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What to Eat in Victoria & Vancouver Island
Thanks to Victoria's coastal location and access to the farming regions of the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley, Victoria and Vancouver Island are a foodie's paradise. Let's start with afternoon tea, which is a must-do, according to visitors and locals. This tradition, which the city inherited from the region's European settlers, can be as grand or as simple as you want. It all depends on the teahouse you choose. On the extravagant end of the spectrum, there's the Fairmont Empress. It'll cost a pretty penny, but the formal, elegant atmosphere of this turn-of-the-century hotel will transport you back to a time when afternoon tea was a daily event for those in Victoria high society. Other favorites include the Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden, Adrienne's Tea Garden and White Heather Tea Room.
When you've had your fill of tea and finger sandwiches, expand your gastronomic tour of Victoria by sampling the city's fresh seafood. Red Fish Blue Fish, which sits on the waterfront on the Inner Harbour in an upcycled cargo container, is a favorite among visitors for its variety of fish and chips (choose from salmon, cod, halibut and oysters). Other seafood favorites include Fishhook, Blue Crab Seafood House and Ferris' Upstairs Oyster Bar.
Along with its fresh seafood, Victoria excels at offering a bevy of international cuisine. For Italian, locals and travelers recommend Il Terrazzo, which is beloved for its classic Italian menu and cozy interior (it boasts six brick fireplaces). Recent visitors highly recommend Saveur for its French-inspired contemporary cuisine using local ingredients. And if you're after Mediterranean flavors, head to the family-owned Ithaka Greek Restaurant (diners especially loved the lamb).
Find the Best Restaurants in Victoria & Vancouver Island
- #1
La Roux Patisserie#1 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria
$ - $$ | French, Cafe519 Fisgard St, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1R3 CanadaRead More » - #2
Saveur Restaurant#2 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria
$$ | French, Contemporary, Canadian658 Herald St, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1S7 CanadaRead More » - #3
Ithaka Greek Restaurant#3 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #4
IL Terrazzo#4 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #5
Legislative Dining Room#5 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #6
White Heather Tea Room#6 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #7
Blighty's Bistro#7 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #8
John's Place Restaurant#8 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #9
Fishhook#9 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #10
Blue Fox Cafe#10 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #11
Jam Cafe#11 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #12
Nubo Japanese Tapas#12 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #13
The Fish Store at Fisherman's Wharf#13 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #14
Finn's#14 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #15
Red Fish Blue Fish#15 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #16
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar#16 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #17
Cafe Brio#17 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #18
Clive's Classic Lounge#18 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #19
Brasserie L'ecole#19 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria - #20
Stage#20 of 1,101 Places to Eat in Victoria
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