Victoria is home to a rich community of beautiful, unforgettable
restaurants and cafés. Add in a convivial atmosphere, thoughtful and
informed service, and the importance of using local, organic and
seasonal ingredients, dining in Victoria, offers visitors a true sense
of place. From the latest craft brews, Island and BC wines to the very
best restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, join me on this
delicious culinary adventure as I share with you the very best that
Victoria has to offer. Enjoy!
Agrius
Modern brunch and dinner ‘farm-to-table’ spot featuring organic ingredients and breads from a wood-fired oven. The cocktails are sharp, and the wine list is naturalist; some might say Agrius is the ‘hippest room in town’!
Cuisine: Contemporary
Address: Victoria- 732 Yates St
Phone: (778) 265-6312
Reservations: Yes
Special Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours: Sunday, Monday 9 am – 2 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 10 pm
Baan Thai
Small, family-run authentic Thai food. Baan Thai offers a diverse menu of traditional and modern Thai cuisine with a multitude of flavours. Baan Thai has something for everyone, from children to seniors.
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Addresses:
Downtown – 1117 Blanshard St. (250) 383-0050
Broadmead – 400-777 Royal Oak Drive (250) 658-0057
Oak Bay – 104-2000 Cadboro Bay Rd. (250) 598-0057 Reservations: No – go early, it’s worth the wait!
Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00pm
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 9:00pm
Be Love
Upscale and modern, this restaurant specializes in farm-to-table vegan cuisine and superfood cocktails. Be Love cuisine is as delicious as it is nourishing and energizing! Their food is wheat, dairy, gluten, and processed sugar free, and they source almost completely organic ingredients.
Cuisine: Healthy, Canadian
Address: 1019 Blanshard St, Victoria
Phone: (778) 433-7181
Reservations: Yes
Special Diets: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 am- 9:30 pm
Friday, Saturday: 11:00 am- 10:00 pm
Blighty’s Bistro
Close by, great atmosphere, always delicious. Wonderful food cooked by Danish owner/chef. Blighty’s Bistro is a quaint and compact Canadian bistro adorned with local art and serves seasonal, contemporary Canadian fare.
Cuisine: Canadian, fusion
Address: 2006 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria
Phone: (250) 592-5111
Reservations: Yes
Special Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Bodega Bar
An intimate fixture featuring Spanish tapas, wine, and cocktails in a warm atmosphere, plus patio seating. Drinking sherry with your tapas is traditional and truly the right way to experience Spanish cuisine. Bodega Bar offers a tapas experience that is relaxed and comfortable and the perfect spot to enjoy pre-dinner, or late-night cocktails and a few bites.
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish, bar, wine bar
Address: 1210 Broad St, Victoria
Phone: (778) 406-1210
Reservations: No
Special Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options, vegan options
Hours:
Sunday- Tuesday: 11:30 am- 10:00 pm
Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 am- 11:00 pm
Friday, Saturday : 11:30 am – 12:00 am
Cafe Brio
Superb organic food with a West Coast flavour prepared by one of Victoria’s top chefs. Outside seating and an upbeat atmosphere. Café Brio is an unpretentious choice for salumi, wine, and Italian-learning meals, made from local ingredients.
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, Canadian, International Address: 944 Fort St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 383-0009
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Friday, Saturday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Ferris’ Oyster Bar and Grill
Ferris’ offers exceptional oysters and darn tasty Caesars! They have a huge menu and fresh food. Ferris’ offers tons of oysters but there is something for everyone if oysters aren’t your thing. The sweet potato fries will knock your socks off and the ooey gooey brownie is the best.
Cuisine: Canadian, seafood, bar Address: 536 Yates St, Victoria Phone: (250) 360-1824 Reservations: Yes
Special Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Friday, Saturday: 11:30 am- 11:00 pm
Fishhook
Fishhook serves local seafood in very casual, snug digs with a patio. The sustainable seafood served here incorporates rich flavours from Indian and French cuisine. Fishhook has been named the best seafood restaurant in Victoria for 2018.
Cuisine: Indo-French influenced sustainable local seafood
Address: Fort Common – 805 Fort St (250) 477-0470
Mermaid Wharf – 100-407 Swift St (250) 590-6988 Reservations: Fort Common – No
Mermaid Wharf – Yes
Specialty Diets: dairy-free, wheat-free, mayo-free
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11:00 am- 9:00 pm
*Mermaid Wharf location closed on Monday and Tuesday
Il Covo Trattoria
Rustic Italian dishes are the draw at this charming eatery with vaulted ceilings and a garden patio. Il Covo is a very romantic restaurant with excellent service, as well as outstanding pasta! During the summer months you can sit out in their very lovely garden patio while enjoying Italian classics!
Cuisine: Italian, vegetarian friendly
Address: 106 Superior St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 380-0088
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options, vegan options
Hours:
Monday – Sunday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Il Terrazzo
Il Terrazzo is an intimate, candlelit Italian nook with brick fireplaces, patio seating, and a notable wine list. Guest are given blankets to keep warm if seated outdoors, and the food is simply scrumptious! Their menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine with a pacific north west twist making Il Terrazzo a ‘must visit’ when you’re in Victoria!
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean Address: 555 Johnson St, Victoria Phone: (250) 361-0028 Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets:
Hours:
Monday- Friday: 11:30 am – 3:00pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm
J & J Wonton Noodle House
J&J Wonton Noodle House presents a simple setting for Cantonese and Sichuan stir-fry and noodle dishes, plus gluten free options! This restaurant is an incredible Asian fusion delight, and a must for Chinese food lovers!
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian, vegetarian friendly
Address: 1012 Fort St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 383 0680
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Marina Restaurant and Sushi Bar
One of Victoria’s oldest and most trusted restaurants. The Marina is a beautiful and romantic oceanfront eatery with dark wood and soaring windows. The marine serves refined seafood and regional cuisine, great sushi, and amazing desserts.
Cuisine: Canadian, seafood, sushi
Address: 1327 Beach Dr, Victoria
Phone: (250) 598-8555
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: Vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 am- 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm
*The Marina Coffee House: open daily 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Mo:Le
Mo:Le is a vegan-friendly café serving creative, organic breakfast and lunch dishes all day, plus weekend brunch. In addition to a great atmosphere, good music, fast paced service, when seasonally possible, Mo:Le also sources from local and organic farms. This locally inspired, health conscious, and flavourful restaurant is the perfect breakfast/brunch/lunch spot for every health nut!
Cuisine: Canadian, café, international, healthy Address: 554 Pandora Ave, Victoria
Phone: (250) 385-6653
Reservations: No
Specialty Diets: vegan options, vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Olo
A simple yet stylish setting for sophisticated Pacific Northwest dishes and global wines. Olo’s kitchen and bar apply a melting pot of techniques and flavours to the best seasonal ingredients from Vancouver Island.
Cuisine: Canadian, contemporary, vegetarian friendly
Address: 509 Fisgard, Victoria
Phone: (250) 590-8795
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegan options, vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen
Ottavio’s is Victoria’s favourite Italian bakery and delicatessen! This is where the locals get their bread, cheese, and espresso, since 1997. It’s a tradition. Ottavio’s is the perfect spot for a great casual lunch and you can enjoy this lunch on their lovely patio! Oh, and let’s not forget their delightful homemade gelato!
Cuisine: Italian, specialty food shop
Address: 2272 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria
Phone: (250) 592-4080
Reservations: No
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Pizzeria Prima Strada
Simple and fresh ingredients on traditional wood-fired, exceptional thin crust pizzas! Pizzeria Prima Strada is warm, intimate, and casual, while serving wood-fired pizza, homemade gelato, local beer and lovely wine.
Cuisine: Italian, pizza, vegetarian friendly
Address:
Cook Street – 230 Cook St, Victoria – (250) 590-8595
Fort Street – 1990 Fort St, Victoria -(250) 590-8599
Reservations: No
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am- 10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 11:30 am- 11:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Pagliacci’s
Pasta dishes and other Italian staples are served at this stalwart eatery with kitschy décor and live music. Pagliacci’s is one of those timeless places, born in passion, carved from life and bathes in laughter. This restaurant may be a little noisy, but that’s just the way it goes! Cuisine: Italian
Address: 1011 Broad St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 386-1662
Reservations: No
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Friday, Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Sen Zushi
A contemporary space offering artfully arranged sushi along with hot Japanese entrees and premium sake. Excellent sushi, and reservations recommended! Cuisine: Japanese, Asian, sushi. If you’re a big sushi fan, this delicious and unique Japanese restaurant is the spot to be!
Address: 940 Fort St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 385-4320
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Stage Wine Bar
A snug, chic haunt pairing regional and international wines with electric tapas, including charcuterie! Small plates and wine bar. Stage is located in Fernwood, which is only a 20 minute walk from Fairholme. Stage supports local farmers, and serves delicious food that is cared for, crafted by the best chefs, and respected from the earth to your plate.
Cuisine: Canadian, wine bar, gluten free options Address: 1307 Gladstone Ave, Victoria
Phone: (250) 388-4222
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: gluten free options
Hours:
Sunday- Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Livet
The Livet is a new rooftop dining destination across from the historical Royal Theatre! This restaurant features a charcoal grill and a stunning outdoor patio and bar. They have an ingredient focused menu sourced from Victoria’s local farms, gardens, and waters.
Cuisine: Canadian, vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Address: 804 Broughton St #201, Victoria
Phone: (778) 265-3033
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options, vegan options
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Irish Times Pub
This pub has live Irish music seven nights a week, great pub food, tons and tons of beers on tap, lots of seating but always full! The Irish Times has the best mac and cheese in town, and also the best spot for people watching!
Cuisine: Irish, bar, pub
Address: 1200 Government St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 383-7775
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 1:00 am
White Heather Tea Room
This charming eatery features a vast selection of teas and tiered trays of sweet and savoury bites. The White Heather Tea Room is great for lunch and afternoon tea, however, reservations are strongly recommended! This tea room is a delightful stop to spend the afternoon, as the atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the service is good.
Cuisine: British, Canadian, desserts, high tea Address: 1885 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria Phone: (250) 595-8020
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, Monday: Closed
Vis-à-vis
With a ‘face-to-face’ mentality, Vis-à-vis wine and charcuterie bar is a personalized and engaging experience. With front row seats, you are able to interact with their bartender and charcutier while sipping on a glass of wine, locally crafted beer or a signature cocktail. Vis-à-vis is always a favourite with our guests! This restaurant in close by, as it is located in Oak Bay.
Cuisine: French, wine bar, European
Address: 2232 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria
Phone: (250) 590-7424
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options, vegan options
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Zambri’s
Zambri’s is an award-winning restaurant specializing in Classic Italian cuisine, paired with a unique selection of Italian wines. Zambri’s is set in a stylish, eco- conscious building, and serves classics like pasta, pizza, and wine!
Cuisine: Italian, pizza, vegetarian friendly
Address: 820 Yates St, Victoria
Phone: (250) 360-1171
Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, gluten free options
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 11:30 am- 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm
10 Acres Kitchen, Commons, or Bistro Bar
The twice weekly harvest from their 10 acres farm is the foundation of their menus – season by season. Their local and seasonally inspired menu guarantees that the freshest, often most innovative ingredients are used to prepare your meal. This 10 Acres trio is located right in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, next to the Empress hotel. Cuisine: Canadian, seafood, contemporary
Address:
Bistro – 611 Courtney St, Victoria (250) 220-8008
Kitchen – 614 Humboldt St, Victoria (250) 385-4512
Commons – 620 Humboldt St, Victoria (250) 940-0735 Reservations: Yes
Specialty Diets: vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options
Hours:
Bistro –
Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Kitchen –
Monday – Sunday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Commons–
Monday–Saturday: 11:30am–1:00am
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am