Top 13 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.

Last Update: February 25th, 2026

Victoria, named after Queen Victoria, is full of historic beauty. Known for its quality of life, great food, famous whale-watching spots, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, it is also a major tourist destination. Because of its proximity to the ocean, a wide variety of seafood restaurants and other exciting foodie spots are worth a visit. We show you the best restaurants in Victoria, BC.

Tip #1: Wind Cries Mary

Rustic cuisine interpreted in a modern way — how might that taste? You can find out and experience these flavors during your visit to Wind Cries Mary.

With local ingredients and seasonal dishes, this restaurant will enchant you. Because the venue works with local partners, sustainability is a core focus, and the quality always impresses the guests.

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Tip #2: Fairmont Empress

The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada, located in downtown Victoria facing the city’s Inner Harbour.

There is no visit to Victoria without dining in one of the restaurants in this hotel, which opened in 1908 and is famous from movies and known for its beautiful architecture.

Tea at the Empress is a must, with culinary offerings for a traditional afternoon tea featuring smoked salmon, Grandfather ham and cheese, mushroom quiche, English cucumber, and chicken salad sandwiches. It is truly the best downtown Victoria restaurant!

Daily: Breakfast: 6:30 – 11:00 am and Dinner: 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Tea at the Empress, 721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
+1 250 384 8111
theempress@fairmont.com
fairmontempress

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 the spring of 2012 on Victoria’s Herald Street and has since been beloved by natives and tourists alike.

Jam is known for Southern-style comfort breakfasts, 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 both sweet and savory lovers.

Tip #4: Nourish

This farm-to-table restaurant in James Bay, by the harbour, offers casual vegetarian-focused food with locally sourced ingredients. Owner Hayley Rosenberg’s restaurant Nourish is nestled in an 1889 heritage house.

The brunch menu features gluten-free oatmeal pancakes, frittatas, and smoked tofu sandwiches, followed by a dinner menu available as a prix-fixe menu or à la carte. Local roasters, Victoria 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 a focus on farm-to-table vegan cuisine. Opened in October 2013, the trendy, modern restaurant is famous for its healthy cuisine and its 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! This restaurant has served Italian-inspired food 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 Italian restaurant, which is beloved by both locals and tourists.

Widely considered one of the best dining experiences on the island, no major changes will be made. Pasta and risotto, Italian-style 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 is 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 John’s Place as 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. There are frittatas, meatloaf, vegan hash for plant-based eaters, and a wide variety of Eggs Benedict. The lunch menu offers traditional comfort foods and sandwiches, but also salads and light lunches.

Tip #8: Green Cuisine

Victoria’s one and only vegan buffet restaurant Green Cuisine 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 „cook-at-home“ options. Tempeh, tofu, vegan cheese, kraut, and miso are proudly made in-house. Draft kombucha and artisan vegan gelato are other popular offerings.

Weekdays: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Weekend: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
560 Johnson Street, #5 at Market Square’s Courtyard, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6
+1 250 385 1809
andy@greencuisine.com
greencuisineveg

Tip #9: White Heather Tea Room

Afternoon tea is definitely a thing in Victoria, and White Heather has been 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 team of ladies.

Sweet and savory bites alongside premium teas are served in a choice of four different afternoon tea sets, one of them gluten-free. Scones, tea sandwiches, mini quiches, and rotating desserts are offered.

The lunch menu features different sandwiches (and „sconewiches“) stuffed with all kinds of 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.

This longstanding spot is beloved by locals and office workers for a quick lunch, hyped by tourists for its authenticity, and enjoyed by folks with allergies, as they offer different allergy-friendly 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 and chips in town — this is what locals might say about Naughty Nellie’s Not Just Fish & Chips. The little old-fashioned shop in Victoria’s Gordon Head neighborhood offers, as the name describes, more than just fish and chips.

Salmon, prawns, calamari rings, cod, and oysters — all kinds of seafood find their way into the fryer. The homemade chips can be ordered regularly or in sizes to feed up to five hungry people.

Adding house-made coleslaw and their homemade tartar sauce is a must. Burgers are on the menu as well; they serve not just fish, but also chicken and beef.

Tip #12: Fathom

Local, sustainable ingredients are freshly prepared and served for you at Fathom in Victoria. While dining, you can enjoy the view of the Inner Harbour, and the ambiance invites you to linger.

The modern furnishings manage to create a sense of coziness. The dishes are also inspired by the coastal landscape and are artfully presented.

The chef places value on the reinterpretation of classic flavors. Enjoy your dinner on the terrace in good weather, or order a cocktail at the bar.

Tip #13: Boom + Batten Restaurant & Cafe

At Boom + Batten, the menu is tailored to the view. This restaurant is located right at the harbour and offers a stunning view of the Inner Harbour.

The dishes you can order focus not only on fresh seafood but also on various meat dishes and Italian classics like pizza, gnocchi, or pasta. There is something for everyone, allowing you to enjoy this spectacular view together with good food!

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!