The GOODS from OLO

Victoria, BC | One of Victoria’s renowned and much-beloved dining establishments is undergoing renovations and a rebirth. Ulla restaurant, located in Victoria’s bustling Chinatown, has reopened its doors refreshed and with the new OLO moniker.

Opened in 2010 by chef Brad Holmes and partner Sahara Tamarin, Ulla has collected numerous accolades and awards. Among them include gold in Vancouver Magazine’s “Best Victoria” restaurant category in 2012 and 2013 and a vote as one of Canada’s best new restaurants by enRoute
magazine.

Now the Ulla team are excited to embark upon a new venture. Chef and owner Brad Holmes is partnering with Kris Barnholden, a friend and former colleague of Holmes, to launch OLO and take the restaurant in a new direction. Holmes and Barnholden will each take on the role of co-owner and chef, and are looking forward to growing the business with plans for future projects.

Opening its door refreshed as OLO, the new focus is on farm-to-table meals created from the bounty the island has on offer. Holmes and Barnholden will fill OLO’s kitchen with quality B.C. ingredients, such as island-raised beef, fish plucked straight from nearby waters, and produce tenderly grown by our local farming friends. Each incorporated ingredient is purchased directly from hard-working neighbours who produce beautiful food with great care.

The bar program also highlights the region’s bounties with an impressive list of B.C. distilleries, breweries and wineries. Perfectly mixed cocktails showcase local producers and ingredients, and boast a variety of whimsical infusions from foraged botanicals, shrubs from house-made vinegars, and healthful tonics from island spring water.

The dining area’s design reflects the agricultural history of Canada with a playful modern twist, cultivating a warm yet lively atmosphere. OLO feels familiar while always offering fresh tastes for locals hungry for more than just a meal. The word “Olo” translates to “hungry” in Chinook Jargon, a derivative language of English, French, Chinese and Chinook. OLO celebrates Cascadia’s role as a cultural melting pot by serving as a hub for neighbours to gather and break bread.

DETAILS

509 Fisgard Street | Victoria, BC
Telephone: (250) 590-8795 | Email: [email protected]
Web: www.olorestaurant.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

HOURS

Sunday-Thursday 5pm-12am, Friday & Saturday 5pm-1am
Sunday-Thursday Dinner menu is served 5pm-10pm, late night 10pm-12am
Friday & Saturday Dinner menu 5pm-11pm, late night 11pm-1am

GALLERY

THE TEAM

Brad Holmes, Chef / Owner
Jennifer Leigh Gidora, General Manager
Shawn Soole, Head Barman

ABOUT OLO

OLO is where the community comes together to congregate for camaraderie and the comfort of a good meal. While many restaurants boast about their farm-to-table philosophies, OLO executive chef and owner Brad Holmes knows relationships are forged over food. He fills OLO’s kitchen with quality B.C. ingredients, such as island-raised beef, fish plucked straight from nearby waters, and produce tenderly grown by our local farming friends. Each incorporated ingredient is purchased directly from OLO’s hard-working neighbours who produce beautiful food with great care. Nestled in the heart of Victoria, B.C.’s bustling Chinatown neighbourhood, OLO pays homage to the region’s trade hub roots.

The word “Olo” translates to “hungry” in Chinook Jargon, a derivative language of English, French, Chinese and Chinook. Just as the Pacific Northwest was a gathering place for traders hawking their wares in pioneer days, OLO celebrates Cascadia’s role as a cultural melting pot by serving as a hub for neighbours to gather and break bread.

The bar program highlights the region’s bounties with an impressive list of B.C. distilleries, breweries and wineries, as well as rare Canadian and American whiskies. The beer selection includes varieties brewed throughout the province, the Cascades and established Old World master breweries, with additions from the Pacific Northwest and Europe. Three select taps of award-winning Driftwood beer, crafted here in Victoria, are also featured for parched guests. The thoughtfully curated wine list focuses on small-batch producers showcasing the best vintners the Okanagan and Vancouver Island have on offer.

Perfectly mixed cocktails showcase local producers and ingredients, and boast a variety of whimsical infusions from foraged botanicals, shrubs from house-made vinegars, and healthful tonics to island spring water. OLO’s creative cocktail list is split into six categories, including Solera Barrel Aged Old Pal, Shrub & Vinegars, Sorbet & Sparkling, Childhood Favourites, Local Showcase and Flavoured Ice beverages.

The dining area’s design reflects the agricultural history of Canada with a playful modern twist, cultivating a warm yet lively atmosphere. With farmhouse-inspired elements such as rustic post and beam construction, cedar-clad walls, a wall of preserves, living herbs and wheat grass growing in the dining room, OLO feels familiar while always offering fresh tastes for locals hungry for more than just a meal.