Thankfully for gourmands, Blue Bayou refers to more than a 1960s Roy Orbison tune. Blue's Bayou Cafe, located northwest of Victoria on Brentwood Bay in Central Saanich, offers a taste of the Big Easy. Here, a generous helping of joie de vivre is served up in the form of credible Creole cuisine. It's just about the last sort of food you'd expect to find around Victoria, a city better known for tea and crumpets, its affection more River Thames than Mississippi Delta.

Blue's Bayou opened in June of 1999 and its reputation has been built one customer at a time on superlative N'Orleans cooking, scenic location and exceptional service. The restaurant resembles a fisherman's shack, tiny and wood-shingled at the bottom of a steep hill that leads to the Angler's Anchorage Marina on Saanich Inlet. One needn't venture to the City That Care Forgot to find the origins of Cajun culture; instead, its rollicking French/Spanish/African roots are captured right here in Po’ boy sandwiches, jumping jambalaya, local Fanny Bay oysters, Cajun catfish, crawfish too.

If none of these dishes packs heat enough, "Blue's Blistering Hot Sauce"(not Heinz) can be found on every table. Lunchtime choices include the Caribbean Cruiser sandwich with tequila lime chicken, the tasty Big Easy Shrimp Melt packed with seafood, and hearty Gator Gumbo- Louisiana-style chicken, okra, and rice in a rich broth, finished with... alligator. Yes it really is alligator! the menu assures us. It appears these gators are imported direct from Louisiana where alligator farms are as common as their poultry cousins are in other parts of the world.

Summer visitors can lounge all afternoon on the impressive oceanfront deck which is bigger than the restaurant's interior. Canal Street Jazz sets the tone and suddenly the day stretches out, languid as life on the bayou. Lights adorn the patio and on Saturday nights you can sit outside to watch the sunset and the fireworks that follow launched from nearby Butchart Gardens. In winter, diners can huddle inside to track the rain and fog as it settles over the bay. A whimsical touch is that the bad news (the bill) is tucked into a kind of diner's guest book where you can delight in gustatory commentary that reflects Blue's diverse clientele.

Written By: Sarah Pollard

Features
Kid Friendly  |  Beer and Wine  |  Dinner  |  Lunch  |  Outdoor seating  |  Smoke-free  |  Takes Reservations

Comments
My wife, who was born in Brentwood, and I have been to your establishment often and as always enjoyed it very much. We were there for supper last night (July 21/07) and we just had to comment on your halibit special and on our waiter "Scott". The only thing that surpassed the best ever halibit dinner was the above average and friendly waiter of ours named "Scott". Thank you for a very enjoyable evening. Les Lane
- Les Lane on Sun, July 22, 2007

ôsama is my name plesae keppppppppppppppppppoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooofffffffffffffffffffffffffffff thare
- osama on Wed, August 16, 2006

I just returned from a trip to Vancouver Island and I ate lunch at Blues Bayou. Its my friend's favourite restaurant. Great ambience, fabulous views from every window and food was wonderful. Lots of fun. Don't miss it!
- Sharon on Sun, March 19, 2006

The first time i was introduced to this place was with a bunch of my girlfriends. I loved it so much i then took my husband there. We both found it pleasent and cozy. The food was awesome and the service was always with a smile. Its a great place to go if you cant make it to louisiana for some of their great jambalaya, now its right here in our own back yard. Oh and the cesar salad has a bit of a kick to it.. think thats my favorite of all. (wink!)
- Durell and Mark Lynam on Mon, December 12, 2005

We always saved our trips to Blues Bayou for special times ie: a place to take family and friends; or to celebrate a special occasion etc. But now we go more often just for the consistently good food, the atmosphere, and the friendly service! C and D
- Carol and Don McBride on Mon, August 29, 2005

Hi! We're going to B's Bayou tonight and I can hardly wait! We live just up the hill, and I can't tell you how great it is to have such a cool restaurant within walking distance -- especially when we have houseguests, who tend to get a little tired of Victoria's 'Wee Bit o' Blighty' theme. Service is always great, and how happy the servers are, I think, is a dead giveaway as to how much the powers-that-be care about their customers. Oh, and have I mentioned how delish the food is?
- Elizabeth on Sat, August 6, 2005

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