Restaurants in Victoria
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Pagliacci’s
At Pagliacci’s, unlimited baskets of fresh focaccia bread are delivered to the marble-topped tables. Generous pasta servings from the cinema-themed menu almost defy devouring; try the Hemingway Short Story (beef-stuffed tortellini).
reviewed
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B
Mint
This loungey late-night hang-out is popular with bar staff winding down after their shifts. But they don't just come to bitch about their non-tipping customers; Mint offers an eclectic, finger-licking menu of Nepalese, Tibetan and fusion delicacies that runs from spicy lamb cooked with apricots to almond-and-cashew pesto fettuccine. There's an equally diverse menu of regular DJ performances.
reviewed
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C
Noodle Box
Southeast Asian cuisine with a strong Malaysian influence is the approach at this buzzing business that started out as a street vendor. A great place for takeout - served in those funky boxes - it's also a chatty eat-in spot. Popular stir-fries include Thai-style chow mein, and the Cambodian Jungle Curry is recommended for those who like their meals with a spicy kick.
reviewed
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D
Lotus Pond
Behind the unassuming, almost shabby exterior of this downtown Chinese restaurant is an extensive, all-vegan menu of delights created using Buddhist principles. Even meat eaters have been known to swoon here, as they tuck into surprisingly tasty spring rolls, dim sum and pot stickers. Combo meals are the best option, as they offer an array of different flavors.
reviewed
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ReBar
This place fuses colorful interiors with a clever, mostly vegetarian menu, but carnivores will be just as happy noshing here. It’s a good weekend brunch spot.
reviewed
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Floyd's Diner
A funky eatery with an ultrafriendly vibe, Floyd's combines a sun-drenched patio, warming blood-red interior and a menu of serious comfort food - it's the spot to recover from a throbbing hangover. Along with the all-day breakfast menu (try the 'Elton', a heaping bowl of fruit, yogurt and honey), there are some bulging burgers and sandwiches and a great lunch deal: an around C$6 bottomless bowl of soup.
reviewed
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Fort Café
Warm and welcoming subterranean hipster haunt with heaping fresh-made nosh – turkey avocado wraps and hot pepper beef sandwiches recommended – plus Salt Spring Brewing drafts. Check out the Atari game system at the back.
reviewed
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John’s Place
A diner-esque legend with wood floors, high ceilings and funky memorabilia lining the walls. Weekend brunch is an institution, but the heaping comfort-food dinners are also great – don’t miss a giant slab o’ fruit pie.
reviewed
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Legislative Dining Room
This is the Parliament Buildings’ subsidized restaurant, where anyone can drop by for dishes such as shrimp quesadillas and smoked tofu salad. Enter via the security desk at the building’s entrance.
reviewed
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Camille’s
A charming subterranean dining room with a lively, ever-changing menu reflecting great local ingredients. With its smashing wine list, this spot invites adventurous foodies.
reviewed
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Dutch Bakery
If diners had been invented by little old ladies with purple hair, this is what they'd look like. This charming downtown institution has been packing them in for 50 years with its Formica countertops, chatty ambience and simple, old-school meals. Rub shoulders with the regulars and they'll recommend a beef pie with potato salad followed by a fruit pie chaser. After your meal, try to leave without buying from the Aladdin's cave of handmade candies at the front.
reviewed
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Temple
A soothingly trendy interior might indicate style over substance at this compact downtown restaurant but the opposite turns out to be the case. With a focus on Pacific Northwest cuisine, the menu is a taste-tripper's dream, with seafood particularly well represented: sample the Quadra Island mussels and you won't be disappointed. A Belgian beer focus at the bar means that you can try pairing food with an array of unusual ales.
reviewed
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M
Demitasse
This art school-style hang-out is where local grunge geeks come to sup endless cups of coffee and compare their latest Value Village purchases. It's very laid-back, with high-ceilings and old wooden tables. The food is chunky, fresh and satisfying but never gets much further than great soups, wraps and sandwiches - simple, satisfying food done well: check out the banana bread French toast breakfast.
reviewed
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Blue Carrot Café
An ideal hang-out in the shadows of Bastion Sq, this wood-floored family-run nook serves local favorite Salt Spring Island coffee along with a host of chunky, mostly organic cakes and muffins. It's also a good lunch spot - regulars enjoy the ever-changing roster of made-from-scratch soups (carrot and ginger is frequently requested), and the hearty burgers are as far from fast food as it gets.
reviewed
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Black Olive
This sophisticated but convivial downtown restaurant fuses a foundation of Mediterranean dishes with West Coast and international flourishes, offering meals that range from tiger prawn linguine to olive-topped wild salmon. While the starched white tablecloths suggest formality, the staff are bend-over-backwards friendly.
reviewed
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Tibetan Kitchen
Lunch specials are an excellent deal (check the board outside) at this cozy Asian eatery, where fresh-made treats range from noodle to curry dishes. Whatever you end up trying, wash it down with a lip-smacking lychee lassi (a yoghurt-based, shake-like drink).
reviewed
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Q
Hernande’z
Hidden in a covered passageway between Yates and View Sts, Victoria’s best Mexican hole-in-the-wall has a line-up as soon as it opens. Vegetarian options abound but the huarache de pollo – thick tortilla with chicken – is legendary. Cash only.
reviewed
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R
Red Fish Blue Fish
On the waterfront boardwalk at the foot of Broughton St, this freight container take-out shack serves fresh-made sustainable seafood treats like wild-salmon sandwiches, Pacific Rim chowder and excellent scallop tacones (cone-shaped tacos).
reviewed
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Pagliacci’s
At Pagliacci’s, unlimited baskets of fresh focaccia bread are delivered to the marble-topped tables. Generous pasta servings from the cinema-themed menu almost defy devouring; try the Hemingway Short Story (beef-stuffed tortellini).
reviewed
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S
Pig BBQ Joint
Hulking hot sandwiches of the melt-in-your-mouth pulled-pork variety (beef brisket and smoked-chicken variations are also offered) dominate the simple menu here, washed down with homemade iced tea.
reviewed
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Möle
This wood-floored joint attracts the hip crowd with its comfort classics and adventurous fusion dishes (think organic hamburgers and yam wraps). Beer includes the recommended Phillips brews.
reviewed
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Brasserie L’Ecole
This country-style French bistro has a warm, casual atmosphere and delectable menu favorites, such as lamb shank served with mustard-creamed root vegetables and braised chard.
reviewed
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Zambri’s
An unassuming restaurant with a gourmet, Italian-influenced menu. Savvy diners drop by on Saturdays, when a creative five-course tasting menu hits the blackboard.
reviewed
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Fairmont Empress Hotel
Victoria’s 1908 grand dame has a regal, bygone-era opulence that knows no bounds. It’s where honeymooners stay and tour groups take high tea.
reviewed
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Rogers’ Chocolates
The buskers here will keep you entertained as you duck into Rogers’ Chocolates for some dessert-sized Victoria Creams.
reviewed
