Victoria’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering an array of exciting dishes that cater to every palate. With so many incredible options, deciding where to dine or what to order can feel overwhelming. That’s why at Tasting Victoria, we’ve spent the past few months exploring the city’s food scene to bring you the absolute best.
From indulgent desserts to mouthwatering mains, this curated list highlights the most unique and flavourful dishes worth trying. Whether you're in the mood for classic comfort foods or innovative culinary creations, these recommendations are sure to inspire your next dining adventure.
Teishoku is a set meal served on a single tray that includes a variety of different dishes. The chef’s special is beautifully plated, the sashimi is fresh and delicious, and all other sides from the chef selection are top notch, showcasing the chef's dedication to balance and flavour.They also offer a vegan set on the menu.
Address: 1600 Bay St.
A smoky, savory twist on a Canadian classic, this dish features fries, cheese curds, gravy, tender pulled pork, and a medley of Alabama white sauce, BBQ sauce, and green onion. Generously portioned and packed with flavour.
Address: 1725 Cook St. and 731 Goldstream Ave.
The best way to end a perfect meal is an excellent dessert. One of chef Dominique Laurencelle’s signature desserts at Marilena is the chocolate bar, a decadent dessert made with tonka bean cremeux, guanaja chocolate sorbet, and fudge sauce. Every bite is flavourful and rich, satisfying your sweet tooth. We would book a table just to have this chocolate bar and a cup of coffee.
Address: 1525 Douglas St.
Locals and visitors alike rave about this juicy burger, layered with bacon, Swiss cheese, greens, and grain mustard aioli, served with crispy fries or indulgent “fancy fries” topped with parmesan, truffle oil, and garlic.
Address: 1715 Government St.
We were on a mission last summer to find the best fish and chips in Victoria. We asked for readers’ suggestions and looked up a lot of recommendations online, on Facebook groups, and on Reddit and one of the top suggestions was Finest at Sea. Although Victoria offers many incredible fish and chips dishes and most of them are great and very recommended, our favourite was Finest at Sea’s. Freshness and quality shine in every bite. Finest at Sea’s halibut fish and chips comes with a 5oz. deep fried fish, hand-cut Kennebec fries, house made coleslaw, tartar sauce, and lemon.
Address: 27 Erie St.
Find them as “datiles envueltos en tocino” on their menu. These delicious, soft, and crispy dates are stuffed with ermite blue and drizzled with honey—a perfect balance between sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours.
Address: 536 Yates St.
This roti delivers authentic Caribbean flavour, with tender, spiced and well-seasoned chicken wrapped in soft, flaky roti shells. Every bite will transport you straight to Trinidad.
Address: 650 Burnside Rd.
The bakery changes the menu every month to create unique and different pastries for guests to try according to season. Some of our favourites have been the classic pain au chocolat, tarts, the puffs, and mousse domes. The attention to detail on their pastries is excellent and the quality and combination of ingredients is top notch.
Address: 1805 Fort St.
Fresh, buttery chunks of Nova Scotian lobster are served in a soft, toasted Irenes split top bun, and guests have two options of styles: Connecticut style which is served warm with a side of hot butter for the pour over or New England style which is served cold with light mayo, herbs and lemon. Each of them is served with a side of coleslaw, fries, or chips. The high-quality lobster and thoughtful preparation make this a luxurious and delectable treat.
Address: 1324 Blanshard St.
Curly fries taken to the next level with toppings like bacon, poblano sauce, cotija cheese, pickled jalapeños, and green onion. A perfect indulgence to pair with drinks.
Address: 804 Broughton St.
Fresh hokkaido scallops with calamansi, a Philippine lime, pyanggang sauce, a classic Philippine curry, and fermented chilis. This dish is tasty, spicy, and very different from any dish you’ve tried in Victoria. Aside from this dish, Janevca’s menu is definitely a must-try, offering a variety of dishes for everyone, with Filipino and Jamaican influences.
Address: 429 Lampson St.
Rich almond cream fills this buttery, golden croissant, baked twice for extra crispiness and topped with slivered almonds and powdered sugar. Perfect with your morning coffee.
Address: 680 Montreal St.
A comforting bowl of ramen with a choice of eight-hour boiled ramen broth like chicken bone, rich bone, or vegetarian. The delicious noodles are made from scratch and you can choose from toppings like sliced pork, ground pork stew, chicken, BBQ chicken, or tofu. Every bowl is loaded with toppings, including free-range eggs, bean sprouts, cabbage, corn, black fungi, bamboo shoots, lokbok, seaweed, and more.
Address: 109-800 Yates St. (Inside The Atrium building)
Slow-cooked, tender beef barbacoa served on handmade nixtamalized corn tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. The tortillas are the highlight, with a rustic texture and rich corn flavour, but the barbacoa doesn’t stay behind. The flavour and quality of the beef is delicious.
Address: 540 Fisgard St.
We tried Good Ovening for the first time at the Dine Around Gala in January last year and it became a highlight of the night. The chicken at Good Ovening is not fried chicken but oven-roasted chicken, known for its perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior and juicy interior. The spicy chili is very spicy, but they have other non-spicy options like original, honey mustard, soy garlic, butter curry, and more.
Address: 799 Fort St.
Delight in Salt Spring Island mussels simmered in a fragrant white wine and garlic cream sauce. This classic dish is paired with a thick slice of toasted artisan bread, making it a simple yet unforgettable culinary experience.
Address: 1208 Wharf St.
A soft, airy donut with a delicious sweet glaze infused with Earl Grey tea flavours, offering a twist on a classic treat.
Address: 230 Cook St. #109 and 736 View St.
This has been a top dish for us for years. A spicy and aromatic noodle dish featuring stir-fried vegetables, generous portions of good quality pork and shrimp, and a rich sweet and spicy curry sauce. The combination of heat, spices, and fresh ingredients makes it a favourite. Perfect to dine in or take out.
Address: 769 Yates St.
Another downtown must-try dish. Italian comfort food made with al dente spaghetti, creamy farm fresh egg yolk, Italian bacon, Grana Padano, and garlic. Simple ingredients, but executed with perfection for a creamy, savoury, filling dish.
Address: Inside the Victoria Public Market. 1701 Douglas St.
Tender cuts of marinated sirloin grilled on a teppan by skilled chefs in a theatrical display. Served with a delicious steak sauce and sides like rice, hibachi vegetables, village salad, shabu shabu soup, and ice cream. Perfect for special occasions.
Address: 734 Broughton St.
This gourmet flatbread features layers of gorgonzola cream, basil pesto, mozzarella, and brie, topped with poached pears, confit garlic, and red onion jam. Finished with citrus-dressed arugula. Ideal as a shareable appetizer or light main.
Address: 2940 Jutland Rd.
A delightful fusion of Indian and Italian flavors, this dish combines soft, house-made gnocchi with the aromatic spices of pakoras. Served with karrahi velouté, crispy kale chips, and crumbled paneer, it’s a standout creation worth savouring.
Address: 3600 Uptown Blvd. #123
Your favourite dish is not on this list? Email us at info@tastingvictoria.com with your recommendation. We’d add them to the next article.
