Whether you are looking for white linen fine dining or a cheerful neighborhood eatery, there are a lot of contenders for Victoria’s best restaurant. Regardless of what you are in the mood for this list has you covered. From old favorites, new trail blazers, and must-go places, here are our picks of the best restaurants in Victoria.
1. Brasserie L’Ecole
Located in Chinatown, Brasserie L’Ecole serves up some of the best French cuisine you can find in the City. Known for their steak & frites the menu is a collection of simple yet refined dishes excellent for any occasion. other must-trys on the menu include the trout with crispy skin seared to perfection and the burger. No joke – it is one of the best burgers in town.
Local Tip: They do not offer reservations and there is always a line. If you are hoping to snag a table at the first sitting (5:30pm) it is best to get in line at 5:00pm.
Location: 1715 Government Street
Website: Brasserie L’Ecole
2. Il Terrazzo
Il Terrazzo has been a local favorite for years so it is no surprise that it tops the list of best restaurants in Victoria. They offer Italian cuisine in a lively but intimate candle lit setting with sturdy wooden tables and brick fire places. Prices are reasonable here and the portions are large plus every meal comes with their signature olive tapenade and fresh bread – you will not go home hungry. Some of their dishes include thin crust pizza from the open flame oven, panko crusted Ahi tuna and the Dijon crusted rack of lamb.
With more than one certified sommelier on hand, the wine list boasts an impressive 1000 options from 15 different countries. This is a popular spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Local Tip: You can split the larger meals and have them plated separately with extra sides for a couple dollars
Location: 555 Johnson Street
Website: Il Terrazzo
3. Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar
A fresh modern interpretation of a 1920’s speakeasy, Little Jumbo is a hidden gem in the Victoria restaurant scene. Literally hidden down at the end of a hallway, the ambiance is intimate and cozy with quick service and talented bar tenders.
They pair fresh local ingredients and farm to table values with modern mixology. No wonder they were voted travelers choice in 2021 and named Victoria’s best cocktail bar.
Location: 506 Fort Street (Down the Hall)
Website: Little Jumbo
4. Wind Cries Mary
This small but mighty restaurant is tucked away in the corner of historic Bastion Square, in the heart of downtown Victoria. Their menu is west coast inspired, foraged, and local whenever possible featuring seasonal rotating dishes with the likes of Juan de Fuca octopus and Louis Lake steelhead. The décor is sophisticated with a beautiful dining area accented with brick walls and a secret heated outdoor patio.
If you can’t seem to make up your mind for what to choose they offer a chef’s tasting menu. You won’t be disappointed!
Location: 45 Bastion Square
Website: Wind Cries Mary
5. NUBO Kitchen + Bar
Opened in 2016, NUBO has quickly become one of Victoria’s most recommended sushi spots. They have found the perfect match between traditional Izakaya dining with a twist of modern lounge. Their sizable menu is packed full of all your favorite rolls, udon, and oshizushi along with some potential new favorites. Loved by locals and visitors alike be sure to phone in for a reservation as there is always a line at peak hours.
Location: 490 Pandora Avenue
Website: NUBO Kitchen + Bar
6. E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar
Sister bar to NUBO, E:Ne opened its doors in 2018 shortly after the huge success of NUBO and is located right next door! The room is sleek and the menu is of the highest quality seafood, sashimi, small share plates and not to mention sake.
Forget what you previously knew about sake. If you haven’t indulged in high-end sake this is the place to go. Showcasing the largest selection in Canada and an in house sake sommelier, the knowledgeable staff will confidentially guide you on your tasting experience. We highly recommend getting the flight!
Local Tip: Hit up happy hour from 4pm-5pm / 10pm-12am
Location: 737 Pandora Avenue
Website: E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar
7. Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood + Oyster Bar
Back in 2005 Ferris’ Upstairs originally opened to take the overflow from the busy Ferris’ Grill downstairs. But, due to popular demand, Ferris’ Upstairs soon took on a life of its own and turned into the fan favorite it is today. Located in the historic district, Ferris’ occupies one of the first brick buildings constructed in Victoria circa 1860. The old town feel is emulated inside with exposed brick, solid wooden floors and decorative windows.
The food is simple yet refined with Mediterranean inspired seafood and steak, locally sourced whenever possible and great for sharing. Oysters are offered at a buck fifty a shuck during happy hour (5-6pm Wednesday-Sunday)
Location: 536 Yates Street
Website: Ferris’ Upstairs
8. Perro Negro
Perro Negro is sister bar to Ferris’ Upstairs and is the third restaurant of chef and owner Dave Craggs. Located through Ferris’ Upstairs, Perro has always flown a little under the radar for Victoria restaurants but the food is impressive and it is definitely worth a visit.
Perro Negro, translating to black dog in English, features Spanish inspired tapas and tasty bites with a flair. Reasonable prices, quality ingredients, local seafood and a carefully cultivated wine list – what’s not to love.
Location: 536 Yates Street
Website: Perro Negro
9. Saveur
Dinner at Saveur’s French inspired restaurant is both delicious and elegant. Chef Robert Cassels has won numerous awards and the food speaks for itself. The menu is playful and contemporary, changing with the seasons and is sourced from local ingredients whenever possible.
Dishes include the Stillmeadow Farm crispy pork belly or Salt Spring Island mussel escabeche! This is fine dining with Victoria’s relaxed island feel.
Location: 658 Herald Street
Website: Saveur
10. Pagliacci’s
Pagliacci’s has been on the scene since 1979 and has been true to its brand. The space is small, tables are tight, and cutlery is clattering but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Known for their creamy, savory pastas and complementary warm focaccia bread the atmosphere is vivacious and welcoming.
They are open for lunch, dinner and have some killer happy hour deals on from 3-5pm. They also feature live music and local jazz bands most nights from 8-10pm.
Location: 1011 Broad Street
Website: Pagliacci’s
11. Il Covo Trattoria
Il Covo is tucked away in the corner of James Bay steps from the inner harbor on the quieter side of downtown. The building was built in 1914 as a rest spot for travelling merchant sailors and is rustic yet refined with high vaulted ceilings and brick walls.
They serve up authentic Italian home style cuisine with house made pastas, fresh focaccia, seafood and steaks. The hidden garden patio in the summer months is a must.
Location: 106 Superior
Website: Il Covo Trattoria
12. The Tapa Bar
Comfortable and unpretentious, The Tapa Bar is a Spanish inspired eatery serving up small share plates and tapas. Located in the historic Trounce Alley their outdoor heated patio takes over half the alley and is great for people watching.
The Menu has ample selection with vegetarian, gluten-free, and picky eater options! Popular dishes include almond stuffed dates, Salt Spring Island coconut lime mussels, seasonal fish ceviche, and spicy tortilla soup.
Local Tip: Check out their sister bar Bodega (located next door) for similar eats from the same kitchen
Location: 620 Trounce Alley
Website: The Tapa Bar
13. The Courtney Room
The Courtney Room is one of the newer restaurants in Victoria and is an extension of the award winning Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Voted one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, the Courtney Room serves contemporary west coast cuisine, partnering with numerous local suppliers to provide an elegant and unforgettable dinning experience.
The room is grand with high ceilings accented with a granite bar, moody undertones and marble throughout. The food is beautifully plated and the service is excellent. Try some of the local favorites like the beef tenderloin, drizzled with peppercorn jus, or the pan seared steel head with saffron pearl couscous.
Location: 619 Courtney Street
Website: The Courtney Room
14. Cafe Brio
Cafe Brio has been one of the best restaurants in Victoria for over 20 years. It is an intimate Italian influenced eatery with a relaxed vibe. The bread is baked fresh daily and the host and owner, Greg, is sure to make you feel right at home.
They have rotating featured dishes like locally sourced rock fish or halibut, along with all the classics – pasta, steak, and salads. For those who can’t make up their mind they offer half or full portion options on most dishes and sharing is encouraged!
Location: 944 Fort Street
Website: Cafe Brio
15. Zambri’s
Back in 1999 Zambri’s started off as a lunch spot in the back corner of strip mall and the owners have been serving up “Italian soul food” since day one. Over the last 22 years it has grown into a local staple, expanding into the Atrium building downtown Victoria, now open for lunch and dinner.
They serve all the Italian classics from pasta to pizza and signature dishes of beef tenderloin, local octopus, and a must try tiramisu for dessert! If you feel your pantry or fridge is a bit lacking they also offer some take home items from sauces to meatballs.
