Food Scene
10 Acres Bistro
611 Courtney StGreat atmosphere, big patio, local ingredients, reasonable prices
Seasonal. Best lunch place in town (if you like fish), great fish and chips but try the other menu items too. Outside seating only, plan to line up on sunny days!
163 locals recommend
Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf StSeasonal. Best lunch place in town (if you like fish), great fish and chips but try the other menu items too. Outside seating only, plan to line up on sunny days!
Don Mee
538 Fisgard StPerhaps the best Dim Sum
Fantastic - will not fail to impress. Classic food, romantic atmosphere includes a priceless collection of contemporary art. Not as expensive as you'd think.
244 locals recommend
II Terrazzo
555 Johnson StFantastic - will not fail to impress. Classic food, romantic atmosphere includes a priceless collection of contemporary art. Not as expensive as you'd think.
My favourite spot on the pickle pub crawl. Off the tourist track yet one of the best waterfront views. Food is simple - I suggest the pizza.
10 locals recommend
Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro
1234 Wharf StreetMy favourite spot on the pickle pub crawl. Off the tourist track yet one of the best waterfront views. Food is simple - I suggest the pizza.
Jam Cafe
542 Herald StBreakfast/Brunch - can get busy but it's worth the wait.
Closest pizza is coincidentally the best pizza downtown.
19 locals recommend
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
560 Johnson StClosest pizza is coincidentally the best pizza downtown.
My personal favourite if you're looking for oysters. Cozy
17 locals recommend
Ferris' Upstairs seafood & Oyster Bar
536 A Yates StMy personal favourite if you're looking for oysters. Cozy
There is actually a decent restaurant "dining room" here - if you are not afraid of eating next to political history - note: if the Legislature is sitting, it will only open to the public at odd times of day.
218 locals recommend
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville StThere is actually a decent restaurant "dining room" here - if you are not afraid of eating next to political history - note: if the Legislature is sitting, it will only open to the public at odd times of day.
Tapa Bar
620 Trounce AlleyTapas - shared plates - good for couples and small groups
If you are out later - quality food, mojitos and, sometimes, enjoyable live music
47 locals recommend
The Mint Restaurant
1414 Douglas StIf you are out later - quality food, mojitos and, sometimes, enjoyable live music
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
766 Fort StAuthentic Mexican tacos (not at Mexican prices).
Tacofino
760 Pandora AveFamous "Japanese fusion-style" tacos and burritos.
Bean Around The World
533 Fisgard StMy favourite coffee shop :)
Fantastic vegan buffet (Honestly - and I eat meat). Pay by plate weight and "by bowl" so... put the heavy soup/curries in a bowl.
34 locals recommend
Green Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant
Fantastic vegan buffet (Honestly - and I eat meat). Pay by plate weight and "by bowl" so... put the heavy soup/curries in a bowl.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is actually a beer parlor. Like a British pub there is no table service no TVs or loud music - great for a conversation over a microbrew or three
119 locals recommend
The Drake Eatery
517 Pandora AveThis is actually a beer parlor. Like a British pub there is no table service no TVs or loud music - great for a conversation over a microbrew or three
The Churchill
1140 Government StSimply a great bar - low key atmosphere and plenty of choice
Victoria Event Centre
1415 Broad StWondered where all the 20-something hipsters are? Look up "Soul night"
Argyle Attic
777 Courtney StGreat selection of whisky and cocktails. Full Canadiana.
Parks & Nature
Songhees Walkway
Songhees WalkwayGreat for a walk or early morning jog
Essentials
Here is a great bakery, bike rental, coffee, deli, bar - and the start of the Galloping Goose regional trail. Cross the bridge and walk down harbour road past the shipyard.
35 locals recommend
Fantastico bar-deli
398 Harbour RdHere is a great bakery, bike rental, coffee, deli, bar - and the start of the Galloping Goose regional trail. Cross the bridge and walk down harbour road past the shipyard.
Market On Yates
903 Yates StGrocery Store
Shopping
Save-On-Foods
172 Wilson StClosest supermarket
Sightseeing
Victoria's oldest china town - has groceries, restaurants, memorabilia, Fan Tan Alley
124 locals recommend
Victoria's Chinatown
500 Fisgard StVictoria's oldest china town - has groceries, restaurants, memorabilia, Fan Tan Alley