6 Best Restaurants in Victoria, British Columbia

This intimate yet bustling Italian villa–style room has long been a Victoria favorite, mainly because of its Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere and cuisine, which is prepared primarily with locally raised ingredients. The menu changes almost daily, but you might find local halibut paired with an anchovy bacon vinaigrette, or even an apricot dessert soup. Most dishes come in full or half sizes, which are ideal for smaller appetites or for those who want to sample the menu more widely. Virtually everything, including the bread, most pastas, charcuterie, and desserts, is made in-house. The 400-label wine list has a top selection of BC choices.

The dining room at The Butchart Gardens, in the Butchart family's former residence, serves traditional teas daily, year-round. Afternoon tea (C$50), with sandwiches and baked treats, is served noon to 4:30 pm from April through September. Gluten-free teas require 24-hour notice.

Victoria's "big production line" and most elaborate afternoon tea (C$89) is served, as it has been since 1908, in the ornate lobby of the Fairmont Empress. The tea is the hotel's own blend, and the cakes, scones, and crustless sandwiches are prepared by some of Victoria's finest pastry chefs. As you face the bill, remember that tea here is more than a snack; it was, historically, a way to keep civilization alive in this farthest outpost of the empire. Seatings are daily from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Children under 12 pay half price.

For a Pacific Rim twist on the tea tradition, try this window-lined restaurant in the Hotel Grand Pacific (C$58). You can choose from an assortment of Asian-style teas, like the cherry haiku or dragon tears (green tea with jasmine), while you nibble on Dungeness crab cakes, tuna tataki, scones with clotted cream, and lemon meringue tarts. Tea is served from 2 to 4:30 daily. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.

Afternoon teas (C$54), with fresh-baked scones and cream, mini-quiches, cucumber sandwiches, and seasonal treats featuring produce from the garden, are served in the living room of the Abkhazi Garden. Late-morning snacks (called "elevenses") and light lunches are also available at this romantic garden setting.

Everything, including the jam, is homemade with exceptional creativity for the Scottish-style teas served in the White Heather Tea Room, a lovely place with big windows. Go for the gusto with its Signature Muckle (C$60). Teas are served from 10 am to 3 pm, Thursday through Sunday. Gluten-free selections are available as are take-out boxed teas.