Since mid-January, the Tasting Victoria team has embarked on the task of checking out as many participating restaurants as possible, and sampling their delicious menus, to give you our top list of restaurants to try out before Dine Around ends.

The newest and most exciting lounge to hit the foodie scene of Victoria, Friends Of Dorothy. This new and chic gay bar and lounge serves nothing but the best when it comes to food and drinks and is the host of exciting shows every night. Bring family and friends alike to the magical and deliciously good Friends Of Dorothy, the newest inclusive space to come to the Island. Take a trip down the yellow brick road to find Friends Of Dorothy.

Mattick’s Farm, located in charming Cordova Bay, features a vibrant mix of unique retail shops, professional offices, and the acclaimed Adrienne’s Restaurant and Tea Garden.  The eclectic mix of businesses along with the welcoming setting attracts a diverse range of locals and visitors.  Cyclists drop in as they cruise along the Galloping Goose Trail, locals stop as they pass by during walks with family or friends, and others make the trip by car to experience this quint venue.

A new micro-bakery just opened its doors to the Fairfield community, with cakes, pies, and sandwiches they are ready to welcome the neighbourhood! Tucked behind a patio, and nestled between Martha’s Delectables and Tout de Sweet production kitchens is the small but mighty Deer and Dough Bakery. Formerly occupied by The Cottage Bakery, Deer and Dough have stepped in as the go-to neighbourhood cafe.

Why has Thai cuisine achieved such global popularity? Well first, there’s its ability to perfectly balance strong flavours, like spicy chilis, sour lime and tamarind, creamy coconut, pungent fish sauce, and sweet palm sugar. Then there’s the sheer diversity of dishes, from creamy curries to smoky stir-fries and crowd-pleasing crispy spring rolls. Everyone can find something to love at a Thai restaurant.

In recent years, the restaurant industry has become increasingly aware of low-carb preferences. More and more low-carb options are popping up on local menus and staff are becoming accustomed to modification requests, which makes ordering based on preferences easier than ever.

Functioning as both a grocery outlet and a restaurant, the newly opened Niche Grocerant at Broadmead Village is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. Whether you are looking for ready-made meals to serve at home, meat and cheese boards, savoury appetizers, fresh baking, or even a bouquet of flowers, you will find an array of options here.

Oak Bay is best known for impeccable gardens and gorgeous ocean views. But it deserves equal praise for its food scene, with an incredible concentration of great restaurants, cafes, and delis. So let’s give it its proper due with a day-long self-guided foodie tour.

Here are eight of Tasting Victoria’s top picks in the area. Walk, run, or cycle between them to build your appetite and take in the scenery along the way.