Marilena. Website.
Victoria may be known for its relaxed West Coast charm, but beyond its casual vibe, Victoria is also home to an impressive fine dining scene, offering elegant restaurants that deliver world-class cuisine, refined service, and unforgettable experiences. These are the top fine dining spots nominated and voted by Tasting Victoria readers. Each is quaint but renowned, unassuming yet impressive, and locally celebrated and internationally awarded. Check them out.
Inspired by Northern Italian cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist, Il Terrazzo Ristorante offers a diverse, well-rounded menu with an extensive wine program. The family-run, Victoria mainstay features a longtime staff of industry professionals—some of whom have been with the restaurant for decades—who know how to create a fine dining experience and excellent service.
Our Pick:
Linguine Marco Polo
Address:
555 Johnson St.
From the team behind Vancouver’s award-winning restaurants Blue Water Cafe, Elisa, CinCin, Whistler’s Araxi, Il Caminetto, and Bar Oso, as well as New York City’s Oceans and Carlotto, Toptable Group’s Marilena is the elevated dining experience Victoria has been anticipating. The menu is crafted of West Coast cuisine with local and globally sourced seafood paired with high-quality sustainable ingredients that adhere to the highest standards, but one of the elements that stands out at Marilena Cafe is the service. Led by restaurant director Aaron Matsuzaki and delivering an unparalleled level of hospitality, his team keeps guests feeling relaxed and welcomed, making it the perfect place for fine dining.
Our Pick:
Grilled octopus
Address:
1525 Douglas St.
Located in historic James Bay, steps from the Inner Harbour in a 112-year-old heritage building, Il Covo Trattoria opened in June 2014. A beautiful family-run Italian restaurant where you get a truly authentic Italian experience as soon as you arrive at the restaurant, from the ambiance to the authentic cuisine to the service.
Our Pick:
Lasagne alla bolognese
Address:
106 Superior St.
Other nominated restaurants:
This classic brasserie is the epitome of French fare and wine in Victoria, changing their menu daily and reflecting on their approach to using seasonal and locally available products cooked in a classic French-country style. The ambiance makes you feel as if you are in France, with low lighting and a casual vibe. The restaurant does not take reservations and instead utilizes a first-come, first-served model. There’s usually a line-up outside before the restaurant opens.
Popular items on the menu include the mussels, stuffed Medjool dates, onion soup, steak frites, and the burger. The drink menu is also extensive, where the owner and sommelier Marc Morrison has chosen a range of beers from Belgium and France. Following the lead set by the bistro menu, Morrison's wine selection at Brasserie L'Ecole is primarily composed of value French wines. The list, like the menu, is frequently updated to reflect the non-stop arrival of new products.
Our Pick:
Steak and “fancy” fries
Address:
1715 Government St.
A rustic Italian restaurant with a menu that is driven primarily by local produce and seasonal goods. This restaurant is considered one of the Island’s best dining experiences. Everything is made in-house from scratch, from the table bread to the cured meats that accompany an antipasto board. After 27 years of service, Cafe Brio is under new ownership and in excellent hands: chef Sam Harris and bar manager Vincent Vanderheide.
Our Pick:
Gnocchi carbonara
Address:
944 Fort St.
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. The menu features beautifully crafted dishes like fresh oysters, perfectly seared steaks, and local seafood, all designed to impress. For date night, the chef’s seasonal tasting menu is a great option, allowing couples to try a variety of flavours and share the experience together.
Our Pick:
Potatoes Courtney
Address:
619 Courtney St.
Honourable mention: Deep Cove Chalet
Deep Cove Chalet is a renowned fine dining restaurant located in North Saanich. With stunning views of the Saanich Inlet and charming old-world décor, the restaurant offers a truly picturesque dining experience in an elegant and classic setting.
Deep Cove Chalet specializes in classic French cuisine, offering dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients. The menu frequently changes based on seasonal availability, focusing on fresh seafood, local meats, and produce from nearby farms.
Our pick: Beef Wellington
Address: 11190 Chalet Rd.
