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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.
This intimate yet bustling Italian villa–style room has long been a Victoria favorite, mainly because of its Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere and cuisine, which is prepared primarily with locally raised ingredients. The menu changes almost daily, but you might find local halibut paired with an anchovy bacon vinaigrette, or even an apricot dessert soup. Most dishes come in full or half sizes, which are ideal for smaller appetites or for those who want to sample the menu more widely. Virtually everything, including the bread, most pastas, charcuterie, and desserts, is made in-house. The 400-label wine list has a top selection of BC choices.
944 Fort St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3K2, Canada
The dining room at The Butchart Gardens, in the Butchart family's former residence, serves traditional teas daily, year-round. Afternoon tea (C$50), with sandwiches and baked treats, is served noon to 4:30 pm from April through September. Gluten-free teas require 24-hour notice.
800 Benvenuto Ave., Victoria, British Columbia, V8M 1J8, Canada
Victoria's "big production line" and most elaborate afternoon tea (C$89) is served, as it has been since 1908, in the ornate lobby of the Fairmont Empress. The tea is the hotel's own blend, and the cakes, scones, and crustless sandwiches are prepared by some of Victoria's finest pastry chefs. As you face the bill, remember that tea here is more than a snack; it was, historically, a way to keep civilization alive in this farthest outpost of the empire. Seatings are daily from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Children under 12 pay half price.
721 Government St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1W5, Canada
For a Pacific Rim twist on the tea tradition, try this window-lined restaurant in the Hotel Grand Pacific (C$58). You can choose from an assortment of Asian-style teas, like the cherry haiku or dragon tears (green tea with jasmine), while you nibble on Dungeness crab cakes, tuna tataki, scones with clotted cream, and lemon meringue tarts. Tea is served from 2 to 4:30 daily. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.
463 Belleville St., Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1X3, Canada
Afternoon teas (C$54), with fresh-baked scones and cream, mini-quiches, cucumber sandwiches, and seasonal treats featuring produce from the garden, are served in the living room of the Abkhazi Garden. Late-morning snacks (called "elevenses") and light lunches are also available at this romantic garden setting.
1964 Fairfield Rd., Victoria, British Columbia, V8S 1H4, Canada
Everything, including the jam, is homemade with exceptional creativity for the Scottish-style teas served in the White Heather Tea Room, a lovely place with big windows. Go for the gusto with its Signature Muckle (C$60). Teas are served from 10 am to 3 pm, Thursday through Sunday. Gluten-free selections are available as are take-out boxed teas.
1885 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria, British Columbia, V8R 1C6, Canada
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