Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Victoria

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Victoria? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

FARO - Oak Bay Beach Hotel

4.7

4.7 (684)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Translated from Italian, FARO means “beacon” or “lighthouse”, a well-suited name for a location that has been a beacon for Oak Bay locals and visitors alike, where guests have gathered to enjoy Victoria’s most luxurious oceanfront accommodation, dining experiences and award-winning spa setting for over 90 years.

FARO is anchored by its Wood Stone pizza oven and a seasonally changing menu that includes handcrafted pizzas, a variety of fresh salads and small bites, cocktails and local wines, all to be enjoyed in a stunning modern room, at the tasting bar or on the outdoor patio with fire features.

Be aware that reserved seating is for inside only. Our patio is first come, first serve.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 7 days ago

The food was wonderful: pizza reminded me of pizza I got on Italy. The wine, suggested by the server was outstanding. The served did a wonderful job of timing the dishes and being responsive to our needs.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Saanich

4.6

4.6 (3355)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

Victoria

About the restaurant

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar serves the finest cuts of succulent steak, aged for tenderness and grilled to perfection. Prime rib is a Keg specialty, slow roasted, hand carved and perfectly seasoned with special Keg spices. The restaurant also serves delicious seafood, memorable appetizers, crisp salads… and decadent desserts. A casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are proud and reliable trademarks of The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. You'll find a truly comfortable and satisfying dining atmosphere accompanied by a fun and up-scale bar setting where guests can enjoy an excellent wine list, signature Keg martinis, and fresh squeezed juice cocktails.

Top review

Michael

Dined 5 days ago

Service was timely and pleasant while the food met all expectations. The prime rib was delicious and flavourful while the filet mignon was cooked perfectly.

Discover more

Earls Kitchen + Bar - Victoria

4.6

4.6 (773)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

American

Victoria

About the restaurant

Welcome to Earls Victoria, on historic Government Street, just steps away from the picturesque harbour. This location, nestled in Bay Centre Mall, offers the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in the delightful flavours of our daily features, Happy Hour, late-night Happy Hour, and weekend Brunch Happy Hour while enjoying the sunshine on our inviting summer patio. Whether you're seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Earls Victoria is the ideal destination to savour delicious food and create lasting memories. Join us and experience the best of Victoria's culinary scene. Your table is ready. We can't wait to see you!

Additional Parking: Paid Parkade - free after 6:00 PM + Paid street parking - free after 8:00 PM

Top review

Jill

Dined 4 days ago

Earls has a great atmosphere, the lighting is good and the noise/music level is low so you can have conversations with the people at your table and hear the staff! We were treated very well and since we were celebrating a birthday, there were deserts for the table at the end. It was very lovely! Heather took excellent care of us. thanks!

Kinu

4.6

4.6 (32)

CAN$30 and under

Global, International

Victoria

About the restaurant

Kinu is an Indian-tapas concept blending Indian flavours and global cuisine in an elevated setting. The menu features treasures from all over India bringing you authentic regional cuisines presented in an upscale manner, along with dishes from all over the globe with subtle hint of Indian flair. A few stand out global dishes on the menu are a Pakora Gnocchi, The Whipped Goat Cheese & Naan and a Chinese-Inspired Orange Chicken known as the Kinu Chicken. Additionally, you will find unique craft cocktails created by local female mixologist Raven Dales. For more info & content visit www.kinuvictoria.ca or check us out at @flavoursofkinu on Instagram.

Top review

J.D.

Dined 4 days ago

The food was incredible. Our friends recommended that we go try it out. It did not disappoint! The room was also beautiful and service was top notch. We will be back again soon. Well done.

Glo Restaurant + Lounge

4.6

4.6 (3632)

CAN$30 and under

Regional American (Northwest)

Victoria

About the restaurant

Visit Glo for exceptional 180° views of the Selkirk waterway. Be surrounded by a fun, social atmosphere with close proximity to downtown. Locals & visitors enjoy our contemporary menu & curated cocktail list using fresh, inventive ingredients. Our happy hour & late night menu offers one of the best locations to dine with value.

Top review

Liz

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent, attentive service. Great food that everyone enjoyed.

Discover more

Popular dish

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Popular dish

LEMON PEPPER CALAMARI

Popular dish

BEEF TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO

Boom + Batten

4.6

4.6 (4581)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Regional American (Northwest)

Victoria

About the restaurant

With its perfect view of the inner harbour, Boom + Batten’s elevated casual dining offers guests an approachable culinary experience. Influenced and inspired by our Pacific Northwest surroundings, our culinary & beverage team delivers an inventive menu using the best ingredients on the market.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 2 days ago

We had a fabulous gal's lunch on Friday at Boom and Batten. We were seated at table #34 on the upper level. Our server was amazing! Our water glasses were filled before the glasses were empty, and the same applied for our coffee cups. Although the food was a little pricey every bite was delicious! The restaurant was quite busy but we were able to hear each other talk . I will definitely be returning!

Discover more

New Year's Eve at Boom + Batten!

Meet on Blanshard

4.6

4.6 (81)

CAN$30 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Victoria

About the restaurant

Friends, family and pals sharing time over food & drink is one of the most connective things we can do these days. MeeT intends to show people that comfort food that connects us and nourishes us can be veggie, can be made from scratch, can be delicious and can be affordable… MeeT is a place that welcomes everyone, and has a seat for all people looking to come together and spend time together connecting.
-
Our mission is to help transition the mainstream to eating more plant-based foods in a friendly, accepting and engaging venue. This change is why we are here. We also strive to be an extraordinary employer, and look for ways daily to make MeeT a place that our staff can look forward to coming to work excited, and with a purpose!

Top review

Jack

Dined 4 days ago

Three of us, a Vegan, Vegetarian, and Carnivore, all of us rate the meals and service a FIVE. Definitely a go back too restaurant.

Milestones Grill + Bar - Millstream

4.5

4.5 (531)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Top review

shirley

Dined on 4 Dec 2024

Attentive staff, good food, nice decor…all very good.

Milestones Grill + Bar - Victoria

4.4

4.4 (1299)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Victoria

About the restaurant

The classics you love prepared with a perfect twist, all served up in an atmosphere that feels just right. That’s the Milestones promise. So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone, making the most of Happy Hour or enjoying brunch with friends, you can be sure that every Milestones experience is a simple and perfectly memorable one.

Please note, we will do our very best to accommodate requests for specific seating but we cannot guarantee them. We do not accept reservations for our patio, but if it available upon arrival you are welcome to it!

Top review

Darrell

Dined 5 days ago

Well it was excellent , from the start just sitting the table was perfect . Service was great , drinks took a little long but it was busy . Food came out fast , hot and delicious . The only hiccup was a steak knife that we had to ask twice for other then that they a great job for dinner for the 5 of us

Lot 1 Pasta Bar

4.4

4.4 (413)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Victoria

About the restaurant

Rooted in family heritage and handcrafted recipes, pasta is quintessential Italian fare – ours is a new take on the old favourite. We mix international flavours with local flair for pasta you’ve never experienced before – a light, mouthwatering, everyday indulgence that will unravel your taste buds.

Top review

Kaily

Dined 3 days ago

Our server Allie was an amazing server who made me our first experience at this restaurant a great one!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Victoria

Explore more Diners' Choice lists