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Victoria has a tremendous number and variety of restaurants for such a small city; this fact, and the glorious pantry that is Vancouver Island—think local fish, seafood, cheese, and organic fruits and veggies—keeps prices down (at least compared to Vancouver) and standards up. As an island, there's a self-sufficiency vibe, and t
Victoria has a tremendous number and variety of restaurants for such a small city; this fact, and the glorious pantry that is Vancouver Island—think local fish, seafood, cheese, and organic fruits and veggies—keeps prices down (at least compared to Vancouver) and standa
Victoria has a tremendous number and variety of restaurants for such a small city; this fact, and the glorious pantry th
Victoria has a tremendous number and variety of restaurants for such a small city; this fact, and the glorious pantry that is Vancouver Island—think local fish, seafood, cheese, and organic fruits and veggies—keeps prices down (at least compared to Vancouver) and standards up. As an island, there's a self-sufficiency vibe, and the collaborative foodie ethos between chefs, producers and suppliers is palpable. Restaurants in the region are generally casual. Smoking is banned in all public places, including restaurant patios, in Greater Victoria and on the Southern Gulf Islands. Victorians tend to dine early—restaurants get busy at 6 and many kitchens close by 9. Pubs, lounges, and the few open-late places mentioned here are your best options for an after-hours nosh.
Wild salmon, locally made cheeses, Pacific oysters, organic vegetables, local microbrews, and wines from the island's farm-gate wineries (really small wineries are allowed to sell their wines "at the farm gate") are tastes to watch for. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered to in this health-conscious town, and seafood choices go well beyond traditional fish-and-chips. You may notice an "Ocean Wise" symbol on a growing number of menus: this indicates that the restaurant is committed to serving only sustainably harvested fish and seafood.
Some of the city's best casual (and sometimes not-so-casual) fare is served in pubs—particularly in brewpubs; most have an all-ages restaurant as well as an adults-only bar area.
Afternoon tea is a Victoria tradition, as is good coffee—despite the Starbucks invasion, there are plenty of fun and funky local caffeine purveyors around town.
The warmth of Italy surrounds you at this family-run trattoria near Fisherman's Wharf. The owner hails from Genoa so much of the menu features cuisine from that region as well as daily specials from other parts of the country. Traditional favorites include carpaccio, polpette in agrodolce (tender beef meatballs with a savory sweet and sour sauce of caramelized onions, dried cranberries and green olives, and toasted almonds), spaghetti allo scoglio (a seafood medley in a wine and marinara sauce), and gnocchi in various incarnations. The heritage building adds to the inviting ambience, as does the delightful patio rock garden where you can dine alfresco and from where the kitchen gets its herbs and edible flowers. Classic desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta also make their mark. Families will appreciate the menu for children.
106 Superior St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1T1, Canada
Funky Barb's, a tin-roofed takeout shack, floats on the quay at Fisherman's Wharf, west of the Inner Harbour off St. Lawrence Street. Halibut, salmon, oysters, mussels, crab, burgers, and chowder are all prepared fresh. The picnic tables on the wharf provide a front-row view of the brightly colored houseboats moored here, or you can carry your food to the grassy park nearby. Ferries sail to Fisherman's Wharf from the Inner Harbour, or you can work up an appetite with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
St. Lawrence St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1T1, Canada
This slightly out-of-the-way, hip little burger joint elevates the humble patty with local ingredients and naturally raised meats, serving intriguing burger (and sandwich) combos like beef with chipotle-bourbon barbecue sauce, BC–raised bison with aged cheddar and fried onions, or chicken with bacon, Brie, and balsamic red onion jam. Vegetarians can substitute crispy tofu on any sandwich or opt for the chickpea, black bean, and goat cheese burger. Be sure to sample one of the house-made dips, perhaps curry aioli or lime-and-tomatillo hot sauce with the house-made fries. There's a kid's menu as well as drink choices that include creative cocktails, beer from island microbreweries, and house-made berry iced tea. Other lounges are in Langford and Nanaimo.
911 Yates St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 4X3, Canada
Offering a unique take on Japanese specialty dishes, the cuisine here can be paired with the largest sake selection in Canada—so diverse it is curated by two sake sommeliers. In addition to classic temaki, bowls, and charcoal aburi oshi, the big faves are small-portion plates paired with sake sangria, and the much grander Omakase Shokado, a showcase of nine different dishes (C$59/person). Try the sake tasting flights or for nondrinkers, the philosopher's tea, a blend of lemongrass, citrus peel, rose hips, and lavender blossoms. Nubo, the sister restaurant next door, is more casual and equally admired (but for its sushi tacos), as is the third location in this family of restaurants: Nubo near Johnson Bridge.
737 Pandora St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1N9, Canada
The wooden booths at the back of this dim, narrow room belie just how much fun this place can be with its upbeat mood and hop-to-it staff. Most of the arty-looking clientele are here for the oysters (served shucked, smoked, baked, breaded, or as shooters) and large portions of updated comfort food (try the sweet-potato fries; lamb, beef, or halibut burgers; or chicken-penne soup). The service is snappy, there's a small patio out back, and even the kids' menu portions would feed a linebacker. The evening-only, upstairs oyster bar with its black-granite bar and inviting sofas is even more intimate, and mains like prosciutto-wrapped lingcod are included on the pricier, more upscale menu.
536 Yates St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1K8, Canada
Bright and casual, with lime-green walls, hippie nuances, and a splashy Bollywood poster, this kid-friendly café in Bastion Square has long been the place for vegetarians in Victoria. But don't worry, the almond burgers, decadent baked goodies, and wild salmon tacos keep omnivores happy, too. Try the yam and pumpkin-seed quesadillas or the vegan Monk's Curry, or join locals for the popular weekend-only brunches. An extensive selection of teas, fresh juices, spirulina tonics, smoothies, and wheat-grass concoctions shares space on the drinks list with espresso, microbrews, and BC wines.
50 Bastion Sq., Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1J2, Canada
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