La Fogata Latina Restaurants - Victoria

I'm basing this review and rating on the fact that this is basically a take out place, low budget.Having been through Colombia and central/south america, I can say that this is the closest to honest latin american flavour that I've found. The arepas are spot on, and a decent price (around $8 for one). Price is fair, service is slow (that's half the appeal), and options are extensive. Opens fairly late and stays open late. Totally worth your time if you're looking for something a little bit outside the box.

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 8 or 9 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). More food than 2 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 2pm-3am 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.

I love every meal here, food is delicious and the ingredients are excellent, they keep the Colombian flavor in every arepa, empanada, patacon (fried green banana) and the delicious natural juices... 10/10 ... Amo cada plato de este restaurante, los ingredientes son excelentes a pesar de la distancia, tienen el sabor de casa en cada arepa, empanada, patacón y los jugos naturales, mi favorito el de lulo !!!

Every town I move to there is that one food you will miss and crave and this place is that for me in Victoria! I am so happy my husband stumbled across this place on day. We have been going back ever since. Its small but the food is top notch every. single. time. The staff is friendly and welcoming and now recognize me (I'm ok with it lol) I have tired many things but the Arepas are the best thing hands down! I love this place and will be back many more times!Thanks!

We loved this tiny little place with Ingrid cooking home style in her little, spotless kitchen.We had arepas for the first time and oh my goodness they were delicious, very filling and an inexpensive wonderful lunch, Ingrid owns and operates this little place and we enjoyed visiting with her and watching her cook. It is like sitting with family in the kitchen. I will remember this meal and highly recommend for Latino home cooked meals.