Immerse yourself in Victoria’s culinary scene
Choosing a place to eat in Victoria can be overwhelming in a good way
One visit to Victoria and you'll feel like you've won the culinary lottery. B.C.'s capital represents the province well, showcasing local fish and shellfish, craft breweries galore, traditional British pubs and quirky, creative eateries and festivals.
Waterfront dining
Since the ocean is right at their doorstep, there are several restaurants that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings. There's nothing quite like watching the sun set over the water while you taste seafood that was caught fresh, locally.
One romantic option for an intimate evening or special event is the Beach House Restaurant. Situated on a bluff overlooking Cordova Bay beach, the Beach House is a frequent choice for weddings, due to its idyllic views and upscale-yet-affordable menu options.
If you're looking for something downtown, there are some impressive waterfront dining options right in the heart of the city. Aura Waterfront Restaurant & Patio has some of the most comfortable outdoor seating in town, and is located right on the Inner Harbour. Expect to see creative Pacific Rim cuisine at a moderate price.
If you're dying for a beer and a burger, or to share a plate of appies with your friends, try the Canoe Brewpub. This is a more casual venue, also located on the inner harbour, and serving up some of the finest craft beer in Victoria.
Festivals and tours
As a beloved year-round travel destination, Victoria hosts more than 100 annual festivals—most of which involve food. November 3rd, 2018, will mark the first annual Vancouver Island Spirit Festival. No doubt destined to be a regular favourite, this event will be held at Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill. There will be spirits from 10 local distilleries, and admission is $35 per person. With your admission, you also get a free bus ride from Victoria, Duncan, Cobble Hill or Shawnigan Lake, two tasting tokens and a souvenir glass. If two drink tokens are not enough, you can purchase more for $2 each. During the festival, the Merridale kitchen will be serving delicious food, and Spinnakers Liquor Store will have a pop-up location so you can pick up a bottle of your favourite spirit to take home.
Food and wine tours are wildly popular here. For instance, A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will take you on a two-hour adventure, with stops in Chinatown, Market Square, the Inner Harbour, the Parliament buildings and other points of interest. Along the way, you will get to enjoy six to eight food tastings while you learn about the history and charming character of the city. The menu varies, but past tasting options included bread and olive oil, perogies, meatballs, craft beer and chocolate.
