Molé ($$)
This place has a stylish, trendy, lively atmosphere, and is mostly packed with groups of friends on Sundays mornings taking in a chilled brunch. It also has a menu for healthy lunch, with fresh vegetables and fruits, with a bit of a French touch.
554 Pandora Avenue (map) 385-6653
Cactus Club
This place is pretty swanky, maybe a bit yuppie-ish for some, but its combination of classy-modern decor, great (and expensive) food, and the absolute most far-out bathrooms in the city (with LCD TV screens in the guys'), is good enough for me. Though I did run into some people I knew from high school.
- Dorian
1125 Douglas (map) 361-3233
Brasserie L’école
Award winning French cuisine. Voted best restaurant in the city - with good reason - and always voted one of the three best on the island. The place is intimate, the food delicious and the presentation is as you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber.
1715 Government St. (map) 475-6260
The Wild Saffron
This place is a 4 diamond-rated restaurant, known locally as a dining experience and miraculously, affordable. The presentation is fantastic, there are wine choices to match each menu item.They redo the menu seasonally (different 3-course dinner options are featured weekly over the summer) and they take care to have vegetarian, and often vegan, options. The most accessible fine dining in Victoria.
506 Pandora Ave. (map) 361-3310
Vista 18
This swanky place offers a panoramic view of Victoria from its location on the 18th floor of the hotel, with full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. They also have good live Jazz performances every weekend. A bit pricey, but fun as an occasional treat.
740 Burdett Avenue, on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel (map)
Free Parking (get a pass from the hotel front desk) www.vista18.com
Fusion Sushi & Tapas
Formerly SYN Bar, the new digs appears to be as trendy as the old establishment was. They still have some great cheap martinis (try the Lick the Rim!), but their menu has had a total reworking. Just two blocks from Ocean Island hostel, why not dress up and treat yourself. On a personal note, 'Long Live SYN!'.
759 Yates Street (map)
Detour Dessert Lounge
Who would have known that a quiet little lounge tucked away in Centennial Square is home to some of the most sumptuous desserts to be had anywhere in town? Well, this happens to be the case. What's more, they have a rather decent-sized selection of vegan desserts, which are easily the best in town (from coconut chocolate cake and trifle to chocolate fountains). They also have a regular menu for those that can restrain themselves from making a bee line for the chocolate.
Temple
The absolute trendiest restaurant/lounge/whatever in the city, this place will make you forget you're in quaint faux-British Victoria, and whisk you away to some kind of cosmopolitan utopia. Some of the best (and priciest) organic food in the city, competent DJs several nights a week, good drinks etc. And the decor? Yes, it’s fantastic.
