Vancouver Island

French-country cooking shines at this informal Chinatown bistro evoking a timeless brasserie. — Fodor's

Run by a brother and sister team, the restaurant is lauded for its simple Italian bistro fare. — Travel + Leisure

Downtowners “treated to the meal of a lifetime” at this “unpretentious” Italian–Pacific Northwester say it gives “‘locavore' a heightened meaning” with its use of “local ingredients”. — Zagat

Even if you're not hungry, it's worth dropping in here for a juice blend -- say grapefruit, banana, melon, and pear with bee pollen or blue-green algae for added oomph. — Frommer's

In Old Town, in an original 1890 building, this restaurant has a fabulous courtyard patio with six fireplaces. — DK Eyewitness

Expect creative and complex dishes of locally farmed, fished, and foraged food flavored with exotic combinations of herbs from the vast gardens. — Frommer's

Lunchtime queues attest to the popularity of the fresh house-made noodles and wontons at this long-standing Chinese spot. — Fodor's

Perched on a grassy bank overlooking a beautiful inlet, Deep Cove is where to come for a classic fine-dining experience, particularly for special occasions. — Frommer's

A “must when in Tofino”, this “phenomenon” draws a “well-earned” line-up with “inventive, flavour-forward” Eclectic-Seafood dishes “emphasizing local ingredients”...there's “great service to boot” — Zagat

Authentic, wood-fired-baked pizza, with soft wheat crusts and savory toppings including locally made fresh buffalo mozzarella. — Frommer's

Chef Tak Ito could just sit back and let the spectacular seaside scenery do all the heavy lifting here, but instead, he puts immaculate care and attention into every dish. — Frommer's

Spinnakers is the city’s foremost brewpub where knowledgeable staff help you marry the brew to your pub fare meal. — DK Eyewitness

Expect long lines at this lively New York–meets-Victoria trattoria where the tables are tightly packed to accommodate the crowds. — Fodor's

Located in the original Butchart family residence inside the famous Butchart Gardens, this local treasure offers classic dishes using fresh ingredients. — Frommer's

Seafood is definitely the focus here, and you can order western-style dishes like the seared scallops or cioppino (a fish stew). But it’s the sushi that’s the star. — Frommer's

This tiny, 12-seat restaurant in a converted garage on a busy downtown corner (with 30 more seats on the patio when the weather permits) serves up tasty Asian street food. — Frommer's

The lofty windows of this power station–turned–brewpub open onto one of Victoria's best waterfront patios, overlooking the kayaking and ferry action on the gorge. — Fodor's

A seriously cozy Scottish-style tea in a warm, inviting room in Oak Bay Village. — Frommer's

— Lonely Planet

Barb's was the first no-frills harbor-side "chippie" stand, and has since become somewhat of a legend. — Frommer's