Eat & Drink
Victoria's Best Tables
Victoria's food scene punches well above its weight. From neighbourhood bistros to waterfront fine dining, craft breweries to specialty coffee, here's where to eat and drink in the city.
Where to Eat
Restaurants
Victoria's restaurant scene spans Italian institutions, modern Canadian fine dining, farm-to-table bistros, and authentic international cuisine. For more dining options, see our full lifestyle guide, or explore our deep dives on the best coffee shops in Victoria, top craft breweries, and farmers markets across the region.
Lumache
1001 Douglas St
A new 16-seat Italian gem specialising in handmade pasta. Opened late 2025 in the former Hank's space downtown, already one of Victoria's hardest reservations.
Pagliacci's
1011 Broad St
A Victoria institution for decades. Handmade pasta, classic Italian dishes, and a warm, bustling atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
The Courtney Room
623 Courtney St
Elegant seasonal menus in the heart of Victoria. A special-occasion favourite with impeccable service.
Volta
Yates Street
A fresh addition to Victoria's breakfast scene. Bright, modern brunch fare on Yates Street with a focus on quality ingredients and creative dishes.
Wind Cries Mary
45 Bastion Square
Beautifully crafted dishes on Bastion Square with an emphasis on Vancouver Island produce and West Coast ingredients.
Shuck Taylor's
Downtown Victoria
Fresh oysters, seafood plates, and a curated drink list in a stylish downtown setting. A rising star on Victoria's culinary scene.
CairoMum
Jubilee neighbourhood
Authentic Egyptian and Middle Eastern flavours in the Jubilee neighbourhood. A warm, family-run spot that's quickly becoming a local favourite.
Dosa Paragon
735 Yates St
Authentic South Indian cuisine with incredible dosas and curries. A favourite among locals for a flavourful, affordable meal.
October 2026
Trending Dining Picks
Victoria's dining scene is having a banner year: Chobap swept YAM Magazine's 2026 awards, Lumache is an Air Canada Best New Restaurants finalist, and Marilena keeps collecting national honours. These are the tables making headlines right now, plus the neighbourhood favourites that never miss. As the weather turns, it is soup, pasta, and roasted-seafood season: the cozy Italian rooms (Lumache, Pagliacci's) and the raw bars (Marilena) are where locals are heading on cool October evenings. Last updated: October 15, 2026.
Chobap Sushi Bar
610 Courtney St
YAM Magazine's 2026 Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year: an 8-seat omakase counter where chef Clark Park's tasting course has become the city's most sought-after dinner. Book far ahead for a seat.
Lumache
1001 Douglas St
The 16-seat pasta room from chef James Frost and sommelier Heather Dosman, YAM's Best New Restaurant of 2026 and a finalist for Air Canada's Best New Restaurants. Small, personal, and worth planning ahead for, with seats four nights a week.
Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
1525 Douglas St
Vancouver Magazine's 2026 restaurant-awards favourite, known for A5 wagyu sashimi, an elegant raw bar, and one of the most polished dining rooms in downtown Victoria. The pairing menu is a great special-occasion pick.
Morning Rituals
Coffee Shops
Victoria takes its coffee seriously. From specialty roasters to cosy neighbourhood cafes, there's a perfect cup waiting on every corner.
Discovery Coffee
Victoria's original specialty roaster. Multiple locations across the city.
Hey Happy
Specialty coffee and a creative menu in a bright, welcoming space.
Caffe Fantastico
Italian-inspired coffee culture with beans roasted in-house.
Murchie's Tea & Coffee
A Victoria institution since 1894. Blends and single-origins from around the world.
Craft & Character
Breweries & Cideries
Driftwood Brewery
Award-winning craft beer with a taproom that's become a local gathering spot.
Swans Pub & Brewery
Onsite brewery, solid food, and live music in a multi-level heritage building.
Phillips Brewing & Malting
Bold, creative brews and a welcoming tasting room in the heart of town.
Tod Creek Craft Cider
Small-batch ciders made with Vancouver Island fruit.
After Dark
Cocktail Bars
Clive's Classic Lounge
Award-winning cocktails in the Chateau Victoria. The real deal.
The Churchill
Whiskey-forward bar with a serious craft beer list. Perfect for a nightcap.
Glo Restaurant + Lounge
Sophisticated cocktails and creative small plates in a stylish setting.
Know a Spot We Should Feature?
Victoria's food scene is always evolving. If there's a restaurant, cafe, or bar that deserves attention, let us know.
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