Six tasting menus in Victoria that are worth every penny

Sometimes, the best gifts are experiences shared with family and loved ones—particularly when accompanied with a bounty of good food and drink—gathered around a large table.

Where might that table be you ask? We’ve got you covered there, as this isn’t your run up of dining establishments in Victoria worth visiting. Rather, it’s a list of restaurants you must visit at least once, offering you a food experience you and your guests will never forget in some of the city’s finest tasting menus.

Here are six tasting menus in Victoria that are worth every penny.

The Courtney Room

As one of the most iconic fine dining establishments in Victoria, The Courtney Room strikes a perfect balance of new and old by combining classic cooking techniques with unique regional ingredients for a standout dinner experience. They offer a chef’s tasting menu every day from 5 to 10pm, allowing you to sit back, relax, and get the best experience the house can offer you.

Address: 619 Courtney St., Victoria, BC

Brasserie L’Ecole

Visit this tiny eatery once and you’ll never forget the food—what’s on the menu, however, changes each and every day. Cooking in a classic French country style, Brasserie L’Ecole makes the most of local seasonal ingredients, the main drivers of their ever evolving menu, with unique creations like prosciutto-wrapped trout with sage walnut brown butter.

Address: 1715 Government St., Victoria, BC

Ugly Duckling Restaurant

Opening in Victoria just last February, Ugly Duckling has already made quite a name for itself as one of the city’s most innovative dining experiences. The chefs focus on “nose to tail” cooking ensuring nothing goes to waste, offering tasting menus that go far above the ordinary in terms of creativity and taste.

Address: 543 Fisgard St., Victoria, BC

Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio

The gorgeous view of Victoria’s Inner Harbour is reason enough to visit Aura Waterfront on a special occasion, not to mention the food. New features can be found on their menu every day, while the chef’s tasting menu takes you on a complete culinary adventure (especially with selected wine pairings). Expect delicacies like kimchi braised beef shin and seared Hokkaido scallops.

Address: 680 Montreal St., Victoria, BC

Hank’s A Restaurant

While Hank’s A Restaurant may not seem like a splurge-worthy dining experience at first glance, presenting a casual atmosphere with energetic music in a small space, the food will blow you away. Their menu constantly changes and has a keen focus on whole animal butchery, working closely with local butchers and fishermen to offer guests meats of exceptional taste and value.

Address: 1001 Douglas St. Unit G3, Victoria, BC

Bodega

The menu at this cozy wine and tapas bar is arguably one of Victoria’s best (and most affordable) tasting menus for larger groups. You’ll want to try a bit of everything, aiming to cover the table with small plates that are in perfect harmony with one another. A Manchego cheese board, scallop and cod ceviche, jamon sandwich, Spanish chorizo and mixed olives are all great places to start.

Address: 1210 Broad St., Victoria, BC