- Where is Victoria located?
- Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a coastal city known for its dazzling harbor and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
- What makes Victoria a popular tourist destination?
- Victoria is renowned for having one of the world’s most beautiful harbors and for being a sought-after travel destination.
- What is the dining scene like in Victoria?
- This popular tourist destination is home to some of the most tantalizing restaurants in the world.
- How do tourists typically arrive in Victoria?
- Each year, tourists arrive in droves via cruise ship and seaplane for a taste of Victoria.
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1. 10 Acres Kitchen
Savor farm-to-table dishes and enjoy a relaxed, cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening.
10 Acres Kitchen in Victoria is one of three restaurants that are run by the 10 Acres Farm and Restaurant Group that provide ethically raised animals from their farms to these restaurants. It’s steps from the Inner Harbour of Victoria and is housed inside a meticulously restored heritage building. The historic restaurant has a custom-built wood bar, large windows, plush booth seating, and black and white photo art that add to its elegant ambience. 10 Acres Kitchen relies on their farm-to-plate principles to deliver a fresh dining experience. Guests will enjoy the diversity of cuisine, including raw bar, steaks, and seafood dishes.
614 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-385-4512
2. Blue Crab Seafood House
Delight in fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views in a casual, inviting setting.
Located inside the spacious Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina, Blue Crab Seafood House provides superbly fresh seafood from the great Pacific Northwest. This elegantly decorated restaurant has an ambience of comfort and warmth with a two-level dining room, carpeted flooring on one level and hardwood on the other, light colored walls, and soft recessed lights. The restaurant also features crisp linen, wood trim, and large windows with expansive views of the harbor making this an ideal location for an intimate dinner. Seafood at this restaurant is brought in daily to ensure its freshness. House specialties include Snow Crab and King Crab.
146 Kingston Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-480-1999
3. Bodega
Discover unique tapas and enjoy an eclectic, vibrant atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends.
Bodega is a Spanish tapas bar located in downtown Victoria. The spacious, modern restaurant and bar pairs Spanish tapas with sherries in the tapas tradition. The interior design is a mix of wood and industrial elements with hardwood floors, wrought iron stools and chandeliers, and wood trim. Tons of windows flood the room with light, a mirrored ceiling reflects light from a modern chandelier, and a cushioned banquette offers comfortable seating. A small covered patio provides space for an intimate dinner or lunch. The chef utilizes locally sourced ingredients to craft their eclectic menu. Tapas favorites include Bocadillo De Serrano, Gambas Al Ajillo, Albondigas De Cordero, Bocadillo De Porchetta, Papas Supremas, and Papas Brava.
1210 Broad Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 778-406-1210
4. Brasserie L'ecole
Indulge in classic French cuisine and experience fine dining in an elegant, romantic setting.
Brasserie L'ecole in Victoria’s Chinatown is located in what was once a Chinese community schoolhouse. The restaurant serves authentic French-country fare paired with a wide selection of wines. The interior décor of this bustling restaurant features bright red walls, original wood floors, pendant lights, and large front windows with sidewalk views. Dark wood furnishings, poster-style artwork, large mirrors, numerous wine displays complete the look, providing an intimate ambience for a romantic dinner. The brasserie uses local, seasonal ingredients to create their French-country cuisine like lamb neck ragout, salad with hot-smoked duck breast, and house sausage, plus certified Angus beef sirloin, and their signature Brasserie burger.
1715 Government Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-475-6260
5. Cafe Brio
Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for casual dining or a special evening.
Cafe Brio on Fort Street in Victoria has been a local favorite with its atmosphere influenced from its Mediterranean heritage. This classy, yet unpretentious restaurant presents diners with a warm, friendly vibe with polished hardwood floors, exposed HVACs, and chandeliers. The interior design also features a cushioned banquette along one wall, brightly colored walls, and a large skylight, making this a great place for special dinner. With an ever-changing menu, Café Brio sources local farms to ensure the freshest ingredients. Menu items include options like Duck Bolognese with Penne, Grilled Rare Albacore Tuna, Braised Pork Belly, Brio Steak, and Pan Roasted Halibut.
944 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-383-0009
6. Fiamo Italian Kitchen
Savor authentic Italian fare and enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for family or romantic dinners.
Yates Street in Victoria is the home of Fiamo Italian Kitchen in arguably one the city’s most rustic buildings. The restaurant serves authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The interior design of the restaurant features original exposed brick walls, three different rooms to dine in, cushioned booths, and hardwood floors. With dark wood furnishing, a soft banquette, and shining chandeliers this an ideal location for a romantic dinner. Late at night, this restaurant is a hot spot featuring their wood-fired pizzas. Other Italian entrées include Tortellini Alla Fungi, Braised Duck Wings, Sauteed Mushrooms, Grilled Lamb Short Loin Chops, Saffron Risotto, and Chicken Parmesan.
515 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-388-5824
7. Glo Restaurant and Lounge
Sip cocktails and enjoy contemporary dishes in a lively, chic lounge perfect for a night out.
With breathtaking views of the Selkirk Waterway and just minutes from downtown Victoria, Glo Restaurant and Lounge has established itself as the go-to restaurant in its area. This contemporary restaurant features an interior with a large circular bar, multi-level dining spaces, and floor to ceiling windows. Cushioned dining booths, a large outdoor patio, and fire pits, make this a good choice for a romantic meal for two. Elevated global fare uses only the freshest and finest ingredients. Menu items include options like grilled chicken pesto penne, prawn fettuccine carbonara, Selkirk chicken club, grilled halibut Baja sandwich, and butter chicken bowl.
2940 Jutland Road, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-385-5643
8. Il Covo Trattoria
Relish traditional Italian dishes in a cozy, charming atmosphere ideal for a romantic meal.
Located in a heritage building that is 100 years old in James Bay, Il Covo Trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine with the Inner Harbour just steps away. The interior design of this elegant restaurant features a vaulted ceiling, exposed wood beams and ceiling fans. Hardwood flooring, chandeliers, and large windows with epic harbor views make Il Covo Trattoria the perfect spot for romance. They prepare freshly made, in-house traditional Italian fare with local ingredients. A must-try dish from their elevated menu is Anatra All’arancia – medium rare pan seared duck breast, fregola primavera, and Grand Marnier orange sauce.
106 Superior Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-380-0088
9. Il Terrazzo Ristorante
Indulge in exceptional Italian cuisine and enjoy a refined dining experience with a beautiful terrace view.
For over 25 years, Il Terrazzo Ristorante has been a culinary landmark in Victoria for fine Italian cuisine. The restaurant features a unique courtyard setting with a glass enclosed roof, wood beams and a cushioned banquette. The interior features hardwood floors, exposed HVACs, stone walls, and wrought iron chandeliers. Brick fireplaces and candlelit tables create an intimate setting. Northern Italian cuisine that’s influenced by the Pacific Northwest results in a something for every taste menu. Menu options include Linguine con Frutti di Mare, Seppia e Salsiccia con Alio, and Filetto d’Alibut – fresh baked halibut, balsamic reduction, blackberry cream peppercorn, and asiago cheese.
555 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC, Phone: 250-361-0028
Home to the first chocolatier, the first brewpub, and the oldest Chinatown in Canada, it also has a reputation for premier high teas and a burgeoning local wine scene.
The diversity of restaurants with choices like Blue Crab Seafood House, Brasserie L'ecole, and Fiamo Italian Kitchen offer all the necessary elements for a romantic dinner for two.
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