It always begins with the little things — the perfect cup of coffee in hand as sunlight pours through a window, or a dish so comforting it lingers in your mind long after the last bite. That is the spirit of Liv Café and Bistro in Oak Bay — a place where love, flavour, and creativity come together in the most beautiful way.
For Chefs Milton Rebello and Louise Lu, Liv Café and Bistro represents more than a restaurant — it is the realization of a lifelong dream. When they opened the doors in May 2025, they brought with them decades of global experience and a shared vision to create something deeply personal. Milton’s culinary journey began at the Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai, followed by studies at Johnson and Wales University in Miami, and advanced with a Journeyman Red Seal and Certified Chef de Cuisine from N.A.I.T. in Edmonton. Along the way, there were proud milestones, including 2013’s Canadian Culinary Championships — a two-day fundraiser for Canadian Olympic athletes — where Regina’s own Milton became
the first-ever Saskatchewan chef to reach the podium.
Today, on the Island, Milton and Louise have created something extraordinary. Their Saanich property, Liv’s Edible Gardens, supplies the restaurant with seasonal produce and blossoms, while Louise’s artistry shines in the bright, welcoming design and the handmade pottery that graces each table. The menu — offered for bistro lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner — is diverse and international, pairing global inspiration with ethically sourced, sustainable ingredients from the Island and beyond. With thoughtful options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners, there is always something delightful to discover as the seasons turn.
More than a destination, Liv Café and Bistro is a cocoon for the soul — a place to slow down, connect, and savour what truly matters. It is an invitation to live a little, as often as possible, and to celebrate the journey that brought Milton and Louise home to Greater Victoria.