I will staying at the Royal Scot Suite Hotel in Victoria for two days and two nights in three weeks' time. What's nearby for good eats? I see from a map that The Empress is close, so I know where I'll probably end up for tea and supper one afternoon/night. (I also read a positive vote here on Travel Talk for Herald Street Cafe. According to my map, it's several blocks north from the hotel, but I don't know if that's near or far.) Any other recommendations? <BR> <BR>By the way, is high tea an early afternoon or late afternoon affair? I always hear about tea being served at 4pm, but I'm too naive to know any better.

High Tea at the Empress Hotel is on the high side. You might want to check previous posts and see some other places for suggestions for High Tea. The High Tea at the Burchart Gardens is a good break in the day when touring the gardens. <BR> <BR>While nothing spectacular, I enjoyed the food at Milestone's (located across from the Empress).

It's hard to find good food (and service) in Victoria. I wasn't overly impressed with the Herald Street Cafe on my last visit. It's near the other end of town from the Empress - I'm guessing a 15-20 minute walk. <BR> <BR>Stay away from the mediocre buffet dinner at The Empress. <BR> <BR>Some people seem to like the Spaghetti Factory near the Empress or Il Terrazzo further away, to name a couple. Hugo's Grill in the Magnolia Hotel has a limited menu but a pleasant atmosphere where you don't have to holler over blaring music. Can't help you with seafood.

April, what's the word in Victoria about the Wharfside Eatery? I was last in Victoria in March and had lunch there before I left back home. I had a HUGE portion of calamari, and a good smoked salmon lox on a bagel with all the trimmings. My assumption is that they're more of a casual tourist type seafood restaurant, but all in all, I couldn't complain. I'm just curious what the locals have to say about it!

Although it's sad to hear that good food and service is hard to find in Victoria, do the presumably better establishments have a sensibility about how patrons should dress? In other words, could I expect to be served in a fine dining place simply dressed in sandles (Kevas), shorts, and a t-shirt (weather permitting)? Or, would I be more welcome wearing a button-down shirt, slacks, and a proper pair of shoes?

By the way, does one make reservations for high tea, or is it first-come-first-served?

One more thing: Any recommendations for quiet restaurants (with good food) are greatly appreciated. If there's one thing that irks me during dinner is having to scream over blaring music to have a conversation.

I wonder how many people do like that blaring music. The restaurant in the Royal Scot is probably fairly quiet. <BR> <BR>You do need to make reservations for tea at the Empress. I would not wear shorts and sandals to tea or any fine dining establishment. Even if they did serve me, I'd feel out of place. <BR> <BR>The Blue Crab is one restaurant seafood lovers mention. You could walk to it from your hotel along the waterfront path. I don't personally know how the food or the noise level is, but take a walk along that path whether or not you go there. <BR> <BR>As for the Wharfside, Robyn, I'd have to say the locals I know are lukewarm about it. A friend and I used to go there occasionally for fish & chips but we got fed up with the price jumps in tourist season. So I haven't been in some time. It's probably worth going though if only for the great view of the harbour from the balcony. <BR>

If you like Chinese food, avoid the obvious touristy spots and try the Forum Restaurant, which is also in Chinatown. Great Chinese food and good service is what we got there - contrary to what has been posted here about other places in Victoria. Good eating!

Well for super fish and chips in Victoria go to Barb's. Take a water taxi from the water front below the Empress and go over to the area where Barb's is located, bet your fish and chips at the window and enjoy at one of the picnic tables set up around the shop. Not fancy but very good fish and chips.

Just a word on high tea at the Empress: the price is $46 (canadian) which just doesn't seem to be worth what you get. <BR>

A great little tearoom [also serves lunches] is the White Heather on Oak Bay Avenue. YOu would have to take a city bus or a taxi to go there but it is well worth it. You could get a fabulous tea there for a fraction of the cost of the Empress tea. The White Heather tearoom phone number is 250-595-8020. You have to make a reservation as it is very popular.

I agree! It may not have the atmosphere but I think the food at the White Heather is far superior to The Empress, and it's cheaper too.

Just got back from Victoria. <BR>Hugo's Bar & grill -- excellent <BR>Haultains -- great seafood <BR>Taj Mahal -- small portions but very tasty <BR>High tea at the Empress, pricey BUT I loved the atmosphere!

Don't miss Don Mee's for Dim Sum...it's out of this world. <BR>We also enjoyed Blue Crab...very nice restaurant on the waterfront, fine dining, but not stuffy, it would fit your quiet w/ good food request. Do not wear your sandals & shorts though, you would feel out of place. <BR>We did high tea at the Empress, it's a nice experience, a bit pricey for the amount of food you get, but still worth it. The best meals we had were our breakfasts at Abigail's Hotel, outstanding!..you need to be a guest to eat there though.

Daniel, <BR>Of the posts listed above, there are many great suggestions. However, I highly suggest, without a doubt, a visit to The Aerie Resort. The resort is a beautiful 30 minute drive into the Malahat Mountains. The best meal I ever had was consumed at the restaurant there. The food, service and views are second to none. Check out http://www.aerie.bc.ca/ for more info. Do not miss this place!

I live in Vancouver and go to Victoria about twice a year. There are many great restaurants there but some come and go. Two of my favorites are Pagliacci's which is right downtown but it is always busy and a bit noisy. Great pasta though. The other one I highly recommend is called Rebar and is also right downtown. Especially good brunches but also very busy. If you want something a bit fancier a place called Camille's is absolutely fabulous and very romatic. I don't know the addresses for them but all would be listed in your tourism directory which would be in your hotel room.