Photo: Steamship Grill & Bar / Facebook
From being nicknamed the “Garden City” to being surrounded by endless coastline, it is no secret that Greater Victoria is home to many beautiful views ideal for enjoying over dinner, with a glass of something cold in hand.
While there are many locations across the city to take in the vistas, six Greater Victoria restaurants were recently recognized amongst eateries from across the country for their outdoor experience by OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada.
Restaurants were chosen based on over a million customer reviews made on the online restaurant reservation platform. These are the local restaurants that made the list.
Boom + Batten
Situated on the Songhees Walkway in Vic West, Boom + Batten has amazing waterfront views from its patio. The restaurant looks out onto the Victoria International Marina—located next door—as well as having incredible views of the Inner Harbour. Boom + Batten specializes in Pacific Northwest cuisine, serving up seafood, pastas, pizzas, and steaks. It also serves brunch and is home to a cafe as well.
Address: 2 Paul Kane Pl, Victoria
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9am-9:30pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am-10pm
Finn’s Seafood Chops Cocktails
A popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, Finn's Seafood Chops Cocktails is ideally located on the Inner Harbour. Looking out across the water and onto the BC Legislature, the restaurant’s outdoor patio captures Victoria’s iconic vista. Its menu focuses primarily on seafood and also features burgers, pork chops, and pizzas. The restaurant also has a happy hour that provides deals on its shareables as well as its house lager.
Address: 1208 Wharf St., Victoria
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, noon-9pm; Friday and Saturday, noon-9:30pm
Steamship Grill & Bar
Located on the Inner Harbour, Steamship Grill & Bar looks out on the waterfront and the historic Fairmont Empress hotel. The restaurant occupies the Beaux-Arts style Heritage Steamship Terminal building next door to the BC Legislature. Its menu focuses primarily on seafood, utilizing fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s cocktail list features both traditional offerings and twists on classics.
Address: 470 Belleville St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-10pm
Glo Restaurant + Lounge
Overlooking the Selkirk Waterway, Glo Restaurant + Lounge gets stunning 180 degree views of the waterfront on its patio. Views can also be enjoyed from inside, as the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows. Its menu rotates seasonally and caters to a range of dietary needs, featuring steaks, pastas, pizzas, and seafood. The restaurant also has a happy hour menu that gives a deal on shareables, cocktails, and wine.
Address: 2940 Jutland Rd., Victoria
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm
Med Grill
Nestled into Royal Oak, Med Grill is located in the historic old Saanich Municipal Hall. Operating out of the century-old building since 1997, the restaurant takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean. It has a gorgeous wrap-around patio filled with hanging baskets that takes in the building’s exterior. The restaurant’s menu combines Mediterranean flavours with its West Coast locale and it also offers a three-course Tuscan Table menu that changes seasonally.
Address: 4512 W Saanich Rd., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm
The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens
Located in the historic gardens in Brentwood Bay and operating out of the Butchart family’s original home, The Dining Room is surrounded by beds of colourful blossoms. On days when the weather chooses not to cooperate with outdoor dining, the gardens are still visible through the paned glass windows that line the walls of the indoor dining room. The restaurant specializes in afternoon tea during the day, providing options that cater towards both children and varied diets. During the summer it also provides dinner service, serving up seafood and meat entrees, vegetable dishes, and desserts.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11am-3pm; Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-3pm, 5-8pm
