Restaurants in Victoria, BC

Victoria has a thriving food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. You can find everything from casual diners to upscale eateries, as well as ethnic cuisine from around the world. There are also plenty of pubs and coffee shops for those who want to relax and enjoy a good meal without spending too much money. Here are some of our favourites:

Bar 500

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Bar 500, located here at the Oswego Hotel, on this list. The bar is known for its extensive selection of local draught beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. In addition to its drinks menu, Bar 500 also offers a variety of Italian-inspired appetizers and entrees, and is even open for brunch. Thursday & Sunday evenings are jazz nights, where you can enjoy music over dinner and relax with a Bar 500 signature cocktail. Allow Bar 500 to delight you with their seasonal menu, craft cocktails and top service.

Fan Tan Cafe and Bakery

Fan Tan Cafe and Bakery is a small, family-owned restaurant located in Victoria’s Chinatown. It offers a variety of authentic Chinese dishes, including dim sum and dumplings. The restaurant is open daily from 9:30am until 8pm and serves both lunch and dinner. Prices are affordable; meals cost between $10–20 per person.

The food at Fan Tan is delicious! The staff are friendly, helpful and attentive (in fact they’re always busy running around making sure everyone gets what they need). The decor gives the place a cozy vibe that makes it feel like home cooking when you’re eating there.

Brasserie L`ecole

Brassy L’ecole is a French restaurant located in the heart of downtown Victoria. It has a great view of the Inner Harbour, so if you’re looking to people-watch while enjoying a meal, this is one place that will surely do it for you. The food is also excellent; they’ve got everything from escargot to steak frites to crème brûlée à la vanille (vanilla creme brulee).

Their menu changes every six months or so, which means that there are always new things to try at Brasserie L’ecole!

Jam Cafe

If you’re looking for breakfast, Jam Cafe has got you covered. Jam Cafe is a great little cafe in the heart of Victoria’s downtown.  The menu features all kinds of egg dishes as well as pancakes and waffles, and the prices are very reasonable. The cafe is always busy (for good reason!), but the staff are friendly and efficient, and they always get you your food quickly. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making Jam the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee or breakfast.

Fiamo Italian Kitchen

Fiamo Italian Kitchen is a great choice if you’re looking for authentic Italian food. The food is reasonably priced and the service is excellent, so it’s an ideal choice for a dinner date or a night out with the family. There are many choices on their menu, but some of our favourites include the spaghetti bolognese (spaghetti with meat sauce) and the penne ala vodka (tomato vodka cream sauce). They also have great specials during happy hour.

Il Terrazzo

Il Terrazzo, open for dinners in Victoria, is a great place to get Italian food. The restaurant specialises in pasta dishes like penne alla vodka or fettuccine alfredo. You can also order pizza from their wood-burning oven or try seafood such as salmon piccata or scallop ravioli. For dessert, try one of their delicious cannoli!

Il Terrazzo’s excellent service and high-quality food make the price tag worth it. Definitely consider it if you’re interested in splurging on some phenomenal Italian food.

The London Chef – Cook St. Village

The London Chef is a charming little restaurant in Cook St. Village that offers a wide variety of British cuisine. The menu includes traditional pub fare like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie, as well as more sophisticated dishes like roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, lobster bisque, and crème brûlée. The London Chef has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate dinner or a large gathering with friends.

Ferris’ Upstairs Oyster Bar & Grill

Located on Yates St., Ferris’ Upstairs Oyster Bar & Grill is a popular destination for Victoria residents and visitors alike. The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, with a menu that includes seafood galore: oysters, clams, mussels and crab legs are just some of the delicacies you can find at Ferris’.

The restaurant also features an extensive wine list as well as specialty cocktails and martinis—the Blueberry Mule is delicious! You can even order your oysters raw or grilled if you prefer them that way.

Vis-à-Vis

Vis-à-Vis is an intimate and charming little restaurant in Oak Bay. The setting is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and intimate seating. The French-inspired mains are always delicious, and the service is friendly and attentive. Vis-à-Vis is a great place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion celebration.

The food at VIS-A-VIS Social House & Bar is made from scratch with fresh ingredients including locally sourced meats and produce. Their drink menu also features an extensive wine list as well as cocktails that celebrate the local craft beer scene we’re so proud of here in Victoria, BC!

Tapa Bar

Tapa Bar is located on the corner of Store Street and Fort Street. It serves Asian food, with an emphasis on Filipino cuisine. The menu is small but packed with flavour, and it’s fairly reasonably priced for Victoria.

The restaurant itself has a very relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for hanging out with friends or grabbing a bite to eat when you’re in the neighbourhood and want something quick to fill your stomach before you go back home or back out again.

Pagliacci’s

Pagliacci’s is a popular Italian restaurant that offers a wide variety of traditional dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is perfect for a romantic evening out or a large group gathering. Pagliacci’s also has an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the Italian cuisine.

…and many more!

There are so many great restaurants in Victoria, BC that this list can’t even begin to cover. If you’re looking for a great steak meal, head to The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. If you want a more casual setting, the Fiddler’s Green Pub might be the place for you. There are numerous restaurants downtown which offer great views of our beautiful harbour as well as many other places around town. Come visit Victoria and discover the restaurant scene for yourself!

Where to stay in Victoria, BC

If you want to stay close to the best restaurants, try the Oswego Hotel. Our hotel is located in Victoria’s historic James Bay, a short walk from the many downtown restaurants. Our studio suites provide everything you need to live, work, and relax, including a queen-size bed, flat-screen television, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The Oswego Hotel is in the perfect location for foodies looking to try all the best restaurants Victoria has to offer.

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