Top 11 restaurants in Victoria (BC)

Brian Corvers

Brian has been part of the Le Petit Chef team since day 1. As Vice President Marketing, he always initiates new projects to further develop and enrich the show.

Victoria, named for Queen Victoria, is full of historic beauty. Known for its quality of life, great food, famous whale watching spots, vibrant arts and culture scene, it is also a major tourist spot. Because of the location to the ocean, a wide variety of seafood restaurants and other exciting foodie spots are worth a visit.

Tip #1: Ghost Ramen

Victoria is known for breezy weather, which makes it the best place for a bowl of Ramen. Ghost Ramen, is not only crafting their own broth, made with locally sourced ingredients, but also offering freshly on the island made noodles with each bowl.

Slurping ramen with a variety of add-ons is just one culinary experience at Ghost. Ghost bowls, bao with meat or vegan stuffings, Karaage or Gyoza, make an excellent Asian foodie experience in a relaxed atmosphere. The matcha cheesecake is a perfect sweet finish.

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Tip #2: Fairmont Empress

It’s the National Historic Site of Canada, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, located in Downtown Victoria, facing the city’s Inner Harbour. There is no visit to Victoria, without dinging in one of the restaurants in the 1908 opened hotel, famous from movies and known for the beautiful architecture.

Tea at the Empress is a must, with culinary offerings for traditional Afternoon Tea, with Smoked Salmon, Grandfather Ham & Cheese, Mushroom Quiche, English Cucumber and Chicken Salad Sandwiches. The best Downtown Victoria restaurant!

Tip #3: Jam Cafe

Breakfast all day! No problem at Jam Cafe, with four locations, one in Victoria and three in Vancouver. The original spot opened in spring 2012 in Victoria’s Herald Street and is since then beloved by natives and tourists alike.

Jam is known for comfort breakfast from the South, buttermilk biscuits, house made cornbread and a gigantic variety of pancakes, french toast and waffles. The breakfast menu is huge with lots of varieties for the sweet tooth and savory lovers.

Tip #4: Nourish

The Farm to Table restaurant in James Bay, by the Harbour, offers casual, vegetarian food with locally sourced ingredients. Owner Hayley Rosenbergs restaurant is nestled in a 1889 heritage house.

The brunch menu features gluten-free oatmeal pancakes, frittata and smoked tofu sandwiches, followed by a dinner menu, available as a prix fixe menu or à la carte. Local roasters, Victorian brewers and nearby vineyards are responsible for the beverages.

Tip #5: Be Love

Be Love is another beloved Victorian plant based restaurant, with 95 % organic ingredients and focused on Farm to Table vegan cuisine. Opened in October 2013, the trendy, modern-style restaurant is famous for its healthy cuisine and the fancy, delicious dessert cheesecakes.

Fresh juices and smoothies, organic wine and kombucha, go well with the wheat, gluten, dairy and processed sugar-free meal choices. The menu changes with the seasons to source from local farms and communities. Be Love is one of the healthiest and best restaurants in Victoria, BC!

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Cafe Brio

Cucina rustica at Cafe Brio! Italian inspired food, served for almost 30 years in the heart of Victoria. Just recently the restaurant got new owners, Sam Harris and Vincent Vanderheide took over the successful and by natives and tourists beloved Italian restaurant.

Widely considered as one of the best dining experiences on the island, no major changes will be made. Pasta and Risotto, Italian style cooked meat and seafood and house cured meats will continue to be found on the menu. The house made chocolate truffles, ice creams and sherbets are always a great finish.

Tip #7: John’s Place

It’s the oldest Diner in Victoria and a must-visit when on the Island. John Cantin opened the doors of his diner back in 1984. As a trained chef and traveler, he opened a place in Victoria to serve Canadian comfort food, homemade breads, pies and unique breakfasts.

The breakfast menu features waffles, eggs and some Mexican favorites. Frittatas and meatloaf, vegan hash for the plant based eaters and a big variety of egg benedicts. The lunch menu offers traditional comfort foods, sandwiches, but also salads and light lunches.

Tip #8: Green Cuisine

Victoria’s one and only vegan buffet restaurant is nestled in the courtyard of the Historic Market Square. Offering plant based food since 1990, the buffet menu is designed around the principle of a balanced diet, showcasing the five flavors – sweet, sour, pungent, bitter and salty.

The restaurant makes a lot of vegan specialty foods and products, to use for their own buffet cooking, but also to sell, as a cook at home option. Tempeh, tofu, vegan cheese, kraut and miso are proudly made in house. Draft kombucha and artisan vegan gelato are other offerings.

Tip #9: White Heather Tea Room

Afternoon tea is definitely a thing in Victoria and White Heather is dedicated to offering this tradition in an elegant and authentic way for over 24 years. All food is made in house and served by an adorable ladies team.

Sweet and savory bites, alongside with fancy teas are served in a choice of four different afternoon tea sets, one of them gluten-free. Scones, tea sandwiches, mini quiche and rotating desserts are offered. Lunch are different sandwiches (and sconewiches) stuffed with all kinds of in house made salads.

Tip #10: J&J Wonton Noodle House

Cantonese and Szechuan food, this is what J&J Wonton Noodle House is famous for. The longstanding spot is beloved by locals and office workers for a quick lunch, hyped by tourists for the authenticity and enjoyed by folks with allergies, as they offer different allergy menus.

Customers line up for their noodle soups, but also different types of fried chicken and special rice dishes. The spiciness can be chosen, and the rice noodle dishes are an excellent choice for people with gluten allergies. Veggie options are featured in a separate food menu.

Tip #11: Naughty Nellie’s Not Just Fish & Chips

The best fish & chips in town, this is what locals might have to say about Naughty Nellie’s Not Just Fish & Chips. The little old-fashioned shop in Victoria’s Gordon Head neighborhood, is offering, as the name describes, more than just fish and chips.

Salmon, prawns, calamari rings, cod and oyster, all kinds of seafood find their way into the fryer. The homemade chips can be ordered regularly or to feed up to five hungry people. Adding housemade coleslaw and their homemade tartar is a must. Burgers are on the menu as well. Not just fish, but also chicken and beef.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!