Aegir Room
Check out the menuIl Terrazzo
Visit their websiteBrasserie L'Ecole
Book a tableMarilena Cafe & Raw Bar
Make a reservationWind Cries Mary
Book a tableTop 5: Best Restaurants in Downtown Victoria, BC
Updated for 2026! Our favourite restaurants we think you should visit.
While your suite at The Oswego Hotel offers the perfect sanctuary after a day of West Coast exploration, the vibrant culinary scene just outside our doors is waiting to be discovered. Victoria is a world-class dining destination where historic charm meets modern, farm-to-table innovation. From the hidden gems tucked away in the brick-lined alleys of Old Town to the refined, ocean-front elegance of the Inner Harbour, our city offers a palate for every preference.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, artisanal bite between sights or a slow, candlelit evening of coastal flavours, we’ve curated a list of the must-visit spots that make Victoria a true gastronome’s paradise.
Aegir Room
Located right here in the hotel, The Aegir Room is the perfect spot for a refined breakfast or an elevated evening meal without leaving the building.
The restaurant not only caters to valued hotel guests but also serves as a local hub for the vibrant James Bay area. With a dedicated team of Food and Beverage professionals, Aegir Room prides itself on delivering friendly and personable service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Il Terrazzo
For more than 30 years, Il Terrazzo has been one of Victoria’s favourite dinner spots. Open 7 nights a week from 4 pm – 9:15 pm, enjoy a luxurious Italian meal with a Pacific Northwest twist. The ambience is incredible – you’ll dine in an old-town courtyard, romantically illuminated with candlelight and cozy fireplaces.
Their menu features a lot of fresh local seafood, as well as some rarer imported items like Hokkaido deep-water scallops. Their experienced sommeliers will help you select the perfect pairing for your dish!
Il Terrazzo is a 20-minute walk from the Oswego Hotel along Wharf Street, where you’ll get to experience the marina and all of the sights and shops along the way.
Brasserie L'Ecole
Brasserie L’Ecole is a cornerstone of Victoria’s dining scene, located in a historic 19th-century schoolhouse in the heart of Chinatown (1715 Government St). Known for its unpretentious yet sophisticated atmosphere, it specializes in classic French country cooking using seasonal, local ingredients from Vancouver Island.
The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal availability, but you can consistently find quintessential French fare like Steak Frites, the DW Burger, French Onion Soup, and Duck Confit.
Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar is a sophisticated, award-winning destination in downtown Victoria that has redefined the city’s modern dining landscape. Led by Executive Chef Kristian Eligh, the restaurant features a world-class raw bar and a menu focused on impeccably sourced local and international seafood, ranging from delicate sushi and sashimi to elevated West Coast mains. Set within a sleek, contemporary LEED Platinum building, it offers a high-energy atmosphere characterized by an open-concept kitchen and unmatched service, making it a premier choice for those seeking a polished, high-end culinary experience on Vancouver Island.
Wind Cries Mary
Wind Cries Mary is a hidden gem located in the heart of Victoria’s historic Bastion Square, tucked away in the basement of the 19th-century Law Chambers building. Describing its menu as “elevated cabin food,” the restaurant focuses on a communal, family-style dining experience that highlights the rustic bounty of Vancouver Island through a nose-to-tail and farm-to-table philosophy. The space itself is dark, moody, and full of character, featuring original exposed brick walls, a canopied central bar, and a secluded “secret” courtyard patio that feels worlds away from the city streets. With a world-class cocktail program and a commitment to freshly foraged ingredients, it offers a laid-back yet refined West Coast atmosphere perfect for those who want to “break bread” in a cozy, heritage-rich setting.