 Afternoon Tea, The Fairmont Empress Hotel photo
Victoria Sustainable DiningThe city is home to award-winning chefs, many of whom share a commitment to sourcing their food locally. The Island Chefs' Collaborative promotes the consumption of locally and sustainably grown food by, among other initiatives, working with local farmers to plan which foods to grow. The result is a thriving dining culture that exemplifies freshness.
Vast Choice of RestaurantsVictoria boasts North America's second highest number of restaurants per capita, resulting in a broad range of dining options:
- West Coast cuisine takes full advantage of the local bounty of seafood, produce and artisan foods with a celebrated “farm-to-table” approach
- Victoria's Asian population has helped shape the city's culinary landscape
- Try a local favourite, or check out one of the city's hottest new eateries
- Experience some of Victoria's outstanding fine dining
- Combine exceptional food with an exceptional view
Visit in February or March to participate in Tourism Victoria's popular Dine Around & Stay in Town event. For a limited time enjoy three-course meals at many of the city's restaurants for a low, fixed price.
West Coast CuisineThe internationally renowned Sooke Harbour House, 40 minutes west of Victoria in Sooke, sets the bar for West Coast cuisine. The menu changes daily, with seafood usually served the day it is caught and greens and herbs coming from the resort's own gardens. Sooke Harbour House has one of the country's finest wine cellars, and the restaurant has been named the best on Vancouver Island by prestigious Vancouver Magazine for 20 consecutive years … as long as the title has been awarded!
Perennial Victoria favourite Pescatore's Seafood & Grill is known for its exceptional seafood, and the romantic Camille's serves the best in seasonal, regional cuisine in historic Bastion Square. The Marina Restaurant at the scenic Oak Bay Marina offers a sushi bar and a popular Sunday brunch buffet.
Asian CuisineSample the food at Baan Thai, expertly crafted by a team of Thai chefs who keep the locals coming back for more. While exploring Victoria's Chinatown, stop in at the funky Noodle Box for some delectable south-east Asian fare. Enjoy teppan-style dining at Japanese Village, where your meal is skilfully prepared on a searing hot grill right before your eyes. Da Tandoor is the place to go for quality Indian dishes. Local FavouritesThe stylish Brasserie L'Ecole, located in a former Chinese schoolhouse, was Vancouver Magazine's best restaurant in Victoria for 2009. In 2008 the title went to Zambri's, where authentic Italian fare is created using locally sourced ingredients.
Pagliacci's is a local institution that serves imaginative pasta dishes in a buzzing, shoulder-to-shoulder setting. Live music Wednesday through Sunday adds to the experience.
Craving traditional fish and chips? Take the Victoria Harbour Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf and stake out a picnic table at Barb's Place. It's a great spot to watch the boats come and go, the sea planes take off and land, and the seals frolic in the harbour.
New & TrendyWith its location in a charming brick heritage building, Stage Small Plates Wine Bar is getting plenty of raves and recognition. The langos, a delicious Hungarian fry bread, is a must. Pizzeria Prima Strada serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas that have critics and locals alike singing their praises.
Red Fish Blue Fish operates out of a steel shipping container on the pier (at the foot of Broughton Ave). Every seafood item on the menu is approved by the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program as being an environmentally responsible, sustainable choice. Much of their fish is caught by one of the restaurant's partners! Recycling and composting programs and a green roof are in place to ensure a minimal carbon footprint.
Aura boasts a menu loaded with Ocean Wise seafood options and a wine list that heavily favours Vancouver Island and BC. Floor to ceiling windows and a patio capitalize on the waterfront location.
Fine DiningThe intimate Paprika Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience with French and Italian influences. Café Brio was Vancouver Magazine's silver medalist for Victoria restaurants in 2009. Elegant Italian food is enhanced by house-made charcuterie.
Restaurant Matisse, awarded four stars by the Mobil Travel Guide, is known for its outstanding traditional French cuisine. Il Terrazzo Ristorante's Northern Italian dishes are complimented by an award-winning wine list.
Dining with a ViewLocated directly across the water from Victoria's famous inner harbour, LURE restaurant provides one of the best views in the city. And the food is as impressive as the view. LURE was awarded five stars by the local Times Colonist newspaper in a 2008 review.
Watch water traffic come and go from the Blue Crab Bar & Grill and indulge in one of their daily specials. Vista 18, on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites, offers sweeping views of the city, as well as Mount Baker and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
Take in the stunning views overlooking Saanich Inlet and the Malahat Mountains at Brentwood Seagrille & Pub, located at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, 20 minutes north of Victoria. Don't miss the spectacular sunsets.
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