Are you a food lover travelling to Victoria, British Columbia? Then you need a guide to Victoria’s best restaurants.
If you want to indulge in some of the best restaurants in the city, then you’re in luck! Victoria is home to some of the most delicious and diverse cuisines of any city in Canada. What’s more, the city is home to the second-most restaurants per capita in North America.
In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey and share some of the best restaurants in Victoria. From traditional favourites to hidden gems, they’re all here!
Victoria’s Best Restaurants
Victoria is not just about picturesque landscapes and colonial architecture; it’s also a haven for food enthusiasts. This charming coastal city has been dubbed “the brunch capital of Canada” by the Food Network. And don’t forget, its island location and mild climate provide restauranteurs access to some of the freshest seafood and produce in the country.
Simply put, exploring the city’s culinary landscape is high on our list of the best things to do in Victoria. So, the opportunities are endless, whether you’re looking to visit Victoria’s best restaurants on your own or as part of a Victoria food tour. Here are a few of our favourites to get the ball rolling:
Related: The Victoria Craft Beer & Cider Scene: A Visitor’s Guide
10 Acres Kitchen – Victoria’s Top Farm-to-Table Restaurant
$$ | Cuisine: Modern Canadian | Location: 611 Courtenay St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Ashmead Farm Lamb Shank
A true Victoria staple, 10 Acres Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant that sources ingredients from its Saanich Peninsula farm. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into delicious and creative dishes. The restaurant’s casual and welcoming ambiance makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner with friends.
They have 4 locations, each with their own vibe. But the Courtney Street 10 Acres Bistro near the Inner Harbour will be the most convenient for most. The locally sourced pork and lamb dishes shine especially bright. And the farm-roasted beets are simply delectable.
⛴️ Coming in from Vancouver? Check out our guide on How to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
The Courtney Room – Victoria’s Best Restaurant for Special Occasions
$$$$ | Cuisine: Fine Dining | Location: 619 Courtenay St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What to order: Beretta Farms Beef Tenderloin
Located across the street in the Magnolia Hotel, The Courtney Room offers a fine dining experience that is second to none. The restaurant’s menu features contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine that is creative, elegant, and flavoured. The refined and sophisticated ambiance makes it one of Victoria’s best restaurants for special occasions.
This is one of the most refined restaurants in town – and located in Victoria’s ritziest hotel nonetheless. So you can expect to pay handsomely for the privilege of dining in its elegant confines. But if you can foot the bill, the Courtney Room will surely not disappoint.
Looking for a place to lay your head? Check out our list of Victoria’s Best Hotels.
Red Fish Blue Fish – Victoria’s Best Fish & Chips
$ | Cuisine: Fish & Chips | Location: 1006 Wharf St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Two Piece BC Halibut and Chips
Not everyone is looking to break the bank at a luxurious hotel restaurant. In fact, most times out of ten, we’re simply on the lookout for some good old-fashioned comfort food. And in Victoria, what else could that mean but a serving of our delicious English-style fish and chips?
Located right on Wharf Street, along the Inner Harbour, Red Fish Blue Fish offers oceanside ambiance in spades. You can find delicious tempura-battered fish and chips, Mexican-style tacones, chowder, and various other seafood dishes. The restaurant is located in a converted shipping container on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the harbour – so consider it lunch with a view.
Related: Fisherman’s Wharf Victoria: A Visitor’s Guide
Little Jumbo – The Best Victoria Restaurant Cocktail List
$$$ | Cuisine: Contemporary | Location: 506 Fort St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Flat-iron Steak with Chimichurri
Little Jumbo is a cozy, intimate bar and restaurant offering craft cocktails and creative small plates. The menu changes regularly to feature seasonal ingredients, and skilled bartenders expertly craft the cocktails. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends.
The brick walls and speakeasy-type vibe will immediately transport you to a bygone era. But rest assured, the emphasis on inventive dishes made of fresh, seasonal ingredients is as contemporary as can be. Then you toss in some of the best cocktails in the city, and we have a clear winner.
Looking for more great cocktail options? Check out our list of Victoria’s best bars.
Saveur Restaurant – Victoria’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$ | Cuisine: Fine Dining | Location: 658 Herald St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Spring for the Tasting Menu
Saveur Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for fine dining in a casual urban environment. With its creative and delicious menu, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder that Saveur has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Saveur has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named Victoria’s best upscale restaurant and becoming the coveted #1 ranked eatery on Trip Advisor. So, no list of Victoria’s best restaurants would be complete without it. I’d recommend opting for the 5-course tasting menu to see what chef Robert Cassels can do. At $140 a pop, it’s a tad pricey. But for special occasions, it’s tough to beat.
Related: The Top Things to Do in Victoria in Summer
Nubo Japanese Tapas -Victoria’s Best Japanese Restaurant
$$| Cuisine: Japanese | Location: 739 Pandora Ave. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Seafood Togarashi
Going any further without providing a Japanese dining option in this BC harbour city would be a shame. So, if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and looking for a unique dining experience, Nubo Japanese Tapas should be on your list of must-visit restaurants. Here, you’ll find a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, with a menu of small plates designed for sharing.
Nubo’s menu is full of creative and delicious dishes, from sushi rolls to yakitori skewers to gyoza dumplings and their famous Seafood Togarashi; there’s something for every taste and preference. And there is also an extensive selection of sake and Japanese whiskey, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Rebar – The Top Vegetarian Restaurant in Victoria
$$| Cuisine: Vegetarian | Location: 50 Bastion Sq. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: 3 Sisters Enchiladas
I hope all you vegetarians out there aren’t starting to feel left out. Well, in Victoria, you don’t have to. You see, the city is allegedly home to the highest vegetarian food sales per capita in North America – so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. When I’m going through a meatless phase, my go-to destination is the award-winning Rebar.
This contemporary Bastion Square vegetarian eatery has a very simple philosophy: eat really well! And that is what you will do with their extensive selection of salads, soups, bowls, and mains. It is pretty affordable and airs on the side of casual. But there is nothing casual about the love this award-winning establishment receives from the local meat-free community.
Thinking of a quick escape? Have a peek at our list of The Best Day Trips from Victoria.
Il Terrazzo – The Best Italian Restaurant in Victoria
$$$ | Cuisine: Italian| Location: 555 Johnson St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto and Lemon Gremolata
Il Terrazzo is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a romantic and elegant dining experience in Victoria. This rustic Tuscan-style restaurant has been serving award-winning Italian cuisine for over 30 years, making it a staple of the Victoria dining scene. The menu features classic Italian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables.
The rustic courtyard-type setting will immediately transport you to the sunny peninsula. But it’s the Italian-influenced takes on fresh local ingredients that truly make this island institution shine. From the delectable Westcoast Cioppino and blackened Red Snapper to my favourite, the Osso Buco with Risotto alla Milanese, it’s tough to go wrong.
Related: The 13 Best Victoria City Tours
Little Yunnan Restaurant – Victoria’s Best Chinese Restaurant
$$ | Cuisine: Chinese | Location: 546 Fisgard St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles
If you’re looking for an authentic Chinese meal in a casual environment, hitting up Victoria’s Chinatown should be on your itinerary. But with so many options, where should you go? Well, my favourite spot is Little Yunnan, which specializes in authentic Yunnan cuisine, known for its bold and complex flavours. But you’ll also find a large variety of Cantonese and Szechuan favourites.
This charming family-owned restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. And its affordable prices make it easily accessible to all diners. If you’re looking to try some Yunnanese cuisine, their signature Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodle is the ticket. This special Chinese rice noodle soup includes a chicken and pork broth infused with ginger and spices and poured over noodles, vegetables, prawns and shredded meat.
Related: The Best Victoria Brewery Tours
Fishhook – The Best Seafood Restaurant in Victoria
$$ | Cuisine: Seafood | Location: 805 Fort St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Vin’daloo Saltspring Island Mussels
Fishhook is a seafood-centric restaurant that offers fresh and sustainable seafood dishes. The menu features a variety of seafood, from raw bar selections to small plates and entrees. The casual and lively ambiance makes it the perfect spot for a fun night out. But this is far from your typical seafood restaurant.
They infuse sustainably sourced local seafood with a delightful Indian flair. Sound strange? Well, dishes like Vin’daloo’d Seafood Hot Pot and Pakora Battered Fish and Chips will quell your worries. And if you want the ultimate in freshness, the Daily Khatch offers Indian-influenced takes on the catch of the day.
Related: The Top Victoria Whale Watching Tours
Brasserie L’école – Victoria’s Best French Restaurant
$$$ | Cuisine: Casual French | Location: 1715 Government St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Steak Frites with Red Wine and shallot Sauce
Brasserie L’école is a French brasserie that serves classic Gallic dishes in a cozy and inviting ambiance. The menu features traditional dishes like Duck Confit and Steak Frites, and the wine list offers a wide selection of French wines. The restaurant has a unique flair that makes it one of Victoria’s best restaurants for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, its friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff makes sure that every aspect of your dining experience is top-notch. I assure you, this elegant French eatery has that je ne sais quoi that must be experienced once.
Thinking of heading in for the day? Have a look at our favourite Victoria Tours from Vancouver.
Jam Cafe – The Best Breakfast Restaurant in Victoria
$$ | Cuisine: Brunch| Location: 542 Herald St. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What to order: Huevos Rancheros
It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So we couldn’t leave you hanging on breaky recommendations before we get going. Jam Cafe is a popular brunch spot that serves creative and delicious breakfast and lunch dishes. The menu features classic dishes like Pancakes and Eggs Benny, as well as unique creations like Huevos Rancheros and Fried Chicken and Waffles.
Jam Cafe is simply the gold standard in a town full of brunch spots. Such is its success that the outfit has recently opened two locations in Vancouver. So, come see what the hype is about, and stand in line for a table at Victoria’s best breakfast restaurant.
Still hungry for more of Victoria’s Best Restaurants?
I’ve done my best to come up with a list of the best restaurants in Victoria to enjoy on your visit to the Garden City – for all tastes. So, no matter which restaurant you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.
So, whether you’re a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure or simply looking for a great place to enjoy a meal with loved ones, Victoria’s best restaurants are not to be missed.
Bon Appétit
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