Ruxton, Maryland
We were lucky enough to experience Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbias opening this past weekend. (located at the site of a former Bennigans on Snowden River Parkway). The location is where the comparison ends.. this is a completely new and innovative restaurant.. and a welcome change from the usual restaurants. A pleasant surprise!
Having lived in the UK twice it does remind me of an authentic gastro pub.. it is gorgeously decorated, serene with artwork from a local artist, Linda Roberts, very comfortable and the food is outstanding. We started with a "flight of cheese" as an hors doeuvre.. great cheddars ranging from mild to aged.. small gherkins.. lovely flatbreads. and fruit.
If you are tired of the the usual fare around town.. this is the new palate pleaser. We had a lot of friends at this opening and the reviews I heard from ordinary people were great. The onion soup was a hit.. the burgers were delectable.. the caesar salad light and tasty.. and the salads were mouth watering. I had a Warm Frisee and Spinach salad with applewood smoked duck.. (with a poached egg) it was a medley of savory flavors I am still dreaming about.. my companion had a burger done to his liking, with savory fries, that was attractive as well as delicious.. One of our dinner companions had the Victoria Fish and Chips.. shrimp and crab stuffed seabass done in bavarian beer vinegar.. which looked wonderful.
The menu consists of soups made with fresh herbs and presented simply.. salads.. small entrees such as the duck quesadilllas which I heard were great.. entrees, burgers and sandwiches.. we were longingly looking at the lobster grilled cheese one of our party enjoyed! The menu is simply too varied to go into here... but we plan to go back and experience more.
Save room for dessert.. the apple dumpling is better than your grandmothers.. the coffees are varied and they have a very extensive wine list. I judge an establishment by their Cosmos and mine was perfect.
The hostess, waitstaff (who were experienced but put together for the first time) and chef all went out of their way to make sure that this experience was a great one for their new guests. I understand that collectively they have great resumes and are prized staff.
We hear that there may be a New Years bash at Victoria Gastro Pub and are headed back.... it seems like a fitting place to start the new year and there are hotels very near by!
“Wow!”
Maryland
Wow! Excellent draft (and bottle) beer selection, impressive wine menu, friendly knowledgable barstaff, an inventive, mouth-watering menu, and a charming, cozy atmosphere make this place our new Columbia favorite! Definitely worth checking out!!
“Great restaurant in the burbs”
Fulton, Maryland
We were thrilled to find a great new restaurant in suburban Columbia. Victorias has a great menu with amazing breads (the biscuits are fantastic!) and wonderful burgers and wine list. My husband had the kobe burger and I had the "regular" burger and we both enjoyed them - best burgers in the area. The fries, pickles, and even the rolls were so tasty! We were so full we didnt get to try the wonderful looking dessert menu, but well be back. The restaurant also has a warm atmosphere - its been completely redone from the old Bennigans look of the former tenant.
“An amazing find!”
Columbia, MD
We visited the Gastro Pub right before Christmas and had a great time! I didnt find the prices to be out of line as compared to other restaurants of that caliber in the area and the ambiance, service, and food were certainly a step up from many. I was happy to see a restaurant opening in the area that was not part of some huge chain, like so many weve had recently. The selection of beer was extensive and unique and we enjoyed sizeable samples of three before making our decision. The food was original and skillfully prepared, and I was surprised at how prompt and courteous the service was for a restaurant that had only been open for two weeks. We look forward to returning
