Victoria, BC has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Canada — if you can't decide where to go, we don't blame you. Here's twenty of our favorite options for where to find a meal!
1. Pagliacci’s
Brunch & Dinner | 1011 Broad Street | 12-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
A timeless Victoria restaurant since 1979, Pagliacci’s is home to amazing pasta, steak, and endless focaccia bread. The indulgent menu is accompanied by a large selection of wine pairings and other beverage options. They also take their music as seriously as they take their food — You can catch live performances from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00pm - 10:00pm. Enjoy soothing jazz and don't forget dessert: be sure to try their checkerboard cheesecake, house-made ice cream, or an affogato!
Nourish Cafe. Credit: Nourish Cafe.
2. Nourish Cafe
Brunch | 225 Quebec Street | 5-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Nourish Cafe, found in a converted 1888 heritage house in the James Bay area, is a community favorite that serves nourishing meals (living up to their name!). Inspired by holistic, traditional culinary techniques as well as the natural world, Nourish offers a casual restaurant and cafe full of thoughtfully sourced foods for everyone. They also have a culinary market dedicated to treats and kitchen staples so that you can bring Nourish home with you. After your meal, you can check out their communal space for creativity, education, and celebration on the second floor of the quaint house.
3. Jam Cafe
Brunch | 542 Herald Street | 19-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Jam Cafè has been a Victoria brunch staple since the original location popped up on Herald Street in Victoria in 2012. Inspired by southern Cuisine, Jam offers a unique and eclectic menu of family home-style recipes, including house made cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, and fried chicken. While they have endless menu options that will satisfy your appetite, you should definitely give their fried chicken and waffles a try... You won't be disappointed.
A variety of dishes from Boomtown. Credit: Boomtown.
4. Boomtown
Lunch & Dinner | 950 Yates Street | 24-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Located on Yates Street, Boomtown provides some of the city’s best tacos, burritos, and snacks (such as their loaded tots with cheese, jalapeño, pickled onion, and boom sauce) in their three-tiered beer garden outdoor seating area. While this spot is perfect for sunny days, they also have heaters to keep your dining experience warm and cozy in the cooler months.
5. Wind Cries Mary
Dinner | 45 Bastion Square | 13-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
With their dynamic menu and impressive list of local partners and suppliers, Wind Cries Mary offers the quintessential west coast experience of freshly foraged food and drink. You are encouraged to “break bread,” as their menu is geared towards sharing around the table. Their restaurant, complete with a front patio and a “secret courtyard,” provides a lovely rustic atmosphere to suit their menu, right in Victoria’s downtown core.
Interior of Little Jumbo Credit: Little Jumbo.
6. Little Jumbo
Dinner | 506 Fort Street | 12-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
An award winning and highly acclaimed local restaurant, Little Jumbo takes pride in every meal, emphasizing the fine craft of preparing fresh, local food. Beyond their constantly evolving menu, their bar offers thoughtful wine pairings and a mix of the best classic and modern mixology. Little Jumbo is the place to go for a premium dining experience paired with outstanding cocktails on any occasion.
7. Be Love
Lunch & Dinner | 1019 Blanshard Street | 17-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Be Love is one of Victoria's best plant-based restaurants, and they serve every dish with the health and sustainability of our community and planet in mind. While the menu is wheat, gluten, dairy, and processed sugar free, their meals are made with love that will leave you satisfied in every way. Their dishes change with the seasons to optimize the local foraged and farm-grown foods, supporting local produce and community vitality! Be sure to try their Mac, Be Love’s iconic vegan mac and cheese.
Seafood Pasta from the Tapa Bar. Credit: Tapa Bar.
8. Tapa Bar
Lunch & Dinner | 620 Trounce Alley | 14-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Located in the historic Trounce Alley off of Government Street, the Tapa Bar offers Spanish-inspired tapas and other specialties. They offer a variety of plates to split, share, or keep for yourself. The buzzing atmosphere makes for a lively dining experience at their patio, bar, and restaurant seating.
9. Sult Pierogi Bar
Lunch & Dinner | 609 Yates Street | 14-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Sult Pierogi Bar on Yates Street combines Eastern European classics with a diverse range of cuisine. They offer pierogies, hand-made from scratch daily, in many varieties and dishes, creatively accompanied by locally sourced ingredients and produce. The casual, whimsical, and fun environment sets the tone for a meal that you won't forget.
Fish and Chips. Credit: Red Fish Blue Fish.
10. Red Fish Blue Fish
Lunch & Dinner | 1006 Wharf Street | 15-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
One of Victoria’s most cherished eateries, Red Fish Blue Fish has been on the dock down Wharf Street since 2007! Their dishes use only fresh, high quality ingredients, taking the shape of classics (such as tempura battered fish and chips) and fun remixes (such as their “tacones,” or hand-roll style tacos). You can order online for pick-up, and enjoy your food by the sea side, making Red Fish Blue Fish the perfect stop during all of your downtown explorations!
11. Il Covo Trattoria
Dinner | 106 Superior Street | 9-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Il Covo Trattoria is an Italian restaurant located in the Victoria’s charming James Bay neighborhood. The restaurant boasts a menu that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Italy. Il Covo provides a memorable dining experience that combines delicious Italian cuisine, a cozy atmosphere, and excellent service.
Interior of The Ruby. Credit: The Ruby.
12. The Ruby
Brunch | 642A Johnson Street | 17-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
A quaint environment with the atmosphere of vinyl records and live music, the Ruby has two locations on Douglas Street and Johnson Street. They offer a menu that combines the world of southern brunch and lunch fare, plus the charm of their service pairs wonderfully with their good, honest food. We recommend trying their chicken and waffles, complete with southern fried chicken breast, house chicken gravy, sunny side egg, and spicy maple syrup.
13. Heron Rock Bistro
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner | 4435 Simcoe Street | 13-min walk from Black Ball's Victoria terminal
Located in James Bay, right near our Victoria terminal, Heron Rock Bistro provides a great place for you to enjoy delicious food made from quality ingredients. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, host live musicians on Monday nights, and run a happy hour every day from 3:00pm - 5:00pm and 8:00pm - close. They also have daily brunch and dinner features, meaning they will always have something new for you to try!
Marilena's Interior. Credit: Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar.
14. Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
Dinner | 1525 Douglas Street | 20-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar is known for its fine dining and highlights local and globally sustainable seafood. Marilena Cafe prides itself on attentive and friendly staff that are knowledgeable about the menu. Anticipate a delightful infusion of sophistication within the effortlessly relaxed ambiance of this stylish establishment.
15. Il Terrazzo
Dinner | 555 Johnson Street | 17-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
Il Terrazzo offers a unique blend of diverse dining options served in the cozy ambience of a beautifully restored 19th-century heritage building. Conveniently situated near the Inner Harbour area, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Their open-air courtyard is particularly inviting during the warmer months, allowing patrons to dine under the stars.
A variety of sushi from Gozen. Credit: Gozen Sushi Bar Izakaya.
16. Gozen Sushi Bar Izakaya
Lunch & Dinner | 1005 Langley Street | 11-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
Gozen Sushi Bar Izakaya is a delightful culinary gem that combines the best of both worlds, serving up traditional sushi and a delectable izakaya menu in a welcoming atmosphere. These small, flavorful dishes are perfect for sharing, making it a fantastic choice for a night out with friends.
17. Brasserie L’Ecole
Dinner | 1715 Government Street | 19-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
Brasserie L’Ecole is a renowned French restaurant, celebrated for its authentic and delectable French cuisine. With a cozy and charming ambience, it offers a diverse menu that includes classic French dishes and an impressive selection of wines, making it a favorite choice for those seeking a taste of France in Victoria.
A selection of Japanese tapas. Credit: NUBO Japanese Tapas.
18. NUBO Japanese Tapas
Lunch & Dinner | 739 Pandora Avenue | 20-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
NUBO is a popular dining spot known for its innovative fusion of Japanese flavors and tapas-style dining. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, featuring small plates with a Japanese twist, from sushi to creative small bites, in a stylish and contemporary setting, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts in Victoria.
19. Chimac Korean Pub & Fried Chicken
Lunch & Dinner | 512 Yates Street | 15-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
Chimac is a trendy restaurant that specializes in Korean-style fried chicken and beer, known as “chimac”. With its flavorful and crispy fried chicken dishes, as well as a selection of craft beers, Chimac provides a delightful and casual dining experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a delicious and laid-back meal in the city.
A variety of dishes from YuaBistro. Credit: YuaBistro.
20. YuaBistro
Lunch & Dinner | 622 Fisgard Street | 19-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal
YuaBistro offers a delightful and modern Japanese dining experience. You can expect a calming and inviting ambience. YuaBistro is a place where you can savor the artistry of Japanese cuisine and enjoy a diverse range of flavors and textures.
