After having lunch at their offshoot restaurant, Joie Grillades Cafe, we dined the following day at the main restaurant, which is a totally different concept. Only open for dinner, it has a very good selection of French classics. We chose the pate along with a good selection of bread for our appetizer course. The pate portion is huge for two people, and we ended up taking half of it home. For the main course, we both ordered the duck confit that was acco panted with beans and potatoes cooked in what appeared to be duck fat. The duck dish is comprised of two legs and was delicious. Rounding out the meals, we ordered one raspberry tart and cafe noissette. Everything was top rate. This was our first time visiting this restaurant and we'll certainly be returning.

My wife and I were on a whirlwind 1.5 day visit to Vancouver Island. We wanted our only dinner to be special and French. After researching we settled on JOIE. We arrived at 7 and were promptly seated. We love to dine in the European style, unhurried. JOIE did not disappoint in this area. Our waiter was professional and elegant in his presentation. We started with a rose’ and the Salad de Salmon Fume’. Phenomenal, it was beyond anything I would have dreamed of. Subtle flavors blended perfectly with twice as much Salmon we would have expected. Along with the salad we had the bread plate.. the balsamic in the oil spelled JOIE!!We followed up the salad with our main course, the duck served 2 ways for 2. Tender breast meat served rare and on the bone dark meat served with a mustard sauce. Another well balanced plate that reminded me of the best meals I’ve had in Paris. For dessert the lava cake and espresso drinks capped off an ethereal evening. Our meal lasted 2.5 hours and we walked away not feeling overstuffed. The restaurant itself was elegantly austere, perfect. It took us 2 years to get back. During that time we wouldn't stop talking about Joie. Our second meal was as good as we remembered it was. Impeccable service, wonderful wine selection, and above all the food. This time my wife ordered the duck and I had the lamb. Lamb was perfection, made 2 ways. The duck was succulent and flavorful. I have to call out the olives. Make no bones about it, I dislike olives. However the olives served at Joie were to die for. I kept eating them and pronouncing,'I can't believe I like, er LOVE olives.... a true miracle!!! 2 years was too long and we vowed to make Joie our yearly anniversary dinner destination. Unrushed, romantic and relaxing..... a wonderous experience!

All the ingredients were fresh and cooked to absolute perfection. Really good flavours with every dish. We had a couple appetizers, main and dessert. We had the lamb cooked two ways and both were delicious. The flan for dessert was beautifully light and flavourful with the raspberry. LOVED the macarons that were brought out. One of the best macarons I have ever have - seemed like they were made fresh.

Small, intimate bistro with astoundingly good food, outstanding service and attention to detail. Basque friendliness and fine French cuisine combine for a delightful experience. George guided us expertly in both food and wine. This was Mom’s first time in Victoria and we’re always glad to visit. We’re so happy to have had this experience!

Good place for excellent food and mood. The lighting is dim and the music is romantic. Good for a party with good laughs or just the two of you. Very very nice service too. You'll enjoy it!

This is hands down one of the finest restaurant experiences we've had in Victoria. A unique Basque restaurant belnding Spanish and French flavours into an unforgettable treat. George was the kindest and most attentive host showing us the very best of the menu and everything from the wine pairings to dessert was spectacular. Try all of the lamb, the terrine, the mushrooms, and the phyllo, and certainly take George's recommendations! We will be frequenting for sure.

Superb genuine French staff and menu. Most of the classic French dishes such as Confit de Canard. I loved the Seafood Trio with Cognac Cream Sauce. The maître d' 'Frenchy' is excellent at recommending wine pairing with food. Service has always been very attentive with a rather charming French flair. Strongly recommended.

This was quite the experience last evening, Monday, I was lucky to be the only guest in the restaurant and George, the owner and the chef, was an extraordinary host. He cooked for me the lamb chops, were extremely good and I've enjoyed our conversation. A very very pleasant dinner, I'll definitely recommend and I'll definitely come back if I'll be in the area.