled vegetable & Avocado Bennie (half size)
served on whole-grain toast (by request)

I could not resist finishing with the Rose White Chocolate & Pistachio Latte

Everything we had was absolutely delicious. Eggs for both dishes were cooked exactly as we requested, just perfect. My guest went with a traditional breakfast item and was very pleased, the eggs are farm fresh and delicious, a dark golden colour.

The Eggs Benedict, a half order, was exactly enough, so rich and just delicious. Rather than the English muffin I requested a slice of whole grain toast, I was impressed that this didn’t solicit a comment or concern from our server when I wanted something not offered on the menu. Also I must mention that the kitchen thoughtfully removed the crust, now that’s impressive when the little things really matter.

Our mimosas were a treat, the Orange Mimosa was just right, not sweet and the Lychee & Rose was the opposite, deliciously sweet with a lychee waiting in the bottom of the glass.

For after… my Rose White Chocolate & Pistachio latte was unbelievable, rich and creamy and not overly sweet. I’m craving another one.

We truly can’t wait to come again for brunch and of course lunch is next up for our visit to Oak Bay.

If you’re curious about what I had for my first visit, here it is:

Shrimp Tacos 
Crispy big bang shrimps (beer batter), corn tortilla
cabbage, tropical salsa, chili lime aioli, mixed babygreens

Maybe not on everyone’s list for their first meal of the day but these tacos were so good. Crispy with fresh corn and tangy salsa. I’m craving these and know they will make an ideal lunch for my next visit.

I’m also intrigued about the prospect of Afternoon Tea.

Some of the beautiful ceramics by Louise Lu on display at Liv Café & Bistro

Not pictured here the display case when you walk in the door at Liv Café & Bistro. Full of incredible and delectable pastries by Louise Lu, co-chef and pastry chef. They sell out very quickly and are perfect for a take home snack or with a takeout latte.

Things you should know

Milton Rebello is co-chef and partner of Liv Cafe & Bistro along with Louise Lu who is co-chef, pastry chef extraordinaire, partner and talented ceramic artist.

We hope to open our ice cream window this summer.

We have our plans all set to start dinners every Thursday/ Friday/ Saturday, with a fresh menu every week .

The one that I am most excited about is our upcoming Afternoon tea. I am sure Oak Bay residents are going to love our afternoon tea offerings. We hope to offer our featured tea once or twice a month and on special dates like Mother’s Day, mummy & daughter tea , Victoria Day , Christmas themed tea and treats, etc

Our concept is seed to plate. Where we grow the majority or our herbs, vegetables and edible flowers in our garden and Louise also makes the ceramics which are on display.

Food

The philosophy is simple…as the seasons change, so does the menu. Back where we are from, ancient wisdom dictates that we eat according to the seasons, like nature intended. It’s great for you and the environment. Our menu aims to reflect what grows seasonally on our island and around. A creative blend of tradition and innovation, it will change seasonally, pairing global influences with ethically sourced and sustainable local ingredients holding centre stage. Most of the produce is truly homegrown from our own little farm in Sannich, ‘Liv’s Edible Gardens’. At Liv, we focus on simplicity and elegance. We are about creating an experience, not just a meal. Come, Liv a little with us.

Farm

We have a farmland in Saanich that we have dedicated to grow fresh ingredients and florals that we offer at the restaurant. We challenge ourselves daily to make Liv Café & Bistro sustainable — we try our best to reduce waste and to make changes to our menu to reflect what is happening at the farms and Ocean around us.

Food to Go

Come on in the hop at 713 St. Patrick Street and see what we have in store! Fresh daily selection or Frozen prepared meals easily popped in the oven for a hassle-free dinner. Or find some of our dishes exclusively on our subscription meal plan (email us for more details)

Catering

From small intimate gatherings to chef driven five course dinners at your home or at any venue in and surrounding Oak Bay and Greater Victoria, we are passionate about what we do, and we strive to ensure all our celebrations are exceptional.

We bring fine dining to you!
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Farm fueled ~ Chef drivenWe also offer catering menu with canapes/ appetizers/ charcutier boards/ dessert platters and family style dinners.

Reservations

Use this link to make your reservation directly with Liv Café & Bistro

Liv Café & Bistro

It’s always the little things, isn’t it? The coffee just so. The light in the window. That meal that satiates and yet, leaves you wanting more. That’s what we are about here at Liv Café and Bistro. A cocoon to live a little. As often as possible. Nestled within Oak Bay, Victoria’s quaint neighbourhood, Liv is an ingredient-driven restaurant, founded by Chefs Louise Lu and Milton Rebello. Both Louise and Milton have earned their stripes in kitchens across the globe, and the cuisine is a thoughtful coming together of their vast experience.

“Oak Bay has been very kind to us and we are grateful for the support.” Milton Rebello

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For more information and menus: email us –  info@nulllivcafeandbistro.ca

Liv Café & Bistro

713 St.Patrick St. Victoria, BC

Wednesday -Sunday
9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Dinners – Coming Soon
Afternoon Tea – Special Events

I like to try a restaurant at least twice before writing a review just to be sure there is consistency in the food, presentation and service. With thanks, on my second visit I received a complimentary brunch for myself and a guest to facilitate this feature. A gratuity equal to 22% of the cost was left for the Liv team.