Restaurants in Victoria serve up deliciously unique dining experiences with menus featuring fresh, local ingredients from growers, artisan food producers and the waters of southern Vancouver Island.
Some ideas? Taste farm-to-table bounty at Sooke Harbour House or authentic Italian food at Zambri’s. Hang out oceanside to take in seaplanes and fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, or head to Vista 18 for mountain, ocean and city views. Wander Chinatown, then savour steak and frites at Brasserie L’Ecole.
The Island Chefs' Collaborative works with local farmers to promote locally and sustainably grown food, and many restaurants promote environmentally responsible seafood choices as part of the Ocean Wise program.
West Coast Cuisine
The internationally renowned Sooke Harbour House (40 minutes west of Victoria in Sooke) sets the bar for West Coast cuisine. The menu changes daily, with fresh seafood and greens and herbs from the inn's gardens. The Sooke Harbour House restaurant has been named the best on Vancouver Island by Vancouver Magazine for more than 20 consecutive years!
Pescatores Seafood and Grill is known for exceptional seafood, and romantic Camille's serves the best in seasonal, regional cuisine in historic Bastion Square. The Marina Restaurant at scenic Oak Bay Marina offers a sushi bar and a popular Sunday brunch buffet.
Craving fish and chips? Take the Victoria Harbour Ferry to Fisherman's Wharf and watch seals frolic in the harbour at Barb's Place. Red Fish Blue Fish is another popular spot for fish 'n' chips or fish tacones; it operates out of a steel shipping container on the pier (at the foot of Broughton Ave), and offers a 100% Ocean Wise seafood menu.
Afternoon Tea
Victoria’s colourful British heritage is celebrated daily with traditional afternoon tea. Sip tea from china cups and saucers and nibble on finger sandwiches, scones with cream and other delights. Indulge in tea overlooking the Inner Harbour at the Fairmont Empress’ sumptuous Afternoon Tea or amongst the blooms at Butchart Gardens. Cozy up at the White Heather Tea Room or the James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant, complete with British Royalty memorabilia on the walls. Point Ellice House, a fully restored Victorian home, is a fitting setting for celebrating this delicious tradition.
Asian Cuisine
For a little (or a lot) of spice, eat at Baan Thai, where dishes are expertly crafted by a team of Thai chefs, or dig into curries and noodles at Foo Asian Street Food. Enjoy teppan-style dining at popular Japanese Village or quality Indian dishes at Da Tandoor.
Trendy and Local Favourites
The stylish Brasserie L’Ecole, located in a former Chinese schoolhouse, was EAT Magazine’s "Restaurant of the Year" for 2011, while Vancouver Magazine named Zambri's "2010 Victoria Restaurant of the Year" for its Italian fare created with locally sourced ingredients.
Local institution Pagliacci's serves imaginative pasta dishes in a buzzing, shoulder-to-shoulder setting; live music Sunday through Wednesday adds to the experience. At Stage Wine Bar, located in a brick heritage building, try the langos (a Hungarian fry bread) or visit Pizzeria Prima Strada for authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Craving a unique drink? Head to Veneto for cocktails made with local liquids like Victoria gin and Silk Road tea. At Pig BBQ Joint, get messy with a pulled pork sandwich, or try big flavours on the daily changing menu at charming Devour.
The Pink Bicycle crafts gourmet burgers using local products – try Little Qualicum cheeses, Metchosin mutton, Cowichan Valley chicken and even Vancouver Island bison.
Fine Dining
The intimate Paprika Bistro offers a French and Italian influenced dining experience. Café Brio’s elegant Italian food is enhanced by house-made charcuterie.
Restaurant Matisse, awarded four stars by the Mobil Travel Guide, is known for its traditional French cuisine. Il Terrazzo Ristorante's Northern Italian dishes are complemented by an award-winning wine list.
Dining with a View
Bask in floor-to-ceiling waterfront views at Aura – its menu is loaded with Ocean Wise seafood options and it has a Vancouver Island and BC-heavy wine list. The Blue Crab Bar & Grill is another spot to watch water traffic while indulging in a daily special.
At Vista 18, enjoy sweeping views of the city, Mount Baker and the Olympic Mountains, while the Brentwood Bay Resort restaurant offers stunning sunsets overlooking Saanich Inlet and the Malahat Mountains.
Victoria Food Events
Take part in Dine Around Victoria (February-March) and enjoy set menus at some of the city’s finest restaurants for a low, fixed price. Learn about food production and sustainability at the Island Chefs' Collaborative Foodfest (June) or sample Vancouver Island’s food and wine at Taste (July).
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