Whatever your tastes, it s hard to go wrong with Victoria s strong suit fresh seafood. Victoria s newest trendsetter is Cafe Brio it draws diners from the surrounding Gulf Islands and Washington State. This San Francisco-influenced restaurant serves fresh vegetables and seafood, along with pastas, lamb sausage and grilled pork loin. The Water Club , a lively spot that shares a building with Crystal Gardens, serves gourmet pizzas and 53 different wines by the glass. There s no better way to dig down to Victoria s British roots than to indulge in afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel .
Continental fare is served at dinnertime.
If you re more in the mood for pub grub, try Spinnakers Brew Pub for seafood and one of their house-brewed ales. Directly below the Travel Info Centre is Milestones Restaurant , which serves up fine seafood and an excellent view of the Inner Harbour. It s an ideal place for dinner at sunset. McMorran s is a Victoria institution it s been run by the same family for more than 75 years. The restaurant overlooks Cordova Bay Beach, and you can d ance in the ballroom.