Top Restaurants in Saanich
Where to Eat in Saanich: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover the best restaurant in Saanich, Canada including Brasserie L'ecole, Cafe Brio, Ithaka Greek Restaurant, Blue Fox Cafe, White Heather Tea Room, John's Place Restaurant, Stage, Red Fish Blue Fish, Med Grill, MoLe Restaurant
Things to do in Saanich
1. Brasserie L'ecole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By jhsheep - Cowichan Valley, B.C.
Large group. That could be a problem given this place doesn't take Reservations - you line up and await the doors which open at ~5:30pm. I got there just after 4:30 and was the only one in the line until just before 5:00. Service for large groups can be spotty but our Waitstaff were uniformly excellent - polite, clearly-spoken, accurate, prompt, and never made us feel like we should wrap things up. We did not have alcohol (which can also make staff a bit terse) but these folk were fine. All food selections (starters, mains and dessert) were raved about by everyone in our party. Pricey but very much with it if you want a top-flight experience.
2. Cafe Brio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 910 reviews
Reviewed By kpatters - Edmonton, Canada
We try to come here every time we are in Victoria as it is one of our favourite restaurants. We started off with their golden beet salad which was yummy. I then had their delicious salmon dinner. They have a great by the glass wine selection. Making a reservation is always a good idea.
3. Ithaka Greek Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Ithaka Greek Restaurant is a family-owned business that celebrates culinary and cultural traditions through authentic, healthy and lovingly-prepared food. Be our guest!
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
I very rarely write more than one review for a restaurant, but Ithaka certainly merits another comment. As I mentioned in my earlier review, my partner and I had this place recommended to us by Spiro of the Old Surrey Restaurant (“Go to Ithaka. Tell them Spiro sent you”). We remain thankful for that recommendation because Ithaka has very quickly become a favourite of ours. The Adamopoulos family and staff go above and beyond to ensure you have a very memorable experience. And that’s why I’m writing again.
My partner and I returned last week on a busy Saturday. The restaurant was packed and full of positive, fun energy. As usual, everything we ordered was excellent beyond words. The saganaki – combining an excellent show and divine food – remains a classic favourite while the dolmades (tried them for the first time) hit all of the right notes. For our main dishes, my partner ordered the fettuccini alfredo with prawns while I had one of Ithaka’s signature plates in the roast lamb. The pasta was fantastic and featured a creamy alfredo sauce with a very generous serving of perfectly cooked prawns. My roast lamb was, without getting too wordy, easily some of the best I’ve ever had. It was so tender that no knife was necessary; it was literally “fork tender.” Even though we were full after our main courses, we had to have dessert: We tried the homemade Mocha Almond Ice Cream and the tiramisu. As we’ve come to expect the desserts, much like the mains, were superlative in every respect; however, the tiramisu deserves special mention. It was, in a word, FANTASTIC. Definitely the best tiramisu my partner and I have ever had – and we don’t say that lightly. I mean, here we are a week later and I’m still telling her how fantastic it was. You can tell that everyone at Ithaka takes pride in what they do.
So, yes, the food was outstanding yet again, but what encouraged me to write another review was the fun atmosphere we experienced this time. While we were dining, someone was celebrating a birthday; as a result, my partner and I were able to witness Ithaka’s amazing hospitality via a couple of fun Greek customs: plate smashing (OPA!) and a Greek dance. We felt like we were participating in a big family celebration – and that was pretty awesome!
FOOD: 5/5
SERVICE: 5/5
VALUE: 5/5
RECOMMENDATION: The food and service at Ithaka is beyond reproach. They have, through their genuine love of what they do, clearly established themselves as one of the best in Victoria. So, come here, have a good time and some truly exceptional food!
4. Blue Fox Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By onegameatatime - Regina, Canada
This is our first stop when we visit Victoria. The eggs benedict are a must. The sauce is so creamy and the eggs cooked perfect. Potatoes come as a side and there are lots of them.
We also engaged the apple French toast . Thick cut with apple sauce. OMG.
Two out of the 3 visits there was no wait. The third visit was too close to lunch and we waited about 45 minutes. The line ups can be long and the people in line obviously are fans since I didn't see anyone walk away. The coffee is good , not great , a bit bitter and strong for my taste.
Treat yourself at least once for this culinary treat!
5. White Heather Tea Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By kpatters - Edmonton, Canada
We came here with friends to enjoy their seasonal afternoon tea that included Turkey and cranberry pinwheel sandwiches and mincemeat tarts. This special also included other traditional items like cucumber sandwiches and scones with cream and preserves. It was a nice relaxing time. The guys enjoyed their Sandwich with salad specials.
6. John's Place Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Canucksontheloose - Victoria, Canada
We came during "Victoria Dine Around Town" where we could order a 3 course meal for $20. Since it is a diner, we weren't expecting much but lo' and behold: the confit duck and tournedo beef medallion dishes were great! Family-sized portions, tasty sides and...MoreThank you so much. After 34 years I have tried so hard to keep prices in line and I’m happy you enjoyed yourselves. John
7. Stage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Stage is a small-plate restaurant and wine bar located across from the Belfry Theatre in Victoria's trendy Fernwood neighbourhood. Stage supports local farmers, food artisans, and serves a variety of tapas-style dinner offerings. Options range from duck confit and crispy chicken to made-in-house sausage, vegetarian dishes and the city's largest cheese selection. The 55 seat restaurant's vibe is upbeat and funky while maintaining a classy and unique feel. Brick walls, reclaimed hardwood floors, hanging candles, and rotating local art, all combine to create a truly local Victoria experience. Stage has also won several awards including Top 10 new restaurant in 2005 by En Route Magazine, Restaurant of the Year by Vancouver Magazine, and a Silver Medal at the 2013 and 2014 Vancouver International Wine Festival."Winning over patrons from Fernwood and beyond"! - N.Y. Times
Reviewed By David R - Vancouver, Canada
Stage is a small plates wine bar/restaurant with a varied menu and plenty of wine, beer and cocktail choices. Service was excellent with plenty of smiles and suggestions. The vibe is energetic with , at least our night, great 70s funk and souls tunes playing. The owners have created a relaxed but Hip feel with its classy interior design. Three of us shared 4 plates plus dessert and we were full. They also offer 3 oz pours of wine so a nice size if you wanted to try a couple of their wines . Gnocchi, ceviche, green salad, ravioli sable fish all recommended .
8. Red Fish Blue Fish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
An outdoor, casual seafood eatery on the pier serving fresh local seafood. Open seasonally Mid-February - October 31
Reviewed By Hakimom - London, Ontario, Canada
If superb quality fish and chips at reasonable prices with good portions are your thing, get in line and join the crowds. Located right in the midst of Victoria Inner harbour within beautiful scenery, this outdoor trailer type stand packs them in. Menu is limited but everything is fresh and flavourful. Fish is lightly battered, french fries outstanding. Service was friendly and employees efficient. Outdoor Seating is available and the views complete the experience. This place is well worth the effort to stand in line. Give it a try.
9. Med Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By AllanRNorth Las Vegas - Victoria, Canada
The Tuscan Meal is a four course Prix Fixe. Everyone starts with a Mission Fig and Apple Crostini. This is served on a long angle of baguette and is quite sweet. There are choices of salad, main and desert. The Arugala-Quinoa Salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes and golden beets was very good. The Smoked Salmon with local Saltspring Island Mussels was delicious, but the mussels were unimaginatively placed aside the dish as if an afterthought or a garnish. Lemon-Blueberry Trifle may please the kids.
10. MoLe Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By worldwanderer100 - Mansfield, England
We were staying in an apartment a few doors down the road and this looked a great place for breakfast. It turned out to be a great find and we used it each day. There was a great choice of food available, generous & fresh portions, GREAT coffee and the service was really quick and personable. We were in for breakfast and it wasn't very busy but we did see that later there were queues - not really surprising based upon our breakfast experience!
I would definitely recommend the MoLe if you are in the area.
