8 minute read | Categories: Dine Around and Stay in Town, Events, Culinary, Pubs, Deals and Promotions
A beautiful spread at the newly opening restaurant, FATHOM
Get those stretchy pants ready. Victoria’s largest foodie event is back from January 20th – February 5th – this time with a kick-off Gala on the 19th!
Dine Around and Stay in Town is our region’s most highly anticipated culinary festival, where over 50+ restaurants, pubs, and bars put their best dishes forward in designing prix-fixe, multiple course menus. These delicious meals range from $25 to $65, and are a fantastic way to sample that new restaurant you’ve been meaning to try.
Greater Victoria’s hotels participate by offering discounted deals on rooms, making it easy for non-locals to join in on the festivities! Staycations and date-nights have also been sweetened through the Stay in Town portion of Dine Around– have a few drinks at dinner, without the worries of a long commute back.
We’ve tried to make your menu-research easier for you with this cheat-sheet. Read on to discover Dine Around’s 2023 participants!
Harbour Room at the Pendray Inn and Teahouse
New to Dine Around
These highly acclaimed restaurants are new participants to Dine Around. Let’s give them a warm welcome!
- Fathom – Hotel Grand Pacific’s newly re-imagined restaurant, Fathom shows off their seafood prowess through a $55 menu including entrees Spaghetti Vongole (which uses squid ink pasta!) and West Coast Surf & Turf.
- House of Boateng – multiple-award winning Chef Castro combines flavours of Africa, the Caribbean, and the west coast in this delightful restaurant in Langford.
- Craft Beer Market – the place to be if you like to enjoy food with a side of fun! Waterfront views, an all-season patio, an indoor-outdoor fireplace and bar, and a games area accompany your meal at Victoria’s newest hotspot.
The Dine Around menu spread at CRAFT Beer Market
Downtown Victoria Restaurants
These fantastic options are conveniently located in Victoria’s downtown core. Many of our Stay in Town hotels are also downtown, making the pre-and-post meal waddle a breeze!
- Zambri’s – located on Yates and Blanshard, Zambri’s boasts classic Italian cuisine and a fine selection of Italian wines.
- J.R. Slims – this restaurant has a great spot on Wharf Street, and prioritizes authenticity and genuine service. In short, they create experiences that feel like home!
- Ferris’ Downstairs – near J.R. Slims, Ferris’ is a well-known Victorian classic frequented by locals.
- The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – a juicy steak and tender seafood awaits you at the Keg, located on Fort and Wharf. If you find yourself to the north of Victoria, there is another participating location (located in the original Waterworks building) at 3940 Quadra St.!
- 10 Acres Commons – a welcoming place at Government and Humboldt, The Commons is a vibrant spot for cocktails, oysters, and shareable plates.
- Earl’s Kitchen and Bar – this spot on Government Street has a little of something for everyone to enjoy, and is a great spot to unwind after a day of work or shopping.
Red wine braised lamb shank at J.R. Slims
Ambience
Are you looking for a meal with a vibe? These selections offer a creative dining atmosphere, and can whip up a feast as delicious as it is photogenic.
- Fiamo – think exposed brick walls, glowing lanterns, and an overall rustic-yet-sophisticated vibe served along with flavourful Italian dishes.
- Q at the Empress – freshly modernized in 2016, the Fairmont Empress’ storied restaurant has a one-of-a-kind chic atmosphere involving pop-art portraits of British Royalty.
- 10 Acres Bistro – dine inside or outside (it’s heated!) at Bistro, which brings a lush plant-filled space, candle-light, and delicious farm-to-fork dining to the table.
- Bard & Banker – as one of Victoria’s most beautiful pubs, the Bard & Banker has a timelessly classic atmosphere, set in a building that was once the Bank of British Columbia in 1885.
Interior of Fairmont Empress' Q at the Empress
With a View
We can't get enough of Victoria's views either. These restaurants all offer peak views of either the waterside or the city.
- 10 Acres at the Pier – as the original 10 Acres restaurant, enjoy the epitome of farm-to-table dining in the picturesque seaside town of Sidney
- LURE Restaurant + Bar – located inside the Delta Hotel, LURE offers one of Victoria’s Hottest Patios gazing out over the Inner Harbour.
- Aura Waterfront Restaurant – the Inn at Laurel Point’s trendy restaurant offers globally-inspired small plates set against the backdrop of Victoria’s renowned Inner Harbour.Vista 18 - see it all with Vista 18, set on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria! As one of Victoria’s only rooftop restaurants, you can guarantee a birds’ eye view of the city.
- Marina Restaurant - With sweeping views of Mt. Baker and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Marina Restaurant at the Oak Bay Marina offers a feast for all your senses! Join them during Dine Around to sample their delicious seafood options
Location of Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, which houses LURE Restaurant + Patio
Lunch/Breakfast Options
While Dine Around is mostly dinner-oriented, a few of our participants are offering a lunch or breakfast menu as well! Check them out, and Dine Around all day.
- Spinnakers - because hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere! Spinnakers offers a $25 breakfast menu, a $35 lunch menu, and a $45 dinner menu this year, each great dish with its own suggested craft beer and wine pairing.
- The Courtney Room - this elevated, elegant restaurant tucked inside Magnolia Hotel + Spa is offering a $35 lunch menu, or a $65 dinner menu if you just can't get enough!
- Niche Grocerant – grocerant = grocery restaurant, and that’s exactly what Niche is! Offering carefully curated local ingredients and a feels-like-home atmosphere, you’re in for a treat.
Interior of Niche Grocerant
