Saveur magazine named Vancouver Island a west coast epicurean centre, thanks to the cornucopia of fresh local produce, seafood, specialty food producers, wineries and micro-brewed ales found here.
Many restaurants boast world-class chefs who work in close partnership with growers, producers and foragers to create some of North America's most innovative and mouthwatering cuisine.
Vancouver Island dining highlights include:
Sooke Harbour House
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Juan de Fuca Strait, this, the original and most authentic of "west coast" restaurants, still sets the standard. In Travel Leisure magazine's 2006 "World's Best Awards," Sooke Harbour House took an impressive second place in the Continental US and Canada division.
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Savour seafood caught just hours before mealtime and sip wines from one of the most magnificent wine cellars in the world.
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Over 200 edible herbs, greens and flowers, as well as berries and vegetables, are grown onsite.
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The restaurant is a 40-minute drive north of Victoria via Highways 1 and 14 - and worth every kilometre.
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Visit the Sooke Harbour House website
Rosemeade Dining Room and Lounge
Rosemeade is situated in an English-style manor surrounded by a large, lush garden. In 2005, Rosemeade received second place in EnRoute magazine's "Canada's Best New Restaurants," and with good reason: the restaurant focuses on the best that is local and seasonal, creating inspiring interpretations of traditional fare.
> Visit the Rosemeade Dining Room and Lounge website
Brasserie L'école
Located in an old schoolhouse in Victoria's Chinatown, this bistro is the recipient of numerous accolades, including Vancouver magazine's "Best Restaurant in Victoria." Sit down to French cuisine reinvented with local ingredients served up in charming, "shabby chic" decor.
> Visit the Brasserie L'école website
Zambri's
This delightful Italian deli-restaurant was the winner of the 2005 Gold for "Best Casual Italian Restaurant in BC" from Vancouver magazine.
> Visit the Zambri's website
Barb's Place
Got a hankering for traditional fish & chips? Then take a seat at one of Barb's open-air picnic tables. This popular floating seafood restaurant is located at Fisherman's Wharf and is a great place to watch harbour life. Barb's is a pleasant 15-minute walk from downtown Victoria, or, better yet, take the Harbour Ferry.
> Visit the Barb's Place website
The Pointe Restaurant, The Wickaninnish Inn
Situated on a rocky promontory with a 240-degree ocean view, the award-winning Pointe is spectacularly positioned for storm watching and has the sumptuous food to match the tempests. Travel Leisure magazine awarded The Pointe fifth place in the Continental US and Canada division in its 2006 "World's Best" awards.
> Visit The Pointe Restaurant website
SoBo
This acclaimed eatery once operated out of a purple catering truck in Tofino Botanical Gardens. Its focus on local ingredients and simple, hearty fare make it a popular Tofino destination for locals and visitors alike.
> Visit the SoBo website
The Aerie
The Aerie was ranked "Top Hotel in the Continental US and Canada" in Travel Leisure magazine's 2006 "World's Best" awards, thanks in no small part to its cuisine. Situated high on a mountainside at the southern end of the bounteous Cowichan Valley, the Aerie's restaurant provides a stunning view of the Saanich Inlet - a worthy match for its cuisine, which features farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, lamb, pastured poultry, balsamic vinegar and fine wines.
> Visit The Aerie website
The Riverwalk Café, Quw'utsun' Cultural & Conference Centre, Duncan
Enjoy a traditional salmon barbeque or choose from an array of authentic, Aboriginal dishes. Watch fascinating, traditional dance performances or wander through the landscaped grounds and learn about the history of the Cowichan people.
> Visit The Riverwalk Café website
Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island
Located in a country setting, this replica 11th-century English manor is home to a gourmet restaurant renowned for its old-world charm and new-world menu. Savour Salt Spring Island lamb and fresh seafood as well as produce, herbs and the manor's own orchard fruit.
> Visit the Hastings House website
Aurora Restaurant
Situated at Poets Cove Resort & Spa, the Aurora is a favourite with cruising yachties for its artful west coast cuisine served up with an incomparable view of Bedwell Harbour.
> Visit the Aurora Restaurant website
Atrevida Restaurant
Set in Galiano Inn's stunning atrium, Atrevida opens to breathtaking views of Mount Baker and Mayne Island. Watch for whales passing through Active Pass.
The chef's Asian-inspired dishes are complemented by a good selection of BC wines and feature organic, locally sourced, small-farm produce and the freshest seafood.
> Visit the Atrevida Restaurant website