Top Restaurants in Victoria
Top Things to do in Victoria
- 1. Inner Harbour
- 2. Royal BC MuseumTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
- 3. Beacon Hill ParkTourism VictoriaFamily Fun
- 4. Scenic Marine Route
- 5. Government HouseTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
- 6. Christ Church CathedralTourism VictoriaArts, History, and Culture
- 7. British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- 8. Royal Theatre
- 9. Victoria Pier
- 10. Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater
Where to Eat in Victoria: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Victoria is a thriving city of heritage architecture and time-honored traditions like afternoon tea. With the ocean at its doorstep and wilderness in its backyard, it’s also a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find everything from a world-class science and natural history museum to a blooming public park where peacocks roam freely, plus a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants. And more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the scenery.
Things to do in Victoria
1. Blighty's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By Susiegirl1 - Victoria, Canada
On the spur of the moment we decided to dine out. Having had a pleasant meal before, we opted to return. Though the restaurant was busy, we were seated immediately. My partner ordered the pork tenderloin with apple chutney, I the spirolized veggies with prawns. The pork tenderloin wasn't just pink, the centre was rare. The chutney was lovely, but the potatoes,carrots and broccoli were cold. This meal did not pass muster! Mine looked attractive, but the peanut sauce was few and far between, leaving this dish rather tasteless. Service was pleasant and prompt. Perhaps it was just the evening, but our meals were just not up to par....one more try for this restaurant...but not for Awile!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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!
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. IL Terrazzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Lynn M - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Il Terrazzo is one of my all time favourite Victoria restaurants and a must to visit whenever we’re in town. From the beautiful brick & flower filled entrance you’re transported to an Itallian village restaurant where good food, wine and service are perfected. I love sitting on the courtyard patio because it’s beautiful & romantic.
8. Legislative Dining Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By MHH-Berkshire - South Devon, United Kingdom
The didning room is in the main part of the Parliament, so expect security checks, and you need to deposit your ID while you are in this part of the building.
Only open to the public when the government is not sitting, but all the food we ate, and indeed saw being served was super.
Service was good, prices very reasonable, highly recommended
9. Jam Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 730 reviews
Newly opened breakfast and lunch restaurant in Victoria, B.C.
Reviewed By worldlyCanada - Canada
Jam offers American-diner style food; copious, totally over the top in terms of caloric intake and home-style presentation. Coffee was watery and service was on the slow-side. We all couldn’t finish our dishes and decided, in the end, while Jam was an experience, it was not really worth lining up for unless the goal is to stuff yourself.
10. The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By work-to-travelMI - Grand Rapids, Michigan
This is an unassuming take-out with outdoor Seating at picnic tables, but the food is delicious, served fast food style. We were privileged to sit at a table with 2 ladies from Victoria who confirmed that this is their favorite local seafood restaurant.
