With the abundance of talent in Victoria, choosing a restaurant can be overwhelming, and deciding on a dish from that restaurant can be even harder.
However, a recent thread from the Victoria/BC subreddit simplifies this decision, highlighting some of the city’s top culinary picks.
Here are six standout dishes to try.
Yiddish Columbia at John’s Place
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There are a ton of fantastic egg benedicts in Victoria (in fact, brunch is kind of Victoria’s thing). So, the fact this particular benny got a shoutout must mean it’s pretty special. The Yiddish Columbia from John’s Place is gluten-free, featuring two potato pancakes topped with your choice of grilled Montreal smoked meat or smoked salmon lox with tangy smooth hollandaise sauce and garnished with fresh fruit.
Where: 723 Pandora Avenue, Victoria
The Jerk Chicken Roti at Stir It Up
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The must-try dish at this little-known Caribbean restaurant is its jerk chicken roti, a popular choice in both Trinidad and Guyana. This dish typically features spicy, marinated jerk chicken wrapped in a delicious Indo-Caribbean bread known as roti. The harmonious combination of bold jerk seasoning and tender chicken, nestled in a soft, flavourful flatbread, will have you hooked from the very first bite.
Where: 760 Yates Street, Victoria
Schnitzel at Eva Schnitzelhaus
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Schnitzel (a breaded and fried cutlet of meat, typically made from pork, veal, or chicken, originating from Austria), is kind of the thing here, and there are lots of options: jagerschnitzel, classic with lemon, and even eggplant schnitzel. Our favourite, though? The blue cheese schnitzel.
Where: 509 Fisgard Street, Victoria
Truffle Pork Belly Ramen at Bao
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This dish features a rich pork and chicken broth, topped with tender grilled pork belly, tangy pickled shiitakes, and fresh scallions. A hint of luxury is added with white truffle oil, complemented by a flavorful fish cake, a perfectly soy-marinated egg, and a sprinkle of togarashi for a touch of heat.
Where: 626 Fisgard Street, Victoria
Veggie Nut burger at Ferris’ Grill
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Ferris’ veggie nut burger is a must-try for vegetarians in Victoria, and funny enough, defies expectations by being nut-free. The sunflower and flax seed patty is complemented by house-made relish and a special sauce, while the apple chutney and creamy goat cheese add a unique twist. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle, all served on a soft brioche bun, this burger is a great option for meat lovers, too.
Where: 536 Yates Street, Victoria
Cha Cha Mussels at Tapa Bar
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At Tapa Bar in Victoria’s Trounce Alley, the Cha Cha Cha mussels are a must-try dish. These mussels are on the spicy side and pair perfectly with the house-made focaccia bread. The flavorful combination and the restaurant’s dedication to quality make these mussels a standout choice for any lover of seafood or Spanish tapas.
Where: 620 Trounce Alley, Victoria