Dining Out in Victoria

FAVORITE DINING SPOTS:
There are really so many fabulous dining spots in Victoria and we have made an extensive list under Activities and Attractions/Dinning Out. Some of our personal favorites, within walking distance from Mermaid Wharf, include the following:

For Breakfast:
Willie’s Bakery at 537 Johnson St. has the most wonderful Belgium waffles and homemade pastries. This is a friendly, family-owned eatery.
The Grindstone, on the corner Store Street & Herald across from Capital Iron, has a varied menu and exceptional coffees and soups. Bean Around the World at 533 Fisgard also has great sandwiches and coffee.
ReBar Restaurant at Bastion Square has a wonderful vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu.

For Lunch:
Everywhere you walk, you will find a place to dine. For close-to-home dinning, two nearby spots are the Canoe Brewpub and Restaurant (www.canoebrewpub.com) just across the street and Swans Brewpub and Restaurant, around the corner on Store and Pandora.
One of our very favorite new places for breakfast, lunch and dinner is Mo:Le Restaurant at 554 Pandora (www.molerestaurant.ca). Excellent food in every category, including vegetarian! They also serve alcoholic beverages.
Spinnakers-across the Johnson Street Bridge (go left along the walkway) is noted for their clam chowder and harbour view. They have a wonderful variety of beers brewed at their microbrewery. For beer lovers, a definite place to try!

For Dinner:
For dinner there is a vast selection and they are all wonderful. Wild Saffron Bistro and Wine Bar-located next to Swans, has a new chef and menu (www.swanshotel.com/bistro.asp). Not far away is Sauces on Wharf St. for fun atmosphere and with light fare for the not-so hungry times. Chandlers is a short walk away at 1250 Wharf Street, voted best seafood for 6 out of the last 7 years.
Pagliacchi’s at 1011Broad Street is a little further away. It's a lively Italian restaurant with top-notch jazz. Best to call ahead to confirm music nights. They don't take reservations but there will be great entertainment while you wait.
If you want a really special evening try these next restaurants and call ahead for reservations Il Terrazzo (www.Ilterrazzo.com) the local’s choice for romantic al fresco dining, is hidden from the street and easy to miss, at 555 Johnson St. (situated behind Willie’s Bakery). Brasserie L’Ecole is a superb, refined little place on Government Street. Food, service & wines are outstanding. Make reservations well ahead.
In addition to the above, you can dine at almost any restaurant in China Town and walk out happy.

Two notable mentions are: The Irish Times Pub (www.irishtimespub.ca ) on Government Street – Good food, toe-tapping entertainment and festive atmosphere! Also Syn on Yates Street is an exciting place with a fun menu and a martini bar that makes for a memorable evening!