On a recent trip to Victoria I stopped in at Spinnakers with some friends for dinner and drinks. Here they brew all of the beer on site and have quite the extensive list. The atmosphere is nice, typical pub vibe but with an ocean view. Service was good even when they were packed. My fish and chips were fabulous and they even make their own malt vinegar on site - delicious!. Friends had the roasted vegetable pizza which they enjoyed. If you are in the mood for something sweet they also make their own chocolates on site. I will definitely visit again next time I'm in town.

The Superior is another one of those gems, located outside of the downtown core, away from the tourist bustle. The staff are experienced and knowledgeable, the wine list is expertly curated, and the food focuses on local, in season ingredients. The atmosphere is unique and funky, and you will notice a cool local crowd. I tried the crab fritters and ginger cake. The crab fritters were some of the best: no bread fillers, they were 100% real crab. I also highly recommend the flatbread and root chips as sharing appies. The Superior is popular in the summer as well, for it's amazingly cozy and tucked-away patio.

Victoria has an excellent restaurant scene downtown, however the farther you are from the city centre, the harder it is to find great food - especially asian cuisine. I ended up at Yoshi when we had limited time and couldn't drive all the way into town. The menu is vast, and there are many authentic Japanese dishes. You can order many things as a dinner set or a la carte. We tried the karaage chicken, yakisoba with beef, various rolls, and sunomono salad. I have to say the food was excellent - the sunomono had real crab on it. Highly recommended but it fills up quickly so make a reservation!

This place is quirky and fun! Every time I visit Victoria I go to the Superior for a nice evening full of great food, drinks, music, conversations, and to enjoy he eclectic atmosphere. The menu changes throughout the seasons and offers lots of local fare. Most the dishes are tapas sized and can be shared with dinner guests. There is a nice selection of wines and a variety of seasonal mixed drinks. For the tea drinker, there is a warm and cozy selection. The Superior is superior to other restaurants/cafes because of it's low key and relaxed dining atmosphere . Live music is offered almost every night. Come and find your favourite dish, musical entertainment, drink, and make it your best night out!

For the three years that I lived in Victoria, Christies Carriage House Pub was my neigbourhood pub. A great place to grab a tasty meal at a resonable price. Given it's location it is a choice amongst locals of Fernwood and Oak Bay. Located in a historic Carriage House (go figure) there is certainly nostaligia combined with modernity. As with a number of Victoria pubs Christie's is an intimate space covered with dark woods and accented with historial finishings along with a splash of TV screens showing sporting events along with keno. The food is fairly standard pub fair with a few surprises tossed in. The thing that I really like about Christie's is the variety on the menu. It really does cater to the picky eater. I have always been a huge fan of the pesto chicken burger mmmm. Thinking of it just makes me hungry. Additionally, there are daily special and a fantastic beer menu featuring a number of local, micro and staple beers. Sunday is a great day to check out Christie's as they have a $6 appy menu all day. The portions are a good size and the variety is very good. I have always had stellar service with a friendly smile. As a university students Christie's was the place to check out for wings. The house special "Blue Boy" wings consisting of blue cheese hot sauce and sweet chili sauce are my fave. I still haven't found a flavour elsewhere in Victoria or Canada that can compete.

With that being said, I have noticed in the past 2 years that the quality of food has really gone down. The cooks don't seem to show the same care in their food preparation. I have sent a number of salads back due to having wilted lettuce. Sandwiches are notorious for having way too much mayo. Additionally, my favourite wings have gone down in size. Given that Wednesady wings are 25 cents they aren't a stellar deal for a wing night and the reduced size has less appeal to me.

Given that Christies is nestled into the neighbourhood is closes down early. Management is strict about last call and clearing the joint out. So don't expect a late night of libations and nosh!

Conclusion: Christies is your average neighbourhood pub. It has great service and a fantastic indoor/outdoor patio with a fire pit that is great for those nights when a cool wind blows in off the water!

Classic service, distinctive style. This family owned and operated bakery/coffee shop has been around since the mid 1950's. Known for it's 'classic' pastries and other timeless baked goods, this is the place to have a cup or coffee or a pastry. Often busy during lunchtime, this place is frequently visited by the regulars. Enjoy a dollar roll and a cup of tea!

Located in the heart of Fernwood, this little place is worth the time to find. You will find a wonderful selection of wines (focusing on B.C. of course) and a delicious selection of tapas styled courses. The atmostphere invites guests to stay a while to engage in conversation, enjoy a great taster or glass of wine, and of course savor the selection of small dishes. This would be a GREAT spot to take a date, enjoy a bite before a show, or to chat casually with friends.

I am always shocked how few patios there are in Victoria given its mild climate. Canoe certainly has one of the best, if not the best patio in the city. It is certaily a great place to enjoy the sun on a warm afternoon. I have always been very pleased with the service at Canoe, the staff are courteous, knowledgeble and prompt. Canoe has a great selection of beers brewed in house and their seasonal brews are always a treat. The food is fantastic and a welcome change from places such as Earls and Moxies.

Ferris' has been one of my standout favourite dining spots in Victoria for quite some time now. But diners should be warned, expect lenghty waits for a table and a very intimate setting.
Ferris' is one of those places that has something for all diners. The room itself is long and skinny and is highlighted by an awesome brick wall that runs the length of the room. As a result the majority of the tables are two-tops squeezed into a very tight space. This means that your table may be just a foot away from your neighbours. Who cares its worth it! Ferris' is an oyster bar so the first page of the menu features a great selection of cooked and raw oysters. If oysters are not your thing, fear not the menu has a great selection of hearty salads, tasty sandwiches, burgers and amazing pastas. sandwiches and burgers are in the $10 range and are VERY filling. Ferris' is well knows for their sweet potato fries, which are super yummy! If you like your fries a bit crispy be sure to ask for them well done (they fry up so many orders that I find they are often limp).
The Verdict: Ferris is a must eat on your culinary trip to Victoria. Great prices, great staff, fantastic food! If you dine in the summer it is a real treat to eat in the terrace at the back.

When you wait in line you are treated with a complementary cup of coffee and good humour. The staff will do anything for you and custom your any way you like within reason and capability. This is the top place in the morning for breakfast. None of their breakfast items are disappointing!

I dont believe that Ive ever had a bad meal here. They recently changed there pan fries and man are they good!!! I almost always get a benny (Which they are kind enough to customize for me!) or the club.
If your brave enough then definetly get the mahony!!!
I tend to go on Sunday when there is a line up out the door...but Im normally seated in about 15 mins.
It can be a wee bit loud but you know even though its VERY busy the staff is having fun!

So this is my second review of Solomon's. I had to add another since this experience was special - Solomon has a new breakfast experience which I'm so excited about! All-you-can-eat self-serve cereal bar! Millions of cereals, types of milk, granola, or hot porridge for a fiver! The excellent coffee is also bottomless for $2. The *best* part is that you can add a shot of liqueur to your cereal for an extra $5.
Major points for originality and fun.

Ric's Grill is a traditional upscale steakhouse, with dark wood interiors and excellent service. When we went there it was for a birthday celebration, and we were the youngest around - definitely a mature crowd. The server gave impeccable wine advice and the food was superb. Actually, it's the best steak I've had in Victoria. They generously comped our appie as a birthday gift. Thumbs up!

Someday
You will wake up extra early
Driven by a strange yearning
In the still, foggy dark
You will bundle up
Get on the bus
And at 7:00 a.m. exactly
You will drift through the door
Into the warm light
Into the indescribable scent
Of Bubby Rose's Bakery
And you will order...

A double-tiered, raspberry jam centered, sliced hazelnut laden, rosemary perfumed perfection of a scone
Still warm, moist and delicately crusted
Handed over - nay - entrusted to you
Wrapped in a delicate tissue
In a brown paper bag
And as you bite down
The instant pleasure felt by all of your senses will collide
Into one dazzling moment of whoa...
Before rounding out to an mmmmm as you take your latte chaser
And begin to ponder the possibilities
Of a day with such a beginning...

Lucy's had been on my radar for a while, having the notable menu item of 'bacon waffles.' Yes, I tried them and they did not disappoint.
Small, local-ingredient inspired menu. Full drinks list in the AM - who can argue with that! Lucy's = love.

Brasserie L'Ecole has an impeccable reputation built on excellent, well-priced food, amazing service, and the biggest beer and wine list EVER.
They recently changed the reservation policy, so they now only seat people on a first come, first serve basis, so arrive early!!

Cafe Ceylon is a family-run gem of a restaurant just outside of downtown.
The main courses are $20 and up, but are expertly prepared and exquisitely spiced. Every menu item I've had was amazing, but my favourite is the hot pot. The service is also impeccable and the ambiance is cozy - perfect for a family dinner or a nice date.

Koto is the closest that Victoria has to truly authentic Japanese food. Tamami rooms are available, as well as traditional western tables. The waitresses wear kimono and the decor will transport you away. The sushi is delicate and delicious - they have the best rice in town - and the dinner sets are a fantastic deal with many courses. Koto is worth checking out, especially if you have someone to impress.

Japanese Village is well-known for consistency and their awesome steak sauce. I highly recommend doing the teppan lunch special, as it has basically the same items as dinner, but for much less money!

May Gold Village, where have you been my whole life?!
If you are in the mood for Chinese buffet, do take the 15 minutes to drive out to May Gold. I have tried every Chinese buffet in Victoria, and this is by far the best - excellent selection of seafood, old favourites, and they even have sushi.