Review :
I response to the comments below, I am going to defend restaurants now. I think that you need to stand back and look at things from another perspective. I have been to Pablos and had an incredible anniversary there.

Many places change their house wine. I know that Pablos has all of their wine by the glass and more often then not when a restaurant does this, they offer what is open as a house wine. This means that you more than likely will be receiving a more expensive glass of wine for a cheaper price.
In regards to letting you know what they are out of, have you seen the size of their menu? I have spoken extensively to the maitre'd about how they pride themselves on local and fresh high end products. if the steak costs you for quality, then how would you feel if they served you a steak that they picked up from safeway.
I, for one, would way rather know that they are committed to quality then to just pick up some meat at safeway.
If you were excited to try the old Pablos, which my husband and I enjoyed as well, then you should know the quality and the intimate atmosphere ahead of time. It takes money and labor to make an unbelievable menu and I do not understand what you were expecting.

I think that Pablos has return better than ever, I too was served by a very bubbly and enjoyable young lady. She was quite knowledgeable about the wine list and the food. As well, answered all of our questions about the new restaurant, past history, the town and even her life.
The highlight of the night, second to the food and the service was when the Head Chef himself came out and spoke to us about his meal.

I highly HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to everyone and anyone of my friends, local and visiting.

COngrats Pablos for putting yourself back on the map.

Review :
So, my parents were in town and saw the ad in the paper for the 3 course dinner. Having over the years meant to try the "old" Pablos and then being disappointed when it closed we thought out look was in. A quick check on trip advisor showed promise from the comments. We went on Thursday evening, about 6:30pm. No one greeted us, and we stood for a couple of minutes waiting. Only 2 other diners curiously sitting in their coats. we were seated and offered cocktails. We looked at the wine list, choke! we ordered our drinks which arrived, then! the menu was presented. What a hook. The server explained what was not available, like Strip loin! Hello, staple and Safeway's open till midnight, but I guess the other two diners had the last ones. Our mouths dropped as we perused the menu. they are taking the piss with these prices! I'm sorry, it's not about the money, it's realization they are trying to screw you or they have a self inflated opinion of their product.

I told my parents we would go elsewhere. I paid for our drinks, 2 glasses of house wine (6oz) and a soda for $21.00.

As we were putting on our coats, the server came over and said "Can we tempt you to stay? we have a special on right now for 3 courses" Well, we already knew about the "special" since we had read it in the paper, but by this time it was too late.

What I don't understand is, if you go to the expense to advertise a special in the paper, why wouldn't you promote it to the customer that walks through the door? To pull the special out of the hat when it looks like you are loosing the customer is insulting.

Other comments are, the place has the atmosphere of an art gallery, the table cloth had holes and the server had no warmth or skills as a hostess. She didn't know what the house red was that night (I guess it changes) This place is for people with more money then sense. Beware of the positive reviews, they are no doubt written by friends family and staff.

My prediction is, as soon as the overdraft runs out, this place will go the way so many restaurants have gone in Victoria. Trading on the name Pablos will not assure success

Oh yeah, my Dad is still talking about the $35.00 desert!

Review :
Not the place to dine if you want fresh local food. Nothing we ate even came close to french food, just because you serve french onion soup doesn't mean your french. Your better of going to Bon Rouge

Review :
I am shocked to hear of some of these reviews about Pablo's. My dining experiences there were many years ago and it was when Pablo and his wife (the chef) had the most romantic restaurant in Victoria and I have dined well in Victoria,Europe,Mexico, Alaska etc . Pablo`s was THE best dining experience in Victoria for many years with an extensive wine list and the warmest atmosphere that Pablo would personally set up for a couple. Champagne in front of a fire upstairs, along with their signature luxardo at the end of the evening. I am saddened by the derogatory comments as Pablo`s had some of the freshest seafood, prime grade beef and the style in presentation that is rarely witnessed these days. Thanks for the wonderful memories and that lobster bisque to die for.....
Sincerely, C Maxwell My ratings are based on my last dining experience.

Review :
I had a chance to read the bit on Pablo's in a new food guide. I must say that it is all self promotion. Do they know that the pervious restaurant was named one of the best new restaurants in canada.

Review :
Very romantic atmosphere, great food, friendly staff! One of the best restaurants in victoria for certain.

Review :
This was my first and last time to dine at Pablos since the new owner took over. You will find better service and food at the food court in the mall.

Review :
I have had the opportunity to dined at Pablos on many occasion since it has re-opened, and I have found that the food presentation and service has been beyond my expectations. I have been in the hospitality business for over ten years and this dining establishment has the right stuff!

Review :
had a fantastic dinner , wines by the glass over 50 choices !! unheard of.. we had ceasar salad at the table side service was impressive

Review :
We only had one night in victoria, and was told from the hotel staff to go to a french restaurant in chinatown, but on our walk ther we saw Pablo's and it looked very nice. We were so wrong. The servic was unprofessional and the food lacked the flavour and excitement that we are used to ( coming from napa ) Victoria is a beautiful city but listen to the hotel staff and don't be lead in by looks.

Review :
They are under new ownership and have a new head chef. the food is incredible and i have never seen presentation like this before.
Don't talk trash until you know the details.

Review :
This has to be a mistake. Why bring back this so called restaurant, they never new how to cook and they still don't. They have always been out of date. Niche should still be open that was the best restaurant victoria has seen in some time.