La Fogata Latina Restaurants - Victoria

We stopped in for a quick bite after a movie and were both disappointed. We had the arepas, cassava fries and plantain. I was squeezing the food in my napkin to try and get out some of the grease so I could taste the cassava.. plantain but to no avail. We both ended up opening the arepas and just eating the mixture in the middle. It's such a shame as it's a quaint little place and normally I really enjoy latin american food. We won't be back.

I am writing this review and giving this restaurant a rating based on the fact that it is primarily a takeout place with a low budget. After traveling through Colombia and Central/South America, I can confidently say that this place has the most authentic Latin American flavors I have come across. The arepas are perfectly made and reasonably priced (around $4 each). The prices are fair, the service is slow (which adds to the charm), and there are plenty of options to choose from. They also have late opening hours and stay open till late. If you are looking for something a little different and unique, this place is definitely worth checking out.

If you've never tried Colombian food, stop by La Fogata Latina on View Street in Victoria, BC, downtown next to Hermann's Jazz Lounge. Owners Ernesto and Samy have a large menu of casual street food, all authentic and prepared by hand (as are all of...their sauces and salsas It's a very small venue with only or stools at the bar, but a great option for a quick stop-in lunch, or a South American meal to take back to work for a very reasonable price. It's not spicy the food is mild, making it very kid-friendly. You can spice it up with their (red-coloured) pineapple salsa, white garlic salsa or their special pink sauce. You'll end up ordering them as sides. There are also tropical (Colombian) fruit smoothies made with mango, tamarillo, naranjilla.... not-too-sweet, creamy and wonderful. I had a banana passionfruit smoothie, which is not banana plus passionfruit, but a fruit called banana passionfruit. It was delicious. We ordered a chicken arepa, the Colombian poutine (wonderful), cassava (guava) sticks, and papas criolla/amarilla (creamy little nugget potatoes with a nice pico de gallo salsa). food than of us could eat. Look for the beef empanadas (also available gluten-free), and the Anuncio Patacon Con Todo, which are plantains topped with with beef, pork or chicken. They're open at noon on weekdays, and Saturdays because they get the overflow bar-closing crowds who will come for tasty treats to sop up all the beer, and eat in the street, often dancing to the Latin music. Whether you're a gluten-sensitive celiac or just someone who loves yummy homemade comfort food, you should try La Fogata Latina.

This small place will surprise you with exotic Colombian food to please your palate with delicious dishes. I can’t describe it. Just go and let yourself loose!

A little restaurant with a good variety of choices. Neat and clean with staff who know the menu and services. Available parking along the street.