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with a fellow foodie. For small plates 
with big wines, head to Tapa Bar in 
beautiful Trounce Alley, Tourist Wine 
Bar on Blanshard Street, or 10 Acres 
Bistro near the harbour. Cocktail 
lovers should not miss Clive’s Classic 
Lounge, The Humboldt Room, or 
Cenote Restaurant & Lounge for 
expertly crafted drinks. While you’re 
out, be sure to try a Shaft—Victoria’s 
beloved cocktail made with coffee 
and a mix of liqueurs. It’s the perfect 
pick-me-up if you plan to stay out a 
little later and explore lively spots like 
Big Bad John’s or The Bard & Banker.
Old Town & Chinatown
Here, flavour and history collide. In 
just a few blocks, you can discover 
the cuisines of India, Korea, Spain, 
the Philippines, Germany, Japan, 
France, and more, all tucked into 
narrow alleys and brick buildings 
that once housed saloons, opium 
dens, and long-forgotten brothels. 
From fine dining beneath historic 
temples to countless hole-in-the-wall 
gems, this neighbourhood is made 
for adventurous food lovers and 
history buffs alike—where you can 
truly taste the world in a single day.
Romantic dining options are 
plentiful in this part of town. Ugly 
Duckling offers an award-winning 
Asian-fusion tasting menu, while 
L’Ecole Brasserie serves classic 
French comfort food in a cozy 
bistro setting. Il Terrazzo is beloved 
for its Italian fare, complete with a 
brick fireplace and candlelit tables, 
and Bray’s delivers West Coast 
kitchens, and welcoming, family-
friendly spots
If you are celebrating an occasion, 
make a reservation at Zambri’s for 
authentic Italian cuisine, Nautical 
Nellies for a seafood extravaganza, 
L’Apéro Wine & Cheese Bistro 
for decadent raclette, or Q at the 
Empress to indulge in a rich dessert 
paired with their famous Empress 
Gin. If you’re in the mood for live 
music and a lively atmosphere, head 
to Pagliacci’s or the Irish Times. Or 
go all out with a night at Herman’s 
Jazz Club, where you can enjoy 
incredible performances and dance 
the night away.
Bustling Government Street is a 
candy lane of sweet treats that will 
delight both the young and young at 
heart. This lively, pedestrian-friendly 
strip is home to no fewer than five 
ice cream shops, with favourites 
like Better Acres and The Victoria 
Ice Cream & Fudge Factory drawing 
crowds all day long. Chocolate lovers 
will want to step inside Chocolats 
Favoris, and of course, no trip to 
Victoria is complete without visiting 
Rogers’ Chocolates, Canada’s oldest 
chocolatier. 
For breakfast, try Cora’s, Frankie’s 
Modern Diner, or the beloved local 
institution The Dutch Bakery. Just 
be warned, breakfast is taken very 
seriously in Victoria, so lineups are 
common! For quirky family dining, 
head to Ithaka Greek, located beneath 
a giant windmill, or the floating 
Flying Otter Grill beside the seaplane 
terminal. Keep your eyes on the water, 
you might even spot a curious river 
otter or a seal while you eat.
For solo travellers, pull up a seat 
at the bar at Chobap, Hanks, Unicorn 
Sparkles or The Courtney Room. 
These award-winning restaurants 
offer fantastic bar seating where 
you can watch all the action and 
perhaps strike up a conversation 
The Bar at The Courtney Room. (Gary McKinstry)
Bard & Banker on Government Street. (Victoria Pub Company)

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