Location: Central Saanich
Top Restaurants in Central Saanich
Top 10 restaurants in Central Saanich, Canada
Central Saanich is a district municipality in Greater Victoria and a member municipality of the Capital Regional District. It is located on the Saanich Peninsula. The district began as a farming community, and many hobby farms, along with a handful of small working farms and vineyards, still exist. In recent decades, the area has seen increasing residential, commercial, and industrial development, especially around the neighbourhoods of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, which are occasionally referred to as separate communities.
Things to do in Central 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. The Dining Room at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 153 reviews
Inspired by the inherent and intrinsic beauty of the Pacific North West, the Dining Room at Brentwood Bay stands unpretentious in its character. Willing to be both timelessly classic and ingenious in our creative process, we are here, quite simply, to celebrate. Ever searching for the soul that is within each element of the dish, we draw these essences together to create something entirely new, yet entirely familiar. In the same breath that we celebrate the truest nature of our ingredients, we celebrate the beauty that comes from finding authenticity within ourselves. With care and attention to who you are, we strive to create the experience that will align with you the most. We will dazzle, if you choose to be dazzled. We will educate, should you wish to be educated. We will serve you silently with barely a whisper, should you choose to spend the evening simply indulging in the company of your dining partners. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Reviewed By rbrendan - Victoria, Canada
We had the prefix menu and 3 of us chose the beet salad - greens with beets. There were no beets - none at all, no explanation. The greens were limp with a drizzle of balsamic and a tablespoon of crumbled feta. Give me a break.
The main of beef rib was good, tender and hot. Hard as rock Brussels sprouts.
I'm writing this review because the tarte tatin was an absolute insult - to desserts anywhere. It was nowhere near warm, if it was ever hot in it's existence. It was served on a pancake - not a pastry, it is was limp and undercooked. The apples tasted of dusty cinnamon, and sour un-cooked apples. There was no cream, iced or whipped. Truly astounding disappointment for a dessert.
My friend's chocolate mousse thing was fine but totally uninspired. Made by robots far from Brentwood Bay no doubt.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Seahorses Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
We are a local Family owned lunch restaurant located on the water in Beautiful Brentwood Bay. We offer a diverse lunch menu with gluten friendly options, and a breakfast bun to satisfy you egg lovers out there. We cater to private events/functions, and are fully licensed making our picturesqu venue a perfect spot for your special event.
Reviewed By Banff2013 - Banff, Canada
Stopped there for lunch, had seafood chowder which was delicious. Really friendly and welcoming atmosphere and service. Definitely place worth visiting even if you only have time to grab coffee to go.
8. Cafe Zanzibar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Albert R - Victoria BC
A simple yet extremely comfortable restaurant no pretensions here just great food and fantastic hospitality
Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner this place specializes in comfort and eating pleasure
Affordable, full eclectic menu, great parking, dine alone or with the family or a romantic encounter this is well worth a visit.
Highly recommended
9. The Dining Room Restaurant - Butchart Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Located in the former Butchart residence, this cozy atmosphere is sure to complete your experience at The Butchart Gardens. See The Butchart Gardens' website for hours and menu details. Reservations are highly recommended and required in many cases. Currently serving high tea in the afternoons.
Reviewed By Kathryn-and-Rob - Victoria, Canada
I love Christmas at Butchart Gardens, especially because having dinner in the Dining Room is such a wonderful experience. The food is absolutely delicious, the meal is impeccably served, and the ambience is simply beautiful. My dinner with two friends last Saturday night was so fantastic...it was my friends’ first time dining in the Dining Room and they were amazed and can’t wait to return. Thank you all for such a great evening!
10. Waddling Dog Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 77 reviews
tripadvisor already has this listing under hotels, I wish to review the Sundaybrunch buffet in the restaurant section, as I have not stayed at the hotel.
Reviewed By Denis B - Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Interesting pub with good food and good service. Many regulars which seem to focus on automated gambling. Would be nicer if this was separated more. Pub is freezing when cold out Parking specified for motorcycles is always full of regulars cars.
