7 Best Restaurants in Victoria, British Columbia

If you like your fish both yummy and ecologically friendly, look no further than this former shipping container on the pier at the foot of Broughton Street. From the soil-topped roof and biodegradable packaging to the sustainably harvested local seafood, this waterfront takeout shop minimizes its ecological footprint. The chef offers a choice of local wild salmon, tuna, and oysters from the barbecue. Portuguese buns are baked daily for the seafood sandwiches, fish tacos come in grilled tortilla cones, and even plain old fish-and-chips are taken up a notch with a choice of wild salmon, halibut, or cod in tempura batter with hand-cut fries. And don't knock the "frikle" (battered pickle) 'til you've tried it. Be prepared for long lineups on sunny days and for variable closures during wet and cooler months.

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. 

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.

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.

This wine and cheese bistro feels as if it should be in the French countryside, not only for its casual ambience but for its offerings: small plates of cheese and cured meats, simple salads, and imaginative "morsels" that are so good, they often become a meal. Try the flight of three wines paired with three cheeses (C$35).

Victoria's longest list of handcrafted beers is just one reason to trek over the Johnson Street Bridge or hop a Harbour Ferry to this Vic West waterfront pub. Canada's oldest licensed brewpub, and a popular hangout, Spinnakers relies almost exclusively on locally sourced ingredients for its top-notch casual fare. Opt for the pubby adults-only taproom, with its covered waterfront deck, double-sided fireplace, and wood-beamed ceilings, or dine in the all-ages waterfront restaurant. Either way you can enjoy a great selection of sharing plates alongside high-end pub grub such as mussels steamed in ale, or brick-oven pizzas (try the house-smoked wild salmon or the mushroom and beer). You can also stop by for breakfast, served from 8 am to 2 pm daily, or grab some house-made picnic fixings and malt vinegars at the take-away deli and bakery.