Looking for the best Victoria restaurants? You’re in the right place!
If you don’t have time to finish reading this article, go ahead and jump straight to Il Terrazzo or 10 Acres Bistro for some of the best food in town!
However, Victoria is a hub of amazing restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and more! The food scene in the capital city keeps expanding, with several new eateries dropping in every year.
Below, I’ve compiled some of the best Victoria restaurants that are worth putting on your favourites list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
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1. Il Terrazzo
Craving Italian in the city? Il Terrazzo is your ticket to Italy, without the flight! Tucked in a cozy old-town courtyard, this spot has been dishing out Northern Italian faves with a local twist for 29 years.
Dive into their seafood-loaded Frutti di Mare della Casa, or savor the flavors of Italy with Cannelloni di Maiale. Don’t miss out on the tender Osso Buco over saffron risotto – it’s a game-changer!
What to order: Frutti di Mare della Casa, Cannelloni di Maiale, Osso Buco
Address: 555 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2
2. 10 Acres Bistro
10 Acres Bistro is your go-to for fresh, local bites in downtown Victoria. With a farm-to-table ethos, this bistro’s menu changes with the seasons. Sip on their rich French Onion Soup, or grab a bite of the honey beer-battered Halibut & Chips – it’s a crunchy delight! The Rotisserie Chicken and Pot Pie? Simply the best you’ll ever have.
What to order: French Onion Soup, Halibut & Chips, Rotisserie Chicken, Pot Pie
Address: 611 Courtney Street, Downtown Victoria
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3. Pagliacci’s
Step into Pagliacci’s and travel back to 1979. With dishes named like short stories and made fresh to order, it’s a spot with character. The Hemingway Short Story tortellini with bacon cream sauce is a hit, and Mr. Robert’s Seafood Lasagna? Overflowing with cheesy, seafood goodness, it’s a family favorite for a reason.
What to order: Hemingway Short Story, Mr. Robert’s Seafood Lasagna, Edgar Allen Poe’s Crab Cakes
Address: 1011 Broad Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2A1
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4. Brasserie L’Ecole
French comfort food anyone? Brasserie L’Ecole serves up local ingredients with a French twist. Cozy and western-styled, it’s a friendly nook for a foodie. Their French Onion Soup is packed with all the good stuff, while the Steak Frites is a crave-worthy classic. Choose your cut, pick your doneness, and get ready to melt.
What to order: Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée (French Onion Soup), Steak Frites
Address: 1715 Government Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1Z4
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5. Il Covo Trattoria
Nestled in James Bay, Il Covo Trattoria offers an Italian escape with a Tuscan vibe. The Stinco D’agnello, or lamb shank, braised in red wine, is fall-off-the-bone good. And the Pappardelle Al Funghi with homemade pasta and rich mushroom sauce? It’s a must-try for vegetarians and mushroom lovers alike.
What to order: Stinco D’agnello (lamb shank), Pappardelle Al Fungh
Address: 106 Superior Street, Victoria, BC
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6. Chorizo & Co.
For a Spanish flair, Chorizo & Co. serves tapas that’ll transport you to Spain. Their Patatas Bravas are perfectly crispy, and the Grilled Humboldt Squid? Each bite gets better. It’s casual, cozy, and the kind of place where sharing is the real joy.
What to order: Patatas Bravas, Grilled Humboldt Squid, Pumpkin Pie Churros
Address: 807 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1H6
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7. Wind Cries Mary
Get cozy at Wind Cries Mary, a snug spot in town where sharing is caring. Their small plates will wow you with local flavours, and the chill vibe is perfect for date night. Their Bison Tartare is a fresh start, while their Fried Chicken is legendary. Served with a variety of homemade hot sauces, it’s a dish that keeps the locals loyal.
What to order: Bison Tartare, Fried Chicken, Burrata
Address: 45 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC
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8. Uchida Eatery
For a taste of Japan, Uchida Eatery is a must-visit! This gem serves up homemade goodness that’s both healthy and hearty. This farm-to-table eatery has dishes that sell out fast like their Negitoro Don. For the tuna lovers, Tuna Zuke Don is a flavorful journey with every bite. It’s simple, it’s authentic, and it’s a decade-old favourite.
What to order: Negitoro Don, Tuna Zuke Don, Salmon Don
Address: A22-633 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1B9
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9. Bodega
In the mood for Spanish Tapas & Sherry? Bodega is an intimate spot with a big reputation. Dive into their Charcuterie Board and get blown away by their sauces. And the Beef Carpaccio? It’s a dish that sings with flavour. Finish with a House-made Sorbet, a sweet treat you won’t forget.
What to order: Bodega Board, Beef Carpaccio, House-made Sorbet
Address: 1210 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2A4
10. NUBO Japanese Tapas
At NUBO Japanese Tapas, it’s all about innovative bites in a trendy setting. Imagine sushi and small plates, but with a twist that’s totally Instagram-worthy. From their kid-friendly TakoYaki to the Victoria’s Secret Roll, every bite is a delight. The Cowboy Roll is a showstopper with torched Angus beef – it’s a roll you’ll come back for.
What to order: TakoYaki, Victoria’s Secret Roll, Cowboy Roll
Address: 739 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 1N9
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11. John’s Place Restaurant
Feel at home at John’s Place Restaurant, a cozy downtown spot with a menu that has something for everyone. The Belgian Waffle is a classic, but for burger aficionados, the Bacon & Brie Burger is the way to go. Featured on TV, this spot’s comfort food will keep you coming back.
What to order: The Belgian Waffle, Bacon & Brie Burger, Sid Caesar Salad
Address: 723 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N8
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12. Red Fish Blue Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish is a top-notch seafood spot in Victoria’s harbor, known for its spot in magazines and TV. Their fish & chips, served with homemade tartar sauce and Kennebec chips, are a must-try, featuring tempura-battered fish that’s crispy outside, flaky inside. Choose from cod, salmon, or halibut, and decide how many pieces to indulge in.
Don’t miss their tacones, especially the Albacore Tuna with spicy prawn mayo — it’s a local favorite for a juicy, medium-rare bite!
What to order: Fish and Chips, Albacore Tuna Tacone, Chowder
Address: 1006 Wharf Street, Victoria, BC
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13. Jam Cafe
Jam Cafe in Victoria is a brunch lover’s dream with its all-day breakfast and spot on the Best Brunch list. The place buzzes with a rustic-city feel. Go for their Chicken French Toast on your first visit, a sweet-savory mix with fried chicken and hot honey on brioche.
Or dive into The Charlie Bowl, a hearty mix of biscuits, hash browns, meats, corn salsa, and cheese, topped with mushroom gravy and eggs. It’s comfort food that’s redefined breakfast!
Address: 542 Herald Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1S6
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14. Fuego Old Town Eatery
Fuego is your go-to for Mexican breakfast all day, with its cozy atmosphere and great patio views. Famous for their Cornbread French Toast, it’s a unique twist on breakfast topped with your choice of bacon or avocado.
Don’t skip the El Porco Benny, a decadent take on apple pie with pulled pork, caramelized apples, crispy patties, poached eggs, and chipotle hollandaise. It’s a flavour-packed dish that’ll leave you wanting more!
What to order: Cornbread French Toast, El Porco Benny, GF Veggie Omelette
Address: 1435 Store Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8V 3C6
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15. Dumpling Drop
Dumpling Drop in Victoria’s Chinatown is the dumpling destination. Whether you’re eating in or taking home their frozen variety, they offer Pork Belly, Vegan, and a weekly special. The dumplings have a crispy shell, especially delicious for vegan dumpling newbies.
Pair their pork belly dumplings with Thai Iced Tea, and don’t forget the house-made chili oil for an extra kick. It’s simple, it’s crispy, it’s packed with flavour.
What to order: Pork Belly dumplings, Classic Vegan dumplings, Thai Iced Tea
Address: 556A Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 1N7
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Looking for a place to stay in Victoria?
After a stomach- and soul-filling meal from one of these restaurants, you can head out to explore the best of everything that Victoria has to offer.
There’s no better way to digest the delicious food you ate than to explore the city, right?
Our guide on the Best Things to Do in Victoria list will leave you with a multitude of exciting options to choose from.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.