Victoria BC: Restaurant Recommendations

[Tina_B]

I'm heading to Victoria BC for three weeks this weekend. I've been several times, but haven't spent an extensive period of time there. My parents have just retired and purchased a house there. I'm looking forward to trying a variety of restaurants and hope to hear some recommendations of some of your favourites. Two I love are Herald Street and Pagliacci's. Anybody have some other ideas?

[LGBurns]

I have a great recommendation but it's pricey. In Sooke (about 40 minutes west of Victoria), the Sooke Harbour House is fantastic. All organic, locally-grown produce and meat. They grow edible flowers and salad greens on site and use them in the restaurant. They have a wonderful selection of BC wines and a beautiful view of Sooke Harbor. It was rated one of the best restaurants in Canada and the rating is definitely well-deserved. There's another delicious, less-expensive restaurant in Sooke that my husband and I tried when we were on our honeymoon but the name escapes me right now. I'll see if I can dig it up and post it later. Enjoy! I'm so jealous! My husband and I fell in love with Vancouver Island when we went there on our honeymoon.

[KValley]

Kima? Oh, Kiiiiimaaa? Where are you? Kima, please find your party at the Cooking Light Great Food Bulletin Board. No need to pick up the white courtesy phone- we'll just wait for you.

[Tina_B]

KValley, you read my mind. Kima is exactly who I had in mind when I posted this question. Just wanted to tell you that you make me laugh.

[LGBurns]

The other restaurant in Sooke is called the Good Life Cafe. It is a very pretty restaurant with a bookstore. The food was outstanding and very reasonable. I highly recommend a trip to Sooke, especially since you will be in Victoria for so long--we found it absolutely charming. If you're up to it, you could travel there by bike along the Wild Goose Trail.

[kima]

Did someone call my name? Gee its nice to be wanted!!
I am so impressed by LG's knowledge of Victoria- all excellent recommendations. We don't eat out all that often but I can recommend a few. I also love to read about restaurants so have heard of some great ones. While you are here I highly recommend you pick up the free and very informative Monday magazine. It is available in boxes every where. The other freebee that is wonderful is Eat . It is also found everywher- especially health food stores and grocery stores. It is full of restaurant reviews, recipes and shopping ideas- a real foodie delight!
One of my favorite restaurants is Rebar 50 Bastion Square. It serves innovative vegetarian food. Another favorite is Spinnakers Brewery, Pub and Restaurant located at 308 Catherine St. Phone # 386- BREW. It serves delicious west coast fare- seafood, pizzas and pasta. It is just over the Johnston Bridge from downtown and has lovely views of the harbour. Everyone raves about Zambri's at 911 Yates St. phone # 360-1171. You definately need reservations for this one. It is "classiacally inspired Italian food". The new restaurant in Victoria but not expensive!
For a quick, reliable family meal you can't beat White Spot . Inexpensive, fresh and with a few locations around town. There is one on Douglas Street. The Blue Fox Cafe 101-919 Fort and John's Place on Pandora sereve wonderful breakfasts.
I highly recommend a trip out to Sidney (on the way to the ferries). It is full of interesting second hand bookstores. A highly touted restaurant out there is Dock 503 Waterfront Cafe 2320 Harbour Road. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ooh my daughter just reminded me of a great restaurant Ferris Oyster Bar and Grill at 536 Yates. I detest oysters so have never tried them but thier sweet potato fries are to die for and their Caesar Salad is very good. It has a very interesting menu.
I must add that all these restaurants are very affordable ( I rarely go to the expensive ones!!) and with the US dollar so strong they will be downright cheap. A 9.00 CDn. entree will be about 5.00 US.!!
There is so much to see and do here. Since you will have alot of time I urge you to leave the beaten path- downtown Victoria is nice but to get the real flavour of life here you should travel outside downtown and into the many fine neighborhoods. I live in Cordova Bay- lovely beaches and a fun shopping are called Matticks Farm. A walk along Dallas Road and is alot of fun and great for people and dog watching!! Agreat little coffee place on Cook Street is The Mocha House - a nice place to visit after walking along Dallas Road and through Beacon Hill Park.
If you need any other ideas let me know. The tourist office downtown near The Empress is jam full of brochures and the staff is very helpful. Oh and if you noticed how brown this city of gardens is it is because we are all on water restrictions due to a very dry spring. Unlike the rest of the west coast we often don't get enough rain!! Have a wonderful trip!!

[kima]

BTW Tina what part of Victoria are your parents moving to? Is this a retirement move form the harsh Saskatchewan winters? If so they will find plenty of company!!

[kima]

Just wondering how your trip to Victoria went Tina. Did you get a chance to try some of the suggestions on this thread?

[Tina_B]

Kima,
You are so thoughtful for remembering I was visiting Victoria. I was there for about a month and I have hardly posted since my return. I've just been so busy with my little guy (7 months). We had a wonderful time in Victoria. You are so lucky to be living in the most beautiful part of the world IMO. I tried out Rebar which was fantastic. My mom thanks you for the recommendation as she is a vegetarian and it is now her new favourite. We also went to Pagliaccis and to a number of places for lunch.

The best part as always is the seafood, which I was able to prepare at home a number of times. Oysters, salmon, scallops, prawns... I could go on and on. But alas I had to return home. I was happy to be back to see my DH, but BC will always hold a special place in my heart as I grew up there.

[kima]

Glad you had a good time in Victoria. I well remember how busy a 7 month old can keep you!!
I have never been to Pagliacci's believe it or not- it always real busy and my DH won't line up for anything!!
I have never been to Saskatoon but sometime in the next few years we plan a cross Canada trip so I'll be asking you for recommendations. Thanks for checking back!!