Location: North Saanich
Top Restaurants in North Saanich
Top Things to do in North Saanich
North Saanich Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in North Saanich
North Saanich is located on the Saanich Peninsula, approximately 25 km (16 mi) north of Victoria, British Columbia on southern Vancouver Island. It is one of the 13 Greater Victoria municipalities. The District is surrounded on three sides by 20 km (12 mi) of ocean shoreline, and consists of rural/residential areas and a large agricultural base and is home to the Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
Things to do in North Saanich
1. Blue's Bayou Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Bonjsc - Hilton Head, South Carolina
Over the years we have adapted the saying "great view, so so food". That doesn't apply to this place. Food was excellent, well prepared and well presented. I had the roasted corn soup. Flavorful and not starchy. Then the crab cake appetizer. The too were flavorful, although a little dry and salty (picky picky). I ate them all. My wife had the Bayou chicken which she said had a unique presentation: She loved it and I will have the rest tonight. The other couple ordered the Jambalaya and Missippi Seafood Cannelloni. There was only a little left over for a take-away bag. It was nice to see several items offered in small portions. Wines are very reasonably priced. Sarah our server did an excellent job helping us decide on what to order. She gave us enough time to enjoy the view and wine before we ordered. We were finished before sunset, but I am sure they can be spectacular. This was my water fix for awhile. Out of the way, but not to be missed.
2. Prairie Inn Neighbourhood Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
Prairie Inn Neighbourhood Pub is an old time fixture in this town but the food is anything but. We stopped in for lunch after Reading the reviews and, like always, were expecting something that barely measured up to the best of reports but likely exceeded the worst case stories.
Sadly, the best case reports were sadly lacking in their accuracy and exuberance because the food at this cool place is way above average. The vegetable were crisp, snappy, cooked just right, and were delicious. Haven't had such fresh delights prepared so well in.....well, that's a real good question because I can't recall when. Imaging peas right from your garden fresh and you almost can capture what these were like. Add on equally fresh carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and well you get the idea. Now go there and get some of those veggies.
It likely doesn't matter what you order as long as there are vegetables involved, it will be memorable. We tried out standard pub food - bangers & mash and quesidillas....well perhaps not completely pub food. The bangers were thankfully quiet and delicious. Locally made sausages were plump, tender, and packed with flavor. The mash was dressed with beautiful gravy that build on the sausage flavor, and then there were the vegetables. A small taste got me going until I finished them all off and was left with a plate of just bangers and mash. The veggies were so good that it felt like I started with dessert with this lunch.
The quesadillas were, again, filled with delightful vegetables and cooked perfectly.
Cold beers accompanied our meals and made everything that much better. Great lineup of drink options are available which isn't much of a surprise in a pub.
Atmosphere is dead on Coronation Street and it's perfect on a rainy day....or a sunny day or any day for that matter. An older and seemingly local crowd keeps the place noisy and fun.Tiny spaces here and there for jamming together with old-time friends and those dear friends that you haven't met before. The outdoor deck Seating is enclosed and heated so it's really indoors and comfortable.
Service is fun and engaging but, because of the hectic pace, can be a bit stretched from time to time. No surprise there and the vegetables make up for a lot of sins....have I mentioned the veggies?
Prices are higher than in the normal world but pub is located in a small town on a remote island off the coast of a bleak winter- ravaged land controlled by a multiplicity of municipalities so small that they are tiny communities in themselves so maintaining civilized standards has got to have some price point impacts. Nothing too strenuous though so you don't have to worry about dipping into the bingo fund or mortgage the cat to afford the fare here. And, just to remind you, the veggies are worth every bit of every loonie.
Searched hard for the dark lining in this silver cloud but can only say that our waitress self-admitted to being over 30. Parking is also a bit tight and make sure you watch out for the concrete planter that hides behind some of the spots.
3. Spitfire Grill Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Steve R - Sidney, Canada
We have been going to the Spitfire Grill since 1998. Yesterday we ordered Fish Tacos. They were some of the best we have tried anywhere. This restaurant consistently provides good food at a reasonable price. Best Yorkshire Pudding ever. Love the Friday Prime Rib.
4. The Stonehouse Restaurant & Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By g r - Nairobi, Kenya
On recent bicycle expedition we found ourselves camping at Mcdonald Park near Swartz Bay ferry terminal, and we quickly decided THE place to take our friends supper would be the Stonehouse Pub. It's an old house that's quietly tucked away by the water
and seems to always have the right atmosphere for a quiet informal supper. We were not disappointed. Good food, friendly wait staff, and an outside table - what more could one want?
5. Sabhai Thai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By Linda H - Victoria, Canada
This is a small place and very popular, so get there early! Parking is all on-street but you can usually find space close by ... plus Sidney is a nice place to walk around anyway! Very prompt greeting and Seating. Menus right away along with water. The staff all seem to be very polite and pleasant ... very quick service! The lunch menu has 6 options of a single dish ... or 3 options of 'combo's'. We opted for the Pad Thai (one of our favorites at any Thai place and in my opinion ... a true test of good thai food) and the Basil Beef. Both dishes came within a short time and were presented very nicely and tasted most excellent! They do serve liquor ... or you can have the usual soft drinks/tea/coffee. Prices are about usual for a restaurant of this kind and portions were ample but not too huge and not tiny ... just right! The decor is very comfortable and clean ... restroom was very clean and well-stocked. I will definitely be back!
6. 3rd St Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
Not sure why people are lining up to get in because there's nothing spectacular going on when it comes to eating here.
Normal cramped Seating, grouchy hectic staff, no dishes over-promised or over-delivered, prices high which is common in this area, noisy, crowded, and altogether disappointing.
The menu is thin but covers all the normal selections with a bit of smoked salmon thrown in to offer a west coast vibe. The food was average with nothing outstanding discovered.
Coffee is fine and refills were offered from time to time which was nice.
The 3rd St. Cafe is located on the main drag and has large windows onto the street so viewing downtown activities while eating is quite nice.
Nice to see a sign that instructs diners to move things along as they are very busy at 3rd St. Cafe and made a point of ensuring that you will get any abuse back double.
Friendly doesn't register anywhere with this group so there's a edge felt that you are being tolerated as long as you eat and pay quickly to make room for more people that want to go through the same experience. Not fun and really not sure why anyone would line up to eat here when there are much friendlier people in other places. I was glad to join the line to get out.
7. Fish O Chips
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
Outdoor patio. Summer Time Live Music Sat & Sun 4:30-8 Local Talent.Warm friendly atmosphere. Thursday is Senior's Day Special Menu for Seniors. Fully Licensed .Wed & Sun All you can Eat Cod Special. Kitchen closes half hour before closure.
Reviewed By galianotraveller - BC Canada
We have been there 3 times this summer. The food is consistently well cooked. The chips are double-cooked as they should be. The malva cake dessert is a secret treasure when available. The staff and owners are friendly and helpful. And the number of repeat customers keeps growing. You will like it.
8. Maria's Souvlaki & Greek Snack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Ruperto - Victoria
Maria's is probably the best of the Greek offerings in Sidney. It is cafeteria style (just like many cafes in Greece), but after ordering they will often bring the food to your table. Lots of take out customers as well. I love the Taramasalata (only place I know to get it), Greek Salad, and Souvlaki.
9. Bistro Suisse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Bistro Suisse and proudly offers a wide selection of classic Swiss and European dishes. Food made from scratch and served with love make the culinary experience in this casual fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Sidney so unique!
Reviewed By WandMMcIlroy - Victoria BC
Based on the good reviews, my wife and I have been meaning to have lunch at this restaurant for some time. We have visited Switzerland several times on our European trips, particularly Basel, and Luzern, and have first hand knowledge of good Swiss fare.
The food was average to mediocre, and was certainly not up to par to anything we have enjoyed in Switzerland over the years. We had the most delightful,charming young lady as our server,so all was not lost. Very disappointed overall, and we don't plan on returning. Surely the chef can do better. Ambience was ok.
10. Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By Wendy-Stuffsmith - Brisbane, Australia
Steeped in aviation history Mary's is a comfortable place to eat and is sure to become one of our favourites. There is lots of seafood on the menu but plenty else on offer too. The beet and goat cheese salad was delicious and the giant portion could have served four. The crab cakes were very tasty and the chilli aoli had a lovely warm bite. The desert menu will have to wait for another day.
